NYS Public Transit Industry Convenes on Discovering New Pathways to Success

Eno Transportation Foundation President & CEO Stephen D. Van Beek to Address Attendees

ALBANY, NY (11/12/2010)(readMedia)-- Members of the New York Public Transit Association, Inc. (NYPTA) will meet in Albany, NY, November 17-19 for their Fall Conference: New Pathways to Success. Educational sessions will focus on best practices and the latest products and services in Public Transit found in New York State and around the globe, and how operating systems are working to do more with less.

Speaking of this year's conference theme, NYPTA President and executive director of Central New York Regional Transportation Authority (CNYRTA) Frank Kobliski said: "As the nation begins the long journey towards economic recovery, the public transit industry in New York State must work hard to discover new pathways to success. Over the past year we've seen rider fees continue to increase as services continue to be cut, and operating systems, large and small, becoming increasingly restricted in their ability to provide cost-effective, dependable and viable public transportation relied upon by millions of New Yorkers."

NYPTA's Fall Conference program includes timely educational sessions focused on best practices and the latest industry innovations found in the state, across the nation and around the globe. Stephen D. Van Beek, President and CEO of the Eno Transportation Foundation, will address conference attendees during the opening session on November 17. Later that day, Matt Ryan and Casey Seiler, hosts of WMHT's public affairs program, "New York NOW", will lead a Politics & Policy Luncheon by providing an overview of this year in Albany politics and a preview of what's to come. The program also offers many more education opportunities, including:

New Administration. Uncertain Fiscal Future. What to Plan for.

As we wrap up the nation's 2010 midterm elections, and welcome a new administration in New York's Executive Chamber, public transit systems and operators throughout the state are wondering: "What happens now?" Industry professionals will join NYS Department of Transportation's Chief Financial Officer Ron Epstein as he gives an update on the future of funding for New York State's public transit industry. Attendees will learn what to expect from a new administration and what to plan for as they work to enhance their own pubic transit systems in the face of an uncertain fiscal future.

Federal Transit Administration Region II Training.

FTA staff will lead two training sessions and impart vital information that all public transit professionals will be able to put to use back home. Attendees will receive an update from knowledgeable FTA presenters on the latest federal funding developments, and how transit systems of all sizes can take advantage of available funding opportunities. Speakers will provide helpful hints on completing grant applications, an update on the current disposition of federally funded assets, and proper post-award grant management.

"Now, more than ever, it's vital that public transit leaders and professionals from throughout the state come together to share their struggles and successes. We must work together, share experiences and information, and continue to build and maintain strong public transportation partnerships if we are to truly move the industry forward," commented Kobliski. "This conference is an important annual gathering of the industry, Association members and all of those who are dedicated to investing in public transit's future."

NYPTA is a not-for-profit association representing transit systems across the state, as well as over 100 private sector manufacturers, consultants and state government agencies. Members provide nearly all of the public transportation services in New York State and nearly 40 percent of the public transportation services in the nation, employing more than 60,000 New Yorkers.

Association and conference details can be found at www.nytransit.org.

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