APTA: APTA Transit Board Members Committee

The atmosphere was positive and progressive at the General Managers/Transit Board Members Seminar and Board Support Workshop hosted by the Santa Monica, California's Big Blue Bus system. A definite highlight was the day for all CEOs, board members and board support staff. The workshops included Negotiation - The Track to Agreement, led by directors from the Rutgers Center for Negotiation and Conflict Resolution; Business Ethics - Lessons for Leadership in Public Life with Dr. Barbara Toffler, author of Final Accounting: Ambition, Greed, and the Fall of Arthur Andersen and Managers Talk Ethics: Making Touch Choices in a Competitive Business World.

The Legislative Conference gave transit board members another opportunity to meet and visit Capitol Hill to speak with their senators and congressional representatives about Reauthorization and other transit issues.

The future is looking very bright for the Transit Board Members Committee (TBMC). President of APTA Bill Millar has been very responsive and supportive of the TBMC. George Dixon, current Chair of APTA and a transit board member, introduced the new policy that the APTA Nominating Committee will make every effort to nominate an eligible transit board member for First Vice Chair, if there has not been a TBM serving as Chair in the previous two years. After one year, the First Vice Chair is nominated for election as Chair of the APTA Board. This is "walking the talk" and giving substantial opportunities to TBMC members. These guys are real TBMC allies.

The leadership of the TBMC subcommittees has been nothing short of extraordinary. As chair of the Advisory Outreach Subcommittee, Flora Castillo, NJ Transit, has done an outstanding job of planning and surveying the transit board members. She is pursuing the writing of five White Papers which is unparalleled in the TBMC. It is exciting watching all of this unfold and the untold positive effect it will have for transit board members. Donna McNamee, Laketran, Grand River, Ohio, is busy with her ADA Subcommittee; Dave Harper, Capital City Metro, Austin, Texas is building the Scholarship Subcommittee; Pam O'Connor, Santa Monica, California is laying our strategy for the Membership Subcommittee; and Cleopatra Vaughns of San Francisco Muni and Bylaws Subcommittee chair, assures that all the new activities are in compliance with the bylaws.

Every board member is invited to participate in the Webinar on budgeting, designed especially for transit board members. And a big welcome to the MetroLink board members, from Rock Island, Illinois who have recently joined the TBMC and all the other individuals who have become new members. We are delighted to have you. The future is looking bright for the TBMC and I invite each board member from every transit agency in APTA to come aboard.

Mattie P. ("M. P.") Carter
Chair, APTA Transit Board Members Committee
Immediate Past Chair, Memphis Area Transit Authority Board of Directors

ABOUT BOARDtalk

BOARDtalk is emailed three times a year to the Transit Board Members Committee, the Board Support Subcommittee, and the designated APTA correspondent (often the General Manager) at each APTA-member transit system who is asked to send it on electronically to the board members. We'd like to feature your activities. Please send information about your agency's accomplishments to mcbride@bradley.edu and include BOARDtalk in the subject line.

WHAT BOARD MEMBERS WANT:
Transit Board Members Outreach Program

Part of APTA's FY 2004 Business Plan, the Enhanced Transit Board Members (TBM) Outreach Program is to help improve professional skills by fostering peer-to-peer information exchanges and encouraging membership in APTA committees. Led by Flora Castillo, Board Member of New Jersey Transit, the program began with the January, 2004 TBM survey. The survey identified the types of information TBMs need, their preferred communication methods, and their interest in APTA committee participation. The questionnaire was emailed to APTA-member transit systems, the TBM Committee, and the Board Support Subcommittee.

SURVEY FINDINGS...

Sixty-five surveys were returned. The findings will guide the outreach program:

Nine in ten respondents said "Yes," APTA should reach out to transit board members about getting involved in committees, peer-to-peer information exchange programs, and materials and programs for professional development.

The top five requested subject areas were funding, budgeting, board members' roles and responsibilities, human resources and planning/transit-oriented development.

How TBMs preferred to get information was, in priority order, (1) email or online; (2) printed; and, tying for third, (3) seminars, conferences, and classes, and peer-to-peer exchanges. The preferences for online information exchanges were, in order, emailing questions to a board consultant; posting questions at APTA's WebBoard; and online publications to download.

Twenty-three respondents (about one-third) said they want to join the TBM Committee and have already been enrolled. With the TBMC's themes of inclusion and involvement, the survey, alone, has taken the committee a big step forward.

ACTION PLAN

To continue through FY 2005 (June 30, 2005), the Enhanced Transit Board Members Outreach Program includes the following actions:

ONLINE WHITE PAPERS will be posted at apta.com on funding, budgeting, board members' roles and responsibilities, and service planning/transit-oriented development.

