Committees & Subcommittees
ABOUT APTA COMMITTEES
Join the conversation that’s shaping the future of public transportation. Through APTA’s 130+ committees and subcommittees, you’ll connect with industry peers who are tackling the challenges that matter most—from operations and technology to policy and workforce development. Whether you’re passionate about rail transit, customer experience, or emerging innovations, there’s a community ready to tap into your expertise and amplify your impact. As an APTA member, you’ll gain instant access to APTAconnect, our secure online platform where collaboration happens in real-time and your voice helps drive the strategies and solutions moving our industry forward.
Ready to turn your experience into influence? Explore committees below and join one using our online form.
| Access Committee |
| Innovative Funding, Finance and P3 Committee |
| Mobility Management Committee |
| Bus and Paratransit CEOs Committee |
| Bus Operations Committee |
| Business Member Board of Governors |
| Commuter Rail CEOs Committee |
| Financial Management Committee |
| High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail Committee |
| Leadership APTA Committee |
| Legal Affairs Committee |
| Legislative Committee |
| Marketing & Communications Committee |
| Membership Committee |
| Mid-Size Operations Committee |
| Planning, Policy and Program Development Committee |
| Procurement and Supply Chain Committee |
| Rail Transit CEOs Committee |
| Research and Technology Committee |
| Safety Coordinating Council |
| Security Affairs Committee |
| Small Operations Committee |
| Standards Development and Oversight Council |
| State Affairs Committee |
| Sustainability Committee |
| Transit Board Members Committee |
| Workforce Development Committee |
General
The APTA Awards Committee organizes the annual awards program established to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of public transportation through recognition of excellence and high achievement among individuals comprising the transit industry.
The objectives of the EXPO Advisory Committee are to assist at the policy level in achieving a first-class APTA trade event and to provide input regarding show objectives, space sales promotion and attendance promotion. The committee also will act as the liaison between show activities and the APTA Executive Committee and APTA Board of Directors.
The Leadership APTA Committee is appointed by the APTA Chair. The committee oversees the Leadership APTA program and selects the individuals who will participate in each incoming class. Leadership APTA is a professional development program designed to identify and nurture the next generation of leaders in the transit industry and within the APTA organizational structure. Through Leadership APTA, selected individuals participate in an extensive series of meetings, workshops, and research assignments that address the issues, skills, and demands of transit and APTA leadership. At least twenty-five individuals are chosen each year to participate in the program, which begins in the fall at APTA’s Annual Meeting and concludes with the class’ graduation at the following APTA Annual Meeting.
To strengthen the Association through its membership, the Membership Committee aggressively recruits new members and focuses heavily on retention efforts. Committee responsibilities also include serving as mentors to new members, providing support, promotion, evaluation of and assistance for APTA’s overall activities, and serving as a source of information to APTA relative to industry issues.
Please use the Join A Committee page if you are interested in joining this committee.
The APTA Nominating Committee is appointed each year by the APTA Chair. It is chaired by APTA’s immediate past chair and includes eighteen additional members from the APTA board of directors and other APTA members in good standing.
The purpose of the Procurement Steering Committee shall be to work in support of a stronger business environment in the public transportation industry by developing strategies that, when implemented, lead to improved buying and selling practices in the transit industry; provide the industry with better products at a fair cost and strengthen the business climate of the industry; ensure the integrity of the procurement process; and result in an industry workforce that understands the importance and benefits of good procurement practices.
The Public Transportation CEO Coordinating Council is one element of a transit agency support structure established to achieve a consistent communications channel for disseminating information, guidance and recommendations to transit industry leaders and to ensure that APTA’s on legislative, regulatory, policy and/or guidance impacting the transit industry or the Association fully reflect the views of the agencies providing transit service to the American public.
The Security Affairs Committee’s mission is to guide, coordinate, and help develop security initiatives and resources to strengthen the security of public transportation services and environments; and to increase the visibility and awareness of public transportation security needs and priorities by serving as liaison to organizations external to APTA.
Please use the Join A Committee page if you are interested in joining this committee.
The mission of APTA’s Strategic Engagement Council is to lead an open and supportive forum that fosters active engagement, advances excellence and promotes collaboration between APTA members.
Please use the Join A Committee page if you are interested in joining this committee.
