Date:
Friday, August 17, 2007
Contact:
Tonia Buell, WSDOT Communications, (360) 507-5144 (Public Transportation)
Annie Linstrom, WSDOT Communications, (360) 601-1760 (Vancouver)
VANCOUVER – With major road construction and high gas prices, transit agencies are seeing growth in bus ridership and a record high in vanpool ridership. The focus for many public transportation groups - from C-TRAN to the smallest transit agencies - is to deliver real value to their communities and provide options to drive-alone commuting.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is pleased to present the 2007 Public Transportation Conference and Expo on August 19-21 at the Vancouver Hilton & Convention Center. The conference is an annual gathering and interactive forum for those dedicated to providing or supporting public transportation in Washington state. So far, 366 participants and 38 exhibitors are registered.
"Public transportation is critical to managing the current and anticipated growth in Washington State," said Katy Taylor, WSDOT’s new Public Transportation Division Director. "It will take all of us working together to deliver the most efficient and effective public transportation services."
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 programs, and safety and security. Conference highlights include:
Sunday
• The state’s top ParaTransit drivers, bus drivers, and maintenance crews will compete in the Washington State “Roadeo.”
• Exhibitor’s will display buses, vehicles, equipment, and information booths.
Monday
• Keynote speaker, Valerie Fletcher and local officials will kick-off the conference
• The state will recognize 159 of the state's top public transportation employees at an annual awards event.
Tuesday
• Public transportation association’s will present awards at the closing luncheon
Sponsors of this year’s conference include the Washington State Transit Association, Washington State Transit Insurance Pool, Community Transportation Association of the Northwest, Gillig Corp., and Motorcoach Industries.
For conference information, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/transit/conference.
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