In September 2009, APTA created the Public Transportation Embassy Roundtable. The goal of this roundtable is to facilitate the transfer of ideas and best practices across borders on topics related to public transportation. It will also be a networking opportunity, both between APTA and the group members and between the group members from different countries. This roundtable will bring transportation-focused, foreign representatives from around the world together quarterly to discuss relevant topics such as climate change, federal legislation, innovative financing, high speed rail, and public private partnerships.

When possible, the roundtable meetings will be held immediately prior to APTA’s monthly after-work discussion series, Transportation Tuesday. These events begin with a reception at 5 p.m., followed by the program at 5:30 p.m., lasting approximately one hour.

The first roundtable was held on September 16 and included representatives from Australia, Austria, Belgium, the European Communities, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Poland, and The Netherlands.

Our next meeting is scheduled for November 10 at 3:45, and will focus on climate change and efforts made in light of the 2009 Copenhagen Climate Change Conference. All of our discussions will be preceded by a brief federal update that will give an overview of activities on The Hill affecting public transit. The November 10 meeting will be followed by Transportation Tuesday featuring FTA’s Deputy Administrator, Therese McMillan.

For more information on this group please contact Jessica Bechir, program manager - international programs.