Business Members
The Business Member Board of Governors is responsible for directing and establishing activities for APTA’s Business Members and developing policy recommendations to APTA’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors which represent the interests of all business members. Their objectives include encouragement of greater business member participation in APTA; development of better communication between governmental bodies and APTA Business Members; and providing APTA with continuing support in its efforts to represent the public transit industry. Board members are elected and represent a cross section of the business membership. Board meetings are open and attendance by interested business members is encouraged.
The Business Members Development and Membership Committee’s mission is to promote and facilitate business opportunities for Business Members in the international marketplace.
The Business Members Cyber and New Technologies Committee educates and shares knowledge and experience about recognizing and better managing the opportunities and risks associated with new technology.
The Business Member Legislative Subcommittee’s mission is to represent and support the interests of business members in APTA policy, legislative, and regulatory activities by advocating business member concerns before the APTA Legislative Committee, developing the advocacy component of the projects to be funded through the Business Member Activitiy Fund; and positioning the transit industry for additional funds by demonstrating the timely and efficient use of TEA 21 obligations and expenditures.
The Business Member Nominations Committee nominates members to serve two-year terms on the APTA Business Member Board of Governors; and also nominates business members to serve as At Large and Regional Directors of the APTA Board of Directors
The Business Member Procurement Committee is working to strengthen the business climate in the transit industry. The committee monitors and provides input on changes in federal, state, and local regulations that affect procurement practices; and seeks to promote more timely obligation of federal funds and the adoption of procurement practices that simplify the way we do business.
The Business Member Programs Committee works to enhance participation of business members in APTA’s Annual Meeting and technical conferences. The committee also assists in the planning of the APTA Business Member Seminar.
The Business Member Small Business Committee’s objective is to create a measurable value to the small and disadvantaged businesses. This will be accomplished by offering programs that facilitate networking and generating new business development opportunities; providing access to information and services of direct benefit to small business; and sustaining awareness of small business perspectives as they relate to APTA’s broader mission on diversity.
The Business Member Workforce Development Committee’s objective is to support the APTA Strategic Plan through activities in the Workforce Development sphere. The committee will undertake specific actions and activities that include both students and teachers to provide a source of new people entering the transit workforce. The Youth Outreach Subcommittee’s focus is on K-12 students and providing them information on STEM careers in general, and rail and transit careers specifically. The Rail Education Subcommittee’s focus is on students at the trade school and college level and providing them and their instructors with rail specific information and materials.
Bus & Paratransit Operations
- Access Accessible Transit & Paratransit Operations Subcommittee
- Access Emerging Transportation Systems Subcommittee
The purpose of the Access Committee is to promote successful implementation of the transportation provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other related federal legislation or regulations. The committee reviews and responds to legislative and/or regulatory issues pertaining to access and the implementation of the ADA and other related federal legislation; facilitates information sharing on topics of interest to the membership (e.g., special technical or policy-related issues); communicates to the membership (through the Legislative and/or Executive Committees); makes recommendations to improve the status of providing accessible public transportation; and monitors and reports to members on the status of pending litigation involving the implementation of the ADA which affects the transit industry.
Please use the Join A Committee page if you are interested in joining this committee.
The Bus & Paratransit CEOs Committee is comprised of the general managers (or designees) of APTA’s bus and paratransit system members. This group has been established to provide high-level management support and direction on key policy issues relevant to the needs of the bus and paratransit agencies.
The Bus Rapid Transit Committee provides a forum to exchange information regarding Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), from funding and project planning to service implementation.
Please use the Join A Committee page if you are interested in joining this committee.
The Bus Technical Maintenance Committee strives to advance safety, efficiency, reliability, and emerging technologies that affect transit bus maintenance. The committee shares best practices, develops timely workshops and webinars, and supports development of standards related to bus technical maintenance.
Please use the Join A Committee page if you are interested in joining this committee.
The Bus Operations Committee provides a forum for chief operating officers and directors of transportation to discuss and share best practices around the management of bus transit operations.
Please use the Join A Committee page if you are interested in joining this committee.
The Bus Safety Committee scope includes all aspects of transit bus operational safety including operator training, safety supervision, and the development of a Bus Safety Management Program.
Please use the Join A Committee page if you are interested in joining this committee.
