State Transit Leaders Gather in Colorado to Discuss Partnerships, Innovation

More than 400 transportation professionals gathered in Breckenridge, CO, Sept. 14–18 for a series of events focused on the challenges and opportunities facing public transportation at the state and regional levels.

Hosted by the Colorado Association of Transit Agencies (CASTA) and Colorado DOT, the week included the biennial State Public Transportation Partnerships Conference, jointly sponsored by APTA, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) and FTA. The Southwest Transit Association (SWTA) Leadership Lab and CASTA Fall Conference and EXPO also took place during the week.

The State Public Transportation Partnerships Conference brought together leaders from state transit associations and state DOTs to discuss issues affecting public transportation programs across the U.S. Topics included state-sponsored intercity bus services, preparing transit systems for major events, changing societal and demographic trends, the use of artificial intelligence in transit, and innovations in rural public transportation.

Direct engagement with FTA staff was an important component of the conference, particularly because state DOTs play a central role in receiving, distributing, and administering federal transit funding for rural systems and agencies serving communities with populations of less than 200,000.

The conference also featured a Transit Industry Leadership Roundtable addressing broader trends and challenges facing public transportation. The discussion featured Scott Bogren, CTAA executive director; Jean Ruestman, Michigan DOT Administrator; and Art Guzzetti, APTA vice president–policy, mobility, technical services, and innovation.

The conference provided an opportunity for state transportation officials, transit association leaders, and federal representatives to exchange perspectives on how partnerships among state, federal, and local organizations can support public transportation programs.

APTA State Affairs Committee Chair Danielle Spila of Pennsylvania DOT and Vice Chair Ann Rajewski of CASTA helped lead the committee’s involvement in the conference.