MTA New York City Transit has begun to test new technologies aimed at improving safety for drivers, bus customers and pedestrians. The 60-day tests of pedestrian turn warning and collision avoidance systems will determine if a full pilot of one or both systems can proceed in 2016. “These initiatives are an integral part of our commitment to continually improve our safety performance,” said Darryl Irick, Senior Vice President, NYC Transit Department of Buses and President of MTA Bus.

The Niagara Falls International Airport welcomed its one millionth passenger. Bill and Anna Egbert of Summerfield, FL. arrived courtesy of Allegiant, on a flight from Sanford, FL. Technically, the Egberts are ‘one million’ and ‘one million and one.’ They accepted the honor as a couple and received round trip tickets for a future flight. Vice Chairman Henry M. Sloma was on hand to officially recognize the one millionth passenger, particularly fitting because he was passenger number one out of the terminal in December, 2009.

The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) is joining the American Cancer Society in its fight against breast cancer. CDTA will turn one seat pink on each of its BusPlus buses as a way to bring attention to the disease during the month of October.  In addition to the pink seats on BusPlus vehicles, a pink hangtag will offer facts and information leading up to the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on October 18th in Albany’s Washington Park.

The American Road & Transportation Builders Association’s Transportation Development Foundation (ARTBA-TDF) Sept. 30 honored a former chief engineer for New York City Transit Authority with a “Women Leaders in Transportation Design & Construction” award. Connie Crawford, NYCTA’s first female chief engineer, was cited for her outstanding leadership, long-term service in the industry’s public or private sectors and dedication to the advancement of innovation and other women leaders.

Volvo celebrated the groundbreaking of new customer delivery center serving Nova Bus and Prevost in Plattsburgh, New York. Volvo is investing to sustain the growth and competitiveness of Nova Bus and Prevost. The construction project for a new bus customer delivery center will enhance clients’ experience in Plattsburgh.

A new long-range transportation plan for Broome and Tioga counties' metro areas has been approved, setting goals for the region over the next quarter-century. The Binghamton Metropolitan Transportation Study's policy committee adopted the plan, which includes ensuring access to public transportation, biking and sidewalk infrastructure.

The federal transportation secretary said officials were taking important initial steps to accelerate long-stalled plans to build a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River. Anthony Foxx said federal officials would shorten the timeline for approving permits and would discuss federal grants and other financing options with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the agency that could be designated to oversee the project.

Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin said Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) should bring a long-term highway bill up for a vote before he leaves office. Boehner has announced that he is resigning his Speakership at the end of October.  Boehner has made clear that he wants to "clear the decks" for his successor as Speaker, who is widely presumed to be Rep. Kevin McCarth(R-Calif.). McCarthy, meanwhile, has vowed to pass a long-term highway bill early in his tenure as Speaker if Boehner does not.

New Jersey Transportation Commissioner Jamie Fox, who returned to the job to renew the state Transportation Trust Fund a year ago, is leaving the job  to return to the private sector. Gov. Chris Christie announced Fox's departure and that Deputy Commissioner Joseph Bertoni will take over as Acting Commissioner. Christie spokesman Kevin Roberts declined to comment beyond the release.

NYS Public Transit Industry CONNECTIONS Conference & Expo
October 27-29 | Rochester, NY

Three weeks to go! Register today to take advantage of the amazing value the NYPTA Fall Conference offers for your investment:

• Discover new bus and van displays and the latest transit products and services at the CONNECTIONS Expo.
• Expand your knowledge through active participation during educational sessions including an expanded mobility management track, new maintenance talk sessions and leadership centered topics. 
• Be motivated by an amazing slate of speakers
• Tour the new Rochester Transit System (RTS).
• Celebrate with your peers by applauding the Hall of Fame inductees.
• Don't miss out on all these benefits and more!  Register here!
• Hotel Reservations

Have you made your room reservation? The NYPTA block of rooms is filling up fast! Make your reservation at the Rochester Hyatt by calling 888-421-1442. 

To learn more about the Annual Conference, visit www.nystransitconference.org. 

For questions regarding registration, contact NYPTA at 518-434-9060 or email info@nytransit.org.

Thank You Exhibitors  (Sponsors in bold.   = Bus display)

• ABT Products & Services Ltd • Altro Transflor • American Seating Co. •  AMETEK Rotron Industrial and Technical Products • Apollo Video Technology • BAE Systems/HybriDrive Propulsion System • Benzaiten, LLC • Braunability • Clever Devices, LTD • ConSysTec • Doron Precision Systems, Inc. • Ecolane • Empire Bus Sales LLC • FAAC • Fenton Mobility Products   • Freedman Seating Co. • Gillig, LLC  • GIRO, Inc. • GTS, Inc. • Hanover Displays, Inc. • IBI Group • Kelderman Manufacturing • Luminator Technology Group • McDonald Transit Associates  • MGM Brakes • Motor Coach Industries, Inc. • Muncie Transit Parts/ABC Companies • New Flyer of America  •  Nova Bus  • Onspot Automatic Tire Chains • Protran Technology • Q'Straint/Sure-Lok    RouteMatch Software • Seifert Transite Graphics • Seon • Shepard Bros.,Inc. • SPX Genfare • Stewart & Stevenson Power Products LLC-Atlantic Division / PENN Commercial Vechicle Solutions  • Syncromatics • TAPTCO • The Nevison Group • The RCA Rubber Company • Transit Marketing Group • Urban Engineers of NY, PC • Urban Solar Corp. • USSC Group • Voith Turbo, Inc. • Wendel Companies • Westmatic • White Associates • XL Hybrids