TRANSIT SYSTEM NEWS

Dump the Pump Day, which calls for people to ditch their cars and ride public transportation, was Thursday in Buffalo and around the country. Officials said riding an NFTA bus helps reduce gasoline consumption, helps you avoid high fuel costs, and is better for the environment. "Fifteen years ago I stopped driving my car, and said, 'I'm going to try this Transit,' and I love it. And I really want to encourage those of you that are out there and see this message, give transit a try!" exclaimed Phil Habersto, executive director, Wellness Institute of Greater Buffalo.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) New York City Transit (NYCT) will seek board approval to install new Help Point Intercoms at 70 additional stations as part of an effort to enhance customer safety and security by enabling direct communication with station agents and the Rail Control Center. The high-tech devices will serve as a welcome beacon to worried customers and lost tourists alike and is part of the MTA’s ongoing efforts to bring the subway system into the 21st century.

FEDERAL NEWS

Senate Finance Committee members say they are weighing a plan to fund a six-month infusion into the cash-strapped U.S. Highway Trust Fund that would prevent an election-year construction slowdown. Three members of the panel, including committee Chairman Ron Wyden, told reporters today that lawmakers in both parties want to make sure the trust can meet its obligations through the end of this year as Congress pursues a longer-term measure that includes broader changes to transportation programs. 

House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA) spoke passionately to those gathered at the NAM Shopfloor event about the importance of surface transportation investments to our global competitiveness and the need for a strong federal role to ensure connectivity across the nation, especially as the population grows. While timelines to pass a major surface transportation authorization package could change, successfully addressing the impending Highway Trust Fund shortfall is first and foremost on the mind of the Chairman.

STATE NEWS

More commuters are making use of buses and trains, led by millennials – those 18 to 34 years old — transit advocates said. And one of the reasons seems to be their desire to stay connected to friends and family, to continue working, or to surf the web rather than sit behind the wheel of a car in a sea of traffic. Of 1,000 millennials the American Public Transit Association polled in and around cities, 44 percent said the ability to socialize online was a key advantage that transit held over driving.

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

KANSAS CITY, MO -- According to Liz Rao, vice president and chair public transit services for HNTB Corporation, public transportation is the “final link” in a truly multimodal, modern transportation network. June 19 was National Dump the Pump Day, created by the American Public Transportation Association. In a new viewpoint, published on HNTB’s website, Rao says recent spikes in nationwide public transportation ridership clearly show the day’s relevance. “Successful communities thrive when there is a healthy mix of transportation choices,” she said.

EAU CLAIRE, WI -- Eau Claire Transit will become the first in the U.S. to road test a new system that will help riders in wheelchairs. Q-Straint, a company that secures wheelchairs, showed off a new system that allows bus riders in wheelchairs to fasten themselves in quickly, and independently. The new system which is designed exclusively for city buses allows riders to secure themselves in less than 25 seconds without the help of a bus driver.

TEMPLE, TX -- Drivers on Interstate 35 may be noticing a few changes to how fast they will be allowed to drive. A new pilot program led by TxDOT will be controlling the speed limits on a portion of the highway through Temple.  Officials say the new signs will adjust the speed limit as you are driving to make sure that traffic is flowing, and is never reduced to a stop. The signs will use traffic sensors along the highway to determine what the appropriate speed would be to provide safe road conditions. Speed limits could drop in five mile per hour increments, or in some cases 15 mile per hour increments if traffic is very heavy.

GREENVILLE, SC -- Battery-electric bus manufacturer Proterra Inc. has raised more than $30 million in additional funding to accelerate further deployment of its industry-leading zero-emission EV transit technology. Participation in this round of funding was bolstered by rapidly growing demand for electric vehicles in transit, as well as additional deployments by existing customers, according to the company. Proterra leads the growing EV bus market and has battery-electric transit buses currently in use in cities across the country.

NYPTA TRAINING AND EVENTS

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  

Our Newest Initiative – NYS Public Transit Leadership Institute

Will your agency be ready?  The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports one third of civilian employees working for State and Federal governments will retire in seven to ten years with 34% currently over the age of 50.  It is extremely important that our authorities, agencies and transit systems be able to minimize the leadership voids caused by retirements and other departures.  The Public Transit Leadership Institute (PTLI) will prepare future executives to lead when their time arrives and establish a path for senior managers who aspire to become transit industry leaders. PTLI provides knowledge, training and mentoring to our leaders of tomorrow.  Click here for more information on this exciting new program.

Register online here.

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.