The Bus Standards Policy & Planning Committee membership consists of general managers (or designees) of a representative group of bus transit systems who support the development and implementation of bus standards. The committee performs the following functions: sets the broad policies and priorities to be followed by the Bus Standards Program; approves the oversight committee(s) for standards development; and authorizes implementation of documents approved by the working groups.
The International Bus Roadeo Committee is charged with the planning, administrating, and judging of the events that form the competition for the operator and maintenance teams and works with the host system to ensure that all activity is conducted in a fair and equitable manner. The committee meets several times a year to review the planning process and make any necessary changes in the “International Roadeo Handbook” and the way the competition is judged.
Please use the Join A Committee page if you are interested in joining this committee.
The Mid-Size Operations Committee focuses on issues of significance to systems that are designated Section 5307 recipients in urban areas with populations over 200,000.
The Small Operations Committee is comprised of transit officials of systems operating less than 100 buses. The committee provides a forum for discussion and information sharing; sets the direction for APTA activities that benefit small operators; and evaluates legislation and federal regulations affecting small operators.
The Zero Emission Fleet Committee is for all stakeholders involved in planning for, operating, and maintaining zero or near-zero emission buses and associated infrastructure. Topics discussed can include planning, procurement, operations, maintenance and facilities, energy management, infrastructure, utilities, energy providers, life cycle costs, training, and other deployment topics.
Please use the Join A Committee page if you are interested in joining this committee.
Commuter & Intercity Rail
The Commuter Rail Committee promotes commuter railroads and works to address their unique regulatory, legislative, and operational issues. The Commuter Rail Committee, through its CEOs Subcommittee, is working on a very active agenda including: establishing Passenger Rail Standards and Recommended Practices; strengthening the Commuter Rail System Safety Program; and enhancing the ability of passenger railroads to access freight railroad rights of way. The committee also jointly sponsors, with the Rail Transit Committee, APTA’s annual Rail Conference.
Please use the Join A Committee page if you are interested in joining this committee.
- Commuter & Intercity Passenger Rail Legislative Subcommittee
- Commuter Rail CEOs Subcommittee
- Commuter Rail Chief Operating Officers Subcommittee
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This group is an online agency only forum for Commuter Rail Chief Operating Officers. The forum will be used by the members to share best practices between the agencies. It will also act as a repository for various discussions and presentations made at the group’s monthly meetings.
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- Commuter Rail PTC Subcommittee
- Commuter Rail Safety & Security Subcommittee
- The Commuter Rail Safety & Security Subcommittee scope includes all aspects of Commuter Rail transit operational safety including operator training, safety supervision, and the development of a Commuter Rail Safety Management Program.
The High-Speed & Intercity Passenger Rail Committee promotes the development of conventional and high-speed intercity ground transportation systems; addresses issues common to intercity and commuter rail services; works to ensure that proper consideration is given to the integration of urban and intercity modes, and that there is effective and prompt exchange of data and information that can enhance passenger access to all systems.
- High-Speed & Intercity Passenger Rail Legislative Subcommittee
- High-Speed & Intercity Passenger Rail Membership/Outreach Subcommittee
- High-Speed & Intercity Passenger Rail Nominating & Bylaws Subcommittee
- High-Speed & Intercity Passenger Rail Program Subcommittee
- High-Speed & Intercity Passenger Rail Regional Corridors Subcommittee
- High-Speed & Intercity Passenger Rail Technical Subcommittee
- High-Speed & Intercity Passenger Rail Workplan Subcommittee
It is the mission of the Rolling Stock Equipment Technical Forum to advance the state of the art in the design, application, procurement, operation and maintenance of railcar rolling stock equipment with emphasis on technical issues, passenger safety, energy efficiency and standardization.
Government Affairs
The Legislative Committee is responsible for developing consensus recommendations about federal legislative activity including transit authorization legislation, annual appropriation legislation, Administration initiatives, and regulatory matters.
The committee formulates policy recommendations both in response to federal initiatives and to propose guidance for federal actions.
Legislative policies are developed from its subcommittees and the full committee before being recommended to the APTA Executive Committee and Board of Directors.
Subcommittees:
- Business Member Legislative Subcommittee
- Commuter Rail & Intercity Legislative Subcommittee
- Federal Procedures & Regulations Legislative Subcommittee
- Funding, Finance & Tax Policy Legislative Subcommittee
- Intergovernmental Issues Legislative Subcommittee
- Small Operations Legislative Subcommittee
- Transit Board Members Legislative Subcommittee
Management & Finance
The Committee of Audit Professionals works to establish and promote standards of performance and conduct for audit organizations within the transit industry. In addition, the committee works to establish recommended standards for reporting audit findings and recommendations. The committee also provides a forum for the exchange of information and provides technical support and training for internal auditors of the transit industry.
