Zero-Emission Bus 101 (ZEB 101) Training

This session prepares transit professionals for California's Innovative Clean Transit rule, which will transition all public transit fleets to 100% zero-emission by 2040. Separate registration required.

Keynote Presentation: Pete Buttigieg

Buttigieg served as Secretary of Transportation from 2021 to 2025. During his tenure, he launched more than 60,000 infrastructure projects across the country, improved transportation safety and technology, expanded airline passenger protections, and resolved pandemic-related supply chain disruptions. Prior to his appointment as Secretary, Buttigieg served two terms as mayor of South Bend, Indiana. Elected at the age of 29, he led the city to its strongest period of economic and population growth in decades. He also served for seven years as an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve, taking a leave of absence from his role as mayor in 2014 to deploy to Afghanistan. A candidate for the Democratic nomination for President in 2020, he won the Iowa caucuses and finished second in the New Hampshire primary. 

Keynote Address: Lynda Tran

With over 25 years of experience across politics, policy, and communications, Lynda has helped launch national and international initiatives, shaped the narrative around historic moments, and built and scaled groundbreaking organizations. As Senior Advisor to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Director of Public Engagement for the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), she helped activate stakeholders to secure passage of the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) - also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law - and played a critical role in shaping the policies and programs that determine how these historic resources are allocated in communities nationwide. A nationally recognized leader in transportation and infrastructure policy, Lynda is on the Board of Trustees for the Mineta Transportation Institute and serves on the Board of Directors for STV, a leading professional services firm that plans, designs, and manages infrastructure projects across North America. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Main Street America, a network of grassroots leaders working to reenergize and strengthen older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. A CBS News Political Contributor and columnist through the 2020 campaign cycle and frequent commentator, Lynda regularly appears in major national and international broadcast, print, and interactive news media. Lynda has shaped national media coverage and served as the primary spokeswoman on hot-button issues throughout her career. Lynda managed high-profile communications operations across government, politics, and labor - leading teams at the federal and state levels, the Democratic National Committee, and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Over four presidential cycles, she worked as both an organizer and a communications lead on political campaigns in key battleground states. During the Obama Administration, Lynda was director of communications for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. As one of the five presidential appointees at the helm of the nation's top automotive safety agency, she steered NHTSA through numerous communications crises and helped inform key policy decisions by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, NHTSA Administrator David Strickland, and White House officials.

Engaging Stakeholders to Keep and Build Public Support for Inclusivity Programs

Effective community engagement depends on inclusive planning that brings diverse stakeholders to the table and ensures all voices shape program design and implementation. Agencies that succeed in this work build stronger connections with the communities they serve, while laying the groundwork for long-term program success. This panel explores ways to integrate inclusivity into engagement efforts and demonstrate the tangible benefits to both the public and decision-makers. Participants will see how this effort supports economic growth, sparks innovation, and strengthens social cohesion — outcomes that help agencies earn community trust. The panel also highlights the power of strategic partnerships. By collaborating with advocacy groups, labor unions, and community organizations, agencies can amplify their messages through trusted channels and reach audiences often excluded from official communications. This approach expands influence, builds credibility, and ensures inclusivity efforts resonate across diverse constituencies.

Inside the Beltway: 2025 Federal Legislative Update

As Congress prepares for the next surface transportation reauthorization ahead of the forthcoming 2026 expiration of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), transit and rail agencies face a critical moment. Federal policy decisions made in the coming years will shape funding, investment priorities, and long-term strategies across the transportation sector. This timely panel will provide attendees with an inside look at the evolving federal policy landscape. Experts will share the latest updates from Capitol Hill, including discussions driving the framework for a multi-year reauthorization bill. The session will also cover the intersection of federal and state policy efforts, offering insight into how agencies can prepare for shifts in funding opportunities and program requirements. The panel will also examine the current status of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) appropriations process and its implications for near-term investments.

