Conference Program
APTA Program and Schedules are subject to change.
| Thursday, Jan 30, 2025 |
Thursday, Jan 30, 2025
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM PST
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Location: Desert Vista Foyer, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
Location: Desert Vista Foyer, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
2025013008:0011:00 000 | THU, JAN 30 | |||
| Tuesday, Jan 28, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jan 28, 2025
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM PST
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Welcome Reception
It's networking time! Join your colleagues for food, drinks, and great conversation.
Location: Desert Vista Foyer, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
Location: Desert Vista Foyer, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
2025012818:3020:00 000 | TUE, JAN 28 |
3E0E4FB2-0A72-EF11-8102-B95C44E1822F |
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| Wednesday, Jan 29, 2025 |
Wednesday, Jan 29, 2025
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM PST
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Location: Desert Vista Foyer, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
Location: Desert Vista Foyer, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
2025012908:0009:00 000 | WED, JAN 29 |
3E0E4FB2-0A72-EF11-8102-B95C44E1822F |
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| Friday, Jan 31, 2025 |
Friday, Jan 31, 2025
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM PST
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Location: Desert Vista Foyer, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
Location: Desert Vista Foyer, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
2025013108:0009:00 000 | FRI, JAN 31 |
3E0E4FB2-0A72-EF11-8102-B95C44E1822F |
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| Tuesday, Jan 28, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jan 28, 2025
12:30 PM - 5:00 PM PST
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Location: Desert Vista Foyer, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
Location: Desert Vista Foyer, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
2025012812:3017:00 000 | TUE, JAN 28 | |||
| Thursday, Jan 30, 2025 |
Thursday, Jan 30, 2025
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM PST
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Location: Desert Vista Foyer, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
Location: Desert Vista Foyer, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
2025013011:4512:30 000 | THU, JAN 30 |
3E0E4FB2-0A72-EF11-8102-B95C44E1822F |
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| Thursday, Jan 30, 2025 |
Thursday, Jan 30, 2025
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM PST
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Location: Desert Vista Foyer, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
Location: Desert Vista Foyer, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
2025013008:0009:00 000 | THU, JAN 30 |
3E0E4FB2-0A72-EF11-8102-B95C44E1822F |
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| Wednesday, Jan 29, 2025 |
Wednesday, Jan 29, 2025
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM PST
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Location: Desert Vista Foyer, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
Location: Desert Vista Foyer, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
2025012908:0015:00 000 | WED, JAN 29 | |||
| Thursday, Jan 30, 2025 |
Thursday, Jan 30, 2025
12:30 PM - 5:00 PM PST
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APTF Golf Tournament and Fundraiser
Join your peers for an afternoon of world-class golf at the prestigious Indian Wells Golf Resort and make a difference in a student's life. By participating in the APTF Golf Tournament & Fundraiser you will directly support the American Public Transportation Foundation, helping to fund scholarships for aspiring students. Let's tee off for a brighter future together. Shotgun start at 12:30pm. Location: Indian Wells Golf Resort, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
Location: Indian Wells Golf Resort, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
2025013012:3017:00 000 | THU, JAN 30 |
3E0E4FB2-0A72-EF11-8102-B95C44E1822F |
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| Tuesday, Jan 28, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jan 28, 2025
8:00 AM - 11:45 AM PST
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Community Service Activity at Coachella Valley Horse Rescue
Join us on Tuesday, January 28 for a volunteer activity at the Coachella Valley Horse Rescue! During this volunteer event, you will help with various tasks to spruce up the facilities, including repainting and sealing seating benches, repainting the deck, weeding, and/or raking.