BOARDtalk, the Transit Board Members Committee newsletter, will continue.

APTA.COM FORUM Using the apta.com Forum or WebBoard for posting Q & As will be encouraged and its usage tracked. On the www.apta.com home page, left-side menu, click For Members - Forums.

WEBINAR The FY 2004 Business Plan includes a webinar for transit board members.

EMAILING QUESTIONS TO A BOARD CONSULTANT Each of APTA's transit systems is enrolled through June 30, 2004 in BoardSource and is entitled to five "conversations" with board consultants. TBMs may use the Member I.D. number that was emailed to the designated correspondent at each transit system (often, it is the General Manager) for "deep access" on the website, www.boardsource.org. One board member used this resource and the organization won an award for implementing the advice.

JOINING APTA COMMITTEES Information on APTA committees was distributed to the Transit Board Members Committee and is available. There are about 120 committees and subcommittees. All transit board members are encouraged to get active in this diverse committee structure; there is something for everyone. Please email lmorsen@apta.com. As this project began, 146 TBMs held 209 positions within APTA. This will be the baseline to measure success.

CONGRATULATIONS!

In the most significant milestone to date for the rebirth and rebuilding of New York's World Trade Center site, the Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corporation opened its temporary World Trade Center Station with a ceremony marked by the arrival of the same PATH cars that were the last to leave the original World Trade Center Station on Sept. 11, 2001. This was to symbolize the successful evacuation of more than 25,000 people on that day.
Toronto Transit Commission celebrated the 50th anniversary of its subway line, the Yonge Subway and announced its receipt of a record $1 billion for capital improvements over the next five years from the Canadian government, the province of Ontario, and the city of Toronto.
SamTrans received Samceda's Environmental Action Award for its bus repower project, extending the life about five years for 137 vehicles. Samceda serves San Mateo County's business community as the public policy voice to local officials on issues affecting the business climate and quality of life. Over $11 million in grant money from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission helped fund the four-year project of work. Buses' engines and transmissions were replaced, the buses were re-wired and 4,700 replacement parts were installed, bringing the coaches up to the state's new emissions standard for diesel vehicles. The result was a 25% reduction in average fleet emissions and a 40% increase in fuel savings. SamTrans improved air quality and saved the district millions in new coach purchases. Typically, buses have a life of between twelve and fifteen years. These were purchased in the early 1990s and would have needed replacing over the next 18 months.
Caltrain's Board voted to adopt the highest service levels in the railroad's 140-year history. Beginning in early June, new weekday schedules offer 86 trains daily, including express and local service. New Baby Bullet express service moves between San Francisco and San Jose in less than an hour, making Caltrain competitive with car travel time. Weekend service will be reinstated at a level nearly double the previous service.
Benjamin Gettler was elected Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Cincinnati's Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority. He was Chairman of the Cincinnati Transit Company at the time of its sale to SORTA in 1973 and had served on its board for 13 years.
San Francisco area voters in seven counties approved their March ballot measure funding transit, planning, and roads with a one dollar increase in state bridge tolls (from $2 to $3.) As a result, BART's Transbay Tube, through which 150,000 passengers per day travel between San Francisco and Oakland (132 feet deep on the bay floor), will be strengthened for added earthquake safety. the TransBay Terminal in San Francisco will be renovated, and high-speed rail will be studied. BART's extensions to Warm Springs in Alameda County and in Contra Costa County will be funded, as well as other ferry and bus services throughout the Bay Area.
Lawrence Dahms, the former Executive Director of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission in Oakland, California, was elected Chair of the Board of Directors for City CarShare, a car-sharing service in the Bay Area. Dahms was inducted into the APTA Hall of Fame at the 2003 Annual Meeting and has been active in Bay Area public transportation since the 1960s.
New Jersey Transit launched its River LINE, a 34-mile light rail line that was funded through a state gas tax, with no federal funds.
Nashville's Metropolitan Transit Authority received the first of its 51 new buses, as part of a five-year capital improvement plan.
New Orleans opened its Canal Streetcar Line from the Mississippi River out, announced James Reiss, Chairman of the Regional Transit Authority Board of Commissioners.
Cleopatra Vaughns was elected Chairman of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Board of Directors. Vaughns is an Executive Council member of the TBMC, serving as Bylaw Subcommittee Chair. She is past Chair of the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Cathy Reese has been elected chair of Community Transit's Board of Directors in Snohomish County, Washington. The Mukilteo City Councilwoman has served on the CT board since 2000.
