2017 Triple Crown Roadeo Held in Daytona Beach From the Chair · 2017 Triple Crown Roadeo Held in...

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2017 Triple Crown Roadeo Held in Daytona Beach The 2017 FPTA/FDOT/RTAP/FACTS Florida Triple Crown Roadeo was held on April 27-28, 2017, in Daytona Beach, Florida and what a remarkable event! The Roadeo is offered to enhance the skill and technical ability of our driver’s and maintenance employees around the state. The activities conducted are an important training aspect for our transit system employees and provide improvements in transit service, increased safety and customer relations skills, longer lasting equipment, and improved employee morale. Votran was the host property and certainly upped their game this year! The driving course was held indoors at the Ocean Center, which made for a wonderful air conditioned experience for all that were involved. The maintenance competition was held at the Votran Intermodal Transfer Facility, which is adjacent to the Ocean Center. In addition, a brand-new competition was introduced: the Paratransit Maintenance Competition. This was the first of its kind in the country! Eight (8) competitors participated in this inaugural event, and many compliments were received. JUNE 2017 (continued on page 2) From the Chair (continued on page 3) Believe it or not, it’s been five (5) years since Wes Watson retired from the Florida Public Transportation Association (FPTA) and we hired Lisa Bacot as the Association’s second Executive Director. She started in February of 2012, and it sure seems like a lot of positive progress has happened since that time! This progress followed, and was guided by, the adoption of a Strategic Plan that our FPTA Board of Directors approved in October 2012. We are now embarking on what we hope will be our next successful chapter with the help of a new five (5) year Strategic Plan which the Board adopted at its meeting a month ago. Thoughtful discussion was held during a number of Board member retreats and meetings to develop strategic goals that focus on capitalizing on opportunities and propelling the organization forward, while leveraging the strong current position of FPTA. Early on in the Strategic Plan’s development process, a survey FPTA’s business and transit system members was conducted. This survey measured the value members received from FPTA, with training, networking and legislative advocacy ranking as providing the most value.

Transcript of 2017 Triple Crown Roadeo Held in Daytona Beach From the Chair · 2017 Triple Crown Roadeo Held in...

Page 1: 2017 Triple Crown Roadeo Held in Daytona Beach From the Chair · 2017 Triple Crown Roadeo Held in Daytona Beach The 2017 FPTA/FDOT/RTAP/FACTS Florida Triple Crown Roadeo was held

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2017 Triple Crown Roadeo Held in Daytona Beach

The 2017 FPTA/FDOT/RTAP/FACTS Florida Triple Crown Roadeo was held on April 27-28, 2017, in Daytona Beach, Florida and what a remarkable event!

The Roadeo is offered to enhance the skill and technical ability of our driver’s and maintenance employees around the state. The activities conducted are an important training aspect for our transit system employees and provide improvements in transit service, increased safety and customer relations skills, longer lasting equipment, and improved employee morale.

Votran was the host property and certainly upped their game this year! The driving course was held indoors at the Ocean Center, which made for a wonderful air conditioned experience for all that were involved. The maintenance competition was held at the Votran Intermodal Transfer Facility, which is adjacent to the Ocean Center.

In addition, a brand-new competition was introduced: the Paratransit Maintenance Competition. This was the first of its kind in the country! Eight (8) competitors participated in this inaugural event, and many compliments were received.

JUNE 2017

(continued on page 2)

From the Chair

(continued on page 3)

Believe it or not, it’s been five (5) years since Wes Watson retired from the Florida Public Transportation Association (FPTA) and we hired Lisa Bacot as the Association’s second Executive Director. She started in February of 2012, and it sure seems like a lot of positive progress has happened since that time! This progress followed, and was guided by, the adoption of a Strategic Plan that our FPTA Board of Directors approved in October 2012.

We are now embarking on what we hope will be our next successful chapter with the help of a new five (5) year Strategic Plan which the Board adopted at its meeting a month ago. Thoughtful discussion was held during a number of Board member retreats and meetings to develop strategic goals that focus on capitalizing on opportunities and propelling the organization forward, while leveraging the strong current position of FPTA.

Early on in the Strategic Plan’s development process, a survey FPTA’s business and transit system members was conducted. This survey measured the value members received from FPTA, with training, networking and legislative advocacy ranking as providing the most value.

