Billy Terry
Senior Legislative Representative
Government Affairs

What are the top job elements you focus on the most (your primary responsibilities)?
I track legislation relevant to the public transit industry, communicating the industry perspective to members of Congress and committee staff.

I am part of the APTA Government Affairs team working to shape the next surface transportation authorization bill, which will go into effect after MAP-21 expires in 2014.

Public transit homeland security issues are another major issue; I help to advocate for increased federal investment for public transportation homeland security grants and other provisions that assist agencies’ efforts to secure their systems. Public transit agencies of all sizes have security infrastructure needs ranging from fortifying tunnels and bridges to chemical detection systems, from surveillance cameras and other equipment to enhanced fencing and lighting around bus and rail yards.

Do you have direct contact with APTA members? If so, please talk about the two most recent times you’ve helped out a member.
I have a great deal of direct contact with APTA members and love it! Members often call each of us on the APTA Government Affairs team for information, clarity, etc. on the status of bills and other congressional activity.

Most recently, our team has been working to provide members with information on program impacts of potential federal budget cuts and issues related to the implementation of various MAP-21 provisions.

Additionally, people will call and ask general questions like, when’s the federal budget coming out, or when will Congress vote on the budget? They may want clarification and updating on one specific bill, or a general overview of congressional action.

APTA members may ask me about a particular provision of a piece of legislation. I provide information on the provision and APTA’s interpretation of it. They may also be interested in the efforts of individual members of Congress, often from their home district, or where a piece of legislation is in the enactment process.

What initiatives, projects, or programs have you worked on at APTA that you have taken particular pride in completing?
Over the past several years, I have been engaged with APTA members and industry partners on tax issues that impact public transit providers. In particular, I have worked hard to advocate for congressional support of both public transit commuter benefits, which help defray rising public transportation commuting costs for millions of workers across the country, and the Alternative Fuels Tax Credit, which immensely supports transit providers that have made significant investments in natural gas vehicles and infrastructure.

Most recently, we have seen extensions of both commuter benefits and the Alternative Fuels Tax Credit. These extensions are great—but there is still much work to be done to make them permanent!

How did you “land” at APTA? How long have you worked here?
While working at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), a longtime APTA member, I had a few opportunities to work with the APTA Government Affairs team on various legislative issues. I was always impressed with APTA’s professionalism and command over a range of public transit-related issues. When the association made some changes to its Government Affairs staff, an opportunity arose … and here I am!

I have worked at APTA for a little over a year.

Have you held other jobs in the public transportation industry (besides working at APTA)?
I previously worked at a large government affairs firm representing public transit agencies and municipalities providing public transportation; the District of Columbia DOT; and WMATA, serving as the agency’s liaison to Capitol Hill.

Could you tell us something about yourself that might surprise us?
Although it may not seem that way, I am really an introvert!

Make sure you see Billy Terry's video, now that you've read this!