The Fare Collection Systems Committee addresses issues pertaining to the design, operation, and maintenance of fare collection equipment utilized by rail and bus transit systems. The committee develops and examines concepts in fare collection techniques and hardware with respect to developing technology, and explores methods to increase the protection of revenues/fares collected by transit systems. The committee sponsors the Revenue Management Summit.
- Fare Collection Systems – Bylaws Subcommittee
- Fare Collection Systems – Data & Information Management Subcommittee
- Fare Collection Systems – Programs & Planning Subcommittee
- Fare Collection Systems – Technology Subcommittee
The Legal Affairs Committee is comprised of the attorneys who provide legal advice to APTA members and representation in the courts before administrative agencies and elsewhere. The committee meets regularly to discuss litigation, regulatory, and other legal issues affecting transit. This committee also deals with all aspects of the labor protective requirements of 49 USC Sec. 5333 (Section 13(c) of the Federal Transit Act). These include negotiation of Section 13(c) arrangements, administrative matters, and litigation. On an annual basis, the committee holds a two-day meeting where the latest developments affecting transit are reviewed.
The Procurement and Supply Chain Committee is concerned with procurement methods, life cycle cost evaluations, terms and conditions, bond requirements, federal procurement requirements, including DBE, and the relationship between buyers and suppliers of transit equipment, materials, and services. The committee scope also includes materials management and stockroom operations. The committee co-sponsors the Bus Technical, Maintenance and Procurement & Materials Management Workshop. The DBE Task Force organizes the DBE activities at APTA’s Annual Meetings and Expos.
- DBE and SBE Subcommittee
The Risk Management Committee brings together risk managers, safety managers, claims managers, insurance agents, and other interested parties from the membership to exchange information pertinent to those in the risk management field. Each year the Risk Management Committee sponsors a seminar providing workshops on current risk management issues in the industry to the membership.
Marketing, Communications & Customer Experience
The Marketing & Communications Committee’s mission is to create maximum support and use of public transportation and the benefits it brings to communities and customers, promote excellence in marketing and communications in the public transportation industry, support APTA’s strategic plan and be APTA’s primary advisor on issues that pertain to the image of public transportation, broaden the understanding and integration of marketing as a critical component in the management of public transportation, enhance the skills of public transportation marketing practitioners, and promote the exchange of marketing-related information and techniques. The committee directs the annual AdWheel Awards program, Get on Board Day, and the annual APTA Marketing & Communications Workshop; develops sessions in the area of marketing and communications for all APTA conferences; and led the development of the Public Transit Gets us There program.
- Advertising Revenue Task Force
- PIOs Task Force
- Ridership Task Force
- Social Media Task Force
Policy
The Innovative Funding, Finance and P3 Committee brings together persons from public sector agencies and private sector practitioners to discuss the applications of P3s in the United States and around the world. APTA members interested in learning more about P3s, and probing the various advantages and cautions in using P3s in project finance and/or project delivery, are urged to get involved in this new, cross-cutting committee.
The mission of the Mobility Management Committee is to help APTA members move into a broader transportation service role, coordinate a full range of mobility options, and better meet the mobility needs of their communities.
This mission of the Sustainability Committee is to support the adoption of sustainable principles (economic, environmental and social) in the public transportation industry and to articulate public transportation’s contribution to local, regional, state, and national sustainability and livability objectives.
- Environmental Management Systems Subcommittee
- Sustainability Commitment Signatories Subcommittee
The Planning and Program Development Committee’s mission is
- To advance the practice and quality of public transit planning at the system and corridor level;
- To improve the decision making in the planning and operations of transit systems; and
- To facilitate and expand transit’s link to sustainable development.
