(Subject to change)
Sunday, September 7
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 Come see us at the registration and information desk! |
State Public Transportation Bus Roadeo Learn more..
- State Roadeo BBQ Luncheon at the Three Rivers Convention Center
- Registration and information desk - 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Sunday afternoon workshop
- State Roadeo Awards Banquet - Sponsored by the Washington State Transit Association
Monday, September 8
- Registration and information desk - 7:45 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Continental breakfast
- Monday morning workshops
- Opening luncheon – Keynote Speaker, Justice Mary E. Fairhurst , Washington State Supreme Court
- Vendor Expo and mini-workshops
- Vendor Expo Social
Tuesday, September 9
Wednesday, September 10
Descriptions of conference workshops
Sunday Afternoon Workshop
» Katy’s Corner
Join Katy Taylor, Director of the Public Transportation Division, WSDOT, in an informal conversation. Get Katy’s perspective on the formula for our success. What is PT+C4=D2 and how does it relate to you?
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Monday Morning Workshops
» Sustainable Communities - Living Green?
Learn how cities are addressing sustainability by bringing together community partners to promote a healthy and prosperous future. Their focus is on advancing improvements and innovation in reducing global warming emissions, energy efficiency and renewable energy, biofuels, waste reduction and recycling, sustainable economic development, sustainable food systems and green building practices.
» Best practices, collaboration and ridership trends – Are we meeting market demand for ridership?
How are we meeting the challenges of increased market demand for our services? Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will moderate this panel with several transit agencies who have received one of the annual FTA ridership awards for innovative actions to increase ridership. Each agency will present their key success factors such as marketing, service adjustments, partnerships, and fare policies and discuss strategies to cope with the influx of new riders.
» Commute Trip Reductions (CTR) - Customized and supersized
This workshop will focus on demand management best practices to help implementers develop effective, integrated programs. A panel of program managers for the new Growth and Transportation Efficiency Centers (GTEC) will make connections with several trip reduction strategies and programs to highlight benefits – for business, community, economic development, and health.
» Labor issues and the ADA
How does the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) affect your agency’s employees? Join a lively workshop that will bring you up to date on the ADA and labor issues.
» Legal issues in transit – Part 1 & 2
What is new in Transit Labor law? Our favorite Labor Attorney continues his talk about the issues facing transit agencies.
» CUTR: Technical Training: Knowledge learned is credit earned
– Part 1
With the industry calling for a technician certification process, the Florida Maintenance Training Program is launching a new initiative that promises to simultaneously address the certification, recruitment, and retention issues that we as an industry confront. This session will also reveal how partnering with local educational entities provides opportunities to leverage resources.
» CUTR: Transit Research Inspection Procurement Services (TRIPS): A Better Cutaway Bus – Part 2
The Center for Urban Transportation Research at the University of South Florida in this session will explain the TRIPS Program, which tests and researches new vehicle components and passenger compartment structural integrity as part of developing vehicle specifications for paratransit cutaway bus contracts. TRIPS processes 5310 Grants for bus and equipment purchases.
» Climate Change and you
TBA
» Here is a TIP about the STIP
Take the mystery and misunderstanding out of transit agency planning. Focusing on smaller agencies, this session will first take a brief look at local planning requirements and the transit development plan. Next, we will explore a project’s journey through the regional planning process and on to the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). Which projects advance to a TIP? How do they get into the STIP? We will also discuss the wisdom of federal Coordinated Public Transit Human Services planning requirements. Cities, counties and urban transit agencies may join in the discussion too!
» Where is demand management going in Washington state? -Evolving our programs to meet the need - Part 1 of 2 (NOTE: This is a 2-part series and should be taken together - see below)
Participants will discuss the state’s established demand management programs and how they are evolving to meet the times. You will learn about changes and potential directions for the Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) program, the Rideshare program (including the Vanpool Investment Program), the Trip Reduction Performance Program (TRPP), as well as new emphasis areas for training, measurement and technical support. This is a great opportunity for you to learn and help shape where these programs are going.
» Where is demand management going in Washington state? - Developing new programs to grow the market - Part 2 of 2 (NOTE: This is a 2-part series and should be taken together - see above)
This workshop will continue the conversation on engaging the audience to discuss new programs, pilots and studies underway to expand the benefits of demand management. Topics will include the initial implementation and draft recommendations for the Growth and Transportation Efficiency Center (GTEC) program, the development of the park and ride program, the demand management strategies for schools study and the Kitsap Telework Pilot Project. Attending this session will give you the inside scoop on how these new initiatives are shaping up.
