Date:
Friday, August 11, 2006
Contact:
Contact: Tonia Buell, (360) 705-7439, mobile (360) 705-6579
OLYMPIA - With gas prices climbing above $3 local transit agencies are seeing growth in rider ship. The focus for many public transportation groups - from Washington State Ferries to the smallest transit agencies - is to deliver real value to their communities.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is pleased to present the 30th Annual Public Transportation Conference and Expo on August 14-16 in Bellevue. More than 400 attendees and 40 industry exhibitors are registered for the annual gathering and interactive forum for those dedicated to providing or supporting public transportation in Washington State.
"Demand for public transportation is increasing as the cost of owning and driving a car continue to climb," said Judith Giniger, Conference Chair and WSDOT Public Transportation and Rail Division Director. "This year's conference highlights ways that public transportation benefits communities and looks at ways transit systems can increase that value."
Nationally-known speakers will join local experts to speak on a wide array of public transportation topics. The three-day conference will include nearly 40 workshops with offerings on intercity and regional planning, all forms of rail, urban and rural transit, public transportation grants, commute trip reduction, and safety and security. Conference highlights include:
Monday
- Opening lunch featuring nationally-known author, Paul Loeb
- Workshops with Transportation Secretary Doug MacDonald presenting WSDOT's perspective on highway congestion
- Rail tour on Sounder commuter rail, Link light rail, and Amtrak Cascades
Tuesday
- Recognition and awards banquet honoring the state's top public transportation employees and transit "Roadeo" winners
Wednesday
- Women's Transportation Seminar (WTS) - Puget Sound Chapter program featuring a panel discussion on connectivity between our communities with closing remarks by special guest Senator Patty Murray
- Association Awards Closing Luncheon
Members of the public are invited to participate and may register at the conference registration desk or at
www.wsdot.wa.gov/transit/conference
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