The Ohio Public Transit Association (OPTA) held its Annual Conference last week in Columbus. The three day conference was attending by over 500, representing a diverse cross-section of Ohio's transit community. Attendees included Transit Systems, officials from the Ohio Department of Transportation, allied agencies, vendors and others.
"OPTA's conference continues to grow every year because the importance of transit to keep Ohio moving grows every year," OPTA President Kirt Conrad said. "Sixty-one public transit agencies across Ohio deliver over 115 million trips each year. By 2025 it's expected that transit will provide 250 million trips each year. Simply put, Ohio needs transit and transit is key to helping Ohio grow and meet the needs of its citizens."
At the Annual Conference attendees discussed everything from maintenance and human resources to safety and security and marketing. They also heard from key officials from the Ohio Department of Transportation and legislators.
Many agencies noted the key role the play in fighting the heroin epidemic in Ohio.
Conrad said, "Transit is vital to the fight against opiates. We provide tens of thousands of trips across Ohio to help people get treatment and battle their addiction. In Stark County, we transport hundreds of individuals to treatment or support services."
Senator Frank LaRose also attended the conference spoke about the importance of transit to Ohio and was recognized by OPTA as legislator of the year.
"Senator LaRose and others like him recognize how important transit is to their communities," Conrad added. "Transit allows business to grow by getting Ohioans to work, we help keep communities healthy by transporting those in need to medical appointments, and we do things like help veterans get to their appointments. In short, we are an integral part of every community."
The MCO sales tax replacement was also a major topic of discussion.
"The replacement of the MCO sales tax continues to be a major priority for transit agencies and local governments," Conrad said. "It will be extremely difficult to meet the increasing needs of Ohioans while absorbing a $200 million annual funding reduction."
