ROCK THE RIDE 2027 — Tune Up the Future of Transit!

Mark your calendars! The SWTA 2027 Annual Conference & EXPO is heading to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa, January 26–29, 2027!
Get ready for four days of engaging educational sessions, industry innovation, valuable networking, an exciting EXPO, and our annual SWTA After Dark outing!

🚍 Connect with transit leaders and industry partners.
💡 Explore new ideas and innovative solutions.
🎸 Experience the energy of Hard Rock Tulsa!
📅 January 26–29, 2027
📍 Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa

Registration, sponsorship opportunities, and more details are coming soon!

It's Tulsa Time — Let's ROCK THE RIDE!

As Congress considers the future of federal transportation funding, SWTA is making sure our members' voices remain part of the conversation.
Federal investments are critical to maintaining transit services, improving safety, modernizing fleets, and meeting the mobility needs of communities throughout SWTA Nation.

As the surface transportation reauthorization process moves forward, SWTA continues working with federal representatives, national partners, and industry stakeholders to advocate for stable funding, equitable access to resources, workforce development, and policies that strengthen public transportation.

Our members play an important role in these efforts. Your stories, challenges, and successes help demonstrate the real impact of federal transportation investments in the communities we serve.

I encourage you to stay engaged, share your experiences, and continue lending your voice to our collective advocacy efforts.
Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to strengthening public transportation.

Heather Dalmolin
Executive Director, SWTA

Federal funding, proposed CIG changes, and new DBE requirements are among the latest issues facing public transportation.

In SWTA's latest legislative update, Katie Kachel of Blank Rome Government Relations LLC highlights several important developments from Washington, D.C., that transit agencies should be watching.

Key updates include:

• Capital Investment Grants: FTA has proposed major changes to the CIG program that could affect project funding and planning. Public comments are due November 16.
• Federal Funding: Congress has extended surface transportation authorization through December 11, although IIJA advance appropriations were not continued.
• DBE Requirements: USDOT has finalized new certification requirements, with state reevaluations underway and DBE goals potentially resuming in early 2027.
• Transit Safety & Regulations: New environmental review rules and proposed transit safety legislation could affect future agency requirements.
• Federal Grants: Award announcements are anticipated for several FTA competitive funding programs.

Additional updates address passenger rail investments, the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, infrastructure initiatives, and congressional negotiations.

With several important deadlines approaching, SWTA encourages members to stay informed and engaged as federal transportation policies continue to develop.

Legislative update prepared by Katie Kachel, Principal, Blank Rome Government Relations LLC.

A new chapter of leadership is underway in Arkansas!

SWTA is excited to welcome Solomon Graves to his new leadership role with the Arkansas Transit Association (ATA)!

With nearly 20 years of experience in public policy, government relations, community engagement, and public service, Solomon brings an impressive background in leadership and building partnerships.

His career includes serving as Cabinet Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Corrections, Senior Manager of Local Government Affairs for Comcast's Arkansas markets, and leadership roles in nonprofit and consulting organizations. He has also been recognized among Arkansas's 40 Under 40 and 250 Most Influential Arkansans.

SWTA values our strong relationship with ATA and looks forward to working with Solomon to advance public transportation, strengthen partnerships, and support transit professionals throughout Arkansas and SWTA Nation.

Please join us in welcoming Solomon Graves to the SWTA family! 🚌

Did you know job and RFP postings are FREE with your SWTA membership?

Whether you're hiring your next transit professional, seeking qualified contractors, or sharing an upcoming procurement opportunity, SWTA can help get the word out across our eight-state network.

🚍 Job Openings — Connect with transit professionals.
📋 RFPs & RFQs — Share procurement and partnership opportunities.
🤝 Industry Connections — Reach agencies and business partners throughout SWTA Nation.

It's one more way your SWTA membership works for you — at no additional cost!

Have an opportunity to share? Submit your job opening or RFP and let SWTA help spread the word.

www.swta.org

Your Opportunities. Our Network.

First and foremost, thank you for being part of SWTA Nation!

Your continued membership strengthens the advocacy, education, professional connections, and resources that support public transportation across our eight-state region.

📩 Membership renewal notices have been emailed! Please check your inbox and complete your renewal.

Haven't received yours? Let us know! The SWTA team is happy to help.
We appreciate your continued partnership and look forward to another great year together!

Read More About SWTA Membership →

The Federal Transit Administration is offering free virtual training sessions to help transit agencies stay informed about federal drug and alcohol testing requirements.

Post-Accident Testing: Thresholds & Scenarios

📅 October 28 | 10:00–11:30 a.m. Central

Learn about post-accident testing decisions, federal requirements, time limits, and proper documentation.

MIS Reporting Training

FTA is also offering three sessions covering Drug & Alcohol Program

Management Information System reporting:

• December 16, 2026
• January 26, 2027
• March 3, 2027

These sessions are especially valuable for Designated Employer Representatives (DERs), transit managers, and compliance personnel.

All sessions are FREE. Early registration is encouraged!

👉 View Training Details & Register

The Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) wants to hear from rural, Tribal, and frontier transit agencies!

Through TCRP Project B-57, researchers are gathering input on how rural transit providers market their services, communicate with customers, and overcome common challenges.

Your feedback will help shape practical marketing and communication tools for transit agencies nationwide.

📅 Survey Deadline: October 28, 2026

👉 Take the Survey

Help make sure SWTA Nation is represented!

Have an innovative solution that could improve public transportation? FTA wants to hear about it!

The Federal Transit Administration is accepting Statements of Interest for its upcoming Transit Innovation Showcase at USDOT headquarters in Washington, D.C.

FTA is seeking technologies and solutions focused on transit safety, security, accessibility, cleanliness, real-time passenger information, and system reliability.

SWTA encourages transit agencies, manufacturers, technology providers, and industry partners throughout SWTA Nation to explore this opportunity.

📅 Priority Consideration Deadline: October 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern

👉 View the Official Notice & Submission Instructions

Help showcase the innovation happening across SWTA Nation!