Conference Program

Bringing together business members and transit agencies, the Bus Manufacturing Task Force 2.0 has focused on addressing critical hurdles in the U.S. transit bus supply chain. Get an in-depth report on the Task Force’s strategic findings on how to stabilize procurement costs and improve industry competitiveness. Topics will include standardized contract terms, bus design specifications, inspection and acceptance criteria, and cybersecurity requirements.

The Administration wants transit to be clean, safe, reliable, and accessible. And that is exactly what transit agencies across the country are working towards every day. There are amazing innovations, improvements and new policies across our industry that are helping transit provide the very best and safest possible trip to their customers. Unfortunately, the media rarely focuses on the good, preferring instead to trumpet bad news when it happens.

How do we get the good stories out there? What can the transit industry be doing to better communicate – every day – about the work, investments and training that makes for a great customer experience?

This session will focus on ways to amplify the message around safety, cleanliness, and reliability. It will include a discussion with the two chairs of APTA’s new SECURE Task Force, which was created to address this very issue. The speakers will then turn to our business members to consider how best to communicate the industry’s commitment to safety, cleanliness, and a superior customer experience, and how we can showcase the ways in which business members are partnering with agencies to meet the Administrator’s goals.

APTA’s Bus Manufacturing Task Forces 1.0 and 2.0 laid out a clear path for lowering costs and strengthening the supply chain through greater standardization. But turning recommendations into action requires buy-in, commitment and engagement from all actors.

How do we better communicate the true cost drivers in U.S. bus manufacturing, recognize and break down barriers to reform, and accelerate adoption of the Task Force recommendations? How do we expand this education and reform effort across the full transit supply chain, including modernizing procurement of rail, A&E services and technology? And what must business members do differently to alter both the perception and reality of the procurement environment?

Join this business members–only discussion to align on practical actions, challenge assumptions, and define a concrete path to a healthier industry.

The conversation continues. If you’re just joining us or staying on for further discussion, Part 2 maintains our "no-agenda" spirit. It’s a final opportunity to continue the conversation and tap into the room's expertise before heading home. Need to leave early to catch your flight? No worries, this session is designed to be as flexible as your travel schedule requires.

Please RSVP Here

Before you head out, pull up a chair alongside your fellow small business CEOs. This informal roundtable is designed for you to connect, share insights, and discuss strategies on the topics that matter right now. No formalities—just pure, unfiltered executive insight. Breakfast will be served at 7:30 am and the discussion will kick off at 8:00 a.m. Whether you stay for an hour or the full morning, come enjoy a fluid, supportive environment where the best ideas happen off-script.

Please RSVP Here

Join us for a community service activity on Monday, March 16 at the Savannah Tree Foundation! During this volunteer event, you will assist with a variety of hands on nursery activities such as up potting trees, watering, pruning, and other general nursery tasks. 

Learn more