The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) announced this week the formation of a new Mobility Recovery and Restoration Task Force.

The new task force will develop a roadmap for public transportation services in the post COVID-19 pandemic world and explore new methods, tools, and approaches so that the industry can play an essential role in the nation's economic recovery.

"As we navigate the uncertainties of the COVID-19 crisis in the months ahead, public transportation will be even more vital to our riders, communities, and nation," said Nuria I. Fernandez, APTA Board Chair and GM/CEO of the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. "We have an urgent imperative to create a path forward for public transportation and support the economic recovery of our communities and country."

"This crisis has thrown into the spotlight the importance of public transportation moving workers to and from essential jobs — and how important public transportation will be as our nation recovers," said APTA President/CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. "Public transportation is a lifeline during this crisis, and it will be a lifeline as we recover from it."

The new Task Force will be chaired by Phillip A. Washington, CEO of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Joanna M. Pinkerton, president and CEO of the Central Ohio Transit Authority and Paul Wiedefeld, GM/CEO of Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, will serve as co-chairs.

The results of the Task Force will include a set of recommendations covering a wide range of issues critical to public transportation's future success, including safeguarding employees and riders, public and rider confidence, and customer-focused operations, as well as resiliency, equity and societal needs.