Schedule 8:00 AM - Buses arrive at Grand Hyatt Indian Wells 8:30 AM - Buses depart from Grand Hyatt Indian Wells 9:00 AM - Volunteer work begins 11:00 AM - Volunteer work concludes 11:15 AM - Buses depart Coachella Valley Horse Rescue Location: Depart from Hotel Lobby, Coachella Valley Horse Rescue |
Location: Depart from Hotel Lobby, Coachella Valley Horse Rescue |
2025012808:0011:45 500 | TUE, JAN 28 | |||
| Thursday, Jan 30, 2025 |
Thursday, Jan 30, 2025
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM PST
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Balancing Risk and Reward: Modernizing Transit Contracts
This session will address the critical need to modernize standard contract terms and conditions within the transit industry. By shifting from traditional procurement methods to more strategic, value-based approaches, we aim to achieve a more equitable risk allocation between agencies and suppliers. This transformation will foster a collaborative and innovative environment, ultimately leading to reduced costs, improved asset quality, and enhanced sustainability in transit services. Key areas of focus will include performance-based contracts, incentivizing innovation, lifecycle cost reduction, and developing new models for technology procurement.
Speaker(s): Moderator: James LaRusch, Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Counsel, Raul V. Bravo + Associates, Inc. Panelist: Veronique Hakim, Sr VP & National Transit & Rail Market Sector Leader, HNTB Corporation Panelist: William Fay, Vice President, Sales, Gillig LLC Panelist: Dorval Carter, President, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)Location: Desert Vista C-E, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
Location: Desert Vista C-E, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
2025013010:4511:45 000 | THU, JAN 30 |
3E0E4FB2-0A72-EF11-8102-B95C44E1822F |
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| Wednesday, Jan 29, 2025 |
Wednesday, Jan 29, 2025
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM PST
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AI and Cybersecurity: A Dynamic Duo
As the transit industry becomes increasingly technology-driven, businesses serving the sector must embrace AI and cybersecurity as strategic priorities. This session will provide practical insights into how businesses can leverage AI to enhance their operations, improve customer service, and drive innovation. Additionally, experts will discuss the critical role of cybersecurity in protecting sensitive data, mitigating risks, and ensuring business continuity. By the end of this session, participants will have a clear understanding of how to harness the power of AI and cybersecurity to gain a competitive advantage.
Speaker(s): Speaker: Christina Belmont, Vice President of Marketing; Chair of the Fare Collection Systems Committee, SDI Presence LLC Speaker: Scott Wilkinson, President, AlphaVu Panelist: Vidhu Shekhar, Government Strategy Leader, Microsoft Panelist: Jake Aguiar, Cybersecurity Advisor, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)Location: Desert Vista C-E, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
Location: Desert Vista C-E, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
2025012911:1512:15 000 | WED, JAN 29 |
3E0E4FB2-0A72-EF11-8102-B95C44E1822F |
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| Thursday, Jan 30, 2025 |
Thursday, Jan 30, 2025
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM PST
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Battle of the Generations: Attracting and Retaining a Diverse Workforce
Seasoned professionals will go head-to-head with young talent, debating the challenges and opportunities of attracting and retaining a diverse workforce in the transit industry. From generational differences in work-life balance and compensation to the importance of mentorship and professional development, the debaters will spar over the most pressing workforce issues facing transit agencies. The audience will have the chance to weigh in and vote on the most compelling arguments.
Speaker(s): Panelist: Nuria Fernandez, CEO, AMDC Consulting, LLC Panelist: Michael Scanlon, Executive Advisor, Intueor Speaker: Megan Perrero, Editor in Chief, Mass Transit Magazine Moderator: Lindy Norris, Vice President, Marketing & Policy, The Routing Company Panelist: Freddie Fuller, Vice President & Geographic Sales Manager, JacobsLocation: Desert Vista C-E, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
Location: Desert Vista C-E, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
2025013009:1510:15 000 | THU, JAN 30 |
3E0E4FB2-0A72-EF11-8102-B95C44E1822F |
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| Friday, Jan 31, 2025 |
Friday, Jan 31, 2025
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM PST
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The CEO Perspective: Your Playbook for Success
Gain exclusive insights from the heads of leading transit agencies in a unique roundtable and small group discussions. Learn their perspectives on the most effective strategies for businesses to sell to the transit industry. Discover their evaluation criteria, the challenges they face in procurement, and the specific needs and priorities of their agencies. Network directly with industry leaders and gain valuable advice on how to tailor your offerings to meet the specific needs of transit agencies.
