Transit Dispatches

Contributing bloggers discuss a variety of topics geared toward the transit and motorcoach sectors.

Posts Tagged With: Will Kempton

Former OCTA CEO reflecting and moving forward

As I begin a new chapter in my career, I wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on my time as CEO of OCTA. With my time at the agency having come to a close, the questions I am asking myself are, ‘Did I make a positive contribution to the organization?’ and ‘Have I left it in better shape than when I arrived?’

OCTA CEO: Local control key to rail service integration

In Southern California, three commuter rail operators have successfully offered service to passengers for decades along a single rail corridor. However, with three operators come three independent schedules and pricing structures. This can lead to confusion among customers. A new bill signed by Gov. Jerry Brown will help integrate the services.

OCTA CEO: Educating the next generation of transportation leaders

The transportation industry faces the potential loss of significant institutional knowledge as baby boomers retire. For many of us, a greater emphasis has been placed on ensuring we prepare those who will take over to successfully lead our agencies into the future. A program started by the Orange County Chapter of the Women’s Transportation Seminar is an ideal example of this kind of effort.

OCTA CEO: New federal bill a win for America

Three years and 10 extensions later, America has a new federal transportation reauthorization bill. Perhaps the most important aspects of MAP-21 are the changes to existing law that break down some of the bureaucratic barriers to project delivery allowing for expedited project implementation.

OCTA CEO: Is your agency ready for the ‘big one’?

This month OCTA joined public agencies across California in the Golden Guardian exercise — an annual emergency training event that helps prepare cities, hospitals, first responders, schools, transportation agencies and others to respond in crisis situations. In the last year, OCTA has placed an increased focus on emergency preparedness and training.

OCTA CEO: Congress, stop kicking transportation bill down the road

Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to approve an extension of highway and transit funding at existing levels through September 30. This is the 10th extension of the six-year transportation bill. We need a long-term bill.

OCTA CEO: New paratransit center aids customers, improves efficiency

In our ongoing effort to improve our paratransit service and provide it in the most cost-effective way possible, OCTA recently completed a state-of-the art indoor center to qualify disabled individuals for the service, called ACCESS, which provides one million rides annually.

OCTA CEO: Planes, trains and automobiles – but what about bikes?

We are preparing to implement a bike-sharing program, providing the public with the benefits commuting by bike can offer, and ultimately, taking cars off the road, easing traffic and improving the environment. The initial program is envisioned to be comprised of 15 stations and 150 bicycles with annual, monthly, weekly and daily subscriptions available.

OCTA CEO: Maintaining customer service as paratransit grows

A decade ago, OCTA’s paratransit ACCESS Service was growing at a rate twice that of the fixed-route service. Managing that increased demand and the spiraling cost of added usage has been a necessity to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of our entire transit system. However, managing that growth did not come at a cost to customer satisfaction.

Training is for the dogs

For more than 15 years, OCTA has organized an annual training day for service animals and their handlers, allowing them the chance to ride the bus in a controlled environment. This year’s training took place on a recent Saturday at a nearby theme park and provided an opportunity for the animals to become acclimated to situations that are often crowded, loud and unfamiliar.

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Janna Starcic

Executive Editor


Alex Roman

Managing Editor


Nicole Schlosser

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Michael R. Wiley

GM/CEO, Sacramento Regional Transit District


Heather Redfern

Press Relations Officer, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority


Louie Maiello

Former director of training, New York City Transit Bus & Safety Division and 2003 NTI Fellow, is a consultant for FAAC Inc., bus simulation division, and an independent consultant for "Bus Talk" Surface Solutions.


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Honorary member, Business Member Board of Governors


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