Metro hosts national transit conference & international bus roadeo
Over the next week, King County Metro Transit will host North America’s largest and most comprehensive learning experience for bus and paratransit professionals.
The American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Bus and Paratransit Conference, and the International Bus Roadeo will bring hundreds of people to Seattle to learn about the latest information on critical topics affecting the bus and paratransit industry, participate in technical tours for a behind-the-scenes look at local transit operations, and view cutting-edge vehicles, products and services.
Also at the same time, APTA and the Transportation Research Board (TRB) are co-sponsoring the 2009 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Conference. The BRT Conference concentrates on bus rapid transit issues from theory to practice, and highlights BRT as an effective, affordable alternative for providing enhanced public transportation service in urban environments.
“These conferences and the roadeo are attracting some of the best in the transit industry to Seattle,” said Metro Transit General Manager Kevin Desmond. “Locally, staff from Metro and the region’s other transit agencies are very excited to be able to interact with industry leaders and peers to share ideas and strategies for operating our agencies more successfully.”
William Millar, the president of APTA, said the events held May 1-6 in Seattle are designed to enhance the skills and increase the effectiveness of today’s bus and paratransit workforce. The general sessions, topic workshops, and technical tours help transit workers and managers gain valuable information on critical topics and new solutions.
The bus roadeo will be held this weekend at Metro’s training center in Tukwila. It will feature more than 200 bus drivers and mechanics competing head-to-head on a closed driving course and under the hood. The event is designed to challenge transit employees to keep their skills current, and encourage continued mastery of all aspects of equipment operation while setting an example for the best safety practices.
Metro staffers are also presenting several of the workshops. One of the highlights is a session showcasing how Metro works to create a sustainable transportation system that pollutes less, consumes less imported fossil fuels, and efficiently serves the mobility needs of a growing population. This host session highlights Metro’s efforts in developing hybrid transit vehicles, designing LEED-certified buildings, implementing “clean green” practices, and reducing congestion through innovative transportation demand management programs.
Desmond points out that the APTA conference will offer incredible learning opportunities for local transit agencies and will also provide a big boost to the local economy. According to the Seattle Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, the 1,200 APTA attendees and guests are expected to spend $4.3 million locally on lodging, food, conference support, and entertainment during the six-day event.
