The Regional Transportation District is hosting public transportation leaders from throughout the region March 5-7 for the South West Transit Association’s annual Freedom Through Transit conference and expo at the Colorado Convention Center.
SWTA is a transportation education and advocacy organization that serves members in Colorado, Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas.
The conference is an opportunity for participants to network while learning about best practices, emerging issues, and industry trends to help build a collective vision for the future of public transportation throughout the region. RTD was chosen to host this year’s conference, in part, because the agency is seen as an industry leader in innovation and public-private collaboration.
RTD successfully executed a public-private partnership (P3) with federal partners and private industry leaders to finance and deliver several projects that were part of the 2004 voter-approved FasTracks program. The $2.2 billion Eagle P3 project included the University of Colorado A Line, the first segment of the B Line, the forthcoming G Line, and the commuter rail maintenance facility.
On Tuesday, March 6, RTD General Manager and CEO Dave Genova will lead a panel discussion on the role that public transportation agencies can play in decision-making processes that impact infrastructure policy and transportation funding. The discussion will also include Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation CEO J.J. Ament.
“This event is a great opportunity to showcase what RTD and the Denver metro region have been able to accomplish despite challenging financial circumstances as we expanded bus and rail service throughout the region,” Genova said. “This is a pivotal time for industry leaders as we navigate shifting federal and state priorities while working to ensure that we’re equipped to meet existing needs and future demand.”
The conference will also feature discussions on the potential impact that autonomous vehicles could have on public transit, safety, mobility planning, emerging technology, and more.
