American Public Transportation Association

08/15/2024

Check out the newly updated preliminary program for APTA's TRANSform and register by Friday to get the early-bird discount for the industry's premier conference, September 29 - October 2, in Anaheim, CA.

Educational sessions will explore cutting-edge hot topics, including:

+ Transformative technology,
+ Community building,
+ Innovative funding and finance,
+ Safety and security,
+ Workforce development,
+ Mental health awareness,
+ Worldwide mega projects, and more!

Learn more and register now > https://conta.cc/46IcVxF

is hosted locally by the OCTA, and presented by HNTB.

08/15/2024

Public transit agencies function best when the diversity of their workforce represents the communities they serve—yet research finds mismatched representation, with fewer women and people of color in leadership positions and an overconcentration of men and people of color in operational roles.

Join APTA and Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) on September 3, for a webinar "Who Works in Transit? Establishing a Baseline of Transit Workforce Diversity"

This webinar is based on an MTI Research Snaps report and the report authors will share the latest data on racial, ethnic, and gender diversity in the U.S. transit workforce. They will also dive into promising practices to help transit agencies attract and retain staff who reflect and embrace the vibrant diversity of their communities.

Presenters:
+ Asha Weinstein Agrawal, PhD, Research Associate & Education Director, MTI
+ Evelyn Blumenberg, PhD, Professor; Director, Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies in the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs
+ Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris, PhD, Distinguished Professor; Interim Dean, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, and Professor of Urban Planning, UCLA
Moderator: Karen Philbrick, PhD, Executive Director, MTI

*0.5 PDH credit available

Don't miss this webinar, register now > https://transweb.sjsu.edu/events/Who-Works-Transit-Establishing-Baseline-Transit-Workforce-Diversity

08/12/2024

We are pleased to announce a new APTA Workforce Summit keynote speaker, Randy Clarke!

Randy Clarke joined Metro Forward (WMATA) as General Manager and CEO in July 2022.

He’s not just Metro’s GM/CEO; he’s also a customer who uses the service every day. The insight Randy gets from his daily rides helps him learn from the workforce so he can lead Metro to innovate and improve on behalf of customers.

Before joining Metro, Randy served more than four years as President and CEO of CapMetro in Austin, Texas, where he helped secure one of the country’s largest voter-approved transit referendums. The initiative, called Project Connect, resulted in a multi-billion-dollar infusion for CapMetro’s capital program.

At the August 21-23, Workforce Summit, attendees will exchange ideas and best practices and learn about successful strategies for recruiting, reskilling, and retaining the public transit workforce. See the program here > https://bit.ly/APTAworkforce24

The Workforce Innovation Showcase will spotlight innovative products, services, and organizations that support workforce development.

Clarke joins a diverse lineup of renowned speakers representing all facets of workforce management and executive leadership. See the full list of 44 speakers at https://bit.ly/APTAworkforce24

Register now and get ready to be a part of > https://bit.ly/APTAworkforce24

About the Workforce Summit Workforce Summit | Washington DC | August 21-23, 2024 Join your colleagues for APTA's first ever 2.5 day Workforce Summit! APTA members will exchange ideas and best practices and learn about successful strategies for recruiting, reskilling, and retaining the public

08/09/2024

APTA's Sustainability/ Operations Planning & Scheduling Workshop is August 18-21, in Washington, DC, and we're pleased to highlight:
+ Three keynote speakers
+ A newly added light-rail technical tour and
+ The in-demand ISI ENV SP training workshop

Learn more about these features below, plus look forward to 17 educational sessions in the program, multiple networking opportunities, tabletop product displays, and more!

Keynote Speakers:
+ Ann Shikany, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy
U.S. Department of Transportation
+ April Rai, President and CEO, Conference Of Minority Transportation Officials - COMTO
+ Jeffrey Roux, Division Chief, Systems Planning and Analysis, Federal Transit Administration (FTA)

New Tour Added: Purple Line Ops:
The workshop offers 11 technical tours to expose you to new ideas! The latest option is the Maryland Transit Administration’s Purple Line Operations Maintenance Facility Tour on Wednesday, August 21 from 1:30-4:30 pm.

