PEOPLE POWER: Emerging
Taking an Introductory look to HR, Public Engagement and Accessibility
Wednesday, May 22, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Room: Sierra/Ventura (Renaissance)
An introduction to human resource management in transit systems
Human Resource Management is central to any organization, and it's about far more than just hiring and firing employees. In forward-thinking companies today, Human Resource Management focuses on the recruitment, direction, and management of human assets, and making strategic plans for the future.
Speaker: Lyn Hellegaard, Missoula Ravalli TMA
Why is public engagement vital for transit agencies?
This two-way communication between citizens and community transportation agencies informs and includes the public while using the feedback received to develop relationships within the community and build better transportation projects. Today, the involvement of public input into the assessment of transportation needs and solutions has become a key factor in the decision making process.
Speaker: Amy Dewitt-Smith, Neighbor Network of Northern Nevada
Understanding and Meeting the ADA Requirements
Transit managers need to be aware that compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act covers virtually every aspect of transit operations, from transit system employees, to service on the street, to vehicle purchasing, to transit facility design. Daily operations are impacted by the need to deliver consistent, high quality service to members of the riding public regardless of their abilities of disabilities.
Speaker: John Cleveland, Cleveland Civil Rights Consulting
PEOPLE POWER: Intermediate
Finding and Retaining Staff, Developing a Marketing Plan, and Understanding Accessibility
Wednesday, May 22, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Room: Sierra/Ventura (Renaissance)
Finding and Retaining Front-Line Transit Personnel
So what can transit leaders do to find and recruit front line staff?. The effort and attention that's put into all aspects of employee retention has a direct correlation to the need for driver recruitment. Throughout this interactive session, you'll learn about all aspects of driver recruitment and retention with the focus on building a sustainable driver workforce that engages people with the right attitude, which ultimately leads to greater job satisfaction and reduced employee turnover.
Speaker: Caryn Souza, Community Transportation Association of America
Developing a Marketing, Communications and Engagement Strategy
It is important to build awareness, a positive image, and support among the broad community - including non-riders as well as potential riders.
Speaker: Julia Castillo, Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Authority (HIRTA)
Full Transit Accessibility: Good for Every Passenger
People are at the core of what we do. We have the ability to positively impact more peoples' lives in a day than most people can in a lifetime. The "people first" commitment is a transit industry hallmark. As universal design combined with the foundation of the ADA, key decisions about transit service, construction and rehabilitation will move all of us closer to the goal of a truly integrated and accessible public transportation network.
Speaker: Karen Hoesch, Access Transportation Service
PEOPLE POWER: Advanced
Implementing Succession Strategies, Inclusive Transit Planning, and Transforming Accessibility into Improved Mobility
Thursday, May 23, 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Room: Sierra/Ventura (Renaissance)
Transit System Succession Planning
How do you replace the institutional knowledge and subject expertise of a long service employee? You do it through succession planning, which is especially necessary in the transportation industry where senior-level managers often have well over 25 years of experience.
Speakers:
- Donna Baker, Green Mountain Community Network
- Elaine Wells, President, Board of Directors, Community Transportation Association of America
Suggested Reading:
- From the National Center for Transit Research, "Workforce Development and Succession Planning to Prepare the Rural Transit Industry for the Future", published 2016.
Inclusive Transit Planning Strategies and Implementation
How will conditions change as a result of the activities we are conducting? The link between program activities and outcomes observed can be complex and may be influenced by many things, so it is important to understand these linkages and to be realistic about the extent to which activities are responsible for changes being observed. Outcomes specific to inclusive planning practices include the number of participants assuming leadership roles, the percentage of participant transportation issues addressed or resolved, or the number of transportation improvements implemented. In the long run and to see more trips by the members of your target population[s] and higher quality transportation services.
Speakers:
- Julie Wilkie, RideConnection
- Angie Peters, Northeast Oregon Public Transit
The Future of Accessibility: Going Beyond the ADA
People are at the core of what we do and the ADA has shaped the way we travel and will do so long into the future. This “people first” commitment is a transit industry hallmark and key decisions about transit service will move all of us closer to the goal of a truly integrated and accessible public transportation network. This session will take a look at all the pieces that go into an accessible fixed-route system that not only benefits the disability community by increasing their transit options, but also benefits the local public transit agency.
Speaker: John Cleveland, Cleveland Civil Rights Consulting