Through the subcommittees, members develop and respond to federal and local policy initiatives affecting the transportation planning process. Members also assist in the development of planning sessions at APTA conferences. At present, the committee structure includes seven subcommittees:
- Major Capital Investment Planning
- Land Use & Economic Development
- Metropolitan Planning
- Environmental
- Title VI
- Multimodal Operations Planning
- Transit Performance Management
- Transit Operations Planning and Scheduling Subcommittee
- Transit Oriented Communities Subcommittee
- Major Capital Investment Planning Subcommittee
Rail Transit
The Rail Transit CEOs Committee gives overall policy and planning direction to the rail programs. It prioritizes and gives high-level management support to the major programs of the Rail Committee structure, and supports and facilitates information exchange in areas of common interest. Through its sponsorship of the Rail Transit Conference, workshops, and seminars, it provides a mechanism for education and sharing in management, operations, technology, and other areas of common interest to the industry.
- Automated Transit Technical Forum
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The purpose of the Automated Transit Technical Forum is to continually increase awareness of fully automated passenger transit in the industry and support research into its performance including cost effectiveness; safety enhancements; reliability of driverless systems; technical issues; and social concerns.
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- Capital Projects Subcommittee
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The mission of the APTA Capital Projects Subcommittee shall be to advance the state of the art of transit construction for the benefit of the transit industry through the active involvement of all industry segments.
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- Elevators & Escalators Technical Forum
- The APTA Elevators & Escalators Technical Forum is dedicated to the advancement of technical design, maintenance and operation of elevators and escalators for transit systems.Forum members include representatives from transit agencies, manufacturers, distributors, consultants and contractors. Forum members meet at twice a year in coordination with conferences of APTA and meetings of associated organizations such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the National Fire Protection Association.The Forum is also continuing to develop and update guidelines for the design, operation and maintenance of elevators and escalators as part of APTA’s Standards Development Program.
- International Rail Rodeo Committee
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The International Rail Rodeo Committee is charged with planning, administering, and judging the events that form the competition for the operator and maintenance teams; and working with the host system to ensure that all activities are conducted in a fair and equitable manner. The committee meets several times a year to review the planning process and make any necessary changes in the “International Bus Roadeo Handbook” and in the way the competition is judged.
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- Light Rail Technical Forum
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The Light Rail Technical Forum provides a forum for the study and discussion of technical and operational issues inherent in light rail transit systems and to advance the growth and public acceptance of light rail transit.
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- Operations Control Centers Technical Forum
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The Operations Control Center Technical Forum provides a forum for the study and discussion of technical and operational issues inherent in Operations Control Centers and to advance the growth and of new and/or expansion of OCC’s (Rail/Multi-Modal). Including functional aspects to meet and adapt to advances in technology; in compliance with APTA Operations Control Center Standard APTA-RT-OPS-005-03 Rev-3.
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- Power, Signals & Communications Technical Forum
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The Power, Signals and Communications Technical Forum addresses issues in three critical areas such as a) traction power, b) train control, and c) signals & communications. Each area has a subcommittee and they focus on industry issues, draft and maintain industry standards and recommended practices and provide an open means of information exchange. The technical forum and subcommittee meet at the annual APTA rail conference and by electronic means throughout the year.
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- Rail Safety Committee
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The Rail Safety Committee is dedicated to helping member systems maintain the excellent safety record of the industry and developing recommendations for improvements. The committee is comprised of APTA members engaged in rail transit modal operations, products, and services. Modal operations represented include a wide variety of rapid transit systems: high speed rail, automated guideways, light rail systems, trolley and streetcar systems, inclined planes, subways, monorails, and people movers. This committee supports the Safety & Security Technical Forum.
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- Rolling Stock Equipment Technical Forum
- It is the mission of the Rolling Stock Equipment Technical Forum to advance the state of the art in the design, application, procurement, operation and maintenance of railcar rolling stock equipment with emphasis on technical issues, passenger safety, energy efficiency and standardization.
- Streetcar Subcommittee
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The Streetcar Sub Committee promotes services in the urban centers and serves as a forum for the exchange of information among individuals and organizations in promoting, planning, funding, designing, building, operating and maintenance of such services. It also plays a key role in the development of technical standards and by providing guidance to regulators in setting sensible and reasonable regulatory measures.
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- Track & Noise/Vibration Technical Forum
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The mission of the APTA Track and Noise/Vibration Technical Forum is to represent rail industry members in the technical review of track, system noise and vibration issues and concerns, to collect, evaluate and publish current practices and to recommend research and best practice guidelines.
