OPTA News - February 2020 -

February 2020

Ohio Legislators

Show Support for Public Transit

Ohio Loves Transit Week

and Lobby Day Success

Thank you to all of our OPTA members, transit customers and public officials for a successful 2020 Ohio Loves Transit Week and Lobby Day on Feb. 12. We enjoyed celebrating with you and calling attention to the importance of public transportation in Ohio communities.

The focus of OPTA's Lobby Day is to engage with our state lawmakers and thank them for their support of public transit. Our membership spent the day meeting with their legislators to tell the story about how increased state transit funding is making a difference in local communities and for Ohioans. We also shared new ideas for the future that will require continued state funding to meet the growing mobility needs of Ohioans, businesses, schools and universities, and rural, suburban and urban communities.

At the Legislative Reception, we welcomed diverse representation from around the state and also some notable guests - Lt. Governor John Husted and Senate President Larry Obhoff. OPTA received proclamations from Governor DeWine declaring Feb. 14, 2020 as Ohio Loves Transit Day, and recognition of our organization's 50 ^th Anniversary from House Speaker Larry Householder and Representatives Kristen Boggs and David Leland.

I believe this year's greatest success of Ohio Loves Transit Week and the Lobby Day was connecting across the state with our growing network of public transportation advocates. It is exciting how we are gaining momentum! I look forward to continuing to elevate Ohio Loves Transit Week, Lobby Day, OPTA and the meaning of public transportation to our state leaders.

Best Regards,

Laura Koprowski

Executive Director

Registration Open -

Ohio Needs Transit Conference & EXPO

Join transit and mobility professionals from Ohio and around the country at the annual Ohio Needs Transit Conference & EXPO from April 20-22 . Showcasing the latest trends and innovation in public transportation, this event draws a diverse attendance from the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

The Conference & EXPO is known for its excellent education, tours, networking and training opportunities. It has quickly grown into one of the larges transit events in the Midwest by hosting dynamic feature presentations, 32 break-out sessions and panels, Transit Experience Tours, networking and socials activities, and the vibrant OPTA EXPO 2020 featuring the latest in mobility services and vehicles.

Unique to the Ohio Needs Transit Conference is specialized education and training track presented by the National Transit Institute (NTI).

Visit the conference website for programming details, registration and partnership opportunities. Questions or need more information, contact Phyllis Van Arsdale .

Presenting Partner - Ohio Department of Transportation

Platinum Partners - TESCO and Ecolane

Additional Conference Partners

OPTA 50th Anniversary Tour on the Road

OPTA's 50th Anniversary Tour is underway! Executive Director Laura Koprowski is visiting Ohio's 65 public transit systems this year.

"These visits are revealing to me how Ohio transit systems are constantly evolving and transforming to meet the needs of their customers and communities," said Laura. "I appreciate seeing first-hand the passion for their work as well as riding their systems."

To date, Laura's travels have taken her to:

Follow the Anniversary Tour on OPTA's Facebook page and LinkedIn profile .

Upcoming Meetings & Events

Executive Committee Meeting

March 19, 2020 - 10am - 12noon

Conference Call

For more information, please contact

Laura Koprowski

OPTA 2020 Annual Conference &EXPO

April 20-22, 2020

Greater Columbus Convention Center

EXPO and sponsorship questions?

Please contact Blair Taseff or Laura Koprowski

Annual Meeting of the OPTA Board of Directors

and Election of Officers

April 20, 2020 - 4pm - 5:30pm

Greater Columbus Convention Center

OPTA 50th Anniversary Member Celebration Reception

April 20, 2020 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Greater Columbus Convention Center

Ohio Clean Energy Summit: Local Communities Lead

April 30, 2020 - 11am - 6pm

Xavier University, Cintas Center in Cincinnati, Ohio

Event details and how to get involved

Executive Committee Meeting

May 21, 2020 - 10am - 12:30pm

COTA Offices, 1600 McKinley Avenue, Columbus

OPTA Board Meeting

June 23, 2020 - 10am - 1pm

The Zanesville-Muskingum County Conference & Welcome Center

205 N. Fifth St. Zanesville, OH 43701

2020 Ohio Smart Mobility Summit

July 16-17, 2020

Youngstown, Ohio

Hosted by DriveOhio , Eastgate Regional Council of Governments and JobsOhio

For more information, contact Dean Harris

For more information about OPTA programs and events:

www.OhioNeedsTransit.org