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From the Chair (cont. from page 1)

Brad Miller

PCPT Names New DirectorEffective April 12, 2017, the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) officially confirmed the positional appointment of Mr. Kurt M. Scheible to Pasco County Public Transportation (PCPT) Director Mr. Scheible held the PCPT Administrative Services Manager position before being appointed to PCPT Interim Director in January 2017.

Mr. Scheible possesses a wealth of transit knowledge and experience that is beneficial to the Director position. Among many positive attributes, Mr. Scheible encompasses exceptionally outstanding qualifications and an impressive resume that includes experience in multiple transit agencies on a cross-country platform and twenty-year U.S. Air Force service.

As a California native, Mr. Scheible joined the U.S. Air Force as a Pilot and few the B-1, T-38, and MQ-1 unmanned drone. Following retirement in 2010, Mr. Scheible joined the transit industry as a Driver in 2012 where he received numerous promotions. Safety and Training Manager, Assistant General Manager, Operations

Manager, and General Manager are among the promotions received by Mr. Scheible.

“I’m excited to stay on as the full-time Director”, said Mr. Scheible. “It’s been an honor serving our community and I look forward to moving ahead with the agency and improving services for the community. One of our top priorities is to provide safe, reliable, and professional service to our Citizens”.

It is with much enthusiasm that we announce and welcome Mr. Kurt M. Scheible as our new PCPT Director.

Ultimately, the Board used this survey and other inputs to adopt a new Plan including revised Mission and Vision Statements reflecting the items the membership finds to be most valuable:

• MISSION STATEMENT: To continuously support public transportation and improve mobility opportunities in Florida through advocacy, education and partnerships.

• VISION STATEMENT: FPTA is the leading force in supporting Florida’s public transportation industry.

The new 2017 FPTA Strategic Plan has three concise goals our association will focus on to advance public transit to even greater levels:

• GOAL - ADVOCACY: Increase advocacy at the state, federal and local levels to benefit Florida’s transit industry.

• GOAL - EDUCATION: Provide and coordinate education and training opportunities to address the workforce development needs of the membership.

• GOAL - PARTNERSHIPS: Build collaborative external and

Table 1: How Valuable FPTA Benefits Are

internal partnerships in order to increase value for all members and attract new membership.

This is a plan that won’t be put on the shelf to gather dust. Lisa and our consultant, Mindy Price of Direct Effect Solutions, are already developing work plans for each of these goals and it is expected for FPTA Board members to help advance these efforts to generate tangible results.

As an Association that has an awesome new Strategic Plan, an aggressive, action-oriented agenda, and focus on progress, I think it’s pretty cool that our next Board meeting on August 24 to discuss these things is in laid-back, Key West. It may be the perfect setting to reflect on how far we’ve come as an Association and how well-positioned we are to advance transit in the future…plus I hear it has pretty nice sunsets too. I look forward to seeing all of you in the Keys!

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Triple Crown Roadeo (cont. from page 1)

All of the contestants performed in an exemplary manner, but, this was indeed a competition and the “best of the best” rose to the top. The overall event winners were as follows:

Fixed Route Operators

• 1st Place Operator - Joseph Esquilin, Miami-Dade Transit

• 2nd Place Operator - Rendol Whidden, Broward County Transit

• 3rd Place Operator - Tom Madden, Walt Disney World

Cutaway Operators

• 1st Place Operator - Chris Cowles, LeeTran

• 2nd Place Operator - Charles Ford, JTrans

• 3rd Place Operator - Jody Revell, StarMetro

Van Operators

• 1st Place Operator - Michael Wimberly, Calhoun County Transit

• 2nd Place Operator - Raymond Aylmer, Gulf/Franklin Transportation

• 3rd Place Operator - David Frayer, Sarasota County

Paratransit Maintenance Division

• 1st Place - Damian Woodard, Ride Right

• 2nd Place - George McGarry, Jacksonville Transportation Authority

• 3rd Place - Bruce Haney, Levy County Transit

Fixed Route Maintenance Teams

• 1st Place Maintenance Team - LYNX

• 2nd Place Maintenance Team - Jacksonville Transportation Authority

• 3rd Place Maintenance Team - Votran

Grand Champions

• Overall Fixed Route Grand Champions - LYNX

• Overall Paratransit Grand Champions - JTrans

Congratulations to all of the winners! And, THANK YOU to Votran for a great event!

