March 2026

Frontline Recruitment Insights at APTA’s MCX Workshop

In late February, Communications Manager Annmarie Carmody presented “Recruitment Messaging That Resonates: Insights into Attracting Frontline Transit Workers” at the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Marketing, Communications & Customer Experience Workshop in Savannah, GA. She shared findings from the Transit Workforce Center’s (TWC) pilot digital advertising campaign, which ran last year and targeted job seekers in transit-adjacent industries.

The results can help inform various transit entities on ways to strategize and market frontline transit careers to potential job candidates. The full report, including the methodology used, will be available soon.

Annmarie Carmody

Advancing Workforce Partnerships Through Shared Resources

On February 23, Research Associate Michaela Boneva gave a presentation as part of a webinar hosted by the National Rural Transit Assistance Program (National RTAP) titled “Learn About TACL – The Transportation Technical Assistance Coordination Library.” Michaela highlighted TWC's recently produced case study, “College Partnerships in Public Transportation Workforce Development,” which features examples of small- and medium-sized agencies working together to develop a registered apprenticeship. The webinar introduced participants to TACL, a resource library of reports, case studies, training materials, and other resources detailing coordination between transit agencies on planning and operations to improve efficiency.

For those who missed the live event or wish to review highlights and resources from the webinar, the recording is available on the National RTAP and TACL websites.

Powering the Transit Workforce at TWU’s Transit Tech Conference

In early February, Senior Workforce Development Advisor Maurice Beard, Senior Associate Frank Burnett, Executive Director Jack Clark, and Senior Policy Analyst Karitsa Holdzkom attended the Transport Workers Union's (TWU) Transit Tech Conference.

ITLC team members presented to TWU’s Transit Division leadership, addressing workforce challenges in the transition to new technologies. The presentation highlighted a variety of topics, including recent changes in bus technology, safety protocols, and personal protective equipment (PPE) required for the maintenance of high-voltage electric buses. ITLC also discussed apprenticeship and mentorship programs, as well as the overall technical assistance available through TWC.

Highlighting Transit Workforce Trends at TRB’s Annual Meeting

At the Transportation Research Board’s (TRB) 2026 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., in January, Research Associate Michaela Boneva and Senior Researcher Douglas Nevins participated in the "Unlocking Transit Workforce Trends" session. Their presentation highlighted national labor and transit datasets, along with early findings from TWC research on bus operator hiring practices.

The session was part of the “Transit Agency Workforce Strategies” lecture series, which also featured panelists from transit agencies sharing insights on workforce trends and strategies, including absenteeism, retention, and operator scheduling.

Pictured from left, panelists Shanta Hejmadi (Metro Transit, MN) and Amelia Baum (Swiftly),

with Michaela Boneva and Douglas Nevins

Upcoming Webinar

ATTAIN Bus Maintenance Apprenticeship Meeting

Join TWC for the next American Transit Training and Apprenticeship Innovators Network (ATTAIN) Bus Maintenance Apprenticeship webinar on March 26 at 12:00 pm ET.

Hear panelists from Miami-Dade Transit/TWU Local 291 and High Valley Transit (UT) share their recent success in launching bus maintenance apprenticeship programs. The meeting will feature examples from both union and non-union programs, followed by a full panel discussion and audience Q&A.

ATTAIN is a peer network created for transit workforce partners interested in starting new apprenticeship programs or enhancing existing programs for their frontline workforce. Current ATTAIN members and those exploring bus maintenance apprenticeships are welcome to attend. For more information, visit TWC’s Apprenticeship FAQ page or contact Karitsa Holdzkom at kholdzkom@transportcenter.org.