APTA Holds Transit Board Members and Board Administrators Seminars

MORE THAN 150 PUBLIC TRANSIT professionals convened in Birmingham, AL, July 15-18 for APTA’s Transit Board Members and Board Administrators seminars. The Birmingham – Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) hosted the events, which offered peer exchange, professional development and insights on policy and board governance for public transportation agencies. 

APTA Chair Dorval R. Carter, Jr, president, Chicago Transit Authority, noted that while “all our agencies come in all shapes and sizes, we all face similar challenges as well as benefit from common opportunities.” He discussed the challenges of ridership, the need to invest in workforce development and recent federal funding for transit.

In addressing attendees, APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas said, “This is our moment to re-invent public transportation and I thank you for your hard work! As we move forward, APTA will continue to make sure that your agencies are aware of the latest and most impactful practices and to provide the best advocacy, policy guidance, technical support and educational opportunities that we can. We are here to help you navigate complex issues and advocate on your behalf at the federal level.” 

Also speaking were Doug Tisdale, chair, APTA Transit Board Members Committee, board director and past chair, Regional Transportation District, Denver, CO; and Kathryn Jane Smith, chair, APTA Transit Board Administrators Committee, board liaison, Jacksonville Transportation Authority, Jacksonville, FL. 

For transit board members and administrators, this annual seminar is the one time of year where they can get together and delve more deeply into a host of issues that are being addressed within their own agencies and boards, expand their transit and governance knowledge and strengthen relationships. 

In addition to informational sessions, attendees had the opportunity to learn about Birmingham’s rich history. “BJCTA is excited to host events at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and City Walk during the seminar,” said CEO Charlotte Shaw. “One of our proudest moments will be providing a guided tour of the Birmingham Xpress (BX), Alabama’s first Bus Rapid Transit system. As a result of our growth and all that Birmingham has to offer, APTA decided to come to the Magic City this year.” 

Mayor Randall L. Woodfin also welcomed guests. “The Magic City is honored to serve as hosts for the American Public Transportation Association’s Transit Board Members and Administrators seminars,” he said. “Birmingham shares BJCTA’s commitment to public transit and the urgent need to keep our communities connected. The spirit of collaboration fostered at this event will continue to move us forward for generations to come.”