Examining Challenges Facing the Industry and the C-Suite

More than 120 public transit CEOs and deputy CEOs convened March 20-22 in Monterey, CA, for APTA’s 2026 Transit CEOs Seminar, hosted by Monterey Salinas Transit, to address management, policy, and quality-of-life issues unique to those at the top of their organizations.

APTA Chair Leanne Redden, executive director, Chicago Regional Transportation Authority, welcomed attendees and noted: “When I became APTA chair last fall, I pledged to make the passage of new authorizing legislation my number one priority. Everything we do—every day—should contribute in some way to a new law that helps public transportation evolve, innovate, and grow to meet more demand and dreams.”

APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas underscored the same: “Our message is simple, strong, and in plain sight. Investing in public transportation creates jobs, grows businesses, supports U.S. manufacturing, and drives the economy. We need to demonstrate the truth of that message to local, state, and Washington officials.”

Seminar sessions covered such topics as cultural shifts, labor negotiations, IIJA reauthorization, and general trends affecting public transportation providers. Spokespersons from FTA were Connor Torossian, administrator for communications and congressional affairs, and Jamie Pfister, associate administrator, regional services. Both fielded questions on current FTA priorities and timely processing of grants.

Host Monterey Salinas Transit provided a tour of its SURF! Busway and BRT and a new, state-of-the-art open loop fare collection system. Agency CEO Carl Sedoryk described how Monterey provided inspiration for writers John Steinbeck and Robert Louis Stevenson and photographer Ansel Adams. The location did not fail to also inspire seminar attendees.

View more images from the seminar.

The 2027 Transit CEOs Seminar will take place March 19-21 in Atlanta, GA.