Speaker(s): Moderator: Lauren Skiver, Chief Operating Officer, Transdev Panelist: MJ Maynard, Chair, APTA; and Chief Executive Officer, RTC of Southern Nevada Panelist: Debra Johnson, General Manager and CEO, Regional Transportation District Panelist: Stephen Bland, Chief Executive Officer, WeGo Public Transit Panelist: Dawn Distler, Chief Executive Officer, METRO Regional Transit Authority Panelist: Mona Babauta, CEO, SunLine Transit Agency Panelist: Nadine Lee, President & CEO, Dallas Area Rapid Transit Panelist: Dorval Carter, President, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Panelist: Leanne Redden, Vice Chair, APTA; Executive Director, Regional Transportation AuthorityLocation: Desert Vista C-E, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
Location: Desert Vista C-E, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
2025013109:1510:15 000 | FRI, JAN 31 |
3E0E4FB2-0A72-EF11-8102-B95C44E1822F |
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| Tuesday, Jan 28, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jan 28, 2025
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM PST
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New Attendee Meet-Up
Whether you're new to the meeting, APTA, or the industry, this session will enable you to get the most from this conference and from APTA. You'll get an overview of the business committee structure, information on how to get involved in its activities and advocacy, and provide tips for how to make the most of your APTA experience.
Speaker(s): Facilitator: Buddy Coleman, Chief Customer Officer, Clever Devices Ltd.Location: Desert Vista C-E, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
Location: Desert Vista C-E, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
2025012817:0018:30 000 | TUE, JAN 28 |
3E0E4FB2-0A72-EF11-8102-B95C44E1822F |
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| Wednesday, Jan 29, 2025 |
Wednesday, Jan 29, 2025
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM PST
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Welcome Remarks
Speaker(s): Remarks: Paul P. Skoutelas, President and CEO, American Public Transportation Association Remarks: Raymond Melleady, BMBG Chair; and President, STER North America LLC Remarks: Mona Babauta, CEO, SunLine Transit Agency Remarks: Nancy Ross, Mayor, Cathedral CityLocation: Desert Vista C-E, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
Location: Desert Vista C-E, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
2025012909:0009:45 000 | WED, JAN 29 |
3E0E4FB2-0A72-EF11-8102-B95C44E1822F |
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| Tuesday, Jan 28, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jan 28, 2025
1:30 PM - 5:00 PM PST
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BMBG Annual Meeting
Open to all, the annual meeting of the Board of Governors will help define the priorities for the BMBG and its business members for 2025, including updates and work plans from the seven Business Member Committees.
Speaker(s): Presiding: Raymond Melleady, BMBG Chair; and President, STER North America LLCLocation: Desert Vista C-E, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
Location: Desert Vista C-E, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
2025012813:3017:00 000 | TUE, JAN 28 |
3E0E4FB2-0A72-EF11-8102-B95C44E1822F 400E4FB2-0A72-EF11-8102-B95C44E1822F |
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| Wednesday, Jan 29, 2025 |
Wednesday, Jan 29, 2025
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM PST
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Navigating the New Landscape: A Legislative, Messaging, and Advocacy Update
As the new administration takes office, the public transportation industry faces a critical juncture. This session will delve into the potential implications of the incoming administration's policies on transit funding, infrastructure investment, and regulatory oversight. Experts will discuss the key legislative priorities for the industry, including the reauthorization of the Surface Transportation Act. Attendees will gain insights into advocacy strategies and best practices for effectively communicating with policymakers to secure essential funding and support for public transportation.
