New FTA Rules Threaten On Demand Transit
Plus Transit Unplugged TV in Brisbane
In 2016, Brad Miller, CEO of the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), had an idea. What if we used companies like Uber and Lyft to offer subsidized rides to help people get where they need to go? Maybe get a subsidized Uber ride at the end of your overnight shift when regular transit isn’t running yet so you can get home safely.
Brad and PSTA tried it out, and it worked! It worked so well that he asked the next logical question: could we do the same for paratransit and offer on demand service to those riders too?
The answer was yes. And now across the U.S., Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft provide rides on demand to people of all abilities via their local transit agency. On demand transit has been especially helpful for paratransit riders.
But all that could change if proposed changes to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) rules about using TNCs in public transit come into effect.
Tune in to learn about this complex issue with a distinguished panel including:
- Brad Miller, CEO of PSTA
- Dr. Judy Shanley: National Director of Transportation, Mobility, and Youth, Easterseals
- Alex Elegudin: CEO of Wheeling Forward and former Accessibility Chief at the New York City MTA
- Jen Shepherd: Head of Uber’s Global Transit Business
Coming up next week on the show we have the fourth of our five episodes from Australia with a special show focusing on just a few of the amazing women working in public transport in Australia. The show features interviews with:
- Lauren Streifer, CEO, Public Transport Association of Australia and New Zealand
- Jamie-Lee Owen, Chair, Public Transport Association of Australia and New Zealand, Emerging Mobility Leaders
- Katie Cooper CEO, Metro Tasmania
- Michelle Batsas, Executive Director Government and Stakeholder Relations, Yarra Trams
Joining Paul behind the mic is special co-host, and Associate Producer of the Transit Unplugged TV episodes from Australia, Kelly Chapman.
Paul, Kelly, and our guests talk about transit, leadership, careers, and their passion for transit. You’ll especially want to learn about Michelle’s special connection to trams and her work to promote STEM in Australia. Don’t miss this special episode, Australian Women in Public Transport, only on Transit Unplugged.
Say G’Day to Brisbane!
We’ve toured Melbourne and Hobart, now it’s Brisbane’s turn! Get a taste of what’s to come with beaches, a river cruise, a visit with some of Australia’s famous animals, and of course transit. Check out this sneak peek of the full episode coming next week.
📰This Week in Transit News…
New DOT Secretary, NYC Subway Security, and Fare-Free Rides in Ohio
This week we have the swearing-in of Sean Duffy as the 20th U.S. Secretary of Transportation, New York’s addition of 300 police officers to overnight subway rides for increased safety, and Central Ohio’s new policy to waive transit fares during extreme weather conditions.
Make sure you tune in every Monday for your fresh dose of transit news from Julie Gates.