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When It Comes to AC System Reliability & Service Support

Rooftop & Integrated Climate Controls SystemsFor Commercial Vehicles

or

(2) 13 CID

26 CID Transit

or

(2) 13 CID

26 CID Transit

13 CID13 CID

RT65Rooftop

TA73 Evaporator

SMC3LCondenser

DCMEvaporator SMC2S

Condenser

TA20 SeriesRooftop

RT135Rooftop

TA96Evaporator TA96

Evaporator

SMC3LCondenser

SMC3LCondenser

10 CID 10 CID

Ford Transit TA20 Series Super 10 CID55K Btu/hr (IMACA)*

DCM2 Super 10 CID45K Btu/hr (IMACA)*

RT65 Super 13 CID80K Btu/hr (IMACA)*

Vehicle Rooftop System Integrated System

TA733 Super 13 CID75K Btu/hr (IMACA)*

RT135 Dual Super 13 CID** Ductedor 26 CID Transit** Ducted

145K Btu/hr (IMACA)*

TA969633 Dual Super 13 CID** Ductedor 26 CID Transit** Ducted

145K Btu/hr (IMACA)*

* Capacities include Factory Dash Systems (actual Btu/hr dependent upon system combination and rating conditions used)** Dependent upon chassis / engine kit availability

Ford or GM Cut-A-Way

FreightlinerCut-A-Way

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Catch the Breeze to the # 1 Beach in America- Siesta Key

County staff and Siesta Key leaders gathered in the Siesta Key Village on March 21st to commemorate not only the new transportation service but also the #1 beach award from Trip Advisor. The ribbon cutting ceremony included buttons for riders that said they Ride the Breeze, beach giveaways and trolley cut outs for photos posted on social media, followed by rides on the Breeze down to the Beach. The free circulator will operate as a pilot program for six months with service every 20 minutes. SCAT director Rocky Burke pointed out. “We don’t know where it’s going or how it’s going to turn out. We want this to be successful. “ The new Siesta Key Breeze held true to his word, it carried over 25,000 passengers in the first 15 days of service. Extensive outreach from SCAT Marketing staff and support from the Siesta Key Chamber members have helped make this a huge success. SCAT will continue to look for funding to continue this service in the future.

The Siesta Key residents have been lobbying for an open air circulator for years. This service will help alleviate traffic congestion and parking problems on the Siesta Key. Siesta Key residents have already noticed less traffic. The Breeze service was made possible with a

partial grant from the Florida Department of Transportation.

The Breeze drivers are distinguished by their Tropical shirts. They play beach

music and ring the bell every chance they get! Why do people ride the Breeze Rocky Burke was asked. “The Breeze is free, frequent and it’s fun to ride. “

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MCAT bus schedules now available for visually impairedIn February 2017, Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) published newly formatted bus schedules for the visually impaired on the County/MCAT website.

The schedules are formatted for compatibility with the computer screen readers used by the visually impaired for readability of written text.

While Manatee County offers both door-to-door transportation for the visually impaired, as well as fixed route bus transportation, many passengers value the ability to travel independently and at their convenience, using the regular

bus system. The new webpages make it easier for the visually impaired to retrieve bus schedule information and plan their trips.

When preparing the new online schedules, the MCAT Planning team worked closely with staff from the Lighthouse of Manasota, a community resource for the visually impaired community in Sarasota and Bradenton. “Reliable transportation is an obstacle for many of our clients,” said Lisa Howard, Executive Director of Lighthouse of Manasota. “Making bus schedules accessible to the visually

impaired community makes a big difference in everyday life, and we were happy to work with MCAT to help make this happen.”

The accessible bus route schedules are another example of the continuing effort on the part of the Manatee County to build strong, regional partnerships with community-based organizations for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.

The MCAT Planning team working with community partners, took decisive action and improved access for the visually impaired -- very well done!

MCAT Launches New Customer Service Technology In April 2017, Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) launched a new interactive communication system. Handy Bus paratransit clients now have the option to receive updates and reminders regarding their scheduled trips via phone, email, or text. The new technology, is known as the Interactive Voice Response or “IVR System,” and provides electronic notifications to Handy Bus clients regarding their scheduled trips and real-time alerts regarding pending bus arrival times. Just as important, clients have options with respect to defining their preferences and customized alerts. For instance, the system allows clients to verify scheduled trips and pick up times, cancel trips when necessary, receive alerts on pending bus arrivals, as well as receiving periodic updates on pre-paid fare account balances.