Nancy Johnson, Director, Office of Board Support for Dallas Area Rapid Transit was named Women's Transportation Seminar Member of the Year for the Dallas Chapter.
Chairman of the Board of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority Donna Harper was reappointed to a second term by Florida Governor Jeb Bush. She'll oversee the implementation of 32 projects under the $2.25 billion Better Jacksonville Plan and help prepare the system for the 2005 Super Bowl XXXIX.
San Antonio, Texas' VIA system welcomes St. Mary's University President Charles Cotrell to its Board of Trustees, who was appointed by the Bexar County Commission. VIA received Goodwill Industries' Community Partner Award for helping Goodwill employees get to work on its subscription paratransit and fixed route services, particularly when a fire destroyed one of the work centers and VIA employees went out of their way to make sure the workers got to their jobs.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Board of Directors has elected Robert J. Smith to a one-year term as its Chairman. Smith was named to the board by Maryland Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
The Memphis Area Transit Authority's grand opening celebration of the Madison Avenue light rail Line was held on March 15. Memphis Mayor Willie W. Herenton, Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn and FTA Deputy Administrator Robert Jamison were among the dignitaries who boarded the first trolley for the inaugural ride on the two-mile stretch into downtown Memphis. They broke through a large banner with the theme, More Connections, More Memphis, and were followed by a parade of vintage trolleys filled with enthusiastic riders. The new link between the central business (CBD) and medical districts extends into Midtown, expanding transit service options for employees, customers, residents and visitors, and is a catalyst for redevelopment. The six stations feature artwork such as mosaic murals and sculptures, reflecting the music, art, and scientific legacies of each station area. The $75 million project cost was 80% funded through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA); 20% was split equally between the City of Memphis and the Tennessee Department of Transportation. The project was completed on time and was $19 million under budget.
The Monterey-Salinas Transit Board of Directors elected Fernando Armenta as chair. He is a member of the Monterey Country Board of Supervisors and has been a board member of MST since 1996.
The FTA named ten agencies to participate in a two-year training and assistance for implementing Environmental Management Systems (EMS): Utah Transit Authority in Salt Lake City; Community Transit in Snohomish County, Washington; Hampton Roads Transit in Virginia; Boston's MBTA; the Phoenix Public Transit Dept.; the City of Tucson DOT; BART in the Bay Area; Seattle's Sound Transit; Louiville, Kentucky's Transit Authority of River City; and Washington D.C.'s Metro. An EMS is a set of procedures to assure compliance with federal, state and local environmental regulations and facilitate environmental stewardship. Benefits include cost savings, improved bond ratings, reduced insurance costs, and better community relations.
FTA honored five states with United We Ride Leadership Awards: Florida, Maryland, Ohio, North Carolina, and Washington. The award recognizes significant progress in implementing infrastructures, policies and programs that facilitate transportation coordination.
With flextime's growing popularity, Laketran of Lake County Ohio now serves the CBD as early as 5:35 a.m. Said Dale Chample who was recently elected president of the Board of Trustees, "Studies show that for every dollar invested in Laketran, the local economy realizes a $3.10 return, so we are also very excited about the economic impact new service like this brings." Laketran's Annual Summer Dime Days Logo Contest is open for student artists from grades 7 - 12 who enter logo designs for the annual summer ridership event. The winner receives $250 with his/her artwork used in all event advertising. Three runners-up receive $100 each.
New Houston Metro Board Chairman David Wolff is seeking a broad base of support in emphasizing public safety and traffic law enforcement along the first rail line. Chairman Wolff, who grew up taking transit in Philadelphia, is opening communication lines with Metro's congressional delegation.
Fort Worth's "the T" Chair Gyna Bivens heralded the Richland Hills 2-to-1 "Yes" vote in February to remain with the Fort Worth Transportation Authority.

TRANSIT BOARD MEMBERS SEMINAR A SUCCESS, COMBINED WITH GENERAL MANAGERS SEMINAR

One hundred sixty-eight (168) Transit Board Members attended the successful February Santa Monica TBM Seminar. They gave the program high ratings - the highest going to the media training and public speaking workshops. Also with "AAAA" ratings were the sessions on ethics lessons for public officials, creating a strong board-CEO partnership, and negotiations.

"Very satisfied," was the reaction of many. "…For the valuable networking and ideas gained. I met and networked with many!" The board members enjoyed the sessions shared with general managers because they "promoted cohesiveness, offering opportunities to exchange perspectives and experiences. The board - CEO relationship is a key partnership; this seminar strengthened the collaboration. Board members, especially, got a better understanding of the dynamics of the industry."

