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CTAA Expo 2015 Held In Tampa The Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) EXPO 2015 featured networking opportunities, educational and training sessions/workshops, a transportation roadeo, various awards presentations, a trade fair, educational tours and entertainment. The event took place May 31-June 5 at the Tampa Convention Center, in Tampa, FL. This year’s trade fair included a collection of manufacturers and consultants. Attendees were able to meet vendors, and take an in-depth look at the newest products and services available for the community transportation industry.
Photo courtesy of CTAA
Among the educational sessions available at EXPO 2015 were those that focused on ridesharing, how to harness new technology, the changing role of community transportation, improving service delivery, and how to improve communication with employees and customers. Also at EXPO 2015, the “Idea Cafes” sessions allowed attendees the opportunity to share questions, ideas and insights while participating in group brainstorming activities. Conference attendees submitted ideas before and during the conference. Idea sessions included such topics as: Enhancing Communications and
Leadership; Understanding Alternative Transportation; Healthcare & Transportation - Succeeding in the New Era; Implementing Strategic Redesign & Innovations - The Changing Role of Community Transportation; Tribal Transit - Moving Forward; Smart Financing for Your Agency’s Future - Developing Better Outcomes; and, State Associations Exchanging Ideas - The Changing Role of Community Transportation. The 26th Annual National Community Transportation Roadeo, held May 30-31 in Tampa as part of EXPO 2015, drew drivers from around the country to compete for top scores on a course that tested skills on every level of the drivers’ abilities. Felix Vitandi, of the Central Texas Rural Transit District, in Coleman, TX, was named the Otis Reed Jr. Driver of the Year at the roadeo. Vitandi, a multiple-year veteran of the national competition, secured the award by winning the Body-on-Chassis Division. Lester Adams, of Mississippi Valley State University Mass Transit, in Itta Bena, MS, was the top contender in the Minivan Division. Keith Patterson, of CARTS, in Cullman, AL, earned Rookie of the Year honors via his second place showing in the Body-on-Chassis Division. A total of 84 drivers competed in the national event, with more than 110 volunteer judges evaluating the competition. Meanwhile, Jim Moulton, of Addison County Transit Resources and Stagecoach Transportation Services, in Central Vermont, was named the 2015 Community Transportation Manager of the Year during the Awards Breakfast, on June 3, as part of EXPO 2015. Also, the state of Washington’s Mason Transit Authority was recognized as the Rural Community Transportation System of the Year, while Utah’s Cache Valley Transit District took home similar honors as the Urban Community Transportation System of the Year. Other awards included the Iowa Public Transit Association named State Association of the Year; Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee receiving the Dr. and Mrs. William and Budd Bell Award; John Johnson, of the Mississippi Public Transit Association, honored with the Dr. Aaron Henry Leadership Award; and Dwight Mengel, of the Tompkins County Department of Social Services, was recognized with the George Rucker Memorial Award. CTAA EXPO 2016 is scheduled for May 22-27, in Portland, OR. Visit www.ctaa.org for more information.
ARBOC Celebrates 2,000th Bus Produced floor bus concept and grown On April 9, 2015, ARBOC it into a widely accepted Specialty Vehicles presented transportation solution for its 2,000th bus to customer transit operators all across Oklahoma State University. North America. It took us A milestone luncheon celearound 4 years to reach bus bration was held at number 1,000 and then, just a ARBOC’s Middlebury, IN, little over 2 years to reach bus bus plant, with special number 2,000. This milestone acknowledgement given to celebration was a great opporTom Duncan, transit managtunity to recognize the hard er for OSU, Brent Roy, work and dedication of all of regional sales manager for the men and women who National Bus Sales, and all work at this company, many of the employees at ARBOC of which have been here Specialty Vehicles. Pictured, left to right, are Joe Kizinski, regional sales at ARBOC; since we started.” Brent Roy said, “Being a Don Roberts, president & CEO of ARBOC; Tom Duncan, transit manager at ARBOC Specialty Vehipart of this incredible mileOklahoma State University; and Brent Roy, regional sales manager at National Bus Sales. cles offers low floor cutaway stone is very special for me bus technology that allows vehicle access for passince I have been selling and promoting the on the market today.” Don Roberts, president & CEO of ARBOC sengers of all abilities, including passengers with ARBOC product since it was first developed. This ARBOC bus has established a reputation Specialty Vehicles, said, “I am extremely proud to special needs. Learn more at www.ARBOCsv.com. for being one of the safest and well-built buses say that ARBOC has taken the small cutaway lowJuly/August 2015
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