Construction is in full swing on the Purplelinemd Light Rail Project, and the first light rail vehicles have been delivered to the Glenridge Operations Maintenance Facility (OMF). See this new facility that will be the heart of the 16-mile, 21 station Purple Line light rail corridor. The OMF will house the Operations Control Center and service and maintain the light rail fleet, made up of the longest light rail vehicles in North America at 142-feet each. This tour is ADA accessible and participants are required to wear closed-toe shoes.

Sustainability Professional Credential Training:
Sign up to attend the in-person Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP) credential training workshop taking place prior to the start of APTA's 2024 Sustainability/ Operations, Planning and Scheduling Workshop.

You will have an opportunity to obtain your ENV SP credentials while learning from other transit and sustainability professionals. This Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure training workshop will take place over two half days (Saturday, August 17, 1:00-5:30 pm; and Sunday, August 18, 7:30 am-noon) at the Metro Forward (WMATA) headquarters in Washington DC.

Make your plans now to attend the premier forum for advancing cutting-edge practices in public transportation sustainability, planning, and scheduling.

Sign up for now and we look forward to seeing you in DC > https://bit.ly/APTAsustainabilityOPS24

08/08/2024

In July, both the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations marked up the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill (THUD Appropriations bill).

The House THUD Appropriations bill (H.R. 9028) significantly cuts public transit and passenger rail below the authorized funding levels of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It cuts public transit investment by $1.3 billion and passenger rail investment by $263 million from last year’s funding levels. The House THUD Appropriations bill passed on a party-line vote of 31-26.

Conversely, the Senate THUD Appropriations bill (S. 4796) provides the overwhelming majority of public transit and passenger rail investments authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It increases public transit investment by $440 million and passenger rail investment by $441 million from last year’s funding levels. The Senate THUD Appropriations bill passed on an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 28-1.

APTA strongly encourages you to urge your Representatives and Senators to honor the promise of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and fully fund public transit and passenger rail in the FY 2025 THUD Appropriations bill.

Here are four things you can do to make a difference > https://www.apta.com/advocacy-legislation-policy/legislative-updates-alerts/updates/urgent-action-needed-urge-members-of-congress-to-fully-fund-the-bipartisan-infrastructure-law/

08/08/2024

Do you live along the North East Corridor? There is so much, so close! It's not too late to join us at APTA's Workforce Summit in Washington, DC, August 21-23. Register today and get ready to exchange ideas and best practices and learn about successful strategies for recruiting, reskilling, and retaining the public transit workforce.

Plus, the Workforce Innovation Showcase will spotlight products, services, and organizations that support workforce development.

Learn more and register for > https://bit.ly/APTAworkforce24

08/07/2024

APTA is pleased to announce an 11th technical tour at APTA's 2024 Sustainability/ Operations Planning & Scheduling Workshop, August 18-21, in Washington, DC. Join planners, schedulers, and sustainability professionals for an event featuring 117 scheduled speakers, including keynoters like:
+ Ann Shikany, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy
U.S. Department of Transportation
+ April Rai, President and CEO, Conference Of Minority Transportation Officials - COMTO
+ Jeffrey Roux, Division Chief, Systems Planning and Analysis, Federal Transit Administration (FTA)

Be with your public industry colleagues in two weeks at ! Learn more and register now > https://conta.cc/3Yv6GLw

08/07/2024

Today's APTAtech conference Innovation Challenge was an exciting competitive event for attendees to tackle specific industry problems within a limited timeframe, fostering creativity and collaboration.

Thanks to WSP for sponsoring the Innovation Challenge.

See the entire event's program here > https://bit.ly/APTAtech24program

08/06/2024

Tomorrow, 's Roundtable Luncheon (sponsored by Genfare) will feature transit CEOs discussing strategic initiatives, long-term goals, and the role of tech and innovation in achieving a resilient, sustainable, and efficient system.

See the full APTAtech transportation technology conference program here > https://bit.ly/APTAtech24program

08/05/2024

APTA invites the public and the industry to comment on up to six new standards documents. Topics include:

Commuter, Intercity, and High-Speed Rail (PRESS):
+ Compressed Air Quality for Passenger Equipment
+ Manufacture of Wrought Steel Wheels

Rail Transit Systems:
+ Emergency Egress/Access for Rail Transit Vehicles

Security and Emergency Management:
+ Random Inspections of Carry-On Items in Transit Systems
+ First Responder Familiarization of Transit Systems
+ Regional Emergency Planning and Participation in Mutual Aid

Learn how to review and share your feedback by August 30 >

08/05/2024

This year, you can sign up to attend the in-person Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP) credential training workshop taking place prior to the start of APTA's 2024 Sustainability/ Operations, Planning and Scheduling Workshop.