The new technology is a force-multiplier for the Transit Division’s Handy Bus program as it frees up the Customer Service Center staff to focus more on client information calls, and next-day service and trip scheduling. The IVR System call ahead trip reminders and client notification regarding estimated bus arrivals ensure that Handy Bus clients are aware of their bus arrival time and are already prepared for travel when the bus arrives; and this improves the efficiency of service delivery. In fact, prompt notification of cancelled trips affords the Dispatch staff the flexibility to adjust client trips “on the fly” during daily service delivery. Real-time service modifications combined with the IVR System’s bus arrival information, and most certainly benefits all end users.

Another important benefit of the new IVR technology is in preparation

for events such as Tropical Storms, where the mass notification of clients is accomplished electronically, and provides critical information regarding suspension of regular service and the potential evacuation of clients to shelter locations. This very beneficial technology improvement also better serves clients in the aftermath of these events, as the IVR System provides the ability to communicate quickly and effectively with respect to the resumption of regular Handy Bus services.

The provision of IVR System technology combined with the recent introduction of fixed route schedule information in accessible format on the Manatee County website are examples of Manatee County’s ongoing commitment to improved service delivery. Combine these advancements with the addition of approximately 400 passenger boarding pads and accessibility improvements at bus stops, new passenger amenities at bus stops, improved service frequency on “core network” routes such as the Manatee Avenue corridor, and it is clear that Manatee

County is committed to continually improving service delivery and providing an array of customer-focused services, which benefit the community at large, as well as those with special needs and disabilities.

Very well done MCAT team!

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Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) and Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) bus services on Longboat Key changed to improve service efficiency on April 15, 2017. The Longboat Key Shuttle, a new on-demand/call ahead service, is now available on Longboat Key between Bay Isles and Coquina Beach. This unique and innovative service provides a customer friendly, curb-to-curb service which residents and visitors access either on local streets, or at existing bus stops along the Gulf Drive corridor. The Shuttle fare is $1.50 for each trip. The new Shuttle service replaced MCAT’s Longboat Key Trolley. At the same time, SCAT continues to operate their Route 18, which operates every hour between Bay Isles and Downtown Sarasota.

The Longboat Key Shuttle was developed in response to the desires of residents of Longboat Key. In fact, many residents voiced a desire for a more personalized on-demand, curb-to-curb service that is more accessible for those that are elderly or have limited mobility. These sentiments were first expressed in a meeting organized by the Aging in Paradise organization in January of 2016.

Users of the Shuttle service simply call to reserve a trip by 5:00 pm the day before they travel, and a Shuttle service vehicle will

pick them up and drop them off within the Longboat Key Shuttle service area. Residents enjoy ease of travel throughout the Island with convenient connections to Anna Maria Island (AMI) and the AMI Trolley at Coquina Beach. Mainland destinations are easily accessed with transit route connections that are available at Coquina Beach and Bay Isles.

For repetitive travel needs, the Shuttle offers subscription service, so that passengers can schedule multiple trips with one phone call. A pre-paid fare option is also available, so that passengers do not need to bring cash fare. Passengers transferring from mainland bus routes benefit as well, as the Shuttle operators accept valid SCAT or MCAT bus passes, in lieu of a fare payment.

Walk-up service is also available at designated bus stops when Shuttle vehicles are in operation. The Shuttle vehicles accommodate bikes and are accessible for people using wheelchairs or other mobility devices, and passengers note their travel aids when scheduling Shuttle rides.

Listening to client needs, and being innovative and responsive in service delivery is truly the MCAT and SCAT way!

New MCAT & SCAT Service on Longboat Key

Public transportation planners and administrators are forever challenged to cost-effectively expand transit services in large suburban areas. St. Lucie County Transit is no different as it seeks to provide additional mobility services to residents that need it the most. In April, 2017, St. Lucie County unveiled Direct Connect, a new innovative program providing door to door ride-share service for the County’s Transportation Disadvantaged. The County Transit Staff identified that many of the region’s mobility impaired residents are required to make essential trips during early morning, evening and weekends when regularly scheduled bus and paratransit services are not in operation. In particular, persons needing to attend job training and college evening classes are finding it extremely difficult to secure after class travel to home or evening employment without having a personal vehicle available. Direct Connect is designed to address this needs.

