Every day, rural transit connects people to the places that matter most—work, medical appointments, education, grocery stores, and community activities. On Rural Transit Day, we celebrate the agencies, drivers, dispatchers, mechanics, administrators, volunteers, and community partners who make these essential connections possible.

Across SWTA Nation, rural transit providers serve as a lifeline for thousands of residents, ensuring mobility in communities where transportation options may be limited. Their dedication helps strengthen local economies, improve access to healthcare and essential services, and enhance the quality of life for people of all ages and abilities.

SWTA is proud to recognize the incredible work of our rural transit members and thank them for their unwavering commitment to keeping their communities connected. Today, and every day, we celebrate the vital role rural transit plays in moving people—and communities—forward.

The countdown is on! Registration is officially open for the inaugural SWTA Summer Leadership Lab 2026, and public transit professionals are already securing their spots.

Join us September 14–15 in Breckenridge, Colorado, for an interactive leadership experience featuring the Public Transit Legal Symposium, Marketing & Communications Lab, Mobility Lab, and hands-on learning designed to provide practical tools you can immediately put to work.

Attendees can register for Leadership Lab only, combine it with the CASTA

Fall Conference & EXPO and State & Tribal Partnerships Conference, or select the individual days that fit their schedule. The official hotel room block at Beaver Run Resort is also open, so don't wait to make your reservations.

👉 Registration is open, rooms are booking, and excitement is building. We can't wait to see you in Breckenridge!

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced the FY26 Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility Pilot (ICAM) Program, providing competitive funding to improve transportation access for older adults, people with disabilities, and individuals with low incomes. The program supports innovative partnerships between public transportation, healthcare, and human service providers, with eligible projects including mobility management, one-call/one-click centers, coordination technology, and shared transportation vehicles. Applications are due September 9, 2026.

Read the full story and learn about eligibility and funding opportunities.

Could your destination be the next home of one of the Southwest's premier public transportation events? SWTA is now accepting proposals from Convention & Visitors Bureaus (CVBs), Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), convention centers, hotels, resorts, and hospitality partners interested in hosting the 2027 SWTA Annual Conference & Expo. This nationally recognized event brings together approximately 700 public transportation professionals, including transit agencies, Tribal transportation leaders, state DOTs, industry partners, exhibitors, and sponsors from across the country. Proposals are due July 31, 2026. If your destination is ready to showcase its community while hosting one of the industry's leading conferences, we encourage you to submit a proposal.

View the complete Host Destination RFP and proposal requirements →