APTA Relaunches WATIR Task Force, Holds Meeting on Legislative Priorities

APTA relaunched its Washington Area Transit Industry Representatives (WATIR) Task Force and held its opening meeting April 29 in Washington, DC.

APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas welcomed more than 40 public transportation lobbyists to the event, noting that it is acritical time for public transit and passenger rail, with a great deal of activity from both the Administration and Congress.

APTA’s top priority, Skoutelas noted, continues to be securing and protecting the federal funds that are essential for the future of public transportation. This means working closely with the Trump Administration, USDOT Secretary Sean Duffy, FTA and FRA leadership, and Congress.

Ward McCarragher, APTA vice president, government affairs and advocacy, led a discussion among WATIR Task Force members about APTA’s critical legislative efforts, including the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations bill; the Surface Transportation Authorization legislation; and the Budget Reconciliation bill.

TJ Doyle, APTA vice president, communications and marketing, discussed APTA’s advocacy messaging; and Stacie Tiongson, senior director, government affairs and advocacy, outlined APTA’s forthcoming response to USDOT’s Request for Information regarding modifying or repealing existing regulatory requirements.