Direct Connect provides off-hours third party Transportation Disadvantaged ride-share services through qualified third-party provider’s weekdays from 6 PM to 6 AM, and 6 AM to 6 AM during weekends. Trips to and from non-emergency healthcare, educational services or employment are targeted through this program. St. Lucie County continues to focus on regional mobility solutions so Direct Connect will service County Transportation Disadvantaged residents traveling to and from St. Lucie, Martin and Indian River Counties.

Many community partners have offered to assist in launching and sustaining Direct Connect as they too have identified the importance of this crucial transportation initiative. Direct Connect Partners include Virginia College, Indian River Community College, Keiser University, Career Source and HANDS of St. Lucie County. Currently, St. Lucie County is coordinating with twenty of the County’s larger employment generating businesses and organizations to offer this service for evening and early morning job related trips.

St. Lucie County seeks to provide Mobility Services

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The Florida Public Transportation Association and the Florida Department of Transportation partnered together to create the Transit Leadership Program. This four (4) day training event was held on May 21-24, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The curriculum was designed to be used with both emerging and existing leaders and is intended to expand leadership capabilities in any participant for their current and future roles with any organization. Participants were selected based on their current performance and potential and their willingness to seek additional self-awareness into their leadership behaviors.

The Transit Leadership Development Program Course, which was developed using five overarching topic areas, is organized within the curriculum as modules. The five modules are:

• Self-Management

• Leadership Fundamentals

• Leadership Engagement

• Leadership Competencies

• Leadership Application

The inaugural class included:

• Alan Szuhany, Sarasota County Area Transit

• Rodrigo Delostrinos Jr, Key West Transit

Inaugural Transit Leadership Program held in Tampa

• Peter Skeete, Palm Tran

• Peter Gajdjis, LeeTran

• Walter Cooksey, Jacksonville Transportation Authority

• Omar De Leon, Collier Area Transit

• Olanrewaju Adelekan, Lake County Board of County Commissioners (LakeXpress)

• Marcia Roberson, Lakeland Area Mass Transit

• Lena Petit, HART - Hillsborough Transit Authority

• Louis Ferri, PALM TRAN

• Rogelio Hernandez, City of Key West Department of Transportation

• Oliver Cromwell, Votran

• Christina Harvey, Baker County Council on Aging

• Chris Stephenson, GoLine/Indian River Transit

Mindy Price from Direct Effect Solutions and Karen Deigl, Go Line/Indian River Transit ran the training course. And, guest appearances from both Katharine Eagan, CEO of HART, and Rocky Burke, General Manager of SCAT, helped to make the training course a great success!

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Member Spotlight...

Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority

In

On April 17, 2017, Lisa Bacot visited with Edward Johnson and Tiffany Homler of the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (“CFRTA”) d/b/a LYNX. LYNX operates over 300 vehicles covering a three (3) county service area: Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties. LYNX serves as the both the fixed route provider and the Community Transportation Coordinator to these three counties.

Their budget is approximately $130 million a year and they have nearly 1,200 employees, including 700 drivers. These drivers operate 77 fixed routes on a daily basis, with 85,000 passenger boardings each week day. In addition, around 2,000 trips per day are operated by their paratransit contractor.

LYNX is currently focusing on improving communication with the community as a whole. Their staff is making an effort to meet with all of the current funding partners to find ways to improve what they do, and are meeting with local government officials that currently don’t provide funding for transit services to show them the benefit of transit within their community.

Some recent and future improvements they have implemented include:

• Installing Wi-Fi on all vehicles

• Expanding the LYMMO service (the downtown circulator system)

• Developing real time applications for both fixed route and paratransit

• Mobile payment on both fixed route and paratransit vehicles

LYNX, like many other systems in Florida and the around the nation,

are facing declining ridership levels and are trying to adjust to the future needs of the community, in the most efficient way possible. Some ideas include researching the use of Transportation Network Companies (TNC’s) and local taxi’s, and even the possibility of incorporating autonomous vehicles into their system in the future to better serve individuals. LYNX staff is also overseeing a major update of the TDP and marrying that with a Route Optimization Study to better serve the community.