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- Ventilation & Fire Life Safety Technical Forum
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The Ventilation & Fire Life Safety Technical Forum provides expertise and technical advice in the field of ventilation; educates rail transit professionals in ventilation and related fire-life safety issues and emergency egress; supports in the development of industry standards for ventilation; promotes and participates in research programs in areas including ventilation emergency response operations, equipment design, installation, and general safety of operation; and coordinates with other organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
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- Rail Standards Policy & Planning Committee (by appointment only)
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The Rail Standards Policy & Planning Committee membership consists of the general managers (or designee) of each operating or planned rail transit system that has paid the special APTA assessment, commercial organizations that provide financial support equal to that of an operational rail transit system, and a representative of the Federal Transit Administration. The committee performs the following functions: sets the broad policy to be followed by the Rail Standards Task Force; approves the bylaws; approve the advisory group’s annual budget; approves major changes to the budget (if required); approves the advisory group’s priorities; appoints the advisory group’s chair and vice chair; appoints a committee representative to the advisory group; and authorizes implementation of documents approved by the advisory group.
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Research & Technology
The Passenger Transportation Systems & Services Committee is the industry forum for all activities that relate to both transit and ITS. Through a precedent-setting cooperative agreement, ITS America and APTA co-sponsor this committee making it the premier focal point for all ITS activities. The committee and its subcommittees sponsor activities in which transit properties, manufacturers, vendors, and consultants can exchange information and ideas in a variety of settings. The two subcommittees, Rail and Intelligent Vehicle Initiative (IVI), reflect the committee’s quick response to changing industry needs. The Signal Priority Task Force represents a cooperative effort between the ITS Public Transit Forum and the Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS) Committee.
The purpose of the Research & Technology Committee is to provide guidance and direction to the work of advancing technology and innovative systems for public transportation.
- Artificial Intelligence Subcommittee
- Communication Solutions Subcommittee
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The Communications Solutions Subcommittee connects transit and tech professionals to advance communication systems in public transportation. It focuses on innovations like vehicle tracking, safety tools, and passenger technologies such as Wi-Fi and mobile apps.
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- Data Governance Subcommittee
- Emerging Technology Subcommittee
- Information Technology Subcommittee
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The Information Technology Subcommittee serves as the focal point for the development and implementation of technology to enhance the effectiveness of transportation planning and operations, and to contribute to the changing public transportation industry and automation by providing information relative to successful practices, infrastructure support, and corporate cultures. The committee’s goal is to enhance productivity and efficiency in the transportation industry by promoting the coordination, development, and use of information technology, and as such, views technology as a key ingredient to the industry’s overall delivery infrastructure and must be seen in terms of its impact on the key business issues confronting transportation: cost containment and productivity; quality of service; system safety and passenger security; performance measurement; and management effectiveness. The committee sponsors TransITech, the industry’s computer exposition, and develops the “Software in Transit Resources Guide.”
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- Systems Engineering Subcommittee
- Technologies for Vehicle Automation and Connectivity Subcommittee
- Technology Workforce Subcommittee
- Technology Safety, Security, and Risk Subcommittee
- Technology Portal (Topic-based Discussion)
Standards
The purpose of the Standards Development Oversight Council is to set overall direction for the development and maintenance of standards in the public transportation industry; establish priority programs among APTA’s modal standards development committees; coordinate standards development activities among these modal groups, and other organizations outside APTA, including the federal government; develop and manage a funding mechanism to support APTA’s standards development activities; and promote the support for and use of standards in the public transportation industry.
The Bus Standards Policy & Planning Committee membership consists of general managers (or designees) of a representative group of bus transit systems who support the development and implementation of bus standards. The committee performs the following functions: sets the broad policies and priorities to be followed by the Bus Standards Program; approves the oversight committee(s) for standards development; and authorizes implementation of documents approved by the working groups.
The Passenger Rail Equipment Safety Standards Policy & Planning Committee (PRESSPPC) voting membership consists of the chair (or designee) of each Passenger Rail Equipment Safety Standards (PRESS) working group as well as an elected chair, vice chair, and secretary. Non-voting membership is unlimited. The committee performs the following functions: sets the broad policies and priorities to be followed by the PRESS Program; approves the oversight committee(s) for standards development; and authorizes publication of documents approved by the working groups.
