APTA Study Mission Examines Key Industry Issues from European Perspective

A high-level APTA delegation of more than 25 public transit agency and business executives took part in a study mission to Paris and London, June 12-20.

The delegation, led by APTA Chair Michele Wong Krause, President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas, and FTA Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool, visited with public transportation regional authorities and operators in both cities, including Ile de France Mobilites, RATP, and Transport for London, and shared ideas on such industry issues as transit funding and governance, project delivery, the transition to zero emissions, innovations in operations, maintenance, and customer service.

“This in-depth exchange with top transportation officials from London and Paris was a timely exposure to innovative approaches to transit governance, infrastructure development, and service delivery,” said Wong Krause.

“The study mission provided us unique insights into what it takes to develop high-performing public transportation networks that are future-proofed to changes in ridership trends, funding, and governance,” said Skoutelas. “We witnessed an exceptional commitment to provide top-quality customer service, with reliability, frequency, and attractiveness at the heart of decision-making.”