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New Resources & Data in Combatting Human Trafficking & Enhancing Crime Prevention in Transit

Pre-Conference Session 1 Thursday 9:00 - 9:45 AM

Location
Juniper Ballroom
Speakers
  • Kristen Joyner - Founder and President, KJ Backpack
Summary
Our Pre-Conference Session will feature a three-part series of topics on trends and leadership in public transit. The first part – from 9:00 - 9:45 a.m. – will provide an update on new data and tools as the SWTA Nation and transit industry continues to combat human trafficking and enhance crime prevention. Leading this session will be Kristen Joyner of KJ Backpack. A second session will be held between 9:50 – 10:30 a.m. Details will be announced soon...

Curing the Covid Hangover

Pre-Conference Session 2 Thursday 9:45 - 10:30 AM

Location
Juniper Ballroom
Speakers
  • David Scorey - Keolis North America
  • Kurt Luhrsen - Houston Metro
Summary
David Scorey, CEO, Keolis North America, and Kurt Luhrsen, Vice President, Bus Operations of Houston Metro, will review what Keolis and Houston Metro are doing to help transit agencies recover after Covid. The session will cover How to Hire and Retain Bus Operators, Mechanics and Employees; examining changing travel patterns and adjusting/redesigning the system to best serve riders new travel patterns; including examples of Keolis Evolve; and Marketing system changes, and restoring systems to greatness.
Jeff Arndt, Deborah Johnson & Mark Aesch

Leveraging Data to Reframe Your Agency’s Message of Community Value

Pre-Conferece Session 3 Thursday 10:30 - 11:30 AM

Location
Juniper Ballroom
Speakers
  • Mark Aesch - CEO, Transpro Consulting
  • Jeff Arndt - President & CEO, VIA Metropolitan Transit
  • Deborah Johnson - General Manager & CEO, Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD)
Summary
Our Pre-Conference Session will feature a three-part series of topics on trends and leadership in public transit. The third part, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.,, will feature TransPro CEO Mark Aesch facilitating a discussion with panelists about a significant movement taking place in public transit systems nationwide. Prompted by the COVID-19 crisis, transit agencies have been called upon to deliver a variety of unexpected and innovative services to their communities. It has become incumbent upon agency leadership to modify their messaging and marketing stories to inform stakeholders and their broader communities about the agency’s critical role in the success of the community. Ridership, as well as quality, equity, access, job creation, environmental stewardship, and other elements of community value are becoming part of public transit’s new story – and data can be effectively harnessed for powerful storytelling around these topics. Panelists for this session include RTD Denver CEO Debra Johnson and VIA Metropolitan Transit CEO Jeffrey Arndt. Together, they will deliver strong takeaways and pointers about how their agencies are redefining success by leveraging innovative outcomes, key performance indicators, and proactive communications strategies to promote their community value.
FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez

Address by FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez

Pre-Conference Session 4 Thursday 11:30 - 12:05 PM

Location
Juniper Ballroom
Speakers
  • Nuria Fernandez - Administrator, Federal Transit Administration
Summary
FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez returns to the SWTA Annual Conference where she'll share important details about federal transit policy, funding, safety priorities and other crucial topics.

Management and Leadership Track - CEO Forum

Breakout Session 1 - Thursday 2:15 - 3:45 PM

Location
Maple 4-5
Speakers
  • Rich Sampson - Executive Director, South West Transit Association (Co-Moderator)
  • Ann Rajewski - Executive Director, Colorado Association of Transit Agencies (Co-Moderator)
Summary
Executive leaders from any transit agency may join to discuss pressing issues at their organizations and the transit industry. Participation is limited to the C Suite-level leadership and Board members at public transportation systems, along with other guests invited in advance.