You will have an opportunity to obtain your ENV SP credentials while learning from other transit and sustainability professionals.

This ISI training workshop will take place over two half days (Saturday August 17, 1:00 pm - 5:30 pm; and Sunday August 18, 7:30 am - noon) at the Metro Forward headquarters in Washington D.C. You can register here on the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure website > https://sustainableinfrastructure.org/credentialing/upcoming-workshops/

Separately, learn more about here > https://bit.ly/APTAsustainabilityOPS24

08/05/2024

More than 500 industry professionals are in Philadelphia this week for APTAtech, the public transportation technology conference.

The main program kicks off tomorrow morning with our opening session: "From Crisis to Innovation: The I-95 Rebuild Story," sponsored by Cubic.

Learn more about (hosted locally by SEPTA - iseptaphilly.com) and see the full program > https://bit.ly/APTAtech24program

07/30/2024

APTA has honored 13 organizations and leaders with the 2024 APTA Awards, recognizing the recipients for their vision, leadership, and commitment to public transportation. The association will also induct three new members into the APTA Hall of Fame.

The 2024 APTA Honors Awards recognize those in the public transportation industry in North America who have demonstrated significant leadership, are outstanding role models of excellence, and whose accomplishments and innovations have greatly advanced public transportation.

“It is my honor to congratulate the winners of the 2024 APTA Awards and the Hall of Fame inductees for their dedication to advancing the future of public transportation, creating vital connections between communities and driving innovation,” said APTA Chair Michele Wong Krause, immediate past chair, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (Official DART page) Board of Directors, 2021-2023.

“The achievements and legacies of our awardees inspire us all to continue striving for excellence in our industry and to making a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “Congratulations to all who have been recognized for their accomplishments and for making positive impacts in their communities and our industry.”

Organization Awards

Outstanding Public Transportation System
+ Max Transit, Birmingham, AL–3 million or more annual passenger trips.
+ SamTrans, San Carlos, CA–More than 3 million but fewer than 15 million annual passenger trips.
+ Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, San Jose, CA–More than 15 million but fewer than 50 million annual passenger trips.
+ MARTA, Atlanta, GA–50 million or more annual passenger trips.

Excellence in Inclusive Collaboration Award
(jointly honoring a public transit agency, DBE, and private-sector prime firm)
+ Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, St. Petersburg, FL; H.W. Lochner; and Jones Worley.

Innovation Awards
+ City of Calgary – Your Local Government, Calgary, AB, CANADA.
+ Ride On Montgomery County Transit, Rockville, MD.
+ Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas, NV.
+ TriMet, Portland, OR.

Individual Awards

Distinguished Service Award
+ Shannon G. Hardin, president, Columbus City Council, Columbus, OH.

Outstanding Chief Executive Officer
+ Dawn Distler, METRO Regional Transit Authority, Akron, OH.

Outstanding Public Transportation Board Member
+ Arezou “Ari” Jolly, Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA), Jacksonville, FL.

Outstanding Public Transportation Business Member
+ Evalynn “Eve” Williams, president and CEO, Dikita Enterprises, Inc., Dallas, TX.

APTA Hall of Fame
+ Carolyn Flowers, Henderson, NV.
+ Hugh Mose, State College, PA.
+ Michael Schneider, Laguna Beach, CA.

APTA has honored 13 organizations and leaders with the 2024 APTA Awards, recognizing the recipients for their vision, leadership, and commitment to public transportation. The association will also induct three new members into the APTA Hall of Fame. The 2024 […]

07/30/2024

The Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) and community partners hosted a celebration July 20, to honor the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, the groundbreaking law enacted in 1964 that legally ended discrimination and promoted equal opportunities in transit, employment, and public facilities.

“Public transportation is the great societal equalizer. I remember the freedom and independence I carried while taking the bus to attend school in another part of the city,” said RTD General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson. “In the Denver metro region, RTD plays an important role in advancing racial and social equity, driving political and civic participation, expanding economic and educational opportunities, and increasing mobility for all Coloradans.”