Additional speakers will be announced soon. Speaker(s): Speaker: Melissa Mejias, Director, Government Affairs and Advocacy, American Public Transportation Association Speaker: Ward McCarragher Speaker: Thomas Doyle, Vice President, Communications & Marketing, American Public Transportation Association Speaker: Caroline Decker, Senior Vice President and National Rail Business Director, WSP Speaker: Ashley Middleton, Senior Vice President, GMMBLocation: Desert Vista C-E, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
Location: Desert Vista C-E, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
2025012909:4510:45 000 | WED, JAN 29 |
3E0E4FB2-0A72-EF11-8102-B95C44E1822F |
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| Wednesday, Jan 29, 2025 |
Wednesday, Jan 29, 2025
1:15 PM - 2:45 PM PST
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What’s Keeping You Up at Night? Open Mic & Breakouts
This session provides a platform for open discussion and collaborative problem-solving. Participants will have the opportunity to share their most pressing challenges and areas of interest related to transit contract terms and conditions. Following the open mic, attendees will be divided into small groups to dig deeper into the identified topics. These breakout sessions will foster in-depth discussions, generate innovative ideas, and develop potential solutions to address the challenges facing the transit industry.
Speaker(s): Facilitator: Emily Guill, Director, Business Development, Hallcon CorporationLocation: Desert Vista C-E, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
Location: Desert Vista C-E, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
2025012913:1514:45 000 | WED, JAN 29 |
3E0E4FB2-0A72-EF11-8102-B95C44E1822F |
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| Thursday, Jan 30, 2025 |
Thursday, Jan 30, 2025
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM PST
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Location: Desert Vista C-E, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
Location: Desert Vista C-E, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
2025013009:0009:15 000 | THU, JAN 30 |
3E0E4FB2-0A72-EF11-8102-B95C44E1822F |
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| Friday, Jan 31, 2025 |
Friday, Jan 31, 2025
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM PST
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Closing Discussion
Speaker(s): Facilitator: Raymond Melleady, BMBG Chair; and President, STER North America LLCLocation: Desert Vista C-E, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
Location: Desert Vista C-E, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
2025013111:3012:00 000 | FRI, JAN 31 |
3E0E4FB2-0A72-EF11-8102-B95C44E1822F |
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| Friday, Jan 31, 2025 |
Friday, Jan 31, 2025
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM PST
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Opening Remarks
Speaker(s): Remarks: MJ Maynard, Chair, APTA; and Chief Executive Officer, RTC of Southern NevadaLocation: Desert Vista C-E, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
Location: Desert Vista C-E, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
2025013109:0009:15 000 | FRI, JAN 31 |
3E0E4FB2-0A72-EF11-8102-B95C44E1822F |
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| Wednesday, Jan 29, 2025 |
Wednesday, Jan 29, 2025
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM PST
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Location: Verbena Terrace, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
Location: Verbena Terrace, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
2025012912:1513:15 000 | WED, JAN 29 |
3E0E4FB2-0A72-EF11-8102-B95C44E1822F |
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| Wednesday, Jan 29, 2025 |
Wednesday, Jan 29, 2025
3:15 PM - 4:45 PM PST
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Speed Networking: Making Connections in a Flash
Join us for a dynamic and engaging speed networking session designed to foster new connections and strengthen existing relationships. In this fast-paced format, you'll have the opportunity engage in several brief, impactful conversations to share insights, explore potential partnerships, and discover new opportunities. Expand your network, learn about industry trends, and leave with valuable connections that can drive your business forward.
Location: Desert Vista A-B, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
Location: Desert Vista A-B, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
2025012915:1516:45 000 | WED, JAN 29 |
3E0E4FB2-0A72-EF11-8102-B95C44E1822F |
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| Friday, Jan 31, 2025 |
Friday, Jan 31, 2025
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM PST
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CEO Roundtable Discussions
Gain exclusive insights from the heads of leading transit agencies in a unique roundtable and small group discussions. Learn their perspectives on the most effective strategies for businesses to sell to the transit industry. Discover their evaluation criteria, the challenges they face in procurement, and the specific needs and priorities of their agencies. Network directly with industry leaders and gain valuable advice on how to tailor your offerings to meet the specific needs of transit agencies.
