|
Louis J. Gambaccini, New Jersey Transit’s founding Chairman, died at his home in Skillman, NJ, on Sunday, August 19. He was 87.
Gambaccini “helped shape transportation policy and initiated innovative solutions for transit issues during a career that lasted more than five decades,” NJ Transit noted in a statement marking his death. “His long and distinguished career in transportation included tenure in senior management positions in transportation management at several key area agencies.”
Our hearts go out to Lou's family, especially his son Mark, who has long been a pro-transit advocate and passionate supporter of NYPTA.
Monroe Community College (MCC) and Regional Transit Service (RTS) last week announced a new transportation program that provides MCC students with unlimited access to all RTS bus routes in Monroe County, and with direct service between MCC’s Brighton and Downtown campuses beginning in the fall 2018 semester.
The new Universal Pass (U-Pass) program removes a barrier for MCC students, including those living on campus, who struggle to find transportation to campus, internships, jobs, volunteer opportunities and medical appointments. The U-Pass allows students to easily and safely travel anywhere RTS fixed-route bus transportation is provided in Monroe County to take advantage of community resources.
The 16th annual Puerto Rican and Hispanic Day Parade and Festival sponsored by the Hispanic Heritage Counsel was held August 18-19, and NFTA Metro was thrilled to be a part of the festivities again this year.
As part of its participation, Metro provided two "floats" in Saturday's parade; one 40 foot Metro bus driven by Operator Mike Mercado, who also helped organize Metro's participation in the parade, and a new low-floor paratransit van driven by Operator Lance Zee. Both vehicles were accompanied by 25 proud and dedicated Metro employees donning specially designed festival T-shirts. The team walked along in the parade from Niagara Square to LaSalle Park while handing out token Puerto Rico flags and candy to parade-goers of all ages. Later that day, the Metro marching team were thrilled to learn that they had received third place in the float competition.
The New York State Department of Transportation's Public Transportation Safety Board (PTSB) has released a revised PreventabiIity and Information Guide.
The individual guidance per type of occurrence has largely remained the same from the previous edition in circulation, but PTSB has added some information to the guide such as helpful website links, crash reporting requirements, contact information, and BAITFISH information.
Governor Andrew Cuomo faced pressure Thursday from government watchdogs, transportation advocates and environmentalists to sign a bill that creates a transit “lockbox” for the struggling MTA.
The bill, supporters believe, will increase transparency and accountability around Albany budgeting by mandating that dedicated funding could only be diverted from public transit systems by way of new legislation and a publicly available “diversion impact statement” outlining the what’s and why’s of the shifting of funds.
“As everyone knows, our transit systems are in a state of crisis, that we need to assure that they’re well-funded and that the public has confidence that the money dedicated to transit goes to transit,” said John Kaehny, executive director of Reinvent Albany.
NYPTA added its signature to a letter to the Governor urging him to sign the bill.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today announced $84.45 million in grant selections through the Low- or No-Emission (Low-No) Grant program, which funds the deployment of transit buses and infrastructure that use advanced propulsion technologies. Fifty-two projects in 41 states will receive a share of the funding.
“Communities across America will benefit from these investments in their transportation infrastructure,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
Eligible projects include the purchase or lease of buses that are powered by modern systems such as hybrid or battery electric engines, as well as related infrastructure investments such as charging stations.
In more than two dozen cities across the country, transit agencies have partnered with private-sector transportation providers, such as Lyft, Uber and Via, as well as local taxi companies and other mobility providers. These relationships have evolved as agencies seek to grow ridership, burnish their brand and remain relevant amid the pervasive growth of non-traditional, app-based transportation services.
The transit agencies run the spectrum from large to small, and the deals they have struck with transportation network companies like Uber or Lyft have taken a number of creative shapes. Some of those programs remain and are under further development, while others have been closed out for various reasons.
Celebrate the achievements of latest class of Public Transit Leadership Institute graduates as they complete a year of learning to further their careers in the transit industry. The celebration continues as we honor leaders in the public transit industry who will be inducted into the NYPTA Hall of Fame:
 Frank Kobliski
Former Executive Director
CNYRTA
 Hilary Ring
Former Deputy Senior Director
MTA Business Service Center
 Gordon Nevision
Former President
The Nevison Group
 Cynthia Ruiz
Former Transit Director
Dutchess County
Register here today and see why people are excited about the 2018 Public Transit and The Mobility Movement Conference! Register by September 14 and save $100.
|