LYNX is currently in the process of negotiating a new contract for the Paratransit operations, which they expect will give the contractor more incentive to be efficient with the services they provide. LYNX is also considering more

of a “Mobility Manager” concept for their call center and are merging the fixed route and paratransit call centers into one system. This will help to better determine the most effective mode of transportation the client should be using, whether that be fixed route, paratransit, or another form of transportation (like TNC’s or taxi’s).

LYNX has many new initiatives they are working to not only establish better relationships within the tri-county area, but to improve the services they provide on a daily basis to meet the future transportation needs of Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties.

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EXPERIENCE. FINANCIAL STABILITY. INTEGRITY.Leading the Industry in:

RELIABILITY

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TRANSPORTATION TO STRENGTHEN OUR NATION

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Advertising Rates and InformationOur next newsletter will be out in October 2017. The newsletter is printed in full color, and past copies may be seen on our website at FloridaTransit.org.To ensure inclusion we must have final copy no later than September 18th. Rates are as follows: Business Card - $ 75 ¼ Page - (4” x 5.5”) - $150 ½ Page - (8” x 5.5”) - $275 ½ Page (Back Fold) - $325

Full Page - (8” x 10.25”) - $400

You will be invoiced upon publication. You may E-Mail your ad to [email protected] to reserve your spot. Copies of our Newsletters, Calendar of Events, etc. can be found on our website at FLORIDATRANSIT.ORG

“Student’s Art Becomes a Palm Tran Bus Wrap”

Alexander Blackwood did not expect to wake up on February 2, 2017, and become a published artist. Blackwood participated in Palm Tran’s “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day” program. Artwork he drew during a “design a bus” activity was voted best design by the other students present.

“I thought about the sunset, and how people might like to see it on a bus, and then I drew it,” said Blackwood, a fifth grade student at Western Academy Charter School. Blackwood has a passion for learning about science and the solar system. He is preparing to transition to middle school in his school’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program. His future plans include becoming an astronaut and solving the ozone layer problem.

Palm Tran’s Executive Director Clinton B. Forbes was so impressed with the effort put into the design, he decided to showcase the artwork on a real bus. Blackwood’s bus wrap design, covering an entire full side of bus 1105, now serves Route 63 which travels via Lake Worth Rd. from Wellington to Lake Worth.

During the program, Blackwood and other students spent one-on-one time with their mother or father before touring

Palm Tran’s facility. The students boarded a bus to learn how it operates, and visited a nearby bus stop to learn about infrastructure, signage and marketing. Other activities included playing transit-related charades and participating in mock interviews for a position of their choice at the transit agency. This was Palm Tran’s first time

hosting this program which is endorsed by the School District.

“My kids asked to spend Take Your Child to Work Day with me, and I didn’t think we would have the opportunity– but Palm Tran made it happen,” said Alexander’s mother Lavern Blackwood, Interim Human Resources Manager, at Palm Tran. Blackwood said she knew her children were in good hands, they enjoyed the program, and the marketing team executed the event without affecting the parents’ work schedules. “I am so proud to see my son’s design on the side of a bus traveling through Palm Beach County!”

Blackwood's bus

Alexander Blackwood, far left, learns about bus stops with the other students present that day. L to R: Adrian Blackwood, Krista Parker (staff), Brody Girard, Liliana & Viola McGee, Clinton Forbes, Jr. and Cameron Martin

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New Skyway ConneXion Express Route Receives

Regional Award

On April 28th, 2017, the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council held its 25th Annual “Future of the Region” awards ceremony. During that ceremony, the Manatee County regional express bus service, Skyway ConneXion, received a first place award in the Transportation and Mobility category. On April 1, 2016, Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) began operating regional express service, branded as “Skyway ConneXion,” connecting Manatee and Pinellas County. The ConneXion route serves all three of Manatee County’s Bus Transfer Stations (i.e., DeSoto, Downtown Bradenton and Palmetto Stations), with express service across the Skyway Bridge/Interstate 275, serving key bus stops in Pinellas County that include 54th Avenue South, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) Grand Central Terminal, the PSTA Tyrone Square Mall transit center and the C.W. Bill Young/Bay Pines Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital. All of these Pinellas County stops provide regional service connectivity for PSTA and MCAT system users.