Take the High Road: High Road Partnerships in the Transit Industry

California Transit Works! is a consortium of transit agencies, transit unions, and community colleges focused on transit workforce development. Its vision is to promote and support transit High Road Training Partnerships centering worker voice across California as the best approach to transit workforce development and clean energy transit solutions. Hear directly from agency leaders involved in High Road Training Partnerships about their experience addressing workforce and operational challenges in public transit through labor-management collaboration. This session offers transit professionals actionable insights into building resilient and adaptive teams that can meet the demands of a rapidly changing mobility landscape.

Transit Worker Assaults: Mental Health, De-Escalation, and Special Event Security

California transit agencies are preparing for the world stage with the upcoming LA 2028 Olympics, the 2026 World Cup, and Super Bowl LX this upcoming January on the horizon. From moving passengers to stadiums and amphitheaters to managing unexpected disruptions, transit agencies face heightened demands that require preparation, coordination, and resilience. This panel highlights proven strategies to address the security challenges that arise during special events. Participants will learn how agencies can anticipate and respond to high-volume crowds, unexpected incidents, and safety concerns in ways that protect both employees and riders. The session will also address the growing mental health impacts of assaults on transit staff and explore effective de-escalation training that reduces risks while supporting frontline employees.

Succession Planning and Performance Management 101

Succession planning and performance management are vital for accountability, engagement, retention, and leadership success in transit. Yet many agencies struggle to modernize these systems, leaving talent pipelines stalled and top performers vulnerable to competitors. This panel focuses on proven strategies to strengthen workforce planning and employee development. Participants will gain practical insights for succession planning and modernizing performance management systems through real-world examples experienced by OCTA, SunLine Transit and Long Beach Transit. These case studies highlight how continuous feedback and development boost employee satisfaction, particularly among younger generations who expect regular engagement and growth opportunities. Participants will leave equipped with tools, insights, and inspiration to build leadership pipelines, enhance accountability, and create a culture that supports growth and long-term success.

Artificial Intelligence

Cutting Costs Without Cutting Service

Budgets are tight, staff are stretched, and rider expectations continue to rise. Yet reducing costs does not have to mean sacrificing service quality or employee well-being. Transit agencies across the country are finding innovative ways to operate more efficiently while protecting both their workforce and the rider's experience. This panel will highlight three proven strategies to reduce operational costs without cutting corners. Participants will learn how agencies are automating routine tasks, freeing staff to focus on higher-value work. They will see how optimizing vehicle use can extend asset life, improve reliability, and lower maintenance costs. The session will also showcase how empowering riders with self-service tools reduces pressure on frontline staff while meeting passenger expectations for convenience and control.

Neurodiversity in Transit Interiors: Strategies to Address Needs of All Riders

From reaching stops and boarding vehicles to feeling secure onboard and arriving safely at their destinations, everyday travel can present barriers that limit independence and confidence for the neurodivergent community. This panel explores how thoughtful transit design and operations can create a more inclusive, welcoming environment for neurodiverse riders. Participants will learn how interior features—such as wood-look floors, lighter-colored seating, and calming aesthetics—can reduce stress, improve rider confidence, and encourage consistent use of transit. Case studies highlight agencies that have successfully implemented these changes, showing measurable improvements in ridership, community engagement, and overall public perception.

The Powerless Brokers: Why California Can't Build Transit

Transit projects in the United States — and especially in California — often cost far more and take longer to build than comparable projects worldwide. A major driver of these challenges is the fragmented approval process: transit agencies must secure permission from dozens of other agencies or local governments. The result can lead to delay, inefficiency, and increased project costs. This panel examines the findings of Circulate’s new report, The Powerless Brokers: Why California Can’t Build Transit, which analyzes the root causes of these problems and offers practical solutions. Panelists will break down how overlapping jurisdictions, weak coordination, and misaligned incentives undermine project delivery. They will also explore strategies to streamline decision-making, build accountability, and reduce barriers that slow progress.