Equity & Accessibility Track - Overcoming Technology Barriers to Accessing Transportation Options

Breakout Session 1 - Thursday 2:15 - 3:45 PM

Location
Spruce 3
Speakers
  • Angel Bond - Program Manager, Boulder County
  • Gregory Elsborg - VP Chief Innovation Officer, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)
  • Joey Parks - Program Director, CASTA (Moderator)
Summary
This session will feature examples of technology applications and partnerships to serve a range of communities: •Mobility for All collaborates with community partners throughout Boulder County to offer transportation-related technology workshops and one-on-one support to help community members of all ages and abilities feel more comfortable using transportation apps such as: Google Maps, Transit App, RTD Mobile Ticketing, Lyft, and Uber. Volunteer ambassadors are empowered to help their peers - individuals with disabilities, low vision and blind individuals, older adults, individuals with low incomes, and Spanish-speaking individuals - overcome technology barriers and feel comfortable using smartphone applications to achieve community living and independence. •GoPass by Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) allows several transit agencies – including DART – sell passes through the GoPass app. GoPass helps transit providers meet the changing mobility needs of their riders.

Planning Track - Six Heads Are Better Than One: Mobility Manager Networks & Service Provision

Breakout Session 1 - Thursday 2:15 - 3:45 PM

Location
Maple 3
Speakers
  • Michelle Griffin - Director of Mobility Management, North Central Kansas Coordinated Transit Council
  • Kendra McGeady - Director of Transit, Pelivan Transit
  • Dre Taylor - City of Lawrence
Summary
Tired of hearing about mobility management at the conceptual level? This session will provide two examples of mobility management in practice: •The Kansas Mobility Managers will share stories and updates about working together to further mobility needs in Kansas, including branding, regional and statewide projects, and various networks, projects, and events. •SWTA Vice Chair Kendra McGeady of Pelivan Transit will provide updated details on the PICK Transportation program, which provides curb-to-curb mobility services on demand in 21 rural communities in rural eastern Oklahoma.

Technology Track - Planning a Successful Microtransit Program (Sponsored by RideCo)

Breakout Session 1 - Thursday 2:15 - 3:45 PM

Location
Maple 1-2
Speakers
  • Teague Kirkpatrick - Regional Director, RideCo
Summary
Across the transit industry, agencies big and small are facing a wide range of challenges, from the need to be more cost effective to the need to improve accessibility and rider experience. These agencies have been increasingly looking to microtransit as the solution, but aren’t always sure where to begin. In this session, the audience will learn the keys to success for planning a successful microtransit program, as learned through case studies from successful deployments across several use cases, including San Antonio and Las Vegas. The first step is to balance priorities and consider tradeoffs between coverage, convenience, and cost. An agency’s unique objectives and constraints will dictate their focus areas. Agencies must also consider the type of service model, considerations such as the road network and various levers, and their specific cost, coverage, and convenience goals and objectives. Once these steps have been taken, the microtransit technology provider should walk through a variety of simulations, evaluating and iterating on the proposed service model. The session will also dive into how to communicate some of the accessory benefits that support the value proposition for microtransit, including benefits at a societal and personal level, such as equity and sustainability, scalability, and increased ridership. Microtransit also gives back travel time to and from work to the people who need it, and ensures more people are connected to more job opportunities. The session will conclude by discussing the here-future of microtransit, from seamless multi-modal integrations, to electric and autonomous vehicles. Overall, attendees will be provided with an overview of how to plan a successful microtransit deployment, from real-world examples to the technical parameters of planning. It’s sure to be an informative dive into the world of microtransit service planning!

