June 14, 2024 | Arlington, VA
60th Anniversary
TRANSIT INNOVATION SUMMIT
Join transit leaders and experts from across the region to learn about the latest innovations in public transit.
Find out what’s happening in the transition to zero-emission bus fleets; implementing bus priority measures, including the future of Bus Rapid Transit in Northern Virginia; research into transit-related topics; and a look at future opportunities for growing and connecting the region’s public transit network.
In the past year, our region has made strides expanding the fleet of battery electric buses (BEBs), with WMATA and Fairfax Connector joining DASH as agencies with BEBs in service. With initial deployments of buses underway at multiple agencies, it’s a good time to reflect on lessons learned and how to navigate next steps for scaling up the zero-emission bus (ZEB) fleet in what seems to be a constantly changing industry. Although funding is critically important for the transition, the purpose of this session is to provide context to the challenges of converting an entire bus fleet to ZEBs, particularly from the perspective of day-to-day operations and maintenance.
Moderator
Ann McGrane, AICP, Senior Program Manager, NVTC
The last 60 years have revealed how regional frameworks that further collaboration can enable regional prosperity. We are now experiencing a profound shift to work and leisure patterns that require new approaches to providing transit service in Northern Virginia. How can the flexibility of the bus be leveraged to enable smart trip choices that meet goals for reducing greenhouse emissions, improving mobility, and providing reliable, equitable transportation? In this panel, we’ll discuss how bus priority treatments and bus rapid transit can provide more capacity and reliability to our transit network.
Moderator:
Vikram Sinha, Senior Program Manager, NVTC
In the last 60 years, the region has seen incredible changes to public transportation. From the creation of WMATA, VRE, and all the local bus systems operating today, to billions of dollars invested to help the region move more equitably, sustainably, and economically. However, the region has also seen challenges, especially recently. The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impacts to all the transit systems in the region, funding is a continuous issue, and agencies have had challenges with ridership even before the pandemic.
This session reflects on the past by looking forward to the future of transit in Northern Virginia. Three panelists with three different perspectives come together in this session to share their thoughts, experiences, and dreams for the region’s transit for now and the future.
Moderator:
Xavier Harmony, Ph.D., Senior Program Manager, NVTC
