TRANSIT SYSTEM NEWS

The New York State Fair opens this week and Centro will once again be operating its popular Park-N-Ride Express service to the Fair from August 21 - September 1, 2014. Express service buses depart regularly from 16 Park-N-Ride locations across Onondaga, Cayuga and Oswego Counties and will transport customers directly to the NYS Fair’s Main Gate. Express Service locations and other information is available on the Centro website, www.centro.org.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) teamed to install new wayfinding maps throughout the city, making it easier for subway customers to orient themselves and learn what a neighborhood has to offer as they step out of a subway station. The next generation of the subway system’s helpful neighborhood map is being installed in all 468 subway stations.

Lives will be saved. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has been testing several “track intrusion” detection systems at a secret location — featuring thermal imaging cameras, laser-beam transmitters and other high-tech tools intended to alert the motorman if someone falls on the tracks.The tests have gone so well, transit executives now expect to begin installing one or more of the systems in subway stations during the 2015-2019 capital program, officials told the Daily News.

STATE NEWS

New York's relatively cheap transportation options help to make living in the Big Apple easier on the wallet compared to other cities, a report released Tuesday said. New York has the lowest annual transportation costs in the nation at about $5,752, and 56% of residents don't own a car, making it the only city where a majority of its population doesn't drive. "It's the MTA that makes New York City more affordable, and New Yorkers should recognize the importance of adequately maintaining and funding our public transit system," Charles Brecher, the CBC's consulting research director said in a statement.

FEDERAL NEWS

The Obama administration announced Thursday that it will give $55 million to 31 projects that aim to improve electric vehicle technology and increase fuel efficiency for other vehicles. Nineteen of the projects funded by the Department of Energy (DOE) are part of the Obama administration’s efforts to reduce plug-in electric vehicle prices to the level of combustion vehicles by 2022.

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials has created a first of its kind design guide to help transportation planners successfully integrate transit facilities into the roadway environment. The Guide for Geometric Design of Transit Facilities on Highways and Streets is a user-friendly publication that provides a single, comprehensive reference of current best-practices for a wide range of transit facilities including: buses, high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, streetcars, and light rail transit systems.

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

WASHINGTON, DC - The average annual savings for public transit riders was $10,064, according to the American Public Transportation Association's (APTA) August Transit Savings Report. Individuals who ride public transportation instead of driving can also save, on average, more than $839 this month, according to the report. The savings are based on the cost of commuting by public transportation compared to the cost of owning and driving a vehicle, which includes the average national gas price of $3.47 per gallon — reported by AAA — and the national unreserved monthly parking rate numbers.

SEATTLE, WA - King County Metro Transit has begun laying the groundwork for anywhere between 45,000 and 100,000 low-income residents to get a discounted fare card, good for $1.50 a bus trip, starting in March.The mushy estimate of how many might qualify speaks to the fact that this is relatively uncharted territory. Metro says it’s only the second big U.S. transit agency, after San Francisco, to offer low-income discounts, though reduced fares for seniors, student and disabled riders have been available for years.

NYPTA TRAINING AND EVENTS

2014 NY PUBLIC TRANSIT FALL CONFERENCE & EXPO

                REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN                                                                             
    Don't wait! Save $100 by registering by August 27th

The New York Public Transit SOLUTIONS Conference & Expo is the State's largest annual gathering of public transportation managers and professionals and the premier source for professional development.Multiple education tracks providing outstanding learning opportunities, networking time to share ideas with your colleagues on industry’s hottest topics and a marketplace to see the latest products and services make this the state’s public transportation premier event. Take advantage of valuable savings — Register now.

This Week's Program Highlight

The Maintenance & Operation Solution Track from 1:45-4 pm on Wednesday, September 17th will be held on the show floor and feature discussions on important maintenance and operation topics presented by professionals who deal with these challenges on a daily basis. 

Check out these sessions:

• Vehicle Lift Safety & the Transit Fleet Manager’s Responsibilities

• Advanced Safety and Maintenance Technologies for Air Disc Brake Equipped Transit Buses

• Improving Battery Performance

• Leveraging New Technology for Smarter Transit

• Is CNG in Your Future?  What you need to know now

New! Maintenance Expo Pass | Wednesday, September 17th |1:45-6pm
Bring your maintenance staff to preview the latest developments and innovations in public transit products, services and technologies from close to 50 business partners and vehicle displays.  Maintenance specific education sessions are being held on the show floor.  
Expo Pass - $75/person     To learn more about the Fall Conference, visit www.nypublictransit2014solutions.org. 

NYS Public Transit Leadership Institute     LAST CALL     Deadline Friday August 22    Register Today!

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. This is the last call! The deadline is this Friday, August 22, so click here for more information on this exciting new program. Register online here or call Mike Cocca at 518.434.9060.