Marketing & Safety/Security Track - Promoting New & Improved Service

Breakout Session 1 - Thursday 2:15 - 3:45 PM

Location
Spruce 4
Speakers
  • Alexandra Aitken - South West Transit Association - Moderator
  • Traci Jones - Studio Six Branding
  • Amy Lane - Studio Six Branding
Summary
The Art & Science Behind Modern Transit Branding At the core of highly successful companies is the ability to effectively sell the products and services of the organization. To reduce congestion, and pollution and better serve the mobility needs of our growing communities, we must effectively sell transit to greater numbers of people who can benefit from our services. A great product will not sell itself. Selling transit and attracting new riders is both an art and a science. Traci Jones, the Principal of Studio Six—a transit branding and marketing agency based in Colorado—will discuss the secrets to creating successful transit brands and marketing programs that attract new riders and shape new, modern perceptions of transit. Whether your organization is implementing new services, expanding the fleet, evolving slowing and strategically or launching a new brand from the ground up, understanding modern, consumer-driven branding strategies is essential to attracting new riders and serving your community’s mobility needs.

Marketing & Safety/Security Track - Graphic Design without the Degree

Breakout Session 2 - Thursday 4:00 - 5:00 PM

Location
Spruce 4
Speakers
  • Alexandra Aitkin - Communications Specialist, South West Transit Association
  • Traci Jones - Studio Six Branding
  • Marcella Ivins - Lubbock Citibus
  • Amy Lane - Studio Six Branding
  • Gregory Elsborg - Dallas Area Rapid Transit
Summary
Tips and tricks for marketing and other professionals that do not have a degree in graphic design, ranging from photography hacks, free social media tools, and platforms such as Canva & Adobe Spark!.

Management and Leadership Track - Beyond FTA Funding: The Potential for Flexible and Discretionary Funding in the BIL

Breakout Session 2 - Thursday 4:00 - 5:00 PM

Location
Maple 4-5
Speakers
  • David Beckhouse - Deputy Regional Administrator, Region 8, Federal Transit Administration (Moderator)
  • Jamie Pfister - Associate Administrator for Regional Services, Federal Transit Administration
  • John Lynch - Regional Counsel, Region 8, Federal Transit Administration
  • John Bodnar - Director, Transit Programs, Office of Program Management, Federal Transit Administration
  • Gail Lyssy - Region 6 Administrator, Federal Transit Administration
Summary
FTA will conduct an information panel on funding availability from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. There are some reauthorized flexible funding programs like CMAQ and the STBG that small and medium transit agencies may not know how to plan and apply for and there are several programs (Safe Streets for All, Reconnecting Communities, the Carbon Reduction Program, RAISE, and MEGA) with transit eligibility.

Equity & Accessibility Track - Transportation Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Breakout Session 2 - Thursday 4:00 - 5:00 PM

Location
Spruce 3
Speakers
  • Dave Somers - Senior Research Associate, US Aging
  • Melissa Gray - Assistant Director Transportation, US Aging
  • Ron Brooks - Founder and CEO, Accessible Avenue (Moderator)
Summary
Understanding and valuing the diversity of older adults and people with disabilities is the first step to building inclusive strategies that address the transportation challenges they face and ensure that they receive equitable and accessible transportation services.

Planning Track - Preparing For & Responding To Shifting Demographics & Ridership

Breakout Session 2 - Thursday 4:00 - 5:00 PM

Location
Maple 3
Speakers
  • Robert McHaney - Chief of Integrated Planning, The Goodman Corporation
  • Shawn Davis - Transit Program Manager, City of Conroe
  • Meredith Greene AICP - CEO & Principal, Socius Amica, LLC (Moderator)
  • Stephanie Doughty - Vice President of Professional Services, MV Transportation
Summary
This session will take a look at how the city of Conroe (TX) went from Rural to Large Urban in the 2010 census and how that impacted their planning & operations, while representatives from MV Transportation will share how their properties handle shifts in demographics/ridership/etc.

Technology Track - Using TransitTech to deliver — and measure — equitable transit outcomes (Sponsored by Via)

Breakout Session 2 - Thursday 4:00 - 5:00 PM

Location
Maple 1-2
Speakers
  • Nahry Tak - Partnerships Director, Via - Moderator
  • Joel Gardner - Executive Director, Ozark Regional Transit (ORT)
  • Doug Monroe - Manager, Corridor Planning (Operations), Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD)
Summary
As transit agencies across the country are redoubling efforts to foster equity in their communities, forward-thinking leaders are exploring how new technologies can help plan new transit services, operate services efficiently, and measure outcomes. In this panel, Via partners from cities and agencies within the SWTA Nation explain how integrated planning, operational, and analytic tools have helped them launch — and fine-tune — new, flexible transit services and expand access to jobs, education, and essential services. The panelists will illustrate each example with service data and interactive maps courtesy of Via’s Remix planning suite.

