Over 300 transit professionals gathered in Albany last week for the NYS Public Transit Industry's Transit, Technology & Smarter Communities Conference & Expo. The program - packed conference included keynote presentations from MTA CEO & Chairman,Tom Prendergast, Acting Region II Administrator, Henrika Buchanan-Smith, APTA's Senior Director of Government Affairs, Andrew Brady, and NYSDOT CFO, Ronald Epstein. 

A conference highlight was the recognition of outgoing NYPTA President Carm Basile (CEO of CDTA) for his six years of outstanding service. During his time as President, Carm was   instrumental in reversing the decline of state aid and helped secure over $2.6 billion in additional state operating assistance for NY transit systems. Carm had a great relationship with area legislators as well as leaders of the Senate and Assembly. Carm’s ability to build and maintain relationships on all levels of government served NYPTA very well.  Over the years, Carm attended scores of meetings with state leaders’ in the Governor's Office, DOT, DOB, and the State Legislature to educate them on transit issues and needs, and the importance of transit to communities and economic growth. Under Carm’s leadership, NYPTA implemented new leadership programs, launched our new website and social media strategy, created the Maintenance Directors Network and increased corporate involvement. Carm changed the conversation from one that focused on all the challenges that transit faces to one that acknowledges the importance of our industry and its positive impact on Communities and quality of life.