October 13, 2022

Join the Southwest Transit Association and Spare for a conversation with two transit leaders who have successfully run paratransit services: Chris Mandrell, General Manager at Citibus in Texas, and Ben Schutzman, Chief of Staff, Highland Electric; former Chief of Paratransit Services at Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.

SWTA October Webinar: How to Make the Most Out of Your Paratransit Fleet

Wednesday, Oct 19, 2022 – 1:00 PM (Central)

When you combine technology solutions with flexible vehicle and driver options, you can run your paratransit service more efficiently while managing costs. In this webinar, our panel will share actionable insights and real-world examples of how to improve paratransit operational efficiencies, expand service reach, and create an inclusive rider experience.

Presented by Spare.

VIA Metropolitan dedicates new operations and maintenance facility

VIA Metropolitan Transit leaders were joined by federal and local stakeholders on Oct. 5, 2022, to officially dedicated the new VIA Operations Center and Maintenance Facility (VTOC). The 11-acre property located at 4902 Fredericksburg Road was designed to house VIA operations and fleet maintenance.

Upon opening last month, VTOC became the first facility of its kind built by VIA, for VIA, in the history of the agency, and the first maintenance and operations center for public transit to open in San Antonio in more than 75 years. The building is a former retail store and later, a popular nightclub before VIA bought and repurposed it to service VIA’s paratransit fleet and operations with vehicle fueling, detailing and washing stations, underground oil tanks and water capture technology, loading docks, vehicle maintenance bays and office and exercise space for employees. VIA's paratransit service is used by customers who cannot utilize the fixed-route bus system, due to a disability or impairment. Read More

Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has named North Central Regional Transit

District (NCRTD) as a 2020 Triple Crown Winner.

GFOA's Triple Crown designation recognizes governments who have received GFOA's Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting or Canadian Award for Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, and Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for a fiscal year. North Central Regional Transit District is one of just 317 governments that received the Triple Crown for fiscal year 2020.

The Triple Crown designation represents a significant achievement. To qualify, each entity must meet the high standards of all three separate award programs. Each award program recognizes governments that produce reports which communicate their financial stories in a transparent manner and meet applicable standards.

Input Sought on Cheyenne - Northern Colorado Transit System

Transportation officials are working to establish a reliable regional transit connection between Cheyenne and northern Colorado and are asking for the public's feedback. Cheyenne Metropolitan Planning Organization Director Tom Mason says the fact that roughly 23% of the vehicle trips that cross the Wyoming-Colorado border via Interstate 25 and U.S. 85 every day originate and end in Cheyenne and NoCo shows a need for the connection. Read More

GoBus Director, Vince Huerta, named President of Texas Transit Association

The East Texas Council of Governments is pleased to announce its Director of Transportation, Vince Huerta, has been elected the Board President of the Texas Transit Association (TTA). Vince will also serve as TTA's representative to the SWTA Board of Directors. "I am elated to serve as the new President of TTA for my first term," said Huerta. "I am eager to begin working with our rural, small urban, and large urban transit providers to create new and updated benefits for our membership, potential recruits, and constituents. As a seasoned transit manager and longtime member of TTA, I believe I can provide a fresh perspective on how our organization engages with its members. Together we will be able to expand our network and provide the representation Texas Transit deserves."

TTA’s purpose is to educate the people of Texas about issues affecting the public transit industry within the state. Additionally, TTA actively supports public transportation in the State of Texas and works with members of the state legislature in the pursuit of additional resources to support public transportation. Read More

VIA Metropolitan Transit passes $406.6 million FY23 budget

VIA Metropolitan Transit’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget keeps the agency focused on improvements for mobility in San Antonio, with service adjustments and innovations, and advancing Keep San Antonio Moving (KSAM) projects, including two Advanced Rapid Transit corridors and two new VIA Link zones, designed to move more people faster and farther.

VIA’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved the FY23 Operating Budget and Five-Year Capital Plan on Oct. 4, 2022. The total consolidated budget in FY23 is $406.6 million ($274 million operating, $132.6 million capital) with no fare increases. The new fiscal year begins October 1. Read More

Cottonwood Area Transit (Ariz.) Begins Service to Jerome

It was business as usual as the Cottonwood Area Transit bus rolled through town last week. It was the first bus on CAT’s new route to Jerome.

The bus will be a one-day-a week, three-times-a-day route to the tiny community of just over 400 residents. It’s on CAT’s red route, which travels through Clarkdale and Cottonwood and will stop in three places in Jerome to pick up and drop off passengers. Read More

DART Bus Operator And Police Officer Hiring Event On October 15

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will host a hiring event for Bus Operators, Police Officers and Fare Enforcement Officers on Saturday, October 15, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at DART Headquarters, 1401 Pacific Avenue, Dallas. With DART's redesigned bus network providing longer service hours, as well as better access to jobs, DART is hiring passionate and motivated bus student operators. In addition to a starting pay of $21.13/hour, DART offers a competitive benefits package including paid training, medical coverage after 30 days, pension plan and 401(k) contributions after 180 days, and opportunities for advancement. Read More

CURRENT SWTA NATION JOB OPENINGS

CURRENT RFP & RFQ's

Recording: SWTA's Fall 2022 Legislative Committee Meeting – Watch Here

FTA Announces Fiscal Year 2022 Tribal Transit Project Selections – Read More (5 recipients across the SWTA Nation!)

USDOT launches 'TIFIA 49' to advance more transit infrastructure projects – Read More

Supply chain, inflation issues threaten small bus market – Read More

SAVE THE DATE: SWTA's 2023 Annual Conference & Expo – February 22-25, 2023

Aurora, CO

Initial Details Available Here

South West Transit Association | www.swta.org