» The Customer Comment Process: An opportunity to improve transit service effectiveness and hear from riders.
Do you have questions about the customer comment process? Then this is the workshop for you! Participants will gain an understanding of the comment process and hear how transportation providers can use customer feedback to create dynamic service improvements in their agency. Learn how other transportation providers implement their customer comment policy, and gain vital insight into best practices you can use in your daily work.
» The Real World of Transportation
This is not reality TV, this is your job! You are not alone! More and more employers and agencies are identifying strategies to address current impacts from rising gas prices, congestion and climate change. What’s happening in your world? What can you do? Come get some ideas.
» Navigating the new Charter Rules – C4 yourself
Never before has an FTA rule created such a stir across the country. Get clear about the changes. Hear how ADA needs are met. Come learn how you can still provide special event services in your community.
» The road most traveled, removing physical barriers to public transportation
Physical access with regard to sidewalks, street crossings and signals play a vital role in ensuring equal access to public transportation for persons with disabilities. Workshop participants will learn how to identify these physical access barriers and how to eliminate them. In addition, personal stories will illustrate the real-life impact of this access issue.
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Tuesday Afternoon Workshops
» National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission – “Transportation for Tomorrow”
A presentation and discussion regarding the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission report issued in early 2008. This report contained some very thought provoking ideas about where we should be as a nation. In Washington state we have never shied away from “Out of the Box” thinking. This discussion will appeal to elected officials and various levels of policy makers from across the Northwest.
» Tribal transportation programs
Come and join in the celebration of newly emerging public transportation systems serving the Reservation lands of our state. Learn how Tribal governments have put their transportation services together and how their residents have responded.
» Posting schedules to Google Transit
Google Transit offers online trip planning, once a transit system puts their data into the Google Transit. How do you do it? Google Rural transit operator, Valley Transit and Travel Washington Grape Line, an InterCity carrier are now live at Google Transit and show coordinated trip options. What were the lessons learned? What tools are available for entering data into Google Transit? What bugs are known at Google that are being resolved? Learn from the team who brought the first rural connections live in Washington state! Now, trips may be planned from Pasco to Wallula to Walla Walla? Come see how.
» Impact on aging baby boomers on public transportation
With the first members of the massive baby boomer generation beginning to retire, during the next several years, this increase in the elderly population is expected to drastically affect the role of public transportation. This presentation will focus on where senior citizens are locating themselves, where they need to go (what types of trip do they make) on a regular basis and to what extent public transportation is available.
» Pierce Transit change project: PI + C5 = PT Success
Come learn about one agency’s large-scale change effort. Pierce Transit (PT) is currently engaged in a project designed to position the agency to be responsive to the needs of the future. Project Innovation (PI) focuses on agency governance, cultural development (C5) and future needs, including employee development and strategic organization and emphasized leadership development. Use our “lessons learned” to influence your agency as a change leader.
» Working together to sell our multi-modal transportation systems and reduce our carbon footprint
This session will describe through case examples how to coordinate transit operations with other commute trip reduction programs as a way to sell our multi-modal transportation systems (i.e. carpool to regional bus stop, bus to work), whether they are public or private organizations. In addition, we well describe specific transit improvements and transportation demand management programs that provide the best value for trip reduction. Lastly, we will discuss how transit agencies and other commute trip reduction organizations can collaborate on social marketing programs or how to encourage people to change their travel behavior.
» JTC + SNT = Coordination
The Legislature’s Joint Transportation Committee (JTC) has commissioned a study of special needs transportation (SNT). The consultant will give an update on their look at coordinated transportation in Washington and nationally.
» FTA & WSDOT open mike
Bring your questions and suggestions for improved services from your state and federal partners.
» Regional Mobility Grant Program for 2009-2011
It’s time to put your application together for the Regional Mobility Grant Program. If you are interested in reducing congestion and improving connectivity, come hear how the grant process will work for 2009 – 2011.
» Vanpool and greenhouse gas emissions: Vanpooling is a green alternative!
This session will discuss how vanpooling is a part of the solution to our state’s climate change challenge. Under discussion will be fleet emissions, how shifting people from various modes affects overall emissions, and how transit agencies statewide are looking to vanpooling as a way to reduce emissions from their counties.