TBMs suggested topic ideas to cover at the July, 2005 seminar in Memphis - the home of Elvis, B.B. King, and Isaac Hayes. The next TBM Seminar will be in conjunction with the Board Support Workshop.

GETTING INVOLVED…

The Transit Board Members Committee is a forum for professional development, educational resources and peer-to-peer exchanges. To join, please email staff advisor Lynne Morsen at lmorsen@apta.com. The strength of our industry and the contributions made in each community by public transportation stems from you. We'd like every board member of APTA's 379 transit systems to take part. It makes us all better to have YOU involved.

FLORA CASTILLO - WOMAN OF THE YEAR

NJ TRANSIT's Board Director Flora Castillo was named the Women's Transportation Seminar - Greater New York "Woman of the Year" for 2003. The award recognizes a woman who has directly contributed toward the advancement of women through programs or opportunities in transportation and has made an outstanding contribution in the industry. Flora serves the APTA Transit Board Members Committee as the Outreach Advisory Subcommittee Chair.

"This is a great honor and a most deserving award for Flora, who since her appointment has been a champion for our minority employees and customers," said Executive Director George D. Warrington. "In her role as Board Director, Flora has initiated numerous programs including the recent creations of NJ TRANSIT's Transit Academy mentoring program used to introduce high school students throughout the state to the various career opportunities in the transportation industry."

Gov. Christine Todd Whitman appointed Flora to the Corporation's Board of Directors in 1999. Flora currently chairs the Board's Administration and Customer Service committees. Flora Castillo is Associate Vice President of Public Affairs and Marketing with Keystone Mercy Health Plan, the largest Medicaid managed care company in Southeastern Pennsylvania. She designs and implements outreach programs to promote the company, foster ties with local communities, healthcare providers and its 267,000 members

NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 752,600 trips daily on 240 bus routes, two light rail lines and eleven commuter rail lines. It is the third largest transit system in the United States with 162 rail stations, 29 light rail stations and more than 17,000 bus stops that link major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.

WEBINAR - JUNE 30TH
For APTA Transit Board Members

Transit board members have scheduled an online seminar on the budgeting process. Included are the key questions board members should ask the accountants; understanding different types of accounting; how TBMs can ensure the continued financial health of the agency; and relating the budget to the agency's priorities.

The webinar is similar to a workshop session - you'll see the PowerPoint slides onscreen and, using a telephone or the computer's sound system, hear the presentation live. You'll be able to ask questions and make comments.

System Requirements

There are two main technical components to the webinar -- audio and visual. Everyone participating in the event needs access to both components. The audio includes the voice component of the session - the experts talking and giving their presentations, and the live Q&A discussions with the experts and the webinar audience. The visual component includes seeing the presenters' PowerPoint slides, required webinar fields and tools on your computer screen that allow you to applaud, smile, and ask questions. While some use their computer for both the audio and video, most access the visuals on the computer and use the phone (including speaker phones) for the audio/teleconference component. They can talk with the experts and listen to others' comments and questions "live."

The required computer equipment:

Windows 95, 98, Me, NT 4.0, 2000
Netscape 4.06 or later, Internet Explorer 4.01 or later
28.8 kbps or faster Internet connection
Pentium133+ MHz, 32+ MB memory
800x600 or higher display resolution
If you will be listening to the audio via your computer, you need a sound card and speakers. Most people call in on the telephone to a separate number.

Registration will be in May and June. After you register for the event, you'll receive a confirmation notice via email. This confirmation includes Internet access instructions including the URL address and pass code you need for the day of the event, and telephone instructions, including the toll-free phone number and pass code. The week before the webinar, you'll want to run a "system check." On the day of the event, log into the event about 15 minutes early. Once your log-on is successful, you will see the first presentation slide on your computer screen. About five minutes early, call the toll-free number for the audio portion of the event. Technical support is available.

Free of charge to up to forty connections, the webinar was planned as a member-only service. Board members are encouraged to view the webinar together so that more transit systems can join in. Some transit properties have twenty people in a conference room with a full screen projector and high-quality speaker phone.

No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself, or to get all the credit for doing it.

~Andrew Carnegie

WHITE PAPERS FOR TRANSIT BOARD MEMBERS TO GO ONLINE

Topic papers on the five most requested subjects will be created by and for transit board members. The first, on the overseeing the budgeting process, will be posted at www.apta.com as the June 30th webinar is offered on the same subject.

You are welcome to contribute to the papers; please email lmorsen@apta.com. The five papers are described below.

