Highlights from 2024 APTA Mobility Conference and LGBTQIA+ Mixer

WeDriveU’s Commercial team stopped by this year’s APTA Mobility Conference Apr. 28 – May 1 in Portland. Here’s their take.

We gathered highlights from Gillian Zoss and Chris Jones (VPs Business Development), Jason Beevis (VP, Commercial Operations), and James Wright (Director, Process Standardization) about their experience at the conference and APTA’s LGBTQIA+ mixer sponsored by WeDriveU. The team was also accompanied by Tim Wayland (CCO) and Rick Pulido (VP Business Development).

Left to right: WeDriveU’s Jason Beevis, Rick Pulido, Chris Jones, Tim Wayland, and James Wright

Comingling Paratransit to Maximize Efficiency

The team highlighted the panel on comingling paratransit with microtransit represented by speakers from Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority, RideCo, King County Metro, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, and VIA Metropolitan Transit. They noted comingling is moving into the mainstream as the leading solution for many agencies to reach isolated zones that can’t be served by fixed route services. In addition, technology is at the forefront as agencies seek to handle multiple requests to sustain the comingling of both.

…comingling is moving into the mainstream as the leading solution for many agencies to reach isolated zones that can’t be served by fixed route services.

Paratransit at the Forefront of Integration

One of the potent takeaways for Chris came from panelist Ron Brooks with UZURV in the session “Accessible Transit – 34 Years After the Americans with Disabilities Act.” Brooks’ concept was that paratransit ought to be at the forefront of initial fixed and on-demand integration. In doing so, the options available to someone with or without disabilities remain effortless.

…paratransit ought to be at the forefront of initial fixed and on-demand integration. In doing so, the options available to someone with or without disabilities remain effortless.

De-Escalation Tools

Another session that stood out was the “Bus Operator Workshop: De-Escalation Tools and Strategies for Transit Workers” led by Charles Gatlin with King County Metro. The focus on diffusing conflict offered valuable insights for drivers, safety teams, and other roles. Chris added that Gatlin was an amazing public speaker and a compelling storyteller with a magnetic presentation that captivated the room.

The focus on diffusing conflict offered valuable insights for drivers, safety teams, and other roles.

Our group also noted the session on microtransit with speakers such as TriMet’s Eileen Collins, Dir. of Accessible Transportation Programs that inspired a trend for speakers to enhance inclusivity during presentations.

Celebrating Diversity

We were excited to hear from APTA that our sponsorship of the first LGBTQ+ event at APTA Mobility has inspired other suppliers to step up in similar ways for future events. Our team was proud to be a part of the event and represent our One at WeDriveU employee resource group.

Hats off to APTA for putting on another fantastic conference.

Next up for us are APTAtech (Aug. 4-7 in Philadelphia, PA) and APTA TRANSform (Sept. 29 – Oct. 2 in Anaheim, CA). If you’re headed there, let’s meet up.

Learn More

Learn more about our solutions, including fixed-route transit, paratransit, and demand-response here.