South West Transit Association

SWTA: Next Gen Sessions

Sunday 7/28/2024

5:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. - Opening Reception

Join your fellow conference attendees for some complimentary drinks & appetizers and catch-up from your colleagues from – and beyond – the SWTA Nation!

Monday 7/29/2024

9:00 - 10:15 A.M. - Rising At Your Agency & In the Transit Industry

Learn strategies for advancing your career trajectory, harnessing innovation, and navigating challenges in an evolving professional landscape. Whether you're looking to climb the ranks within your agency or drive change in transit operations, this session will provide practical and real insights to inspire you and propel your career forward. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and network with fellow SWTA Members!

Theo Richards, CEO - Capital Area Transit System (CATS)
Andrea Ball, Executive Director - Oklahoma Transit Association
Shah N. Remtulla, Regional Sales Manager-Southwest – Complete Coach Works

10:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. - An Overview of Transit Technical Assistance Programs

There’s a wide range of technical assistance programs available to assist transit professionals and their agencies in improving mobility options in communities of all sizes – many of them supported by federal investment. Representatives of several of these programs will share details about the objectives and opportunities of their various technical assistance activities.

Moderator: Kristen Joyner, President – Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA)
Jack Clark, Executive Director – Transit Workforce Center
Robin Phillips, Executive Director – National Rural Transit Assistance Program
Chris Zeilinger, Assistant Director – Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA)

12:15 - 1:30 P.M. - Lunch & Safety Updates Presentation

Enjoy a buffet lunch and learn about important transit safety updates.

Stewart Mader, Program Analyst - FTA

1:30 - 2:45 P.M. - Enhancing Your Soft Skills

We all know the saying “teamwork makes the dream work” but in addition to your experience and knowledge, having competent soft skills is what sets you apart. What core skills make you in demand, boosts your productivity, and builds confidence? Learn how to enhance your problem solving, craft great communications, have clear critical thinking, be more flexible, and have strong time management skills

Andrea Ball, Executive Director - Oklahoma Transit Association.

3:00 - 4:30 P.M. - Bridging the Gap - Navigating Intergenerational Dynamics

Join us for a fun and interactive game to explore and learn to navigate the differences between coworkers of different generations.

Amanda Webb, Member Services and Operations Manager - South West Transit Association

5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. - Interactive Tour of Fort Worth Central and Grapevine stations

Any interested conference attendees can join in a short walk over to Fort Worth Central Station, where Trinity Metro staff will provide details of their system and intermodal facility, which hosts multiple Trinity Metro bus routes, intercity bus carriers, TEX Rail to DFW Airport, Trinity Railway Express to Dallas, Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer & Texas Eagle routes. Additionally, Trinity Metro staff will also travel with any attendees interested on TEXRail to their Grapevine station, where transit-oriented development is flourishing. Note: no meals are provided during this event.

Tuesday 7/30/2024

9:00 - 10:15 A.M. - Learn About FTA Programs

Like technical assistance programs, there’s a grand scope of work conducted by the Federal Transit Administration in delivering funding and administering regulations for federal transit programs, including regional offices spread around the country. As we’re gathering in Fort Worth, where FTA’s Region 6 Office is located, staff from the Regional Office will share information on their varying roles and functions, such as procurement, data reporting, grant awards and more.

FTA Regional Office Staff

10: 30 A.M. - 11:45 A.M. - Enhancing the Passenger Experience

Beyond ensuring reliable operations of transit services, the level of the customers experience at public transportation networks of all sizes impacts the usability and attractiveness of those options to both existing and potential riders. This session will share examples from different SWTA members in how they’ve enhanced elements of their system, from information and fares to accessibility and advocacy.

Dottie Watkins, CEO - CapMetro - Capital Metro Transportation Authority
Armando Reyes, Business Development and Public Affairs Manager - EMBARK
Frank White III, President & CEO - Kansas City Area Transportation Authority

11:45 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. - Leadership Session featuring FTA Acting Administrator & APTA, AASHTO & CTAA Leaders

Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool will provide remarks on behalf of the Federal Transit Administration, followed by a buffet lunch for all attendees. We’ll then feature a lunchtime discussion moderated by Acting Administrator Vanterpool and leaders of APTA, AASHTO and CTAA.

Veronica Vanterpool, Acting Administrator - FTA
Scott Bogren, Executive Director – Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA)
Art Guzzetti, Vice President-Policy and Mobility – American Public Transportation Association (APTA)
Nicole Majeski, Secretary – Delaware Department of Transportation (representing the American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials – AASHTO)

12:30 P.M. - SWTA: NextGen Sessions Adjurn

Conference sessions conclude for this event.

Begins at 5:00 P.M. - Optional Social Event at Fort Worth Stockyards

Unwind with your fellow conference attendees at Second Rodeo Brewing (https://secondrodeobrewing.com/) in Fort Worth’s famed Stockyards district. Attendees will receive 2 vouchers good for their choice of drinks and food. There’s no formal program at this optional social event.