Opening General Session (sponsored by Uber)

General Session - Friday 8:30 - 9:30 AM

Location
Adams Ballroom B-D
Speakers
  • Paul Skoutelas - President and CEO, APTA
  • Scott Bogren - Executive Director, CTAA
  • Becca Green - Director of Public Engagement, Rock Region Metro (Moderator)
Summary
Staff leaders from APTA and CTAA will share their respective associations' legislative and policy priorities and perspectives on key trends in the transit industry. This session will also include updates and discussion of SWTA’s 2023-2024 Legislative Priorities.

Bus of the Future

Breakout Session 3 - Friday 10:00 - 11:00 AM

Location
Maple 4-5
Speakers
  • Robbie Sarles - President, RLS & Associates, Inc.
  • James Hall - Program Manager of Technical Training, International Transportation Learning Center
Summary
The FAST Act required a review of bus operator workstation design for the purposes of protecting operators from the risk of assaults and reducing blind spots that contribute to accidents involving pedestrians. To address these issues in very practical ways, the Bus of the Future project is redesigning the bus operator compartment and developing innovative improvements to promote safety, efficiency and passenger access. This session will provide an overview of the concepts and will seek meaningful input from session attendees to inform future phases of the project. This work is being funded through a FTA Bus Operator Compartment Program grant awarded to the ITLC in 2020.

Marketing & Safety/Security Track – Small Urban and Rural Transit – Starting a Safety Program from Scratch

Breakout Session 3 - Friday 10:00 - 11:00 AM

Location
Spruce 4
Speakers
  • JD Allen AICP, WSO-CSSD, TSSP-Rain/Bus - Executive Vice President, Alliance Transportation Group, LLC.
Summary
Safety is a priority at every transit agency. Is it a priority for every employee? Is safety part of your culture? How do we communicate that priority? FTA has published a series of Rules regarding safety that all Urban Providers must adhere to… how do you start to make the changes necessary to comply with the rules? Rural agencies are also safety driven… but how can you ensure that everyone in your organization is speaking the same safety language?

Management and Leadership Track - Managing the Small Bus Crisis

Breakout Session 4 - Friday 11:15 - 12:15 PM

Location
Maple 4-5
Speakers
  • Scott Bogren - Executive Director, CTAA
  • Taylor Klocke - Communications Director, CTAA
  • Roger D'Hollander - COO, Damera Bus Corporation
Summary
The small bus crisis is impacting transit systems of all sizes. This session would educate attendees on the current challenges around small bus vehicle procurement, discuss potential solutions and brainstorm ways in which industry partners can collaborate on ways to avoid long-term impacts.

Equity & Accessibility Track - Transit Corridor Accessibility Analysis

Breakout Session 4 - Friday 11:15 - 12:15 PM

Location
Spruce 3
Speakers
  • Robert McHaney - Chief of Integrated Planning, The Goodman Corporation
  • Ron Brooks - Founder and CEO, Accessible Avenue
  • Kristen Joyner - KJ Backpack – Moderator
Summary
An accessibility model was developed to determine the impacts of corridor transit improvements on system wide accessibility to jobs, healthcare, education, etc. The analysis answers the question, does the corridor transit improvement provide improved access to destinations within the entire transit system? The session will discuss the basis of the project, the development of the accessibility model, and the results of the analysis.