To mark the event, RTD unveiled its first-ever, community-driven bus art, designed by local artist Dez Merworth, who won the agency’s Bus Design Contest. The artwork spotlights national activists and those specific to Colorado. The wrapped bus will circulate throughout the agency’s 2,342-square-mile district through the end of 2024.

“Dez Merworth did a phenomenal job at capturing all aspects of what the contest was about: the impact the Civil Rights Act has had on our community; recognizing the many individuals and groups nationally and in Colorado that championed equity and accessibility for all; and creating a lively, vibrant design to recognize and celebrate our diverse communities and inspire action. I thank her for her astute detail to the work and to all our community partners who participated,” said RTD Director of Civil Rights Carl Green Jr.

Civil rights activists depicted in the art on the non-curb side of the bus, from left to right, are Angela Davis, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Clyde Merton Warrior, Gerald Gerash, Edna Wilson-Mosely, a protester from the Gang of 19 – Atlantis community, Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales and Larry Itliong. The curb side features portraits of individuals in Colorado. The design on the back of the bus includes the Progress Pride flag.

“I’m really excited the bus art is going to be something that so many people can access and see, especially communities that don’t necessarily always get to go to art galleries. It makes art accessible,” said Merworth.

The Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) and community partners hosted a celebration July 20, to honor the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, the groundbreaking law enacted in 1964 that legally ended discrimination and promoted equal opportunities in transit, […]

07/29/2024

Two months from today we'll kick-off 2024's biggest public transportation event, APTA's TRANSform!

Now is the best time to register for the industry's premier conference, September 29 - October 2, in Anaheim, CA. Benefit from early-bird registration savings through August 16 and book your room at the official Headquarter hotel before nights start selling-out.

Once you're in Anaheim with thousands of your colleagues, you'll engage in workshops, experience OCTA technical tours, network with colleagues, and learn from more than 100 exhibitors at the Products and Services Showcase in the City of Anaheim- Municipal Government Convention Center.

Keynote speakers and educational sessions will explore cutting-edge hot topics, including:
+ Transformative technology,
+ Community building,
+ Innovative funding and finance,
+ Safety and security,
+ Workforce development,
+ Mental health awareness,
+Worldwide mega projects, and more!

Don't miss the Innovation Summit. Plan to stay through Wednesday to hear about the top innovations happening now in public transportation. Access is included in your TRANSform registration.

Sign up by August 16 for the early-bird discount, book your hotel room now, and save with our airline partner codes.

is hosted locally by the Orange County Transportation Authority and is presented by HNTB.

Learn more or register now here > https://bit.ly/APTAtransform24

Visit Anaheim

07/29/2024

Throughout the United States, public agencies and nonprofit organizations continue to grapple with the diverse needs of their communities. When transit agencies work alongside those in healthcare, education, and the business community, communities are more well-equipped to make meaningful changes.

07/25/2024

Next week is the 2024 State & Tribal Partnerships Conference! Check out the agenda for this event in Fort Worth > https://www.swta.org/2024-state-tribal-partnerships-conference-agenda/

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) CTAA South West Transit Association Texas Transit Association-TTA

2024 South West Transit Association Summer U in Fort Worth, TX2024 State & Tribal Partnerships Conference - Agenda

07/25/2024

Federal Railroad Administration Administrator Amit Bose and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Executive Director Matt Welbes will offer "A Vision for the Workforce" and special remarks during the August 22, Opening Ceremony of APTA’s Workforce Summit, Aug. 21-23 in Washington, DC.

At the Workforce Summit, attendees will exchange ideas and best practices and learn about successful strategies for recruiting, reskilling, and retaining the public workforce. The Workforce Innovation Showcase will spotlight innovative products, services, and organizations that support workforce development.

Learn more about APTA's first-ever Workforce Summit at apta.com/workforce.

FRA Administrator Amit Bose and FTA Executive Director Matthew Welbes will offer A Vision for the Workforce and special remarks during the Aug. 22 Opening Ceremony of APTA’s Workforce Summit, Aug. 21-23 in Washington, DC. At the Workforce Summit, attendees […]

07/24/2024

"Reflecting on the past is being able to acknowledge growth while still assessing what requires your attention in this moment. While there is no crystal ball, our experiences provide guidance that gives us a sense of purpose for tomorrow’s opportunities and challenges.

