Passenger Transport 2010 APTA Annual Meeting - 63

Around The Industry
RTA Earns Ohio Green Fleet Status

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program designed by Clean Fuels Ohio to improve the environmental performance and efficiency of public and private fleets. Katherine Stewart, policy director for Clean Fuels Ohio, explained that the program evaluates fleets based on policies transit authorities have implemented to reduce vehicle emissions and reliance on petroleum fuels. GDRTA added hybrid diesel-electric buses to its fleet in 2009 and 2010— using American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds—and plans to have 20 of the hybrid vehicles in operation by the end of the year. “Our long history of commitment to the environment through investments in our electric trolleybus network, alternative fuels including biodiesel, and move toward clean diesel and hybrid electric technology in the fleet have been good for RTA’s customers GDRTA’s introduction of hybrid-electric buses helped the and the Dayton region,” Donaghy transit agency earn statewide recognition as a five-star added. Ohio Green Fleet.

lean Fuels Ohio recently named the Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority (GDRTA) a five-star Ohio Green Fleet as part of its Ohio Green Fleets program. GDRTA Executive Director Mark Donaghy accepted the award Sept. 16. The honor designates GDRTA as a green fleet at the highest possible level and, according to Donaghy, “gives independent confirmation of RTA as the ‘greenest’ transit fleet in Ohio.” Ohio Green Fleets is a comprehensive

Wilbur Smith Associates is pleased to announce that Michael S. Townes has joined the firm as National Transit Services Leader. His compelling credentials and broad experience in transportation and in all modes of transit will enhance WSA’s ability to partner with clients to envision, plan, and implement public transit solutions to meet present and future challenges.
Michael has devoted his career to public transportation for the last three decades. Immediately prior to joining WSA, he served the Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads as its first CEO and President, beginning as head of the Peninsula Transportation District Commission in 1988, and as interim Executive Director of the Tidewater Transportation District Commission from 1998 until the merger of the two agencies in 1999. He is a recognized leader in the industry, having served as Chairman of the APTA Executive Committee for 2008-2009 and as co-chair of APTA’s Reauthorization Task Force, which established the national transit position on the federal funding reauthorization. He was Chairman of the Norman Mineta Transportation Institute Board of Trustees, head of APTA’s Legislative Committee, and Chairman of the Transportation Research Board Executive Committee. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Virginia High Speed Rail Development Committee. Michael’s years of involvement in transit and in transportation, his leadership in the field, his understanding of clients’ and communities’ needs, and his strong relationships with other industry leaders and policy makers will add value to the services provided by WSA’s transit practice, ensuring that we offer clients effective, viable solutions that reflect the most current transportation policy and research.

Live Video Now at Houston Metro
eFFeCtiVe Sept. 16, Houston’s Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County is making available live online coverage of its board meetings. The agency will stream all committee meetings, board meetings, and public hearings held in its board room at www.ridemetro.org, accessible with the click of a mouse. “This is a very exciting step for the ‘New Metro.’ We promised the New Metro would be more open and transparent,” said Board Chairman Gilbert A. Garcia, CFA. “The launch of this webcast is one of many steps we have implemented toward that goal. Now, all citizens can see the board’s discussions and see how decisions are made.” Metro previously televised its board meetings on local cable channels. After the webcasts air live, they will be archived on the agency’s web site for later viewing.

Laketran Introduces Smart Cards
laketran, tHe reGional
transit authority serving Lake County, OH, recently became the first system in the state to introduce smart cards for fare payment, beginning with Diala-Ride paratransit and then on fixed routes and commuter express services. Laketran General Manager Ray Jurkowski noted that the implementation of smart cards is only part of an ongoing effort to make the system “easier to use and accessible to all of our citizens by improving our passenger amenities, such as our ride guides, and developing our web site to be customer-focused to quickly access the most frequently searched information . . . The smart cards are another step in improved accessibility, mobility, and choice for all of our citizens.” Passengers can preload the durable plastic cards before boarding the bus, then pay the fare by tapping the electronic chip in the card to the icon on the farebox. The card can be pre-loaded with up to $200 at any time, allowing passengers great flexibility to plan and budget for their transportation needs. The cardholder also has the option to purchase lost card protection, which protects the balance if the card is lost or stolen.

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NABI Enters European Bus Market with ‘Sirius’ Hungarian Model
nortH aMeriCan buS Industries
(NABI) recently introduced the “Sirius” model, designed specifically for the Hungarian bus market. In the past, the firm’s operations in Budapest and Kaposvar, Hungary, only manufactured products to be exported to the U.S. for final assembly in the Anniston, AL, plant. Jim Marcotuli, NABI president and chief executive officer, noted that the 40-foot Sirius vehicle has streamlined body styling derived from the U.S. “BRT” model, along with adjustments to meet European standards. Ferenc Baranyai, director of NABI’s Hungarian operations, said he sees a viable market opportunity in Hungary for the new product. “Market demand is promising,” he noted. “Local public transportation operators now report collective demand for up to about 3,000 units over the next five years.” In addition, production of the Sirius will also generate engineering, manufacturing, and service jobs with the company, and boost domestic employment.

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Passenger Transport 2010 APTA Annual Meeting

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Passenger Transport 2010 APTA Annual Meeting