OVERSEEING TRANSIT BUDGETS

What are the best practices for board members in managing their fiduciary responsibilities in public transportation? What are key questions that transit board members may want to ask? How can board members assess the reports to maintain and improve the transit system's financial health? This paper focuses on understanding financial statements, transit accounting conventions, identifying trends through financial budgeting, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Government Accounting Standards Board. Types of accounting such as cash flow accounting, tax accounting, operations accounting, budgetary accounting and others are described. Included are ways board members can ensure that the agency's goals and priorities are reflected in the financial planning.

THE TRANSIT BOARD'S ROLE IN SECURING FUNDING

How does the board lead the transit agency through the complex funding processes necessary to maintain, improve, expand, and construct transportation facilities and services? What are sources of operating assistance and capital funding? What are the federal programs, formulas and mandates? What types of financing packages do federal agencies favor? How does the board member's advocacy role build community support, resulting in favorable federal ratings? Funding resources, techniques, and creative leveraging strategies are the focus of this paper.

THE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRANSIT BOARD MEMBERS

Beyond setting the agency's mission statement and goals, what leadership actions help the board to single-out issues and frame its decision making? How does the board ensure that its actions advance the agency and improve passenger services to benefit the entire community or region? When and how do effective boards assess their own effectiveness? Do administrative, managerial and governance roles blend or complement one another in your agency? This paper includes lessons learned, what works for other transit boards, and practices to maintain a powerful, cohesive board that strengthens your organization's effectiveness.

WHAT TRANSIT BOARD MEMBERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE HUMAN RESOURCES FUNCTION

Is the board called on to redefine HR's priorities in the new economy? Learn about labor issues, health and casualty insurance, pension and other benefits - from the transit board member's perspective. Hear how transit systems go about recruiting and hiring CEOs; creating a strong board-CEO partnership; and assessing the CEO's performance. Can the board align HR strategies with the agency's business strategies? How does the HR function get a report card from the board? What is customer-driver workforce planning and how does the board lead the way?

TRANSIT BOARD MEMBERS' PIVOTAL ROLE IN SERVICE AND CAPITAL PLANNING

Route restructuring and capital planning, transit- and pedestrian-oriented development, site design, land use, and air quality standards ? the components and mandates of transit development and comprehensive plans … and they are in your agenda packet for approval. Many transit systems are streamlining services and planning new routes, revisiting the traditional radial, city-center service and moving towards suburb-to-suburb mobility. Transit board members have a pivotal role in learning of community needs and areas of trip growth, discussing them with the CEO, and helping to outline strategic plans and goals in broad brush strokes. See how boards are involved with developing the transit strategic plan, committed to the process, understand the assumptions behind the plan, see that it is used, and participate in its evaluation.

SUMMARY OF MEETING TRANSIT BOARD MEMBERS COMMITTEE

The Transit Board Members Committee (TBMC) met during the APTA Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. March 7. Chair M.P. Carter welcomed everyone.

The subcommittee chairs reported:

SCHOLARSHIP: David Harper of Austin Metro said the Scholarship Foundation will ask transit board members for $100 each and is planning on ways to get more young people interested in a career in public transportation.
ADA: Donna McNamee of Laketran in Ohio advised that there are over 3,000 transit board members governing APTA-member transit systems - all of whom need to be kept advised and updated on ADA issues, the ADA act and regulations.
MEMBERSHIP: Pam O'Connor of the Los Angeles MTA and Santa Monica City Council member said that the transit board members who attended the Transit Board Members Seminar in February or the Legislative Conference but who are not yet on the TBMC roster will be contacted.
TBM OUTREACH: Flora Castillo of New Jersey Transit discussed the White Papers and Webinar, as well as attracting members to first join the TBMC and use it as a springboard to join in the APTA's diverse committee structure, including some 120 committees and subcommittees. The work of Pam and Flora will be coordinated, Flora said, as part of the TBM survey in January, 23 new members signed up to the Transit Board Members Committee.
BOARD SUPPORT: Nancy Johnson, Dallas DART, said this is the tenth anniversary of the subcommittee. New officers as of the October Annual Meeting will be Chair Gina Estrada of Capital Metro in Austin, TX; Vice Chair Rhodetta Seward of Intercity Transit in Olympia, WA; and Secretary Beth Vidaurri of Corpus Christi RTA, TX. Their goal is to contact every board support person at APTA-member transit systems over the next year to build membership and networking, as well as attendance at the July, 2005 Board Support Workshop.

BOARDtalk Editor Sharon McBride, Chair of the Greater Peoria Transit District in Illinois said the deadline for the next issue's information would be April 5. Each Regional Rep was asked to contribute articles about transit systems in his or her federal region.

