HRT’s Townes chosen as APTA chairman
Current APTA Chairman Howard Silver “passes the gavel.”
Michael S. Townes, president and CEO of Hampton Roads Transit, was chosen as APTA’s new chairman.
The “exchanging of the gavel” ceremony took place between outgoing chair Howard Silver and Townes during the opening session of APTA’s annual meeting on Oct. 8. Townes was elected as APTA’s first vice chair last year. He is the first president of a transit authority in Hampton Roads to step into the chairman role since the organization began in 1882.
"I look forward to playing a leadership role as APTA takes the lead in advocating for improved public transportation in the United States," said Townes.
More Management
People Movement: MARTA Drops Interim Tag on GM/CEO Hunt and More
In this edition, METRO covers recent appointments and announcements at the FMCSA, HDR, SilverRide, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →
VIA Metropolitan Transit Reports 2 Million More Passenger Trips as Better Bus Plan Gains Momentum
San Antonio's transit agency said accelerated service improvements are driving ridership growth, offering another example of how increased frequency and workforce investments can translate into stronger transit performance.
Read More →
ABAF Study Reveals Growing Insurance Crisis for Motorcoach Operators
Preliminary findings show 98% of operators faced premium increases over the past five years, while shrinking insurer participation is putting added pressure on businesses and customers.
Read More →
PSTA Modernizes Workforce Management with Digital Bidding System
The award-winning Workforce Transit Modernization project replaced paper bidding with a transparent digital platform, cutting administrative effort while improving access for operators.
Read More →
Chicago to Host Public Transportation's Biggest Gathering at APTA TRANSform & EXPO 2026
North America’s largest public transportation gathering returns to Chicago, connecting transit decision-makers with the technologies, ideas, and partnerships driving the industry forward.
Read More →
New Tricks for Old Bureaucracies: Joshua Schank on Making Transit Innovation Stick
Former LA Metro Chief Innovation Officer Joshua Schank discusses why good ideas aren't enough, how transit agencies can overcome resistance to change, and why today's challenges demand more innovation.
Read More →
Washington's Community Transit Sets Six-Year Roadmap for Growth, Expansion
Approved TDP targets more bus service, new mobility options, Swift BRT expansion, and a potential Everett Transit annexation.
Read More →
OKC Streetcar Makes Zero-Fare Service Permanent
Ridership increased an average of 71% compared with the same period a year earlier during the fare-free pilot.
Read More →
DART Customer Satisfaction Reaches Six-Year High
Overall satisfaction rose to 74.9%, while the agency’s Net Promoter Score reached a record 33.7.
Read More →
House Surface Transportation Bill Advances as Transit Funding Debate Intensifies
A bipartisan transportation package moving through Congress could redefine how the U.S. funds highways, transit, and motorcoach travel, while igniting new fights over electrification, regulation, and federal priorities.
Read More →