Public Transit Stakeholders to Convene at Watershed Moment for Industry
By Jacob Herson
Managing Editor
Transit California
How can we rebound ridership to pre-pandemic levels? Are free fares the way? How is hybrid work impacting commute patterns? Are soaring gas prices luring people back on public transit? Will the billions of dollars from the state and federal government for zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure fast-track our industry’s transition quickly enough? 
Against this backdrop, the California Transit Association is convening experts from the legislative and regulatory realms for our 2022 Spring Legislative Conference on May 18 at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento to discuss the latest approaches and priorities on the most important issues facing California transit agencies today.
With the state’s projected surplus and the enactment of the federal bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), our industry has a unique and unprecedented opportunity to reinvent public transportation in ways that further the state’s ambitious environmental objectives; create good paying jobs in California-based manufacturing and trades; and enhance mobility options, including for the millions of low-income and disadvantaged Californians who continue to comprise the core of our member agencies’ ridership.
To that end, we’ve built a powerful dais focused on solutions-driven conversations, and we are offering both in-person and on-demand options to participate. The full and fast-moving program kicks off with welcoming remarks from California Transit Association Executive Committee Chair and Golden Empire Transit District CEO Karen King and the Association’s State Legislative Committee Chair and Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District Executive Director of External Affairs, Marketing and Communications Beverly Greene.
In a special recorded address, newly appointed California State Transportation Agency Secretary Toks Omishakin will share his vision for a safer, more equitable, and more sustainable multimodal transportation network. During a lunchtime address, California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO Brian Kelly will discuss the role the high-speed rail project will play in delivering a more integrated statewide rail network.
Bringing Riders Back: Are Free Fares the Way?
Among the highlights on this year’s agenda will be an in-depth exploration of fare-free transit. AB 1919 introduced this year by Assemblymember Chris Holden would require California’s transit agencies to develop and implement a fare-free program for individuals aged 25 and under; if transit agencies fail to do so, they would forfeit access to key state funding programs. The bill is sponsored by the Los Angeles-based Move LA.
Meanwhile, Governor Gavin Newsom recently introduced a relief funding package with $750 million in incentive grants for transit and rail agencies to provide free transit for Californians for three months. Recognizing the interest in fare-free transit, the Association is also wading into the discussion by co-sponsoring SB 942 with the Orange County Transportation Authority. The bill is carried by Senator Josh Newman.
In the “Bringing Riders Back: Are Free Fares the Way?” session, panelists—including Move LA Director of Development and Programming Eli Lipmen; Orange County Transportation Authority CEO Darrell Johnson; and UC Irvine Institute of Transportation Studies Professor Jean Daniel Saphores — will explore making responsible progress on the delivery of fare-free or reduced-fare programs.
New Focus on the Transition to Zero-Emission Vehicles
Attendees will also gain new insights into Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed $6.1 billion investment in zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure. Foothill Transit Chief Executive Officer Doran Barnes (who chairs the Association’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Task Force) will moderate this interactive session featuring California Energy Commission Manager of Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Technologies Office Elizabeth John; California Air Resources Board Chief of Mobile Source and Control Division Sydney Vergis; Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development Deputy Director for Zero-Emission Vehicle Market Development Tyson Eckerle; and Long Beach Transit President and CEO Kenneth McDonald. We’ll tackle adoption and deployment challenges, as well as the near-term funding opportunities for accelerating the transition to electrified fleets.
Association State Legislative and Budget Update
The Association’s powerhouse advocacy team will close the program with an update on our state budget priorities, the Association’s sponsored bills, and other high-importance legislation that impacts transit agencies. As will be discussed in further detail during this panel, the Association is encouraging the state to invest a significant portion of its budget surplus in transit capital projects and operations to meaningfully further the state’s mobility, environmental, and jobs objectives. Panelists include Executive Director Michael Pimentel, Legislative Advocate Matt Robinson, Legislative and Regulatory Advocate Alchemy Graham, and Senior Counselor Joshua W. Shaw.
Can’t Make it to Sacramento? On-demand Option Also Available
We are pleased to also offer an on-demand option for those who cannot join us in person but who wish to view video recordings of the full program at a later date. Features for the on-demand option include:
• Access to video recordings via our conference app;
• Video recordings will be posted 7 business days after the event, and you will have six months to peruse the content;
• In-person attendees will have access to the video recordings;
• Note: The event will not be livestreamed, and no video recordings will be available on the day of the event.
Join us as we meet with key decision makers, hear from industry experts, and network with fellow transit advocates. Your participation is critical as we address and recover from the operational and budget impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and shape a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable future for California. We look forward to seeing you on May 18.
Register for in-person or on-demand participation today.