The combination of an effective transit service optimization plan, while realizing a rare opportunity to establish new regional transit service connectivity, demonstrate the MCAT team’s visionary approach to service delivery. Manatee and Sarasota County already work diligently together to facilitate transit system connectivity and jointly operate regional service on the US Highway 41 corridor. The two counties also work together conducting the annual operational skills rodeo and with Universal Pass (i.e. U-Pass), pre-paid fare agreements.

The ongoing commitment of Manatee County Government to work with regional partners to better serve the community and the larger Tampa Bay region, is very evident, and the ConneXion express service to Pinellas County is just another example of this commitment. The County continues to serve area Veterans by providing express service for health care at Bay Pines, and the County’s Handy Bus paratransit program provides important “feeder” service for Veterans to access the Skyway ConneXion route at MCAT’s Bus Transfer Stations. The general public also utilize ConneXion service for travel between Manatee and Pinellas County. The Skyway ConneXion is a winning proposition which benefits Manatee County residents and visitors, Veterans, and the Tampa Bay region.

Congratulations to Manatee County and the MCAT team!

The Pasco County Public Transportation Department (PCPT) introduced a new bus route serving the Land O’ Lakes area beginning Monday, May 22, 2017.

"Myself and my fellow County Commissioners have been committed to building a strong transportation network that links our citizens to jobs, government resources, activities and life's daily needs. The new 41 route is proof of how committed we really are," said Pasco County Board Chairman Mike Moore.

The new Route 41 will offer bus service to several areas of Pasco County that have never enjoyed transit service before. Buses will run every hour – serving S.R. 41 from County Line Rd. to Central Blvd. continuing along S.R. 54 to Collier Parkway. Passengers will also be able to transfer to PCPT Route 54, allowing residents in the Land O’ Lakes area to travel throughout Pasco County for work, school, shopping and more!

To kick off the new Land O’ Lakes - Route 41, PCPT offered free rides the first week of operation.

To learn more about Pasco County Public Transportation, including bus routes, transportation news and schedules visit the PCPT website at: http://www.ridepcpt.com.

Pasco County Public Transportation introduces new route

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Nearly $1.9 Million in the making, on April 24th Indian River Transit and Senior Resource Association officially opened the new Main Transit Hub for its GoLine bus system. Located at 1225 16th Street in Vero Beach, the state-of-the-art facility marks a pivotal transformation for Indian River County’s transit system.

From a fledgling bus system in 2007, GoLine is now a highly organized transit system. Weather-protected bus stops, a convenient app for tracking routes in real time, and an environmentally friendly main hub with spacious restrooms, comfortable seating and vending machines have positioned the GoLine transit system as the go-to source for “getting you there.” The refreshing catch? Residents and tourists alike can catch the bus at no charge. It is a model by which other Florida communities are watching closely.

Karen Deigl, President and CEO of Senior Resource Association said, “This facility

Indian River Transit operated by Senior Resource Association opens state-of-the-art Transit Hub

came about through the support of our community recognizing how important mobility is for our residents. We operate 6 days each week and have a ridership of 1.2 million trips annually. Our riders now have a place to safely wait and transfer to their next ride.”

Every half hour, approximately 120 people will transfer from one bus to another at the new hub. GoLine is a public transit system with bus service on 15 fixed routes throughout Indian River County. Residents and visitors take the buses to work, school, medical appointments, grocery stores, shopping, the beach and a variety of other locations throughout the community.

The main transit hub project’s funding sources included the Federal Transit Authority, Florida Department of Transportation, and Indian River County Government. All GoLine bus routes operate Monday through Friday,

6:00AM to 7:00PM. On Saturdays, most routes operate 8:00AM to 5:00PM. GoLine does not charge a fare, but passengers are encouraged to make a donation to help support the complimentary transit system.

Center: Senior Resource Association CEO and President, Karen Deigl; Chairman of the Board of County Commission, Joe Flescher; and County Administrator, Jason Brown cut the ribbon to the new Indian River Transit Main Hub along with SRA staff and Transit drivers.

Every half hour, approximately 120 people transfer from one GoLine bus to another at the new Main Hub.

