SWTA will once again host its signature Bullfeathers Breakfast in Washington, D.C., on March 5, 2026, honoring the tradition that celebrates the association’s founding and recognizing the SWTA Legislator of the Year. In addition, SWTA members will join transit leaders from across the country and partner with the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) for coordinated Capitol Hill advocacy from March 4–6, 2026, meeting with lawmakers to discuss priorities impacting community, rural, and Tribal transit ahead of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization. SWTA members are eligible for special CTAA pricing, which includes briefings, meetings, meals, and an invitation to the Bullfeathers Breakfast.

Registration is now underway for the 2026 SWTA + New Mexico Joint Annual Conference & EXPO, presented by Model 1 Commercial Vehicles, happening March 30–April 2, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This premier event will once again bring together transit leaders from rural, urban, and Tribal systems across the Southwest for four impactful days of education, connection, and forward-thinking conversation.

The 2026 conference will feature an engaging mix of educational sessions, nationally recognized speakers, interactive workshops, and a robust EXPO showcasing the latest innovations, technologies, and solutions shaping public transportation. With expanded opportunities to learn, network, and explore new ideas, this year’s event is designed to deliver value for every role in the transit industry.

Now is the time to plan your participation and take advantage of early registration options. View pricing details and register here:
https://www.swta.org/2026-swta-nmta-joint-annual-conference-and-expo-pricing/

We look forward to welcoming you to Albuquerque for a week focused on collaboration, insight, and the shared mission of advancing transit across SWTA Nation. Join us and be part of what’s next.

Planning is well underway for the 2026 SWTA + New Mexico Joint Annual Conference & EXPO, presented by Model 1 Commercial Vehicles, taking place March 30–April 2, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The agenda is coming together to offer four days of education, connection, and collaboration for transit professionals across SWTA Nation.

Attendees can look forward to a dynamic week featuring membership meetings, a robust EXPO floor, an Awards Gala, leadership training, and a wide range of breakout sessions covering rural, urban, and Tribal transit; leadership development; NMDOT best practices; Transit 101; compliance; operations; and workforce-focused topics.

While the agenda is still being finalized, this early preview highlights the depth and variety of programming designed to support transit agencies of all sizes. More session details and speakers will be announced soon as planning continues.  

SWTA extends our sincere thanks to Model 1 Commercial Vehicles, Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 SWTA + New Mexico Joint Annual Conference & EXPO. Their continued partnership plays a vital role in bringing the transit community together, supporting meaningful collaboration, and creating space for shared learning across SWTA Nation. We are grateful for Model 1’s commitment to the industry and their support of the connections that move public transit forward.

Learn more about this valued partnership here

Mark your calendars! The Arkansas Transit Association has announced the dates and location for the 2026 Arkansas Public Transportation Conference, taking place October 12–14, 2026, at the Wyndham Riverfront Hotel in North Little Rock, Arkansas. This annual event will bring together transit professionals, agency leaders, industry partners, and stakeholders from across the state for education, collaboration, and conversations shaping the future of public transportation. Attendees can look forward to engaging sessions, peer learning opportunities, and an EXPO featuring the latest transit technologies and solutions. Additional details will be released later this spring.

As Congress begins 2026 with a compressed legislative calendar, several federal actions are poised to shape the future of public transportation. Lawmakers are working to finalize remaining FY2026 appropriations, including the Transportation-HUD bill that directly impacts transit funding, while also preparing for the upcoming Surface Transportation Reauthorization set to expire later this year. Additional developments — including budget reconciliation discussions, infrastructure policy debates, and other federal deadlines — will influence funding flexibility, program priorities, and long-term planning for transit agencies nationwide. SWTA continues to closely monitor these issues to keep members informed and engaged as the federal landscape evolves.