IT'S TRANSIT AWARENESS DAY!

Transit managers and personnel from across New York State, riders, businesses and labor will be gathering today for NYPTA’s annual Transit Awareness Day in the Well of the Legislative Office Building (LOB). The Invest in Transit rally will emphasize the direct link between vibrant public transit and a healthy state economy, and the critical need for state investment in public transit and infrastructure.

The pro-transit event will include the Invest in Transit rally, meetings with lawmakers, a legislative reception, and Transit Means Business displays. NYPTA is pleased to once again partner with the NYS Transportation Equity Alliance (NYSTEA) and the Transit Workers Union (TWU) to come together and present a unified voice to communicate the importance of a strong state investment in public transportation. This year, New Yorkers for Active Transportation are also joining the effort.

Transit ridership is on the rise across the state, and the demand for more service is growing. “Transit systems both upstate and downstate are being asked to provide more service to meet the growing demand from customers,” said Carm Basile, President of NYPTA and CEO of the Capital District Transportation Authority. “Investment in transit will ensure more reliable service and create jobs.”

“The MTA moves 8.7 million customers a day, and they are counting on us to renew, enhance and expand the railroad, subway and bus network they rely on every day,” said MTA Chairman and CEO Thomas Prendergast. “The cost of maintaining and modernizing our century-old system is significant, but the cost of failing to keep New York moving would be dire.”

The Invest in Transit rally begins at 12:00 noon.

TRANSIT AWARENESS DAY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Tuesday, February 3

11am-6:30pm Transit Means Business Display (The Well)
12pm Invest in Transit! Rally (The Well)
1-4pm Film Festival (The Well)
1-4:30pm Legislative Appointments
4:30-6:30pm Legislative Presentation & Reception (The Well)

Wednesday, February 4

10am–4:00pm Legislative appointments

INVEST IN TRANSIT RALLY SPEAKERS

Carm Basile, NYPTA President, CEO, CDTA; Master of Ceremonies
Sen. Joseph Robach
Assemblyman James Brennan
NYSDOT Commissioner Joan McDonald
Tom Prendergast, Chairman & CEO, MTA
Veronica Vanterpool, Ex.Director, Tri-State Transportation Campaign
Kevin Corbett, Co-Chair, Empire State Transportation Alliance
Kevin Dawason, Regional Sales Manager, Nova Bus
Dave Delforte and Ed Gallagher, Sales Managers, Shepard Bros. Inc.
Chris Boylan, Director, Governmental and Strategic Partnerships, General Contractors Association of New York
Latonya Crisp Sauray, Recording Secretary, TWU Local 100 

FILM FESTIVAL DETAILS WIDE RANGING EFFECTS OF PUBLIC TRANSIT

Following the rally, videos will be shown throughout the afternoon showcasing the many different ways public transit improves the lives of its riders and the communities it serves. From economic growth, to environmental improvements, to innovative transit programs around the world, to personal, human interest stories of public transit bettering the lives of riders, the videos underscore the value of public transportation.

T-Shirts                                                                                Signage and Posters

Silver Level

Bronze Level 

Custom Sponsor
Hanover Displays

Supporters

American Seating Company
ARC of Otsego County
Association Development Group, Inc.
Avail Technologies
BAE Systems
Bombardier Transportation
Capital District Transportation Authority
City of Long Beach
Creighton Manning Engineering
Ecolane
Greater Glens Falls Transit System
GTS Inc. - I/O Controls
Hudson Transit/Shortline
The Institute for Human Services Inc.
Johnston & Pulcher Inc.
Kelderman Manufacturing
Luminator Technology Group
MGM Brakes
The Nevison Group
Newburgh Beacon Bus Corporation
Nova Bus/Prevost
Oswego County Opportunities, Inc.
Regional Transit Service
Schenectady County Chapter NYSARC Inc.
Stewart & Stevenson Power Products, LLC-Atlantic Division
Westmatic Corp.                                            

NYPTA TESTIFIES AT JOINT LEGISLATIVE BUDGET HEARING

On January 29, Carm Basile, NYPTA President and CEO of the Capital District Transportation Authority, and Frank Kobliski, Executive Director of the Central New York Regional Transportation Authority, presented testimony before the Senate Finance Committee & the Assembly Ways and Means Committee hearing on the proposed 2015-1016 state Executive Budget. Read Carm Basile’s testimony here. Read Frank Kobliski’s testimony here.