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FDOT Announces the “2017 Florida Travel Choices Awards” at the 2017 Florida Commuter Transportation Summit

The 2017 Florida Commuter Transportation Summit was held on May 3-5 in St. Petersburg. As part of this FDOT-sponsored annual event, FDOT announced the winners of its three “Travel Choices Awards”.

1. “Travel Choices Marketing Excellence Award” was presented to Commuter Services Florida Department of Transportation, District 1 Program for their “May the Commuter Force Be With You!” program.

2. “Travel Choices Innovative Program Award” was presented to reThink Your Commute Program for their “Go

DTO: Downtown Orlando Commute Challenge”

3. “Travel Choices Leadership Award” was presented to Danielle Joyce, Director of Traffic Services, Greenman-Pedersen, Inc.

More detailed descriptions of the award winners can be found at: http://www.commuterservices.com/events/travel-choices-awards/

Copies of the following presentations from the Summit can be found at http://www.commuterservices.com/2017-f lor ida-commuter- t ranspor tat ion-summit-proceedings/

• City of St. Petersburg Transportation Initiatives

• Goal-Oriented Gamification: More Than Fun & Games

• Building Bicycle Friendly Universities

• Fun With Surveys: Commuter Data Collection & Analysis

• First Mile/Last Mile to Transit Innovation

• Method for Evaluating Trail Connectivity with Public Transportation

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) recognizes transit systems for ridership and success in a range of areas, including safety, operations, maintenance, and community relations.

In what might be a first of its kind, two of the best transit agencies in North America r e c e n t l y shared their best practices. Walter “Lenny” C o o k s e y , S e n i o r Manager of

Transit Operations for the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) initiated a conversation with Metro Transit which serves the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.

Cooksey reached out to Senior Communication Specialist Drew Kerr to learn more about Metro Transit which was named the APTA 2016 Transit System of the Year in the category providing more than 20 million annual passenger trips. JTA received the APTA 2016 Transit System of the Year in the mid-size category for providing more than 4 million, but fewer than 20 million annual passenger trips.

Cooksey visited Metro Transit in late April and relied on public transit for all

Best Meets Besthis mobility needs. Metro Transit offers bus, light rail, commuter rail and bus rapid transit. Metro Transit is much larger than JTA in term of employees, routes, and number of vehicles. Both agencies are focused on improving performance, safety and the customer experience. Cooksey’s visit included meetings with General Manager Brian Lamb and the entire leadership team. He also spent time in all major areas of Metro Transit, including maintenance, and customer service, and attended a senior staff meeting.

Cooksey said the visit was refreshing. He was impressed by the leadership management program and rider alerts. Metro Transit asked about JTA’s Service

Delivery Manager (SDM) program, which puts all aspects of route responsibility on the SDM. This includes customer service, on-time performance, cleanliness, bus operator performance and more.

Cooksey hopes that his visit will inspire other transit agencies to develop stronger working relationships with each other.

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) is an independent agency of the State of Florida governed by a seven-member board of directors and led by APTA Vice-Chair and JTA CEO Nathaniel P. Ford Sr.

JTA operates Jacksonville’s public bus and paratransit service, the St. Johns River Ferry, and Downtown’s automated Skyway. The Authority also plans, designs and builds roads and bridges.

For additional information about JTA, visit www.jtafla.com.

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FPTA, RTS-Gainesville, and the Safe Mobility for Life Coalition held a Transit is Golden Event in Gainesville, Florida on May 22, 2017. The event kicked off at ElderCare of Alachua with informational tables and presentations by several groups highlighting how to use transit and how to walk and bike safely. RTS, MV Transportation, the Ped/Bike Coalition and other groups displayed tables, with information, and even gave out bike helmets!

After the presentations, the winning participants traveled with the planning committee on an RTS bus to a local restaurant. A bus stop was conveniently located right outside in the front of the Senior Center and the restaurant was also directly across the street from an RTS bus stop. We were served lunch, sponsored by FPTA, and then traveled back to the facility. The seniors that participated thoroughly enjoyed the

Gainesville Transit is Golden Event Held

event, and Theresa Harrison with RTS stated, “this was one of the top ten events I’ve attended, and I’ve attended hundreds of events!”

Thank you to RTS, the Safe Mobility for Life Coalition, and the Florida Department of Transportation for your support for this awesome event!

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FIRST CLASSP. O. Box 10168Tallahassee, FL 32302