Weathering the Future: Resilient Power Strategies for Zero-Emission Transit

Most of today’s energy infrastructure was built around fossil fuels, with resiliency designed into systems that could rely on conventional energy sources. As transit fleets electrify, agencies face a new challenge: ensuring vehicles remain ready for service even if the electric grid fails. Energy is no longer just a cost—it is one of the largest operating expenses and greatest risks to manage. This panel explores the evolving landscape of energy resiliency in transit, and the strategies agencies are using to future-proof their fleets. Industry leaders will share real-world experiences navigating natural disasters, prolonged outages, and other high-impact events that test resiliency planning. Discussion topics will include on-site energy generation, deployment of microgrid technologies, and partnerships that allow agencies to share infrastructure and coordinate emergency response. Panelists will highlight both the opportunities and the hurdles of integrating these solutions into everyday operations.

Charging Ahead with LBT

Join Long Beach Transit (LBT) for an exclusive tour showcasing our sustainability initiatives. The experience will include a behind-the-scenes visit to one of our bus yards, offering a closer look at how LBT is driving electrification in public transit. To reach a 100% zero-emission fleet by 2040, LBT is modernizing its facilities and infrastructure. We’re developing a state-of-the-art overhead solar-powered charging canopy system to meet the needs of our growing electric fleet. Shuttle pick-up from Long Beach Convention Center at 3:45 p.m., return at 5:30 p.m. Capacity 35 people.

Public Art Tour

Discover how LBT champions local artists and the arts. Beyond supporting Long Beach’s vibrant creative community, we showcase it—transforming our transit hubs and spaces across the city into living canvases that celebrate art across the city. Shuttle pick-up will be at Bus Stop #2435 on Pine Ave., right outside the Convention Center, at 4:00 p.m. Return at 5:30 p.m. Please Note: Some walking will take place during this tour, please wear comfortable footwear. Capacity: 35 people.

Water Taxis Coast Tours

LBT has operated Water Taxi service since 1998. The AquaLink and AquaBus operate daily in the summer season from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend each year. We will temporarily bring out our AquaLink service, just for CTA attendees to enjoy! Tour #1: Shuttle pick-up from Long Beach Convention Center at 3:45 p.m., return at 5:30 p.m. Tour #2: Shuttle pick-up from Long Beach Convention Center at 4:00 p.m., return at 5:45 p.m. Capacity: 65 people per tour

California Transportation Foundation (CTF) Educational Symposium

Each year CTF hosts the Education Symposium, a two-day mentoring program that includes a Team Challenge for students who are planning to enter the transportation profession. CTF pairs students with professionals from a variety of transportation fields in an immersive mentoring experience offering one on one, small group, and plenary sessions. This year CTF’s event is taking place in Long Beach during CTA’s Annual Conference. CTA and CTF are partnering to offer this unique opportunity to transit professionals attending CTA’s event. Participants are encouraged to join CTF's mentors for a fun, interactive mentoring and networking activity with students from colleges and universities around California studying transportation related fields. Transportation provided by Long Beach Transit.

2025 Status Update on CA Zero-Emission Bus Regulations

This session is essential for California transit bus operators navigating the ongoing Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) transition. Since the Innovative Clean Transit rule was adopted in 2018, agencies across the state have developed and begun implementing ZEB transition plans, and this session provides a comprehensive update on progress and next steps. Panelists will discuss the quantities and types of zero-emission transit vehicles currently being purchased, and how agencies are expanding facilities to support these fleets. The session will also cover critical operational topics, including funding strategies, staff training, and applying lessons from bus electrification to other transportation sectors, such as rail, trucking, and school buses. Participants will gain insight into current contracts, emerging trends, and practical challenges agencies face in implementing ZEB programs. Case studies will highlight successes, lessons learned, and innovative approaches to overcoming barriers in infrastructure, workforce readiness, and vehicle deployment.

Crisis Communications: Effective Strategies During Emergencies

Transit agencies must respond quickly and effectively when natural disasters, labor disputes, or system-wide failures disrupt operations. Timely, accurate and clear communication is essential to maintain public trust, ensure safety, and adapt service in real time. This panel examines how agencies across California leveraged digital tools and traditional communication channels to manage emergencies, including natural disasters, operator strikes, and infrastructure failures. Panelists will share real-world case studies, highlighting lessons learned in rapid response, public transparency, and effective stakeholder engagement. Participants will gain practical insights into how to prepare for and navigate high-pressure situations while keeping riders informed and safe.

