APTF, APTA Business Members Collaborate: A Step Forward for Workforce Development

APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas addresses the 2025 Business Members Annual Meeting.

At APTA’s 2025 Business Members Annual Meeting, Jan. 28-31 in Palm Springs, CA, the American Public Transportation Foundation (APTF) announced another record-breaking achievement. APTA’s Business Members successfully raised $55,000 for APTF’s scholarship program—exceeding last year’s contribution.

With this being the highest amount raised at the conference so far, APTF Chair Raquel Olivier notes, “I’m so very grateful for the level of participation and generosity of our business members, who continue to support our efforts to transform the future of the transit industry.” She credits the success to the dedication of Lisa Thompson, APTF fundraising chair; the APTA Business Members Board of Governors (BMBG); and Raymond Melleady, BMBG chair and newly appointed president of Ster Seating North America. Thanks to all for their tremendous support and participating in the foundation’s annual golf tournament. A special thank you to GILLIG for donating green golf shirts, and to Inez Evans Benson, scholarship co-chair, for the green “APTF Align & Thrive in 2025” wristbands.

APTF Mission and Impact

Founded in 1988 by Reba Malone, the first woman to serve as APTA chair, APTF has remained committed to growing the workforce in public transportation.

Through scholarships and engagement opportunities, the foundation encourages students and transit professionals to pursue long-term careers in the industry. Learn more.

Building a Multi-Generational Workforce

The APTF scholarship program is not just about financial support, it is about connecting scholars to real-world career opportunities in public transit. The foundation is actively working with industry leaders to create a pipeline that bridges the experience of seasoned professionals with the energy and innovation of younger workers.

One major step forward is the “Align & Thrive in 2025” initiative, which ensures that scholars are not only supported financially but also gain internships and direct job placements. This hands-on experience fosters an intentional transfer of knowledge between generations, creating a more sustainable and resilient workforce for the future. The foundation will be formalizing its efforts to match scholars with current APTA member agencies and companies.

By closing the generational gap, public transit can remain a dynamic, evolving industry—one that both honors its legacy and embraces the future.

“Align & Thrive in 2025”: A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, APTF’s “Align & Thrive in 2025” initiative aims to strengthen partnerships with APTA Business Members and transit agencies. The goal is to integrate transportation, workforce development, scholarship, and business investment into a unified strategy.

Prior to the meeting, approximately 40 attendee-volunteers participated in a community service activity at the Coachella Valley Horse Rescue center, where they helped paint, stain, and clear the facility.

To further the partnership with workforce development programming, APTF has initiated a new “Frontline Worker” scholarship aimed at recruiting new and retaining current employees to the public transit industry by providing resources to further their education and opportunities to advance their careers. Olivier emphasizes the importance of creating career pathways for transit operators, mechanics, and other essential operational roles.

“Our “Align & Thrive in 2025” vision embodies new ideas and our commitment to making a lasting impact on public transportation,” APTF Chair Raquel Olivier says. “By working together, we can elevate our efforts to continuously build a workforce that is both skilled and sustainable for years to come.”

Enduring Legacy

The APTF Board of Directors is working diligently to align its mission and resources to support the future of the public transit workforce. With the generosity of business members, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to investing in the talent base, the foundation is poised to make a long-lasting difference. As the “Align & Thrive in 2025” initiative gains momentum, APTF will be intentional about the public transit workforce remaining strong, diverse, and prepared for the challenges ahead.

“The ‘Align & Thrive in 2025’ initiative encapsulates the essence of a commitment to elevating our impact within the public transportation industry,” says Olivier. “I am confident that, with our collective efforts, we can achieve new heights, leaving an enduring mark on the workforce landscape of public transportation.”