Marketing & Safety/Security Track - Safe and Defensive Driving

Breakout Session 4 - Friday 11:15 - 12:15 PM

Location
Spruce 4
Speakers
  • Leiton Powell CCTS, CSSO - Mobility Operations Supervisor, Greeley-Evans Transit
  • Joseph Parks - Program Director, CASTA
Summary
Created presentation mostly for bus operators to help them be better prepared for their day ahead, and tips and techniques to be defensive drivers and avoid mishaps and accidents.

Planning Track - How to Build a Data Dashboard

Breakout Session 4 - Friday 11:15 - 12:15 PM

Location
Maple 3
Speakers
  • Erich Lange - Senior Program Associte, National Center for Applied Transit Technology (N-CATT)/CTAA
  • Thomas Orgren - Senior Transportation Planner & Data Scientist, Foursquare ITP
  • Steven Schrayer - Transportation Planner & Data Scientist, Foursquare ITP
Summary
You've probably heard the maxim: You can't manage what you don't measure. You've probably also noticed that you're measuring an overwhelming amount of things, and it can be hard to sift through all of the data. This is where dashboards come in handy, to help you identify the information you need to have most readily available in a way that allows you to reference it and make decisions quickly. We'll walk you through how to choose the best data and how to build and design your dashboard to maximize its effectiveness for you and your team.

Technology Track - Where Public Transportation Goes, Community Grows (Sponsored by Swiftly)

Breakout Session 4 - Friday 11:15 - 12:15 PM

Location
Maple 1-2
Speakers
  • Javier Trilla - AVP of Innovation and Technology, DCTA
  • Chris Mandrell - General Manager, Lubbock Citibus
  • Edgar Sánchez Larios - Account Manager, Swiftly, Inc
Summary
The American Public Transportation Association's campaign “Where Public Transportation Goes, Community Grows” emphasizes our ability to transform communities and the lives of the people living there by highlighting transportation’s role in economic development, promoting sustainable lifestyles and enjoying a higher quality of life. Hear from two agencies that are creatively working to expand the reach and quality of transit service in their communities, by leveraging innovations in real-time information, fare payment updates, network redesign, and provision of options beyond fixed-route service.
Federal Transit Administration logo

General Session & Luncheon (sponsored by Huitt-Zollars)

General Session & Luncheon Friday 12:30 - 1:45 PM

Location
Adams Ballroom B-D
Speakers
  • Rich Sampson - Executive Director - South West Transit Association
  • Dinero' Washington LA - Chair - South West Transit Association & CEO, SporTran (Shreveport)
  • Gail Lyssy - Region 6 Administrator, Federal Transit Administration
  • Mokhtee Ahmad - Region 7 Administrator, Federal Transit Administration
  • Cindy Terwilliger - Region 8 Administrator, Federal Transit Administration
  • Ray Tellis - Region 9 Administrator, Federal Transit Administration
  • Christof Spieler - Vice President, Huitt-Zollars
  • Jeremy Furrer - Office of Safety Policy and Promotion, Federal Transit Administration
Summary
Administrators from the FTA Region 6, 7, 8 & 9 offices will share updates and trends among federal grant recipients across the SWTA Nation. Christof Spieler of Huitt-Zollars will share insights on how transit systems can more effectively serve their communities. SWTA will also present its annual awards and hold its annual members meeting as part of this session.

Management and Leadership Track - Transit Facilities and Mobility Hubs: Balancing the Benefits for Transit Service and the Community

Breakout Session 5 - Friday 2:00 - 3:30 PM

Location
Maple 4-5
Speakers
  • Chris Mandrell - General Manager, Lubbock Citibus
  • Jason Miller - Senior Associate, Fehr & Peers
  • Andrew Ittigson - Project Manager and Senior Planner, AECOM
Summary
'Transit facilities including transit and transfer centers and operations and maintenance facilities are key components of the overall operations and identity of a transit agency. These facilities are also some of the largest capital investments for agencies. Citibus in Lubbock, TX decided to take a closer look at how their facilities fit with their system and if there were opportunities for other ways to deliver a more efficient and attractive service by re-thinking the location and types of facilities they used. Citibus’ recent Facility Master Plan Study looked at the impacts of relocating their Downtown Transit Center and their Bus Maintenance Facilities out of the downtown core to free space for redevelopment. The study developed scorecards for multiple sites across the service area and provided recommendations for locations. The study asked the questions: Should a transit center be located in the downtown core close to transit generators and density or should it be in the middle of the service area? How do you optimize the location and size of facilities to get the greatest benefit? The study also provided a roadmap for implementing a mobility hub and microtransit plan to address the expanding growth in the service area.

