Sen. Inouye legacy honored for rail work Former U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye (HI), who passed away last year, was given the APTA 2013 Distinguished Service Award for his many transportation achievements including his tireless efforts “to improve mobility and seek transportation solutions for Hawaii’s residents and visitors.”
Inouye, who was influential in securing federal funding for the Honolulu rail project, passed away Dec. 17, 2012, two days before the City and County of Honolulu and the FTA signed a historic full-funding grant agreement. The agreement secured $1.55 billion in federal funding for the construction of Honolulu’s rail transit system.
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Additionally, as a ranking member of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committees, Inouye helped introduce a bill (2006 Maritime, Rail and Public Transportation Security Act) that provided $3.5 billion for transit security.
Denver RTD’s Washington named top manager
Phillip A. Washington
Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) GM/CEO Phillip A. Washington has been selected for the Outstanding Public Transportation Manager Award.
During his tenure, Washington has undertaken a remarkable number of innovative, cost-effective and customer-focused initiatives to build projects and improve service to the public. The most visible is RTD’s FasTracks Program — the largest voter-approved transit expansion in the nation.
“This is a direct reflection on the excellence of the entire RTD organization and the great work the agency performs every day,” Washington said. “I truly appreciate the remarkable support from my fellow board members, the RTD staff and our stakeholders. I am very grateful and a bit overwhelmed.”
Rick Simonetta
Hall of Fame inducts Simonetta Rick Simonetta, business development, rail and transit, at Burns Group will be inducted into APTA’s Hall of Fame.
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Simonetta, who has more than 40 years of experience in the industry, successfully led the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority during the 1996 Olympic Games and was in charge when Arizona’s METRO light rail system launched on schedule and under budget. He has also been instrumental in the career development of many transit professionals through mentoring, training and supporting active participation in APTA.
“I was active in APTA when the Hall of Fame was created, and over the years, have witnessed the induction of transit industry superstars,” said Simonetta. “I am in awe that I have been selected to join these highly respected pioneers and leaders of our industry.”
Millar’s leadership, achievements honored
Bill Millar
Former APTA President William Millar will be inducted into the association’s Hall of Fame. Millar, who is currently a consultant with Chicago-based firm Lochner, led the association from 1996 to 2011 and left a distinguished legacy of diligently promoting public transportation and helping increase federal investment levels.
“I see the APTA Hall of Fame Award as the highest recognition APTA can give in its regular awards program,” Millar said. “For me it represents a symbol of respect for the body of work and contributions I made to APTA and the transit industry over my 40-year career by my peers. I am very honored to receive it.”
When asked what accomplishments he’s proud of, Millar cited leading APTA and the Port Authority of Allegheny County; starting Pennsylvania’s Free Transit Program for Senior Citizens; leading the effort at APTA that tripled the annual federal funding for public transportation; being the founder of the Transit Cooperative Research Program and much more. His proudest achievement, he said, is founding the ACCESS Paratransit Service in Allegheny County, Pa. in 1979.
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“It used innovative approaches to involving both the private and not-for-profit sectors to provide service. It set the stage for the remainder of my career, and most importantly, allowed thousands of Pittsburghers to live fuller and more complete lives by being able to travel independently outside their homes over the 34 years since it started,” he said.
Chuck Wochele
Wochele is Business Member of the Year Charles “Chuck” Wochele, managing partner/owner of TransitConsult LLC, has been named APTA’s Outstanding Business Member.
A member of APTA’s 2012-2013 Executive Committee, Wochele held a variety of positions at Alstom Transportation from 1997 to 2012, ranging from VP, marketing and sales, rolling stock, to VP, industry & government relations.
“When Alstom took over the Hornell, N.Y. manufacturing facilities in 1997, we had 50 employees, which we were able to grow to over 1,000 employees by 2009,” said Wochele. “Being part of the team that brought that many jobs to a depressed area was the highlight of my career.”
DART board member Chrisman honored
Randall Chrisman
Dallas Area Rapid Transit Board Member Randall Chrisman was named APTA’s Outstanding Public Transportation Board Member. He was appointed to the board in 2002 to represent the cities of Carrollton and Irving, Texas and served as chair in 2008 and 2009.
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In addition, he is secretary of APTA’s Transit Board Member Committee, chair of the Transit Board Members Legislative Subcommittee and vice chair of APTA’s Authorization Task Force.
“It’s a privilege to work with so many talented transit professionals and board members in both the DART service area and from around the country to deliver the service our customers deserve,” Chrisman said. “I am very appreciative and humbled by this honor.”
Complete Parts features new branding with a new logo, a new contact telephone number, a dedicated order desk, enhanced processes and inventory, all designed to provide the parts bus operations need.
Accessible transit isn’t a feature—it’s a responsibility. This whitepaper explores how the Low-Floor Frontrunner is redefining mobility with a breakthrough design that removes barriers, empowers riders, and delivers measurable operational advantages for agencies. Discover why this next generation minibus is setting a new standard for inclusive transportation.
SEPTA was awarded $43 million in competitive grant funding from the FTA's FY25 Low and No Emission and Bus and Bus Facilities grant programs to support this procurement.
In part 1 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his journey from the U.S. Marines to public transit and the role mentorship plays in developing the next generation of industry leaders.
When construction is complete, battery-electric buses will operate from the Arborway facility on Day One, providing cleaner, quieter, and more reliable service for riders, the MBTA said. After completion, the old facility will be demolished, and the land will be made available for redevelopment.
Nadine S. Lee, who has served as president/CEO since July 2021, said the decision comes after careful reflection on the agency’s progress and its path forward.
In this conversation, TBC’s Executive Director Ed Redfern, President Corey Aldridge, and Washington Representative Joel Rubin outline the coalition’s key policy priorities, the challenges facing transit agencies, and how industry stakeholders can work together to strengthen the voice of bus transit at the federal level.
What truly drives the cost of a paratransit fleet? Beyond the purchase price, seven operational factors quietly determine maintenance frequency, downtime, and long-term service reliability. This whitepaper explores how these factors shape lifecycle cost and what agencies should evaluate when selecting paratransit vehicles.
