North American Transit Alliance

Today, Laura Hendricks, chair of the NATA board and CEO of Transdev North America, testified to the U.S. House Committee on Transit and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and Transit on behalf of NATA. Laura shared with the committee the essential role that private contractors play in delivering safe and reliable public transit as well as contributing to our economy.   Specifically, Laura shared with the subcommittee the ways that NATA member companies are working with transit agencies to deliver service that is responsive to passenger demand, specifically considering the Covid recovery. She shared examples of how our members are implementing on-demand microtransit services that allow passengers to book trips on-demand without increasing the fleet or operational costs. She also testified about the importance of streamlining the procurement process with an eye toward efficiency.   NATA members are excited to continue to partner with transit agencies and organized labor to advocate for reliable funding for public transit as well as to ensure a trained workforce that can deliver safe and reliable public transit services that best meet the needs of the traveling public. We look forward to continuing to work with the subcommittee as it develops reauthorization legislation and are honored to represent the industry in this important discussion. #PublicTransitImpact

NATA proudly celebrates Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 34th Anniversary. Today and everyday we celebrate this important civil rights law that works to ensure all people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. Our members are committed to creating equitable public transportation solutions across North America. We will continue to advocate for equal access for all citizens of all abilities. #ADA34 #ThanksToTheADA

This month marks the four year anniversary since the North American Transit Alliance was created to advocate for the benefits of contracting in public #transit. Recently, the board and management committee met to reflect on the accomplishments of NATA to date and discuss the positive role we can play in the future - both in the industry and in the culture around transportation. In the latest edition of our newsletter, we highlight some of these accomplishments as well as exciting updates including an opportunity to testify before Congress and a new resource for how to begin contracting in transit.

For most of us, #summer means more adventure, more time on the road and more opportunity to try new things as a family. Whether you're jetting off to exotic destinations or exploring your own city, public transportation can become an important part of your itinerary. Not only does it offer an eco-friendly way to get around, but it can also save you gas money while improving the environment. In this guide, we'll explore how to make the most of #publictransportation during your summer adventures.

Today members of our board and management committee met in Dallas to brainstorm, strategize and dream about the future of NATA and our mission to advocate for the essential role that private contractors play in public transportation.

At NATA, part of our mission is to provide resources and educational materials on contracting as an option for public #transit service. There are numerous options for contracting and each agency customizes their contract for their community’s and agency’s needs. However, the fundamentals of what makes a successful contract and contracting relationship are the same. We are excited to share a new guide that provides a starting point for how to contract an existing service or a new mode of transit. We hope this resource is helpful for any agency or organization looking to take their transit services to the next level.

Public transit does more than connect us to the people and places we care about the most. It transforms communities, and economies. Thank you American Public Transportation Association for sharing this piece on the transformative power of #publictransportation.

Looking to do one thing to improve the planet as we celebrate the Earth this month? One small but significant step you can take is to choose a day, multiple days, or even a week to ditch your keys and utilize your community’s #PublicTransit options. Public transport is one of the best, most cost-effective solutions available to address today’s climate and development challenges. (source IPCC report 2023) Buses and trains, and other forms of public transit can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to two-thirds per passenger, per kilometer compared to private vehicles. (EPA) The UN’s latest climate action report says that shifting more trips to public transit is essential to curbing climate change and it’s a practical step we can take to improve our communities. Choosing public transit does more than just improve the climate. Increasing access to reliable public transport brings overall benefits to society, such as lower accident rates, more active city residents and broader access to jobs, education and urban services. This makes it a key driver of equitable, sustainable development in cities around the world. #EarthDay #publictransit #Transportation #Sustainability #Climate

Investing in #publictransit means investing in our economy and the workforce. Listen to these stories from local leaders about the positive impact the industry has in every aspect of their communities.

If you work in public #transit and are looking to take the next step in your agency, bringing in contractors can bring enormous benefits. Once you recognize the benefits that contracting can bring to your public transit agency, what is the next step? We recommend to first conduct a review to determine areas of growth where contractors might be able to add additional efficiencies and resources. We then recommend identifying key stakeholders in the agency and third parties that would have a say in the process and get their buy in early. Prior to issuing an RFP, there can be benefit to sending a RFI to invite input from contractors on how best to structure the contract.