Equity & Accessibility Track - Lowering the Barriers to Deploy Battery Electric Buses

Breakout Session 5 - Friday 2:00 - 3:30 PM

Location
Spruce 3
Speakers
  • Jan Naidu - CEO, Revolt Battery
  • Rex Colorado - Regional Sales Manager, New Flyer
  • Kristin Joyner - President, KJ Backpack (Moderator)
Summary
This session will focus on providing various solution paths to transit agencies across the U.S. with differing regional characteristics to plan for and deploy battery electric buses (BEBs). Jan, who is a subject matter expert, will share best practices that leverages analysis of data gleaned from international BEB deployments, modeling and simulation including experience of operators from similar locations, and machine learning algorithm developed at the University of Houston's - Innovation Center to enable transit agencies to plan for and operationalize BEBs in their communities. Impact and benefits to transit agencies: a) Size the capacity of the battery for the electric buses based on differing topographical, climactic, and operational characteristics specific to the transit agency’s location and routes. b) Lower the barriers for planning and procurement of BEBs by leveraging flexibility of deploying its buses across multiple routes while also optimizing charger deployments and reducing infrastructural expenses. c) Understand implications of lithium-ion battery degradation, risks of thermal runaway, and its implication on remaining useful life for batteries and transit agency assets. One size or type zero emission bus or coach will not fit all needs. Come learn how NFI Group is leading the ZEvolution by offering numerous solutions to meet various needs. This conference session will explore the current heavy-duty options available to public sector transit accounts as they transition to a zero-emission future and the resources New Flyer | MCI have to help you along the way.

Marketing & Safety/Security Track - Passenger Safety in Transit

Breakout Session 5 - Friday 2:00 - 3:30 PM

Location
Spruce 4
Speakers
  • Dave Rose - South West Transit Association Board Member and Sales Manager, Freedman Seating Company
Summary
Attendees will leave with a better understanding of what goes into bus testing to protect passengers. The goal is to inform the audience of what products are available to protect passengers in several ways. Benefits of 3pt seat belts, integrated child seats for small passengers up to 70lbs, using a child seat on a bus seat, larger seats so riders up to 500lbs can ride safely, comfortable, and efficiently, securements for walkers so they don't become projectiles in a catastrophic incident, seating materials that kill 99.9% of germs that come in contact, seatbelt monitoring systems that can help a driver identify and record if a person is properly buckled in a seat, securing ADA tie downs during transit when there is not an ADA passengers are some of the highlights of this presentation. Historically there is always time for questions and answers at the conclusion.

Planning Track - Launching New Service from Scratch

Breakout Session 5 - Friday 2:00 - 3:30 PM

Location
Maple 3
Speakers
  • Paul Comfort - SVP Chief Customer Officer, Modaxo Americas: Moderator
    Moderator
  • Nick Blackstone - Regional Mobility Manager, Rapides Area Planning Commission
  • Darren Hoover - MV Transportation
  • Becca Green APR - Rock Region Metro
Summary
Learn from three communities that recently initiated new service, including planning background, funding, operational details, demographics and more.