The Rail Standards Policy & Planning Committee membership consists of the general managers (or designee) of each operating or planned rail transit system that has paid the special APTA assessment, commercial organizations that provide financial support equal to that of an operational rail transit system, and a representative of the Federal Transit Administration. The committee performs the following functions: sets the broad policy to be followed by the Rail Standards Task Force; approves the bylaws; approve the advisory group’s annual budget; approves major changes to the budget (if required); approves the advisory group’s priorities; appoints the advisory group’s chair and vice chair; appoints a committee representative to the advisory group; and authorizes implementation of documents approved by the advisory group.
The Security Standards Policy & Planning Committee members review and approve the security and emergency management standards to ensure that they provide best practices and promote the security of mass transit and passenger rail employees, passengers and systems.
The Sustainability Steering Committee is the governing body of the Sustainability Committee and its Sustainability Commitment Signatories Subcommittee, and is tasked with approving products originating from the APTA Standards Sustainability and Urban Design working groups.
Under the governance of the Standards Development Oversight Council (SDOC), the Sustainability and Urban Design Standards Policy and Planning Committee performs the following functions:
- sets the broad policy to be followed by the Sustainability and Urban Design Transit Standards Technical Advisory Group;
- approves the advisory group’s annual budget
- approves major changes to the budget (if required)
- approves the advisory group’s priorities
- appoints the advisory group’s chair and vice chair
- appoints a steering committee representative to the advisory group
- and authorizes implementation of documents approved by the advisory group.
The Technology Standards Policy & Planning Committee memberships consist of the general managers (or designees) of information technology, information management, and technology architects charged with developing and implementing standards and best practices to enhance the effectiveness of transportation planning and operations. The committee performs the following functions: sets the broad policy to be followed by the Rail Standards Task Force; approves the bylaws; approve the advisory group’s annual budget; approves major changes to the budget (if required); approves the advisory group’s priorities; appoints the advisory group’s chair and vice chair; appoints a committee representative to the advisory group; and authorizes implementation of documents approved by the advisory group.
State Affairs
The State Affairs Committee provides a forum for identification, discussion, and resolution of public transit issues by state transit associations, state departments of transportation, transit systems, and affiliated interests. Activities include the development of the State Public Transit Partnerships Conference, network and coalition building efforts to build state support for transit funding, responding to appropriate technical issues, and improving the management of state transit associations. Members include state association executive directors and officers, state department of transportation officials, and transit system general managers.
Please use the Join A Committee page if you are interested in joining this committee.
Transit Board Members
APTA welcomes all transit agency board members and commissioners of APTA transit system members or APTA non-operating state, regional, municipal, or other local government agency members to join the APTA Transit Board Members (TBM) Committee. This committee meets numerous times a year online and in-person including in conjunction with APTA’s Legislative Conference in the Spring and its TRANSform Conference in the Fall.
Board members are invited to participate in webinars, committee work, and events. The unique opportunities sponsored by the TBM Committee are custom-made for—and led by—board members, communicating information from the board members’ perspective.
The TBM committee helps board members and commissioners further develop knowledge and skills to fulfill their obligations as policymakers in an efficient and effective manner. The committee also provides a forum through which board members express their views on the direction of APTA, as well as communicate about board actions, functions, and development.
To join the Transit Board Members Committee, please reach out to Carita Ducre at cducre@apta.com or Petra Mollet at pmollet@apta.com.
You can download the 2023 APTA Transit Board Members Guide on Federal Public Transit Programs and Funding.
You can download the 2018 APTA Transit Board Member Handbook.
Building A Solid Board-CEO Partnership: A Practical Guidebook for Transit Board Members, CEOs, and CEO-Aspirants, is co-authored by APTA Chair David Stackrow and explores governing function in public transit. The book provides guidance on developing the governing capacity of boards and building board-chief executive officer partnerships that can stand the test of time.
Workforce Development
The Workforce Development Committee and its subcommittees provide a forum that promotes leadership, innovation, collaboration, and information sharing among public transportation professionals at all levels. Committee members identify specialized programs and services in the areas of talent acquisition and development, labor and employee relations, and education and career awareness to build the support that is needed to make the transit industry successful.
The committee also sponsors various eLearning programs, resources, and web-based activities for APTA members and in partnership with industry organizations outside of APTA. The committee structure includes two subcommittees; Labor and Employee Relations and Education and Career Awareness.
Please use the Join A Committee page if you are interested in joining this committee.