"As chief executive officer and general manager of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro), my first two years have flown by. Even as I say two years, it feels much longer.

"One of my first meetings was with our senior management team. I asked them what they desired most, and the resounding response was to restore the public’s trust in Metro—our service delivery and reliability as America’s transit system. We agreed as a team we would work as hard as possible to change the narrative that was often negative, hampering our good work, and decimating team morale.

"Metro, like other public transit agencies in the country, was battling low ridership, starving budgets, and the loss of revenue at the fare box. But unlike other agencies, just as ridership was rebounding, Metro was faced with a derailment that sidelined 64 percent of its fleet.

"Most people don’t think about the devastation that would cause, but recently, being sidelined with a major ski injury that rendered both of my knees in need of surgery, I was able to reflect on how much limited use of anything you depend on affects your abilities. Metro had become a shell of itself, and every team member was working triple time to provide reliable service to a region that had lost confidence in its system.

"Fast forward two years, and the 180-degree changes we’ve accomplished as a team are astonishing," begins a commentary by Randy Clarke, CEO and General Manager of Metro Forward.

Read his entire piece here >

Reflecting on the past is being able to acknowledge growth while still assessing what requires your attention in this moment. While there is no crystal ball, our experiences provide guidance that gives us a sense of purpose for tomorrow’s opportunities and challenges.

07/24/2024

New types of sessions have been added to APTAtech in Philadelphia! Check them out here > https://conta.cc/3Wg9zNn

Public transportation's technology conference starts in less than two weeks, so sign up now! is August 4-7, hosted locally by SEPTA - iseptaphilly.com.

07/23/2024

Congress will be making critical decisions on the future of public transportation investment in the upcoming months. APTA has created a new resource for its members, "APTA Guidance for Planning Site Visits with Your Members of Congress," to help them engage with their Senators and Representatives.

The guidance is designed to assist APTA members in effectively planning, organizing, and executing an event with their elected officials, along with providing sample social media posts for maximum impact. Members of Congress will be able to see firsthand the impact of public transportation in communities across the nation.

Whether it is showcasing the manufacturing jobs generated from a rail facility, highlighting the essential role of a bus system in facilitating daily commutes, or organizing a site visit or event with Members of Congress, this guide serves as a crucial way to illustrate the significance of public transportation funding to the well-being of communities and local economies across the United States.

Congress will be making critical decisions on the future of public transportation investment in the upcoming months. APTA has created a new resource for its members, APTA Guidance for Planning Site Visits with Your Members of Congress, to help them […]

07/22/2024

3 new reasons to attend APTA's Sustainability/ Operations Planning and Scheduling Workshop, August 18-21 in Washington, DC > https://conta.cc/4bUqV8t

Also, save by booking your DC hotel by Friday!

is hosted locally by Metro Forward.

07/19/2024

More than 215 people attended APTA’s Transit Board Members and Board Administrators Seminars in San Jose, CA, July 13-16. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) served as host.

Attendees examined numerous topics over the four days, including taking a deep dive into a board’s role and responsibility in advocacy, public safety, procurement, workforce development, and innovation.

APTA Chair Michele Wong-Krause thanked Doug Tisdale, chair of the Transit Board Members Committee (TBM), and Rosa Diaz, chair of the Transit Board Administrators Committee, for their leadership in organizing this event.

Krause noted that, as APTA chair and former board chair of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (Official DART page), she understands how vital boards of directors, and the transit board administrators who support them, are to sound stewardship of public transportation in communities across the U.S.

Transit board members, she added, are also an integral part of APTA. “Our perspectives as policymakers are critical to our association’s success.”

APTA President and CEO Paul Skoutelas thanked VTA General Manager and CEO Carolyn Gonot and Board Chair Cindy Chavez for hosting and participating in the seminar.

This seminar, Skoutelas told attendees, “Is not just an important part of APTA’s commitment to transit board members and transit board administrators, it is recognition of the essential role you play. Your unique responsibilities help strengthen public trust; protect a community’s assets; foster economic development; and ensure we are investing in an efficient, vibrant, and better future for all.”

“Public transportation agencies, the business community, interest groups, elected officials, taxpayers, and the public all ask a great deal of you, and we are grateful for your service,” Skoutelas continued.