Pat Piras, Chair of the AC Transit Board serving Alameda and Contra Costa Counties in Northern California reported on the APTA Access Committee's activities on transportation for people with disabilities and older adults.

Shirley Harris of the SamTrans board and Chair of Leadership APTA said that the 2004 class is in session with the 2005 class beginning in August.

The next TBMC meeting will be during the APTA Annual Meeting in Atlanta October 9 or 10. The next Transit Board Members Seminar is scheduled for July 2005 in Memphis, hosted by Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA).

From TBMC Secretary Arthur L. Lloyd

CHRIS ZIMMERMAN RECEIVES LIVABLE COMMUNITIES LEADERSHIP AWARD

Christopher Zimmerman, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Board Member (former chair), Arlington County Board Member (former chair), and Virginia Railway Express Board Member, received the Washington Regional Network for Livable Communities (WRN) first "Livable Communities Leadership Award". Chris serves as Region 2 Representative on the APTA Transit Board Members Committee.

WRN is a non-profit that promotes smart growth for the Washington D.C. area. The award recognizes individuals for outstanding efforts to create a region that accommodates growth, creating diverse, livable communities, and protecting the environment.

Robert A Peck, President of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, said, "The people of Arlington County and this entire region, owe a debt of gratitude to Chris Zimmerman. Rosslyn, Ballston and Clarendon have become vibrant models of mixed-use, transit-oriented development, and neighborhoods throughout Arlington and are more livable and desirable. Communities across the United States are now trying to emulate the Arlington County experience, one that Chris Zimmerman helped to create."

Zimmerman's leadership in innovative transportation initiative, transit-oriented development and affordable housing were cited in his award. As a WMATA board member, Zimmerman promoted better pedestrian and bicycle access to Metrorail, enhanced bus service, innovative transit technologies and advocated for reinvestment in the system's aging infrastructure, WRN noted. He also championed the creation of lively and walkable neighborhoods, improved transit service, and affordable housing.

TRANSIT BOARD MEMBERS COMMITTEE TO ELECT NEW OFFICERS

A slate of new TBMC candidates will stand for election to office during the APTA October Annual Meeting in Atlanta. Up for election are the: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and three Regional Representatives: Region 1 (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York and Rhode Island); Region 2 (New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington DC, North and South Carolina); and Region 4 (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, North and South Dakota.)

All members of the Transit Board Members Committee who have served at least one year as a transit system board member at an APTA-member system are eligible for office. The Regional Reps must be from a transit system located in the region he or she will represents.

The Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary serve one-year terms and are eligible for election to a second term. Regional Reps have two-year terms and are eligible for election to a second term.

Candidates for office must announce their intentions by September 9th by sending both a letter of intent and a letter of support from their board and/or board chair to the APTA staff advisor - emails are fine, to lmorsen@apta.com. At the Business/Election Meeting, no nominations will be taken from the floor unless that individual has submitted his or her letters of intent and support.

PUTTING THE JULY 2005 BOARD SUPPORT WORKSHOP IN YOUR BUDGET NOW!

The TBMC's Board Support Subcommittee held its workshop and also met in combined session with transit board members and general managers in Santa Monica. One of the most popular board support sessions was Day-to-Day Challenges: Solutions that Work, a forum to discuss and resolve challenges faced by board support staff. They reviewed electronic board packets, software to help manage board meetings, designing board web pages, and making presentations.

In its tenth year, the subcommittee's workshops are during the Transit Board Members Seminar, usually held in July. The next workshop will be in July 2005 in Memphis.

Please encourage your board support person to attend, and see that budget is allocated. Said Beth Vidaurri, Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority's executive assistant to the general manager and the board, "I was fortunate to have a General Manager who insisted that I attend the Board Support Workshop where I heard others discuss the same issues I work with. Dealing with a board, a CEO and department heads takes a lot. The educational sessions and networking were invaluable. My learning curve was greatly reduced thanks to the Board Support group and with their help, I will continue to improve and streamline the General Manager's office services and provide better support to RTA's Board of Directors."

Your transit system may be getting a call soon from one of the Board Support Subcommittee members to expand their network and extend the benefits to all APTA-member transit systems. Every board support staff member is encouraged to join. Please contact Gina Estrada at gina.estrada@capmetro.org or Jan McBride at jan.mcbride@commtrans.org.

BOARD MEMBER PROFILE -- ARTHUR LLOYD - SamTrans

APTA Transit Board Members Committee Secretary Art Lloyd has spent most of his life either fascinated with railroads, working for them and/or enjoying a combination of both.

