May 27, 2016
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Breakthroughs General Session: Panel Explores Transit's Future

The growing connection between public transit and shared modes (bike sharing, car sharing and ride sourcing services) was the topic of “Breakthroughs and Building Blocks,” a May 17 General Session.

Panelists representing public transit businesses, agencies and interests in the U.S. and Australia discussed the changes they see resulting from shared mobility, as described in the recent APTA report Shared Mobility and the Transformation of Public Transit.

They discussed the impact of technology on transportation as it shifts the way riders request, track and pay for trips and as technology-based services provide increased mobility options that present partnership opportunities for public transit agencies.

Brad Miller, chief executive officer, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), St. Petersburg, FL, described his agency’s success partnering with the car service Uber. The company has been helping PSTA provide first/last mile transportation options for many riders who receive the services at a discounted rate.

Raj Naik, general manager, Uber North Carolina, noted that, as populations increase, pockets of communities can form in areas where public transit is not available. These individuals may be the ones who need transportation most.

“What is independence?” he asked. “It used to be owning a car. Our two biggest markets, millennials and baby boomers, think differently about transportation. They are more willing to use alternate modes.”

John Lewis, CATS chief executive officer, said his agency would soon be exploring a future partnership with a ride-sharing company. “As the demographics and population of the greater Charlotte region changes, our transit agency needs to  adapt. We need to find creative ways to partner in order to reach every single rider,” he added.

Marlene B. Connor, principal, Marlene Connor Associates, and chair, APTA Mobility Management Committee, reminded conference attendees that everyone in public transportation is a “mobility manager.”

Benjamin Limmer, assistant general manager, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, and co-chair, APTA Environmental Justice/Title VI Subcommittee, provided insight into his agency’s growing relationship with shared-mode services. Chris Lowe, executive director, Bus Association Victoria Inc., Port Melbourne, VC, Australia, a membership trade group, discussed ways his members are connecting with ride-sharing services. Erik Spanberg, senior staff writer, Charlotte Business Journal, moderated the roundtable.

Panelists said that both public transit agencies and shared-mode providers need to develop creative partnerships to maintain strong services, noting that as technology—and the industry—change, there is no longer a “cookie cutter” mold for transit.

APTA Secretary-Treasurer Kim Green, who presided at the session, summed up the discussion by saying the public transportation industry is becoming a “cohesive mobility ecosystem.”

Story submitted by Juliann M. Sheldon, CATS public and community relations specialist.

Presenters at “Breakthroughs and Building Blocks” included, from left, Kim Green, APTA secretary-treasurer, who presided at the session; session moderator Erik Spanberg, Charlotte-area journalist; Benjamin Limmer, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority; CATS Executive Director John Lewis; Brad Miller, chief executive officer, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, St. Petersburg, FL; Marlene Connor, chair, APTA Mobility Management Committee; Chris Lowe, executive director, Bus Association Victoria Inc., Port Melbourne, VC, Australia; and Raj Naik, general manager, Uber North Carolina.


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