The Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska Transit Associations hosted Scott Bogren, Executive Director of CTAA, on the future of Transit on the federal front on Oct. 21. Bogren underscored the importance of telling the local stories of transit’s impact from a values and outcomes perspective including from the private sector partners.

Key transition issues with new administration discussed included:

• Discretionary grants and rescissions.
• Master agreements.
• Formula vs. competitive.
• Bus Capital.
• The Fiscal Cliff.

The latest Talking Transit podcast features a discussion led by the Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA), focused on cost-conscious marketing for small to mid-sized transit providers. The presentation featured Selena Barlow of Transit Marketing and Elea Carey of Transit Happy, who provided expert insight into the promotional strategies that provide the most value for providers looking to market their services. Tracy Jones of Southeast Missouri Transportation Service (SMTS) and Ginny Smith of Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority provided their experience marketing transit services in their regions, including challenges and areas of opportunity.

Panelists answered questions and provided key insights into transit marketing best practices, including:

• Effective cost-conscious marketing reaches the right audience with the right message, providing long-term value
• Bold branding of vehicles and bus stops is the most cost-effective way to build visibility
• Marketing channels include unpaid, paid, and partnership opportunities

In response to transit riders concerns and frustrations with the rollout of new safety and security measures tied to Metro Transit’s Secure Platform Plan (SPP), Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) hosted a virtual “Candid Conversation with Commuters” event on Thursday, June 5. This discussion provided a platform for transit riders, stakeholders and members of the community at large to ask questions about security gating, fencing, surveillance cameras, fare technology and the timetable associated with the implementation of the multi-tiered strategy designed to create a more secure transit environment at all 38 MetroLink stations