» Collaboration, coordination, communication & contingency planning: Four corners for emergency transportation response
This workshop will focus on collaboration opportunities between transportation providers and emergency management in an emergency. Participants will gain an understanding of the role of emergency management, an awareness of the issues faced by people with disabilities and knowledge of the responsibilities of transportation providers. Additionally, this interactive workshop will highlight best practices used in Clallam County and ask the participants to share their experiences.
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Wednesday Morning Workshops
» Grants: The ABC's of grant writing – Part 1 of 3 (NOTE: This is a 3-part series and should be taken together - see below)
The Public Transportation Division’s Grants team will provide valuable information on how to write a successful grant application. A grant-writing expert will be on hand to give you ideas and insight – including the do's and dont's of grant writing.
» Grants: Advice from the Grants Team - Part 2 of 3 (NOTE: This is a 3-part series and should be taken together - see above/below)
The applications are here for the 2009 – 2011 Consolidated Grant Program! WSDOT’s Financial Services Team will be on hand to walk you through the application process. Participants will receive their own application guide as well as valuable need-to-know information on how to complete and submit their projects for grant funding.
» Grants: Questions and answers - Part 3 of 3 (NOTE: This is a 3-part series and should be taken together - see above)
WSDOT’s Financial Services Team will answer questions about the 2009-2011 Consolidated Grant Application and the application process.
» Building cross-organizational high performance teams to accomplish transit technology projects – Part 1 of 3 (NOTE: This is a 3-part series and should be taken together - see below) A variety of dynamic changes and challenges are transforming Public Transportation. The implementation of Intelligence Transportation Systems (ITS) requires close cooperation, coordination and collaboration of public transportation agencies. Systemic organizational changes are necessary to complete ITS and other projects by successfully building cross-organizational, high performance teams.
» Building cross-organizational high performance teams to accomplish transit technology projects – Part 2 of 3 (NOTE: This is a 3-part series and should be taken together - see above/below)
A variety of dynamic changes and challenges are transforming public transportation. The implementation of Intelligence Transportation Systems (ITS) requires close cooperation, coordination, and collaboration of public transportation agencies. System organizational changes are necessary to complete ITS and other projects by successfully building cross-organizational, high performance teams.
» Building cross-organizational high performance teams to accomplish transit technology projects – Part 3 of 3 (NOTE: This is a 3-part series and should be taken together - see above)
A variety of dynamic changes and challenges are transforming public transportation. The implementation of Intelligence Transportation Systems (ITS) requires close cooperation, coordination, and collaboration of public transportation agencies. System organizational changes are necessary to complete ITS and other projects by successfully building cross-organizational, high performance teams.
» Contracting Paratransit service, quality service - Deal or No Deal!
Explore the pros and cons of contracting for Paratransit service and if it is a good choice for your agency. You’ll learn how to monitor a contractor’s performance, how best to apply appropriate corrective measures to ensure quality service and methods to develop internal personnel to oversee your contracted service.
» CC101: Introduction to Climate Change
Everything you ever wanted to know about climate change and didn’t know to ask. This workshop will address the evidence for climate change and the potential impact on the Pacific Northwest. Other topics for discussion are the impacts of transportation on climate change and conversely the impacts of climate change on transportation.
» Formulating the perfect brokerage
Tell us the formula! What would it take to increase the capacities of the brokerages and make them more successful? This workshop will look at the impacts of the Joint Transportation Committee (JTC) study and what infrastructure changes the state will need to make for brokers to increase capacity and abilities to mix and match riders.
» CC201: Climate Change in Washington State
How is Washington state addressing climate change? Learn how the state’s efforts are structured, organized and responding to the climate change goals and initiatives.
» Governor’s Commute Smart Awards – Best Practices
Examples of the best practices in reducing Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) and drive alone trips will be presented. How did some of the major employers in Washington state make a significant impact in their communities? Winning programs will be shared with attendees.
» Adventures in the North
Is going for a hike on your to do list? This presentation will both inspire and motivate you! In 1988, New Zealand born Helen Thayer became the first woman to walk and ski to any of the world’s poles when she trekked solo to the Magnetic North Pole without dog sled or snowmobile. She was the first woman and first American to circumnavigate the Magnetic North Pole. Her best-selling book Polar Dream tells the story of her historic adventure with her beloved companion Charlie her protector from the constant threat of polar bear attack. Helen has gone on to explore far corners of the world.
» CC301: Climate Change and Public Transportation
The climate is changing. How are we preparing to change with it? Join this discussion to learn what steps are being taken in the public transportation field to respond to the changing needs.
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