August Congressional Recess: Time to Connect

Now is the time for public transportation systems and businesses to reach out to their elected officials who are home for the traditional August break. [More]

Agencies Keep an Eye Out for Security

Some large-city U.S. public transportation agencies are increasing security in the aftermath of the State Department closing diplomatic sites in the Middle East and North Africa because of concerns about a possible terrorist attack. [More]

Submit a Recommendation for Slate of Officers, Directors

Your voice can still be heard! Although the nominations deadline has closed, there is still time to lend your knowledge of the many extremely well-qualified candidates for APTA ­officer and director positions to the APTA Nominating Committee. Endorsements and recommendations may be submitted until the committee meets on Aug. 14. [More]

APTA Members Attend White House Briefing

 Several APTA members and senior staff participated in a recent White House briefing on how public transit systems can help strengthen public awareness of the connection between public transportation and health care, including developing advocacy and communications campaigns on buses and trains. [More]

Public Transit Agencies Mark Anniversaries

Several public transportation agencies are celebrating notable anniversaries in 2013. Here are a few examples. [More]

HDR Acquires Sharon Greene + Associates

HDR Engineering Inc., based in Omaha, has acquired the business and assets of Sharon Greene + Associates (SGA), a firm specializing in transportation economics and financial analysis with offices in California and Denver. [More]

 

Furnanz New President of Stacy and Witbeck

Stacy and Witbeck Inc., Alameda, CA, has named George Furnanz as its new company president. [More]

Gnadt Is Champaign-Urbana’s Next Managing Director

The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (CUMTD) Board of Trustees, Urbana, IL, has named Karl Gnadt to become the agency’s next managing director on July 1, 2014, following the announced retirement of longtime General Manager Bill Volk. Effective immediately, Gnadt assumes the title of managing director designate and continues as director of market development. [More]

Daniel Is New Executive Director in St. Cloud, MN

The St. Cloud Metropolitan Transit Commission, St. Cloud, MN, has named Ryan I. Daniel, World Safety Association Certified Safety Specialist, as its new executive director, effective Aug. 19. [More]

APTA NEWS

APTA Seeks Help with Standards Effort

As part of writing standards for Electronically Controlled Pneumatic (ECP) brake systems for rail passenger trains, APTA is looking for a contractor to perform a Failure Modes Effects and Criticality Analysis for these systems. [More]

APTA MEMBER PROFILE

Meet Margarita Gagliardi!

This is the latest in an ongoing series of columns showcasing APTA members. The subject of this profile is Margarita Gagliardi, vice president, transit planning, Urban Engineers of New York, P.C., a member of the APTA Policy and Planning Committee and High-Speed Rail & Intercity Passenger Rail Committee. [More]

MEET THE APTA STAFF

Meet James Wright!

This is the latest in an ongoing series of columns showcasing members of the APTA staff. The subject of this profile is James Wright, office assistant, Corporate Affairs Department. [More]

AROUND THE INDUSTRY

Take Public Transit to Summer Fun

Communities across the U.S. are offering special events for summer vacationers—and public transportation is providing direct connections to the action. [More]

COMMENTARY

What a Depleted Highway Trust Fund Means for States
BY RYAN HOLEYWELL, Governing

Last week Congress was warned of what might happen if the federal accounts that pay for transportation become depleted, as they’re forecast to do in fiscal year 2015. The scenario, outlined by Polly Trottenberg, the undersecretary for policy at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), prompted plenty of questions from members of Congress. But it’s state transportation officials who should be worried. [More]

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Who’s Doing What in the Industry

Passenger Transport announces the following hirings and promotions in public transportation agencies and business members. Items appear in People on the Move in the order in which they are received. [More]