Art serves on the nine-member appointed board for the San Mateo County Transit District. SamTrans' 326 buses provide countywide service extending north to San Francisco. Art has served for sixteen years on the SamTrans board and for twelve years on the Caltrain board, and is liaison to the County Government Agency, chairing its Planning and Development committee.

Following a stint in the US Army, this railroad man worked in various positions ranging from yard clerk, and information/ticket clerk to public relations for California-based railroads. He joined Amtrak in 1971 serving in various capacities in Washington D.C., Los Angeles and San Francisco. He left Amtrak in 1991 as the retired director of Public and Government Affairs for Amtrak/West headquartered in San Francisco. Much of his community involvement includes transit organizations and committees. He was chair or president for the Railway and Locomotive Historical Society, California Nevada Railroad Historical Society, Bay Area Electric Railroad Association, and Northern California Railroad Club. Arthur Lloyd certainly appears to be the "go to" guy with railroad questions.

Art has been married for over 50 years to his wife Eleanor, who frequently joins him for APTA events. They have three adult children and seven grandchildren.

Art says he considers acquiring ownership of Caltrain right-of-way as his most significant success since he has been a board member.

BOARD MEMBER PROFILE -- HOWARD SILVER - Golden Empire Transit District

Howard Silver moved to Bakersfield California from Bangor, Maine in 1964. Bakersfield offered Howard a variety of opportunities, including the right environment to raise a family and an ideal market for establishing a successful auto dismantling business. Bakersfield recognized Howard's enthusiasm, can-do attitude, big heart and his willingness to work until the job at hand is complete. Local residents have reaped the benefits of Howard's involvement in activities including the Optimist Club, the Arthritis Association, the Community Concert Association, the AIDS Advisory Board, the Shriners Hospital Committee and the Synagogue.

Howard recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of his appointment to Golden Empire Transit (GET) District's Board of Directors. His entrée into the public transportation arena began when the city's mayor recruited him to apply for a transit board position because he thought Howard's auto business experience would make him a "public transportation expert." Notwithstanding this somewhat amusing introduction to public transportation, Howard joined the Golden Empire Transit Board in 1983 and has played an important role in shaping Bakersfield's transportation system since that time. Golden Empire Transit has five board members, two appointed by the mayor, two by the county and the last appointed by the other board members.

What keeps a person involved in any board of directors after two decades? For Howard, who has served as GET's Board Chair for three different two-year terms, the motivation is simply in knowing the importance of public transportation and its impact on the people in his community. "Public transportation gets people to job opportunities and school, it reduces traffic congestion and is a cost-effective means of transportation for people in all walks of life," he said. "I spend my time working on projects I believe in. I believe in public transportation and how it improves people's lives."

Over the years, Howard's enthusiasm and insight in developing effective public transportation systems has spread beyond the local arena. Howard has worked with APTA on national transportation issues since 1990. He is currently APTA's Vice-Chair for Transit Board Members, and he continues to be active on APTA's Conference Planning, Legislative, Awards, Site Selection, Transport Max Oversight and Strategic Planning Core Advisory Committees and the Finance Committee for Standards Development. He previously served on a long list of APTA committees, including the Transit Board Members Committee where he held the positions of Chair and Regional Representative.

Howard and his wife Ann make it their priority to spend time with their five children, eight grandchildren and with Howard's 99-year-old mother, Rita.

2004 APTA AWARDS PROGRAM NOMINATIONS DUE MAY 7

APTA is accepting nominations until May 7 for its 2004 Awards Program, recognizing excellence in the public transportation industry. Included are the Hall of Fame award, Outstanding Business Executive, Outstanding Transit Manager, Transit Board Member, Elected or Appointed Official, and a decision maker or private citizen advancing transit at the state and local level. Outstanding Transit Systems are in four categories: agencies providing fewer than 1 million passenger trips per year; those with 1-4 million trips; 4-30 million; and over 30 million trips. Visit www.apta.com or email Virginia Miller at vmiller@apta.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mark Your Calendars!!!

May

2-6 APTA Bus & Paratransit Conference, Bus Rapid Transit Conference

17-19 North Carolina Public Transportation Association Annual Conference
(919-362-9271)

25-26 California Transit Association Spring Legislative Conference (www.caltransit.org)

26-28 Women's Transportation Seminar National Conference (www.wtsnational.org)

June

2-3 High Tech/High Touch: Technology and Customer Service Conference (www.ohiopublictransit.org)

5 APTA International Rail Rodeo

6-9 APTA Rail Transit Conference

12-16 Canadian Urban Transit Association Annual Meeting (www.cutaactu.ca)

14-15 Access for All: Building… Community Transportation (www.ctaa.org)

