Passenger Transport Express - 08/10/2018 (Plain Text Version)

NEWS HEADLINES

APTA Welcomes Latin American Delegations for Information Exchange

APTA hosted representatives from the Chilean Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, led by its minister, Gloria Hutt, and from Directorio de Transporte Público Metropolitano ("Transantiago," the public transit system serving Santiago) at APTA headquarters in Washington, DC, Aug. 6, ahead of the delegation’s meetings with FTA, FRA, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Chicago Transit Authority and MTA New York City Transit. Following welcome remarks from APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas, the group discussed topics including intelligent transportation systems, integration of new mobility services into the urban transportation landscape, how BRT fits into the changing mobility environment, and ridership in an international context.


APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas (back row, far left) welcomes to APTA a delegation of public transportation executives from Chile.	APTA executive management and senior staff meet with representatives from Brazil seeking to improve their county's passenger rail systems.

The meeting was followed Aug. 8 by a delegation from Brazil, including representatives from that country’s National Association of Passenger Rail Operators, National Telecommunications Agency and public transit agencies. The visit was part of a reverse trade mission hosted by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency to familiarize Brazilian government and private sector representatives with technologies and best practices to improve the safety, logistics and energy efficiency of Brazil’s passenger rail systems. Skoutelas delivered welcome remarks and provided an overview of APTA’s mission. The group discussed latest developments in the U.S. passenger rail industry, including technology, telecommunications, standards and safety.

Voters Renew Transit Millage

A vote to renew and restore a 0.7-mill public transit levy in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township, MI, passed with a preliminary vote total of 35,692 to 7,085. This will enable the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) to preserve its expanded fixed-route bus service levels as well as services for older riders and persons with disabilities. [One mill represents $1 per $1,000 taxable value.]

Voters in parts of two suburban Detroit counties approved a renewal of a one-mill tax to support the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART). SMART provides service in parts of Wayne County, where the measure received 73 percent of the vote, and Oakland County, where it received 77 percent.

In Delta County, MI, three townships voted for a millage of 0.5 mill for the period 2018-2022 for the Delta Area Transit Authority (DATA). DATA will use the funds for demand-response and related services. Escanaba Township renewed its existing millage by a vote of 526-253, while Bark River and Bay de Noc townships approved the measure by 137-104 and 58-33 respectively. Cornell Township, however, defeated the measure by 75 to 59. [return to top]

Upcoming Webinars

The Transportation Research Board will host a webinar Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2-3 p.m. Eastern time examining legal issues that public transit agencies may face when an infectious disease epidemic arises. The research is based on the Transit Cooperative Research Program's Public Transit Emergency Preparedness Against Ebola and Other Infectious Diseases: Legal Issues. Register here.

FTA will discuss the Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program final rule (49 C.F.R. Part 672) in a webinar Thursday, Aug. 16, 2-3 p.m. Eastern time. This webinar will provide an overview of the program, including applicability and general requirements, and end with a Q&A session. Register here. [return to top]

SAVE THE DATE

One Week Left for APTA Annual Meeting Early-Registration Discount!

The early-fee deadline is Friday, Aug. 17 to register for APTA's 2018 Annual Meeting, Sept. 23-26 in Nashville. APTA's Annual Meeting is the flagship event for public transportation professionals. An unparalleled array of educational sessions and renowned keynote speakers will explore topics including transformative technology, community building, safety, workforce development, worldwide mega projects, innovative funding and finance, and more. View the Program of Events here and start planning your experience now! Register here. [return to top]

IN THE MEDIA

City Launches Map of Muni and Transit-Related Projects—The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency is unveiling its new citywide project map, an online tool aimed at helping residents see what transit projects are blossoming in their backyards.

Which Celebrity Should Voice Your City's Transit Announcements?—Seth Rogen is now the voice of public transit in Vancouver and Toronto. CityLab is nominating a number of stars to do the same thing in other cities.

Franklin Transit Authority Free Rides for Military—The Franklin, TN-based agency has unveiled its newest effort to move the community forward: retired, reserve and active military personnel are eligible to ride for free.

Seattle's SODO Track Mural Corridor World's Longest—Featuring 50 murals by 62 artists from around the world, the SODO Track stretches for two miles and can be seen while riding Sound Transit Link light rail or Metro Transit buses.

LIRR Care Launches, Responds to Disabled Rider Concerns—A new Long Island Rail Road initiative aims to give riders with disabilities a helping hand getting on and off trains.

RTA Paves Way for More Shelters—The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority is set to add more covered bus and streetcar shelters following a tweak to city design rules that eased regulatory approval for shelters displaying advertisements. [return to top]