North American Transit Leaders To Meet At APTA Annual Conference

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

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Washington, D.C., September 14, 2004--The American Public Transportation Association will hold its Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, from October 9 to October 13, at the Marriott Marquis and Westin Peachtree Plaza hotels. APTA's Annual Meeting is the premier gathering of public transportation officials in North America. This year, APTA expects nearly 2,000 public transportation professionals to converge on Atlanta. The meeting is hosted by the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA).

The Conference focuses on every aspect affecting the $37 billion public transportation industry, with 40 educational sessions on subjects such as homeland security and public transportation, transit-oriented development, and improving performance through establishing industry standards. The conference also will feature a roundtable of Congressional staff members who will discuss an array of legislative issues important to public transportation. APTA and MARTA offer two technical tours on highlights of the MARTA system.

The conference program includes a general session on homeland security and public transportation with U.S. Department of Homeland Security Under Secretary Asa Hutchinson, followed by a panel discussion on transit security needs, resources, and the department's partnership with the transit industry.

News media are invited to attend the entire conference, including the following planned events:

• APTA's 29th International Annual Bus Roadeo Competition, all day Saturday, October 9.

• Presentation of Bus Roadeo Awards, Sunday, October 10, 7 p.m.

• Federal Transit Administrator Jennifer L. Dorn speaks on new federal initiatives and policies, Monday, October 11, 8:30 a.m.

• U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Under Secretary Asa Hutchinson will discuss the federal partnership with the public transportation industry, Monday, October 11, 10:30 a.m. A press roundtable on security will follow at noon with APTA President William W. Millar.

• Former U.S. Ambassador Andrew J. Young speaks on effective leadership for the public and private sectors, Tuesday, October 12, 8 a.m.

• Daniel Burrus, nationally recognized forecaster and strategist, discusses his views on adapting business opportunities for the public transportation industry in a changing economic climate, Tuesday, October 12, 9:45 a.m.

• APTA's 22nd Annual Awards Celebration to honor the individuals and organizations that represent the best in the public transportation industry, Tuesday, October 12, 11:30 a.m. A new award, "Outstanding Business Executive of the Year," will be presented to General Motors Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Richard Wagoner, Jr., Monday, October 11, 7 p. m.

For news media registration, contact Tanya Williams at (202) 496-4887 or twilliams@apta.com.

Complimentary credentials are available to working members of the news media who are actively covering conference activities. Members of the media may also register on-site. The preliminary conference program is available on-line at www.apta.com.

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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.