PT Express 04-7-2025
2025 APTA Legislative Conference
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April 8, 2025 | An APTA Publication
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Howdy Y’all and Welcome to the Live Music Capital of the World!
 
Dottie WatkinsChances are, when you are in Austin, you won’t get far before you’ll start to hear musicians playing their favorite tunes, and that’s just one piece of what makes Austin, Austin! There’s no better place for a conference focused on the future of mobility than in a city that’s vibrant, innovative, and always on the move. CapMetro's comprehensive network connects Austin and the surrounding Central Texas region through an integrated system of 71 bus routes, 12 innovative Pickup Zones offering on-demand neighborhood service, 32 miles of commuter rail, and over 70 Bikeshare stations—all designed to connect our communities to opportunity. This is public transportation at its best—not just moving people, but building community connections. Continued...
 
BY DOTTIE WATKINS
President and CEO
Capital Metropolitan Transportation
Authority (CapMetro)
Austin, TX
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Motivated by Improving Customer Experience
 
MJ MaynardBeing a transit CEO is no small task in today’s climate. Our industry relies heavily on federal support, and with each new Administration comes a wave of policy changes impacting public transportation and how we operate. I may not know what comes next within this landscape, but as CEO of the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC), one thing remains clear: We must stay focused on providing safe, efficient, and affordable transportation options for the communities we serve. Continued...
 
BY MJ MAYNARD-CAREY
Chair, APTA
CEO, RTC Southern Nevada
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APTA 2025 Rail Conference
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Special Printed Issue of Passenger Transport
 
Click the image below to view the special printed issue of Passenger Transport distributed at APTA's 2025 Mobility Conference:
 
2025 Mobility Conference Passenger Transport
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Driving Bus System Success
 
Kwadwo AttaPublic transit agencies continue to be challenged post-COVID. Ridership patterns, public expectations, and even the emphasis on farebox revenue generation have changed. At the same time, communities and public transportation users want immediate service improvements.The bus mode—whether traditional fixed route, enhanced, flexible routing, or BRT—is a valuable tool to address these challenges head on. The mode’s flexibility in service delivery, its scalability, and its cost effectiveness are major benefits for communities and those setting local budgets. Continued...
 
BY KWADWO ATTA
Southeast Transit Leader
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SPECIAL SPONSORED CONTENT
 
Via
 
Via: A New Vision for Paratransit
Growing ridership. Funding uncertainty. Shrinking resources. Ever-evolving passenger expectations. Delivering lifeline paratransit services is more complicated than ever. More.
 
HID

HID: Streamline Transit Ticketing for Enhanced Ridership
Agencies often face the challenge of accepting multiple ticketing technologies, including barcodes, NFC/RFID and EMV payments. This can slow down boarding times and disrupt schedules, frustrating passengers and staff alike. More.
 
Vontas

Vontas: Integrate CAD/AVL Systems with VoIP Technology
OnCall is a VoIP platform designed specifically for the diverse needs of transit agencies. Built to enhance operational efficiency and connectivity, it provides seamless communication over public cellular networks. More.
 
Connectpoint

Connectpoint: The First Solar-Powered, ADA Compliant, Stand-Alone Text-to-Speech Device
A key offering from Connectpoint is The Falcon Text-To-Speech, a groundbreaking solar-powered button that delivers real-time, multi-language voice announcements at a lower cost than digital signage and yet provides the same functionality to a wider audience. More.
 
Avail

Avail Technologies, Inc.: Viewpoint Q&A with David Mugica
Today’s riders expect real-time updates on arrivals, departures, and disruptions to their commute. Providing timely information and enhancing the overall rider experience can be achieved through on-board and wayside displays. More.
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Passenger Transport Wishes to Thank its Advertisers in the Mobility Conference Special Printed Issue:
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Calendar of APTA Events
 
May 18-20, Washington, DC
An opportunity for public transit industry professionals to make their presence felt and voices heard in the corridors of power and shape the industry’s positions and federal advocacy agenda.
 
Rail Conference
June 29-July 2, San Francisco, CA

The conference explores all rail modes—urban, commuter, light, heavy, high-speed, and intercity—and features sessions on technology, finance, capital projects, the workforce, and more.
 
Board Members Seminar examines transit advocacy, funding & financing, safety & security, procurement, board relations, and more. Board Administrators Seminar covers board member onboarding, board management, resiliency, and more.
 
TRANSform Conference
Sept. 14-17, Boston, MA

The flagship industry event for engaging in workshops, taking part in technical tours, and networking with colleagues. Speakers and educational sessions will explore hot topics including technology, funding and finance, safety and security, workforce development, worldwide mega projects, and more.
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TCRP
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