The New York State Senate has unanimously approved legislation co-sponsored by State Senator Tom O’Mara to focus state and local attention on the future of public transportation systems in rural New York. Following the Medicaid redesign strategy that changed the dynamic for public transportation in rural areas, O’Mara says his bill seeks to encourage counties and appropriate state agencies to collaborate on rural transportation solutions similar to recent interagency efforts to better address challenges in agriculture and other areas.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone has unveiled an expanded $300 million rapid bus transit plan for new rail and airport terminals he said would more closely tie transit, downtowns and major research centers and create jobs for young workers. “We have the assets and the potential to become one of the most attractive places to live and work in the country.  The I-Zone will provide the necessary infrastructure to leverage our amazing assets so we can keep our kids here and create more high paying jobs,” Bellone said.

The MTA and Operation Lifesaver, Inc., have formed a partnership to promote safety at Metro-North and LIRR railroad crossings and announced that their first initiative was an advertising campaign at the movies, on television, in newspapers, online and on outdoor. The MTA also launched a new safety-focused section of its website and social media hashtag #MTASafety.

Matthew Driscoll, the former mayor of Syracuse, has been confirmed unanimously by the New York State Senate as commissioner of the Department of Transportation. Driscoll most recently served as president and chief executive officer of the state's Environmental Facilities Corporation, a $13 billion fund that offers loans and grants to localities for water and sewage projects.

With MAP-21 operating under another short-term extension, the cry for a new mechanism to fund a long-term bill has never been greater. With new ideas few and far between, though, many believe it may be time for the industry to embrace a changing federal role in funding capital projects.Several consultants discussed how how tapping solutions being used around the world could be the answer to solving the age-old issue of funding.

The American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) and its industry allies are launching advertising campaigns on multiple mediums this week to draw congressional attention to the urgent need to find a permanent solution for the federal Highway Trust Fund (HTF). ARTBA is running a 60-second television ad touting its “Getting Beyond Gridlock” (GBG) proposal. ARTBA said it has also produced a new print ad that will run this week in Capitol Hill publications.

Boston, Ma -- According to a recent study from the Barr Foundation, Boston should push for a bus rapid transit system with more exclusive bus lanes separated from mainstream traffic, prepaid fare collection, and enclosed stations. “For a number of high-demand corridors, BRT could provide fast, comfortable, reliable service at lower cost than alternatives,” the report said. “Investment in BRT elsewhere in the United States has shown that on average, BRT can be seven times more affordable than light rail, per mile.”

Honolulu, HI -- Honolulu-based architecture company, Group 70 International, is working on putting retired city buses to use in an amazing and inspirational way. The company is looking to convert five retired buses into homeless shelters. It has been noted that the buses still run smoothly, but they have been retired because they racked up too many miles. Each bus will serve a specific purpose. While one bus will serve as the facility for restrooms and showers, another will be equipped with beds. Group 70 International gained its inspiration for this project from a nonprofit in San Francisco that also turned buses into restrooms and shelters.

NYS Public Transit CONNECTIONS Conference: Sponsorships and Exhibit Booths Now Available!

Don’t miss this opportunity to get connected at the largest annual gathering of public transportation managers and professionals in New York State, October 27-29 in Rochester.

Sponsors, here is a great chance to increase your visibility and show your support of New York Public Transit

Exhibitors, tell your story to more than 200 transit professionals and make valuable CONNECTIONS!

Register now to get prime sponsorship opportunities and prime expo locations!

More Sponsorship information and registration here.

More Expo information and registration here.

National RTAP Webinar:
Integrated National Transit Database Analysis System - Rural Transit Module

TOMORROW, Wednesday Jun 24, 2015 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT

You may have used the Integrated National Transit Database Analysis System (INTDAS) for urban transit systems. Now you can conduct similar analysis with rural and tribal transit systems. This webinar will introduce you to the INTDAS and how to use the new rural transit module. Albert Gan, Ph.D. Professor of Engineering at Florida International University will be the presenter and tour guide to show you how easy it is to access and analyze Rural NTD data using this module.

Register here.