Transit News from the SWTA Nation 12.10.2021

December 10, 2021

Kansas City transit leaders discuss infrastructure upgrades with President Biden

The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) hosted a visit by President Joe Biden on December 8, discussing key transit provisions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation (BIL). In the photo above, the President serves as guide for KCATA CEO Robbie Makinen during the visit. Learn more here.

Creating More Opportunities to Learn Native History

The flag-raising and land acknowledgment by Booker T. Washington students were a powerful way to conclude Native American Heritage Month. Across Oklahoma, students need a deeper understanding of where they live and the history of that community. It’s important that they learn more about the culture and history of Cherokee Nation here on the Cherokee Nation Reservation.

Tulsa Public Schools is currently reviewing its curriculum, as quality school systems do. We hope it includes efforts to teach more Native history -- and most importantly, accurate history. Just as important as knowing the history, students should understand how their day-to-day lives are greatly impacted by tribal nations, now and in the future. Read More

EMBARK Reveals Branding for Upcoming Bus Rapid Transit System

The Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority Board of Trustees recently approved “RAPID” as the name for EMBARK’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system that is expected to begin service in late 2023. Recently, the board received the final brand package for RAPID that includes a logo and other conceptual elements for the vehicle and platform.

Workforce Solutions East Texas Board Honored with $200,000 Grant for Future Excellence in Innovation

Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) was awarded a grant for future excellence in innovation during the recent 24th annual Texas Workforce Conference in Houston. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) awarded WSET and South Texas, Northeast Texas, Gulf Coast, and North Texas Workforce Development Boards, each a $200,000 award. These funds will allow each board to create permanent programs, building upon some best innovative practices initiated and implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read More

Be sure to check out our initial agenda & list of workshop sessions, and secure your spot at the first major transit conference of 2022. Also, we're excited to host a fun & slightly-competitive tournament on the 1st day of the conference (Feb. 22); just add the Top Golf Tournament "Extras" when registering.

Tune in on Jan. 11 2022 and you'll learn:

How agencies benefit from Service Alerts (hear from agencies like yours)
Why your riders need service alerts
The anatomy of a Service Alert
How to efficiently "Create Once, Publish Everywhere"
How to publish a Service Alerts feed (SimplifyTransit Alerts demo)
Best practices for translation, images and workflow

SWTA Nation Job Postings

Colorado DOT: Transit & Rail Deputy Director
ETCOG: Transit Road Supervisor
VIA: Multiple Openings
Valley Metro: Operations Program Coordinator
NCRTD: Grants & Projects Specialist
City of Amarillo: Bus Operator
City of Amarillo: Dispatcher/Route Supervisor