Speaker(s): Moderator: Lauren Skiver, Chief Operating Officer, Transdev Panelist: Stephen Bland, Chief Executive Officer, WeGo Public Transit Panelist: MJ Maynard, Chair, APTA; and Chief Executive Officer, RTC of Southern Nevada Panelist: Debra Johnson, General Manager and CEO, Regional Transportation District Panelist: Dawn Distler, Chief Executive Officer, METRO Regional Transit Authority Panelist: Mona Babauta, CEO, SunLine Transit Agency Speaker: Nadine Lee, President & CEO, Dallas Area Rapid Transit Panelist: Dorval Carter, President, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Panelist: Leanne Redden, Vice Chair, APTA; Executive Director, Regional Transportation AuthorityLocation: Desert Vista A-B, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
Location: Desert Vista A-B, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
2025013110:1511:15 000 | FRI, JAN 31 |
3E0E4FB2-0A72-EF11-8102-B95C44E1822F |
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| Wednesday, Jan 29, 2025 |
Wednesday, Jan 29, 2025
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM PST
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APTF Fundraiser Dinner
Come together to celebrate and raise funds for the American Public Transportation Foundation (APTF). All attendees and registered guests are welcome and are invited to make a donation of any size towards meeting our fundraising goal.
Location: The Grove, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
Location: The Grove, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells |
2025012918:0020:00 000 | WED, JAN 29 |
3E0E4FB2-0A72-EF11-8102-B95C44E1822F |
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| Thursday, Jan 30, 2025 |
Thursday, Jan 30, 2025
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM PST
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Sunnylands Gardens Visit
Join your colleagues and friends for a self-guided tour of Sunnlaynds Gardens. Explore stunning gardens, admire mid-century modern architecture, and delve into interactive exhibits. Enjoy the flexibility to explore at your own pace with this informative virtual guide and optional audio guides. Admission is free.
SunLine will provide round trip transportation on a first-come, first-served basis. The bus will depart for Sunnylands from the Hyatt Lobby at 1:00 pm. You will have approximately 2 hours to explore on your own. The return bus will depart Sunnylands at 3:45pm, returning to the Hyatt at approximately 4:15 pm. The historical estate is not open to tours during our visit. Location: Sunnylands Visitors Center & Gardens |
Location: Sunnylands Visitors Center & Gardens |
2025013013:0016:00 000 | THU, JAN 30 | |||
| Thursday, Jan 30, 2025 |
Thursday, Jan 30, 2025
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM PST
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Location: |
Location: |
2025013019:0021:00 000 | THU, JAN 30 |
3E0E4FB2-0A72-EF11-8102-B95C44E1822F |
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| Friday, Jan 31, 2025 |
Friday, Jan 31, 2025
1:15 PM - 3:30 PM PST
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SunLine Tour
Join us for an exclusive tour at SunLine Transit Agency, showcasing innovative advancements in zero-emission technology. Highlights include a firsthand look at SunLine’s electrolyzer, producing hydrogen on-site, and the liquid hydrogen fueling station. Discover how SunLine is leading the way in sustainable transit solutions!
Please note: Some walking/use of mobility aids is required. Closed toe shoes recommended. If you have an existing registration, you can add the SunLine Tour to your registration in the Registration Service Center using the login credentials in your confirmation email. Once you are logged in, click "Make edits to your registration", then "Edit", and click through the pages to the registration fees page to add your tour registration. If you need assistance, please email Jordan Yankee. Location: |
Location: |
2025013113:1515:30 600 | FRI, JAN 31 |