North American Bus Transit Leaders Convene in Denver -- Bus Rapid Transit Conference Follows Annual Bus & Paratransit Meeting-May 3-6

Contacts: Virginia Miller (202) 496-4816 vmiller@apta.com
or Donna Aggazio (202) 496-4884 daggazio@apta.com.

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More than 1,000 members of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), representing bus transit systems, manufacturers, and suppliers will meet in Denver, Colorado, on Monday, May 3, through Thursday May 6, to focus on all aspects of the North American bus and paratransit industry, including security costs, service coordination, emerging technologies, public-private partnerships, ways to better serve older people, and ridership initiatives. Bus Rapid Transit will also be a special focus with a day-and -half long conference, attracting an additional 300 people, beginning on Wednesday, and co-sponsored by the Transportation Research Board.

The conference also features four separate technical tours of Denver's Regional Transportation District (RTD) bus operations and facilities, a products and services showcase with 100 exhibitors, and an unique display of 25 state-of-the-art buses.

Highlights of this year's Bus & Paratransit and Bus Rapid Transit Conference being held at the Marriott City Center and Hyatt Regency in Denver, include:

• Federal Transit Administration Associate Administrator Barbara Sisson (invited) addresses APTA's membership on critical topics affecting the American bus transit industry. Monday, May 3, 8:30 a.m.

• A forum given by the conference host, the Regional Transportation District, winner of APTA's 2003 "Outstanding Public Transportation System Award," on the innovative transit services offered to Denver area residents. Monday, May 3, 2:15 p.m.

• An educational session dedicated to sharing ways bus transit systems are improving efficiency while maintaining service, given fewer dollars and resources. May 3, 4:00 p.m.

• How to better serve the fastest growing segment of our population-older Americans age 65 and up- will be discussed by transit service providers. Tuesday, May 4, 2:15 p.m..

• To provide a cleaner environment, transit systems are implementing emerging technologies such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), clean diesel, and others. A roundtable discussion will highlight the state of the industry's use of these technologies. Wednesday, May 5, 10:30 a.m.

• Hear from World Bank Consultant Gerhard Menckhoff about the Latin American experience and how other countries have been incorporating Bus Rapid Transit into their transportation networks for many years. Wednesday, May 5, 12:10 p.m.

• Find out why Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) as a mode of transportation is gaining popularity in American communities. Top transit experts will discuss when BRT is a viable option to increase mobility. Wednesday, May 5, 1:30 p.m.

Complimentary credentials are available to working members of the news media who are actively covering conference activities. Members of the media may register on-site. For more information or to register in advance, contact Donna Aggazio at (202) 496-4884 or daggazio@apta.com.

APTA's bus transit members are responsible for 5.7 billion trips taken on America's public transit buses and paratransit vehicles each year.

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APTA is a nonprofit international association of more than 1,500 member organizations including public transportation systems; planning, design, construction and finance firms; product and service providers; academic institutions, and state associations and departments of transportation. APTA members serve the public interest by providing safe, efficient and economical public transportation services and products. Over ninety percent of persons using public transportation in the United States and Canada are served by APTA members.