TRANSIT NEWS

Customers can now use their mobile phones to plan a bus trip or visually track the nearest Regional Transit Service (RTS) bus to find out what time it will arrive. The new RTS “Where’s My Bus?” mobile app will allow Apple and Android users to access comprehensive real-time information on bus arrival times, nearest stops, routes and service alerts for the Greater Rochester area—right from the palm of their hand. Features of the “Where‘s My Bus?”app include a display of the next threebus arrivaltimesthatshow highlighted routes on a map and track real-time bus location placedalong those routes.Using the “Nearest Bus Stop Locator,”riders can also use the GPS in their phone to find theirlocation and the closest three bus stops around them.

Marking Transportation Week, Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20), the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA), Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, and representatives from the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) held a press conference and rally at the CDTA Garage in Albany. Congressman Tonko and other community leaders called for major federal investment in our nation’s infrastructure in the form of a new, bold and long-term transportation bill.

FEDERAL NEWS

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials commends the Senate on passage of Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA). "Passage of the WRRDA bill is a huge accomplishment which deserves hearty congratulations for the leadership of the Senate Environment and Public Works and House Transportation and Infrastructure committees, as well as the House and Senate in general," said Bud Wright, AASHTO executive director. "America's water borne freight and commerce will benefit from the investments and reforms included in this bill.

STATE NEWS

The battle for dedicated mass-transit funding moved from the seats of government to the streets of Jamaica. Locals 1056 and 1179 of the Amalgamated Transit Union went to the Parsons Boulevard-Archer Avenue subway station in Jamaica on Friday to enlist public backing in their effort to get increased funding from the city, state and federal government for increased service and infrastructure. “We need the public’s support,” said Mark Henry, president of 1056, which represents bus drivers, mechanics and other personnel.

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

Based on a new study, public transportation investment powers significant productivity gains. The study, “Economic Impact of Public Transportation Investment,” which measured investment in public transit for the first time, according to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), demonstrates that this investment will lead to 50,700 jobs per $1 billion invested, with 28,900 jobs per $1 billion attributed to the productivity gains enjoyed by households and businesses.

“Collapsing transportation infrastructure” is threatening the U.S. travel industry and the overall economy according to a survey released Thursday by the U.S. Travel Association and Building America’s Future, an educational and advocacy group that promotes infrastructure investment. The survey of U.S. Travel Association members revealed that only 12% believe that America's infrastructure is in "pretty good" shape, while 87% rate it as “fair” or “poor.” About three-fourths said the quality and reliability of infrastructure is extremely important to their business, and an equal number said they do not believe the country’s infrastructure is well-positioned for the future.

Chicago’s Metra commuter rail system launched “Customize Your Commute,” allowing riders to individually choose when to receive email service alerts and also giving them the option to sign up for a variety of other emails about specialized topics. The changes will benefit all riders, as well as businesses interested in Metra’s DBE program; parents, educators and schoolchildren interested in Metra’s Safety Poster Contest; and passengers with disabilities who need to know about the status of elevators or other ADA issues. The enhancements to Metra’s communications arsenal were made in direct response to rider feedback.

NYPTA TRAINING AND EVENTS

Mobility Management Technologies for Creating
Sustainable Operations and Accessibility
Presented by RouteMatch Software
Thursday, June 19, 2014 | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

In this session, conference attendees will learn how Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) are utilized to ease the complexities of coordination. Software and hardware components of ITS technologies allow coordinating agencies to respond to both fixed and on-demand trip requests, coordinate trips among different providers, and directly communicate with customers through call centers, web portals, and mobile applications. Regional agency coordination best practices will be presented so attendees can view firsthand how technologies have played a large role in sustaining costs while increasing services.  Registration is Free!

Regional Training: Procurement

This unique program will address overcoming common procurement issues, and be will be offered in three convenient locations. There are certain findings that present themselves in all of the FTA Oversight reviews. James Harper, Director of the Office of Acquisition Management at the FTA, will discuss those common findings (deficiencies) and give suggestions on how grantees can eliminate them from your reviews and move beyond them. Space is limited, so register today!

Tuesday, June 24, 10am-2pm 
CNYRTA
Jerry Dietz Training Center
200 Cortland Ave, Syracuse, NY 13205  

Wednesday, June 25, 10am-2pm                       
Westchester County Department of Public Works & Transportation/Bee-Line Bus System
Westchester County Office Building, 8th Floor Conference Room
100 East First St., Mt. Vernon, NY  10550 (Directly across the street from Metro-North New Haven Line/Mt. Vernon West Railroad Station)

Thursday, June 26, 10am-2pm                        
NICE Bus (1st Floor Conference Room)
700 Commercial Ave., Garden City, NY 11530 

2014 NY Public Transit Fall Expo

We invite transit industry manufacturers, vendors and service providers to reserve your space at the 2014 New York Public Transit Fall Expo, September 16-18 at the Saratoga City Center in Saratoga Springs. It’s your chance to market your solutions to more than 150 public transportation leaders from across the State.  Expanded hours give you a greater opportunity to make important connections.  Call Mike Cocca at 518.434.9060 for your exhibitor prospectus, or email info@nytransit.org.