August 25, 2022

New Orleans RTA launches FLEX on-demand pilot program to increase service for riders with disabilities in New Orleans East


The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) announced the launch of the FLEX pilot program. The 12-month pilot will allow current RTA paratransit clients living in East New Orleans to book on-demand services within Orleans Parish. The project seeks to provide enhanced mobility and connectivity for residents of East New Orleans with plans for future expansion to other areas around the city.

"The RTA Board of Commissioners is excited for the launch of the FLEX pilot," said Mark Raymond, Jr., RTA Board Chair. "This pilot will allow residents of East New Orleans with low incomes, seniors, and persons with disabilities to assist with making vital transportation connections that are often inaccessible due to distance. This pilot is an example of the Board's commitment to prioritize that all riders have equitable transit services no matter their mobility needs." Read More

KCATA interim CEO brings new ideas to city for efficient transit


After the forced resignation of Robbie Makinen, Frank White III was selected on Aug. 8 as the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority's interim CEO and president. White said his focus is providing an efficient, reliable transportation for Kansas Citians across seven counties, each with different needs. He said he'll fulfill these goals by supporting transportation planners, operators and riders, which will translate into dependable services. Before becoming interim CEO, White worked as vice president of RideKC Development Corporation. White says he hopes to permanently occupy the role as head of the KCATA.

SWTA call for website assets 

The new SWTA website process is well underway and we are excited to provide our members with a


DART welcomes Charles Cato as new DART chief of police

Charles Cato has been selected as the new chief of police at Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART).  A public safety executive with almost 33 years of law enforcement and leadership experience, Cato will direct and oversee the DART Police Department including sworn officers, emergency preparedness, security services and related functions to carry out safety, security and emergency preparedness initiatives. 

"We are very excited to welcome a compassionate leader and true public servant like Chief Cato to the DART team," said Nadine S. Lee, president and CEO, DART. "His exemplary background in law enforcement, as well as his experience in developing and expanding cross-agency collaborations, provides our police department and the entire agency fresh perspectives for enhancing security in the transit system as we continue to serve the residents of the North Texas region." Read More

Houston Metro cuts ribbon on newest rideshare option

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Houston Metro) launched a new rideshare program in southwest Houston. Metro Board of Directors Chair Sanjay Ramabhadran, along with board members Diann Lewter, Troi Taylor, Christopher Hollins and Houston Metro President and CEO Tom Lambert, joined community leaders and elected officials to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of METRO's 314 Hiram Clarke curb2curb service. The on-demand rideshare service will officially launch Aug. 21, 2022, and offer area residents a personalized and affordable transportation option within a designated zone. The service also allows customers to connect to the broader METRO transit network. Read More

Six Across SWTA Nation Recognized in Mass Transit Magazine's 40 Under 40


Six transit industry leaders and professionals from transit agencies and organizations across SWTA's eight-state region were recognized in Mass Transit Magazine's 2022 40 Under 40 edition. These include SWTA Secretary-Treasurer Chris Mandrell (Citibus – Lubbock), Denver RTD's Chessy Brady, AICP, Flagstaff Mountain Line's Ace Everett, Capital Metro's Martin Kareithi, Univ. of Texas-Arlington associate professor Sharareh (Sherri) Kermanshachi, Ph.D, and Rebecca Tahchawwickah of Comanche Nation Transit.


Congrats to these emerging leaders!

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