Conference Program

Transit agencies are constantly considering how to best serve their communities & customers.  Reconsidering the design of a transit system is one tool that planners use to meet their community’s transportation needs. In this session, we will learn about four different approaches to network design & redesign.  We’ll go beyond how networks are assessed & modified and also look at goal setting, community engagement, bus stop adjustment, and bus priority technology.

CEU Credits:
PLANNERS 1.0

Rethinking existing services and deploying new solutions can be driven by a need to find economical efficiencies, better serve passengers, or to replace aging infrastructure. This session will include implementation lessons learned from a variety of projects ranging from new strategies for micro-transit and regional connections to electrification to a full BRT corridor.

CEU Credits:
PLANNERS 1.0

Whether it’s stop location and spacing, design guidelines, working with local DOTs or maintenance departments, or helping deliver engineering and construction projects, planners often need to marshal a wide variety of skills to help with bus stops, street and roadway design, passenger and non-revenue facilities, and similar public works. This session will showcase several innovative accomplishments in this area.

CEU Credits:
PLANNERS 1.0

This session explores how transit agencies use scheduling strategies to balance service reliability, efficiency, and rider needs. Presenters will share approaches to creating and adjusting schedules in response to ridership demands, operator and vehicle constraints, and evolving travel patterns. The discussion will highlight the tools, data, and creative problem-solving used to evaluate performance and meet service delivery goals. Attendees will gain insights into how thoughtful scheduling supports resilient, responsive transit service.

CEU Credits:
PLANNERS 1.0

This session will explore strategies for securing funding for sustainability and climate resilience projects amid an evolving political landscape and increasing uncertainty in federal programs. Attendees will gain insights into the current state of federal funding, innovative financing approaches, and grant writing best practices tailored to today’s funding climate.

CEU Credits:
PLANNERS 1.0

This session will explore how transit agencies of all sizes are developing and implementing resilience plans to address climate risks and protect critical infrastructure. Through real-world examples, speakers will share approaches to translating vulnerability assessments into actionable strategies, engaging stakeholders, and securing funding for adaptation projects. Attendees will gain insights into scalable practices—from targeted asset-level studies to system-wide planning—that strengthen resilience, guide investment decisions, and build long-term sustainability.

CEU Credits:
PLANNERS 1.0

This session will explore how to make a compelling case for investing in sustainability by improving how transit agencies measure, report, and communicate impact. Attendees will learn strategies to streamline sustainability reporting, focus on meaningful outcome-based performance measures, and align messaging with community needs and decision-making priorities. The session will also highlight tools like EMS and the Envision framework that help agencies track progress, justify investments, and deliver long-term value.

CEU Credits:
PLANNERS 1.0

Electrifying small-scale and rural transit fleets presents distinct challenges and opportunities—from vehicle procurement and charging infrastructure to route planning and community engagement. This session will feature lessons learned from the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority’s deployment of battery electric minibuses and TxDOT’s EV pilot program with four rural agencies, providing real-world insights into microtransit electrification. Attendees will gain practical strategies for overcoming infrastructure hurdles, managing performance expectations, and advancing zero-emission goals in diverse operating environments.

CEU Credits:
ENGINEERS 1.0

This session will explore strategies for building a strong sustainability culture within transit agencies by aligning internal engagement, communications, and organizational change. Attendees will learn how to translate staff enthusiasm into action, foster cross-functional collaboration, and overcome common barriers to implementation. The discussion will also cover effective internal and external communication approaches that support both workforce engagement and public awareness. Participants will leave with practical tools and frameworks to embed sustainability into everyday operations and drive long-term cultural transformation.

CEU Credits:
PLANNERS 1.0

• Denver Connector: Supplementing Shared Mobility in the City’s Equity Communities - Justin Begley
• A Tale of Regional Rail – Tegan Rice & Clara Bechtel
• The Process of Selecting and Implementing a New Scheduling and Runcutting Software at RTD – Jonathan Wade
• RTD Sustainability: Agency Practices in a Statewide Context – Susan Wood & Alicia Leitgeb

CEU Credits:
PLANNERS 1.0

With the emergence of a greater use zero-emission vehicles in bus and rail fleets, transit agencies are realizing that there are unique challenges with these types of vehicles.  Traditional experience with diesel, CNG or hybrid buses or diesel trains may not always be applicable when an agency brings on zero-emission vehicles.  This session will examine some of the unique challenges with zero-emission buses and trains with regard to operations, scheduling, infrastructure and fleet planning

CEU Credits:
PLANNERS & ENGINEERS 1.0

The U.S. will soon host several major international events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. These events, along with other large-scale national gatherings, require public transportation agencies to play a pivotal role. Successfully supporting these events demands a comprehensive and coordinated approach—including logistical planning, efficient operations, and strong sustainability commitments—to ensure seamless, equitable, and environmentally responsible service. Panelists will share strategies, lessons learned, and best practices for preparing transit systems to meet extraordinary demands.

CEU Credits:
PLANNERS 1.0

Route Match Game is back for Season 3! A re-boot of the vintage game show with no right answers, Route Match Game tests the audience on new transit projects, as well as scheduling, planning and sustainability expertise. Join us before the welcome reception as an audience team member, or test your knowledge as an on-stage contestant. To volunteer as a contestant (with prizes!) please see Jon Feldman or Emma Martinez in Denver.