Rebuilding a Resilient Transit System

Climate change is transforming transit operations and planning across California. Extreme heat, wildfires, flooding, and other climate-related events increasingly disrupt service, challenge safety, and demand proactive strategies. Agencies that fail to plan for these impacts, risk delays, operational losses, and reduced public trust. This panel explores how transit agencies are building climate resilience into system design and service delivery. Participants will learn how agencies plan for, respond to, and recover from climate-related disruptions, drawing on real-world experiences and case studies from recent disasters. The session will highlight strategies to maintain service continuity, protect infrastructure, and ensure passenger and staff safety under extreme conditions.

Under the Dome: 2025 State Legislative Update

This panel takes a comprehensive look at the legislative, regulatory, and administrative developments shaping California’s public transit landscape in 2025. Participants will gain insight into the Association’s key advocacy efforts that secured new statutory authorities, preserved one-time operations and capital funding, and established significant ongoing support through the state’s revised Cap-and-Invest program. Panelists will also explore the transit policy wins led by transportation stakeholders and the work and recommendations of the Transit Transformation Task Force, created under SB 125. Discussion topics include how recent legislative wins and policy frameworks are transforming transit operations, enabling agencies to expand services, invest in infrastructure, and respond to evolving rider needs. Attendees will also get a preview of emerging priorities for 2026 and beyond, helping agencies anticipate funding opportunities, compliance requirements, and strategic planning considerations.

Winning Hearts and Headlines: Selling Public Transit Success Stories

Public transportation is more than infrastructure—it reflects community connections, hard work, and collective progress. Yet the industry’s successes often go unnoticed. This panel explores how transit agencies can shape the narrative around public transportation to generate excitement, political support, and media momentum for projects and services. Participants will learn proven strategies for turning operational wins into compelling stories that resonate. Panelists will share real-world examples of successful campaigns, ribbon-cuttings, and service expansions that strengthened public perception and support for transit. Attendees will gain insights on positioning projects and services as community successes, demonstrating the value and impact of transit investments.

Approaching the Off-Ramp: Accessing State Support and Regulatory Relief for the ICT Regulation

California transit agencies are working to meet the ambitious goals of the California Air Resources Board’s Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) Regulation. While the regulation drives the shift toward zero-emission fleets, many agencies face significant implementation challenges, including high capital costs, infrastructure delays, workforce readiness, and utility coordination. This panel will explore how the state and transit agencies are navigating these hurdles together through the ICT ZEB Task Force, a new interagency body that is developing new state-level policy and tools to support ICT compliance. This panel will also explore the ICT regulation’s off-ramp provisions, which offer exemptions and flexibility for agencies facing barriers beyond their control, such as unavailable vehicle types, unmet operational needs, or financial emergencies.

Engaging the Next Generation: Pathways to Youth Participation in the Public Transportation Industry

To adapt and build a diverse, equitable workforce, the industry continues to work to inspire and support the next generation of leaders. Yet many underrepresented youths lack exposure to careers in STEAM and the resources needed to pursue them. This panel explores how transit agencies can engage youth early, foster interest in careers, and create pathways into the industry. Participants will learn strategies for mentorship, hands-on learning, and outreach programs that spark curiosity and build skills. Panelists will share practical approaches to connecting with underrepresented communities, highlighting programs that have successfully increased participation and encouraged long-term engagement.

Technology Enablement to Transit Operations

The Power of Fare Innovation & Integration

Caltrans Workshop

The California Integrated Travel Project (Cal-ITP) will be hosting a data quality workshop tailored to the needs of data professionals at California transit agencies. Participants will learn how good data helps agencies meet and exceed customer expectations. This workshop will focus on understanding, implementing and applying best practices for the General Transit Feed Specification Realtime (GTFS-rt) standard.