Miracle on 34th Street

If you ever had the opportunity to be in Manhattan and attempt to navigate across 34th Street, especially during this time of year, you know it would take a miracle to accomplish in a reasonable amount of time. Normally, it is a very congested area, but during this time of year, it becomes a parking lot.

OCTA CEO: Employee development essential in challenging times

This month, to commemorate Veterans Day, OCTA hosted a ceremony honoring our employees who have spent time in the military. Honoring and recognizing our employees, both veterans and others, shouldn’t just happen once a year. We must take an active role in developing and retaining our workforce.

The commute gets cultured

The average daily rail commute can be quite mundane — wait at the station, get on the train and read, catch up on work or nap. Recently, though, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority partnered with local music organizations to add a little culture to the regular rail routine.

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.

One for the rail fans

For the second consecutive year, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority paid tribute to the passion of its rail fans by inviting them to attend its recent annual Rail Rodeo competition. Rodeo lottery winners were also given the opportunity to ride the newest addition to SEPTA’s rail fleet — the Silverliner V — and “talk shop” with SEPTA maintenance staff.

OCTA CEO: Kick-starting new routines this fall for commuters

Rideshare Week, which kicks off Oct. 3, is an annual event that focuses on the importance of commuters sharing the ride to get to where they need or want to go. It encourages employers and their employees to take the bus or train, vanpool, carpool, walk or ride a bike.

From farm to table via public transit

In Philadelphia, where more than 35 percent of the population relies on public transit as its sole means of transportation and about 25 percent of residents live below the poverty level, accessing affordable, fresh and healthy foods is a challenge. SEPTA is working with the City and The Food Trust to help make farm fresh fruits and vegetables a staple of Philadelphians’ diets.

5 key ingredients to a new bus operator training program

During the course of my presentations to large groups, I have come to believe that they are some of the most exciting and inspiring events for transferring critical information regarding bus operator training and safety. Large group presentations are an excellent time to unveil new training concepts and strategies. There is a distinct feel and energy to the room that cannot be duplicated in any other setting.

OCTA CEO: Getting America back to work

More than 250 people gathered today in Orange, Calif. for a first-of-its kind summit to discuss factors that create jobs and offer solutions to expediting transportation projects for America’s future.

Is Transit Ready for the ‘Big One?’

What a week for the East Coast! First, the region was rocked by a "surprise" 5.8 earthquake, now it is looking in the eye of Hurricane Irene — a "once-every-100-years event," which is expected to impact down south in the Carolinas all the way up to Maine. Through it all, public transportation has been there and plans to continue to be there to transport customers and help provide evacuation efforts.