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Safety Cornerby Louie MaielloNovember 4, 2011

Customer service, but not at the expense of safety

'Driver, can you drive faster?' 'Why are you driving so slowly?' 'The traffic signal is green, why are you staying in this bus stop?' Have you ever made any of these statements to a bus operator? Although to some it's hard to believe, bus operators have a schedule that they must safely adhere to, to the best of their ability.

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Transit Dispatchesby Will KemptonOctober 28, 2011

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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Transit Dispatchesby Heather RedfernOctober 19, 2011

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.

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From the Editor'sby Nicole SchlosserOctober 14, 2011

Time for transit to join the revolution?

While APTA EXPO attendees discussed financial challenges and an uncertain funding future, thousands of Americans took to the streets to protest what they see as “corporate greed and corrupt politics” ruling U.S. policies and the economy. One transit workers union joined them.

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Safety Cornerby Louie MaielloSeptember 30, 2011

'Missing the Boat' With Your Transit Simulator?

Simulator training within the 'transit industry' is unique in its application as an affordable and necessary option. Those of you who feel that teaching bus operator basic skills on a simulator cannot be done are missing the boat! You are short-changing yourself and your operators. I firmly believe that basic skill development is its primary function and the most effective way to utilize your simulator when dealing with new hires.

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Transit Dispatchesby Will KemptonSeptember 27, 2011

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.

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From the Editor'sby Alex RomanSeptember 23, 2011

Is public transit doomed for good?

To mark this week's "Don't X Out Public Transit Day," the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) released a new survey that focused on what the consequences would be on public transportation riders and systems around the country if a House of Representatives-proposed cut of more than one-third of federal funding for public transportation actually took place.

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Transit Dispatchesby Heather RedfernSeptember 20, 2011

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.

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Transit Dispatchesby Louie MaielloSeptember 9, 2011

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.

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Transit Dispatchesby Will KemptonAugust 31, 2011

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.

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Transit Dispatchesby Alex RomanAugust 26, 2011

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.

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From the Editor'sby Nicole SchlosserAugust 24, 2011

Protestors bring transit, civil liberties to forefront

Shutting off cell phone service. Closing stations. Arresting protestors. BART struggles to strike a balance between accommodating the citizens' right to demonstrate while safely transporting riders. While doing so, it sets a precedent for other transit agencies across the U.S.

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