Transit workforce development is no longer a separate planning exercise. As agencies modernize fleets and adopt new vehicle technologies, they also need to prepare operators, technicians, supervisors, and support staff for new systems, tools, and operating demands. This presentation will highlight CALSTART’s perspective on how workforce development can better support fleet modernization, with a focus on practical strategies agencies can apply in the real world.

Drawing from CALSTART’s work across clean transportation, technology transition, and transit engagement, the session will examine common workforce challenges tied to modernization, including skill gaps, training needs, recruitment pressures, and the need for stronger coordination between agencies, training providers, and other partners. The presentation will also discuss lessons learned, promising approaches, and actions agencies can take to better align workforce planning with vehicle deployment, infrastructure needs, and long-term operational readiness. Attendees will leave with practical takeaways to strengthen workforce readiness within their organizations.

This session provides a practical roadmap for planning, executing, and winning a public transit ballot initiative campaign. Participants will explore the full lifecycle of a successful initiative—from identifying a viable policy issue and building a coalition to fundraising, messaging, voter outreach, and Election Day strategy. Drawing on real-world case studies, the session will examine what separates winning campaigns from losing ones, including legal considerations, research, messaging, media strategy, and grassroots mobilization. Attendees will leave with actionable tools and strategic insights to help navigate the political, operational, and communications challenges of advancing policy change through the ballot process.

Transit providers across the country are facing growing demand, workforce shortages, evolving rider expectations, and limited resources. This session will explore innovative strategies for improving efficiency, expanding mobility options, and maximizing the impact of existing investments. Panelists will discuss how technology, service integration, network redesign, and data-driven decision-making can help organizations enhance service delivery while controlling costs. Attendees will gain practical insights into approaches that support operational efficiency, improve customer experiences, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of transit services.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify strategies for improving operational efficiency within constrained budgets.
• Explore innovative service models that enhance mobility and expand access.
• Understand how technology and data can support better service planning and resource allocation.
• Learn practical approaches for addressing workforce challenges while maintaining high-quality service.

As accident severity, litigation costs, and insurance pressures continue to rise, transit agencies are increasingly turning to technology to improve safety and reduce risk. This session explores the role of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and telematics in modern transit operations, including available technologies, practical applications, safety benefits, and claims management advantages. Participants will hear both the risk management and transit operations perspectives on implementing these technologies, including lessons learned, operational considerations, and the impact on insurance and claims outcomes. Attendees will learn how insurers are evaluating these tools during underwriting and why agencies that effectively implement and utilize them may be better positioned for improved safety outcomes, stronger claims defense, and long-term insurability.

Discover how NEORide's cooperative contracts can help your agency save time, reduce procurement complexity, and implement solutions faster. This session will highlight available contract opportunities, practical strategies for contract utilization, and real-world examples of how agencies are leveraging cooperative purchasing to improve operations, enhance rider experience, and deliver greater value to their communities.