More than 215 people attended APTA’s Transit Board Members and Board Administrators Seminars in San Jose, CA, July 13-16. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) served as host. Attendees examined numerous topics over the four days, including taking a […]

07/18/2024

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, members of the state’s congressional delegation, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), municipal leaders, and representatives from Rhode Island Energy gathered recently to celebrate the completion of construction on Rhode Island’s first electric-bus in-line charging station.

“At RIPTA, we are proud to lead by example when it comes to battling climate change. The completion of the electric-bus in-line charging station marks a significant achievement for RIPTA and Rhode Island,” said Christopher Durand, RIPTA interim chief executive officer. “This innovative facility, located along our most frequently used route, represents our commitment to cleaner, sustainable transportation. The introduction of our first fully electric fleet will not only reduce emissions but also enhance the quality of air and life in the communities we serve.”

The charging station, the first of its kind in the Northeast region, is located along the R-Line—RIPTA’s most frequently used route—connecting Providence, Cranston, and Pawtucket. It can charge up to four electric buses simultaneously while they are in service. The station includes driver restrooms and various site enhancements, including an on-site snow-melt system.

“We applaud RIPTA’s efforts to advance its electric bus program with this innovative charging station, which smooths the way for efficient fueling and maintenance and has the added value of providing amenities for bus drivers,” said Peter Butler, regional administrator for FTA, which provided $5 million to RIPTA to buy hybrid-electric buses.

The facility will power RIPTA’s first electric fleet, 14 New Flyer Xcelsior XE40 buses, all of which will exclusively serve the R-Line. Electrifying this route will lower emissions on a key corridor, where many low-income and diverse communities have been affected by air pollution and experience high asthma rates.

“RIPTA is charging ahead to a clean energy future. Shoring up RIPTA’s fleet of electric buses on the R-Line with reliable charging infrastructure is critical to getting more green buses on the road and will help our state save money, reduce pollution, and improve air quality, all while giving Rhode Islanders an affordable and healthier way of getting where they need to go,” said Senator Jack Reed (D-RI). “I was proud to help deliver over $2 million in federal funds from the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to advance this new charging station and build upon more than $35 million in federal funds that Rhode Island has received over the last five years to build up and strengthen its electric-bus fleet.”

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA), members of the state’s congressional delegation, FTA, municipal leaders, and representatives from Rhode Island Energy gathered recently to celebrate the completion of construction on Rhode Island’s first electric-bus in-line charging station. .....

07/17/2024

Pace Suburban Bus of Arlington Heights, Il, welcomed Governor JB Pritzker, Illinois state representatives, Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Omer Ozman, and City of Markham Mayor Roger Agpawa, along with state and community leaders, recently, to celebrate the completion of its new facility in Markham.

Pace’s latest investment in the south suburbs marks a significant milestone in modernizing operations, bolstering the agency’s south suburban workforce, and enhancing central safety and training, including the introduction of a bus driver training course.

“Investing in Pace and public transportation is not only a commitment to mobility and access to opportunity, but also a strategic investment that generates returns for our region’s economy,” said Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger. “In addition to this building, this campus will be home to our customer relations, sign and shelter crew, our IT backup data center, and safety and training staff.”

The Markham campus project was made possible by a $7.1 million investment from the governor’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program and an additional $27.1 million in state funding. Additional funding was provided by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) ($1.3 million), RTA - Regional Transportation Authority - Illinois Bonds ($1.9 million), and Pace capital funds ($2.6 million).

“Not only does this project make Pace a more efficient and modern part of our transit system, but it also prioritizes clean and efficient energy growth—a win across the board,” said Gov. Pritzker. “Rebuild Illinois is funding projects like this all across the state, making a stronger Illinois that works better for its people.”

The Markham site has spurred economic development through job creation and will improve access to employment by supporting Pace service throughout the south suburbs. “One of the hallmarks of my administration as chairman of the Pace Board is ensuring that Pace contributes to economic development in our region. This project is another example of that value we create,” said Rick Kwasneski.

Pace Suburban Bus, Arlington Heights, Il, welcomed Gov. JB Pritzker, Illinois state representatives, Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Ozman, and Markham Mayor Roger Agpawa, along with state and community leaders, recently, to celebrate the completion of its new facility in Markham. […]