20-23 APTA Risk Management Seminar

26-29 APTA Transportation & University Conference

30 APTA Transit Board Member Webinar

July

17-21 COMTO National Meeting (www.comto.org)

21-23 FTA/APTA Access + Technology Workshop

KEY APTA OPPORTUNITIES, SERVICES & PRODUCTS FOR TRANSIT BOARD MEMBERS
ADVOCACY	Information and positioning on legislative issues Legislative and regulatory policy development opportunities Contacts with agencies, organizations and elected officials
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT	Annual Transit Board Members Seminar – Two days of interactive workshops, featured speakers and discussions, usually in July Publications to Order Online: Assessment of the General Manager, Building the Board-General Manager Leadership Team, Employment Agreement Guidelines, The Extraordinary CEO in Public Transportation, Handbook for Board Members, Procurement Handbook for Board Members Session for Transit Board Members at APTA Annual Meeting
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES	Transit Board Members Committee (TBMC) – the starting point for your involvement. Email staff advisor lmorsen@apta.com to join Opportunity to serve on APTA Board of Directors Review Panels for Projects of Partner Agencies such as Transportation Research Board and Federal Transit Administration
NETWORKING	Opportunities to contribute and learn in APTA’s diverse committees such as Legal Affairs, Legislative, Human Resources, Marketing & Communications, Research & Technology, Conference Program Planning, Environmental Justice, Access and Rail Transit Committees BOARDTalk Newsletter APTA Meetings, Conferences and Seminars
www.apta.com	Transit Board Members Q & A Bulletin Board. On the home page, left-side menu, click For Members — Forums Membership Directory and Catalog of Member Products and Services Information Center for Research, Reference & Referrals
INSIDE INFORMATION	President’s Letter Emailed Weekly from Bill Millar; to begin your free subscription, email slebeau@apta.com Passenger Transport, APTA’s weekly newspaper — one free to each transit system (addressed to the designated correspondent); for your own subscription, contact your Transit General Manager
AWARDS PROGRAMS	Public Transportation Systems Outstanding Achievement Awards Annual International Bus Roadeo and Rail Rodeo Awards Grand Awards and Other APTA Recognition Programs

TRANSIT BOARD MEMBERS EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

CHAIR

Mattie P. ("M.P.") Carter

Chairman, Board of Directors

Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA)

email mpcarter176@hotmail.com

VICE CHAIR – TRANSIT BOARD MEMBERS, APTA

Howard Silver, Chair, Board of Directors

Golden Empire Transit District

email hsilver@bak.rr.com

STAFF ADVISOR

Lynne Morsen, Senior Program Manager-

American Public Transportation Association

email lmorsen@apta.com

VICE CHAIR

Huelon A. Harrison

Chairman, Board of Directors

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)

email hah3310@aol.com and njohnson@dart.org

SECRETARY

Arthur L. Lloyd, Board Member,

San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans)

email arthurlloyd@webtv.net

APTA CHAIR,

PAST VICE CHAIR – TRANSIT BOARD MEMBERS

George F. Dixon, III, President, Board of Trustees

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority

email Geo3Dix@aol.com and rraidl@gcrta.org

REGIONAL ‘REPS’

When you have news for BOARDtalk newsletters, please contact your regional representative:

Region I - Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York and Rhode Island: Mary Martino, Board Member, Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, e-mail mmm531@aol.com.

Region II - New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington DC, North and South Carolina: Christopher Zimmerman, Arlington County Board Member on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, email cz.arl@verizon.net.

Region III - Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands: Mychal Walker, Treasurer, Board of Directors, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, email mhwalker@itsmarta.com.

Region IV - Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, North and South Dakota: Sharon McBride, Chair, Greater Peoria Mass Transit District, email mcbride@bradley.edu.

Region V - Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Iowa and Missouri: Odell Smith, Vice Chairman, Central Oklahoma Transportation & Parking Authority, email smithprinting@sbcglobal.net.

Region VI - Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska and Hawaii: Shirley Harris, Chair, San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans), email Purpleharris@aol.com.

Regions VII and VII, Canada and Mexico, currently have no regional representatives and the positions on the Transit Board Members Committee Executive Council are available.

EX-OFFICIO MEMBER

CHAIR, BOARD SUPPORT SUBCOMMITTEE

Jan McBride, Executive Office Manager

Snohomish County Public Transportation

Benefit Area Corporation (Community Transit)

E-mail: jan.mcbride@commtrans.org

PROGRAMS SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIR

Position is Available

BYLAWS SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIR

Cleopatra Vaughns, Board Member

San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (MUNI)

E-mail: mktrelcv@aol.com