Technology Track - Optimizing Your Yard

Breakout Session 5 - Friday 2:00 - 3:30 PM

Location
Maple 1-2
Speakers
  • Shawn Harper - Technical Solutions Consultant, Vontas
Summary
'The yard is one of the last remaining areas in transit with limited technology. Most agencies still rely on people to walk the yard with pen and paper. Besides for the fact that this is time consuming, and means the information could be outdated by the time the Yard Walker returns to his/her desk, it’s also dangerous with a risk of people being hit in the yard. We’re showcasing examples of how agencies are starting to automate the yard so that vehicle information is available throughout the agency. That means Maintenance no longer has to spend time searching for vehicles they are supposed to be working on that night, and Dispatch doesn’t have to search for buses every morning. The end result is more on-time pull-outs and a more reliable service for your riders. In this presentation, attendees can expect to hear about how agencies are using Yard Management technology to improve safety, reduce labor costs, and ensure on-time pull-outs, and we will discuss lessons learned that can apply to other agencies.'

Management and Leadership Track - Propane Autogas

Breakout Session 6 - Friday 3:45 - 4:45 PM

Location
Maple 4-5
Speakers
  • Steve Whaley - Director of Business Development, Propane Education & Research Council
Summary
'This presentation will cover: -Hear from fleet managers about their experience with their new energy source after transitioning from gasoline or diesel. -What to consider when selecting an alternative fuel. *The new energy source needs to provide environmental, financial and operational benefits: *Is there a reduction in emissions over the lifecycle of the vehicle without increasing cost or losing efficiency? *Is there a total cost-of-ownership reduction or a return-on-investment long before the end of the vehicle lifecycle? *Does the vehicle perform as well or better without compromising range? *Is the energy source abundant and readily available? -A lifecycle analysis of the carbon emissions of two of the most prevalent alternative energy sources for vehicles. -The future of clean transportation and how propane autogas and renewable propane allow fleets to reach their sustainability goals. '

Equity & Accessibility Track - Insurance trends in public transportation

Breakout Session 6 - Friday 3:45 - 4:45 PM

Location
Spruce 3
Speakers
  • Eddie Thomas - Vice President Transit Practice Group, BrightLine Insurance Services
Summary
Discuss insurance trends for 2023 for public auto. How is Cyber insurance affecting the industry? Where we are seeing rate increases and decreases.

Marketing & Safety/Security Track - What Smaller Agencies Need to Know About Safety and Security: FTA and TSA Updates

Breakout Session 6 - Friday 3:45 - 4:45 PM

Location
Spruce 4
Speakers
  • Elyssa Wetcher - Transportation Security Inspector, Transportation Security Administration
  • Bruce McClary-Davis - Supervisory Transportation Security Inspector (Surface), Transportation Security Administration
  • Jeremy Furrer - Federal Transit Administration
Summary
A Two-Part Session featuring FTA Safety updates and TSA's Transportation Security Awareness 'First Observer Plus' Training for all Eyes and Ears on the Road; Overview of all FREE Transportation Security programs that TSA provides to include training and security assessments, drills and exercises; Overview of the current Cyber-Security Directives, 49 CFR 1570, 1582 regulations for those that are currently regulated or may become regulated.

Planning Track - Leveraging Third-Party Fleets to Increase Transit Coverage and Capacity (Sponsored by Spare)

Breakout Session 6 - Friday 3:45 - 4:45 PM

Location
Maple 3
Speakers
  • Kristoffer Vik Hansen - CEO & Co-Founder, Spare Labs
  • Akia Pichon - Transit Administrator, CCT
  • Gregory Elsborg - Vice President & Chief Innovation Officer, DART
Summary
With rider demand trailing pre-pandemic levels and the strain of driver shortages experienced across the US, transit agencies are faced with a common challenge; how to increase transit coverage without investing in additional vehicles? In this presentation, Spare teams up with Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and Collin County Transit (CCT) for a panel discussion on how transit agencies of all sizes can design and launch transit programs that commingle agency vehicles and third-party transportation network companies (TNCs) to seamlessly serve peak demand and increase their transit capacity without additional costs. Attendees will gain insight into how to expand service coverage, optimize vehicle usage, eliminate costs of operating dedicated fleets and provide unmatched flexibility to riders. They will get an overview of agencies who have adopted Spare’s Open Fleets technology for intelligent trip brokering, for example, Collin County Transit who has experienced an overall 260% ridership growth and cost savings of 47% per ride when using a TNC to complete rides in comparison to a dedicated fleet.

