NYS Public Transit Industry Convenes on Innovation and Sustainability Issues

ALBANY, NY (06/10/2009)(readMedia)-- Members of the New York Public Transit Association, Inc. (NYPTA) will meet in Glens Falls, June 10-12 for their Spring Conference: Innovation and Sustainability. Conference sessions will provide an in-depth exploration of transit supportive development and how it can help NewYork's communities sustain themselves and their quality of life.

"NYPTA is committed to the development of quality, efficient, reliable transportation systems that meet the wants and diverse needs of New York State customers," commented Ray Melleady, NYPTA president and executive director of Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA). "Sustainability is so much more than our carbon footprint and diesel emissions. It's about preparing our transit systems for the future."

"NYPTA's Spring Conference program includes timely educational sessions that address the changing needs of current riders while investing in our transit systems for future riders. Acting Commissioner Stan Gee, New York State Department of Transportation (NYS DOT) will address conference attendees during NYPTA's Transit Industry Luncheon Thursday, June 11. In addition, this year's expanded program offers something for everyone in the transit industry, including:

Integrating Transportation Systems and the Communities They Serve: Mariia Zimmerman,Vice President for Policy with Reconnecting America, a national non-profit organization working to integrate transportation systems and the communities they serve, will open NYPTA's conference with this dynamic presentation aimed at helping New York State reinvent the planning and delivery system for building communities around transit and walking rather than relying solely on automobiles.

Transit Design: Inspiring the Next Generation of Transit Riders: Understanding children are stakeholders and the next generation of riders, this presentation will focus on attracting youth to the benefits of public transportation. By improving the image of public transportation and engaging children so they have a positive perspective, they will be more likely to continue using alternative modes of transportation as they grow older.

Creating a Social Media Relationship with Our Public Transit Customers: Web 2.0 has changed the world of communications forever, and this session will help public transit employees effectively use e-communications to engage riders.

"Throughout this conference we'll discuss why public transportation is vital to our future, "commented Melleady. "With so many stakeholders beginning to ask themselves how they can make a difference, NYPTA members are poised to answer this question and provide the means for them to do so. We encourage everyone to keep New York moving, and ride public transportation."

NYPTA is a not-for-profit association representing transit systems across the state, as well as more than 65 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.