Technology Track - GTFS 101

Breakout Session 6 - Friday 3:45 - 4:45 PM

Location
Maple 1-2
Speakers
  • Marcy Jaffe - Tribal Transit Tech Support, National Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP)
  • Scott Zadakis - Project Manager, National Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP)
Summary
What is everyone talking about? Is it hard to use, will I have to hire a consultant or contractor, once I have it what can I do with it? Demand Response systems can't use it so why should I care? This is a session to answer questions and look at the opportunities using GTFS, GTFS Real Time, and GTFS Flex to help people find and use your system, boost your ridership and visibility in the community with business, recreation, healthcare, and educational organizations. This session will review the information you need to get started, the technical assistance to help you implement this tool, and give you examples of rural communities that have picked up the opportunity and run with it.

CASTA’s Defensive Driving for Transit Operators Certification (DDTOC) Instructor Course

Training Courses or Tour - Saturday 9:30 - 4:30 PM

Location
Maple 3
Speakers
  • Dawn Block - Transit Coordinator, City of La Junta Transit
Summary
The CASTA Defensive Driving for Transit Operators Certification course was designed with Transit drivers and operators in mind, delivering sound operator practices, experience from trainers in the field, And a curriculum tailored specifically for Professionals in the transit industry. This course is intended to be used as a general Defensive Driving teaching tool for professionals in the transit industry, allowing each agency to interject specific company policies where needed.

ADA Compliance Requirements for Bus & Demand Responsive Services

Training Courses or Tour - Saturday 9:30 - 4:30 PM

Location
Spruce 3
Speakers
  • Jess Segovia - Owner, ADA Guru
    Jess Segovia has been creating and operating compliant, fully accessible public transportation services and Operator training programs since 1999. In Addition to ADA Compliance and Operator training, Jess' expertise includes Subrecipient Oversight support, DBE/SBE goal achievement services, Customer Education and Public Outreach programs, NTD Reporting, Accessible website design and compliance, FTA Triennial Review preparation, and ensuring accessible public transit facilities.
Summary
This course will cover Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance information for transportation providers, including non-discrimination and general requirements, wheelchair securement, passenger assistance, fixed-route and paratransit requirements, Personal Care Attendants (PCA), Companions and Children, service animals, reasonable modification, direct threat/denial of service and properly maintaining vehicles & accessibility features, and ADA Paratransit requirements. This training is highly interactive so bring your recent ADA incidents and issues to discuss!

Denver Transit Tour

Training Courses or Tour - Saturday 9:30 - 4:30 PM

Speakers
  • Rich Sampson - Executive Director, South West Transit Association
Summary
Experience Denver’s regional transit network first-hand. We’ll spend a good part of the day riding the buses and trains of the Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD), learning about operations, vehicles, infrastructure, land use and more. Be sure to have outdoor winter clothing and good footwear for this mobile adventure!
Lightning eMotors Facility

Lightning eMotors Tour

Training Courses or Tour - Saturday 9:30 - 4:30 PM

Location
Loveland, CO
Summary
Representatives from Lightning eMotors will lead participants on a guided, off-site tour of their electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Loveland, CO. Lightning eMotors is a Colorado-based auto manufacturer specializing in electrified solutions for commercial fleets. Its team designs, engineers, customizes, and manufactures EVs to support a wide array of needs for its fleet customers. The company recently completed a 102,000 sq. foot expansion of its manufacturing facility in Loveland, Colorado and expects an output of 1,500 zero-emission vehicles and powertrains by the end of 2022 on its goal to scale to a capacity of 20,000 by 2025. Prepare for walking during this tour.
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