Earlier this month, CEO Darrell Johnson and OCTA staff attended the 2023 TRANSform Conference, the annual flagship event for the public transportation industry hosted by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), a nonprofit international association. More than 12,000 transit professionals attended.
Among the highlights was a display containing one of the streetcar vehicles that will roll out as part of OC Streetcar, debuting in 2024 as Orange County’s first modern streetcar.
Johnson participated in a panel discussion on intercity rail and highlighted the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor Agency (LOSSAN), the joint powers authority comprised of regional transportation and planning agencies that operate the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner. He emphasized the benefits of local governance, including more efficient and cost-effective resource allocation and decision-making. OCTA is the local managing agency that oversees rail service on the 351-mile LOSSAN rail corridor.
OCTA’s CEO wrapped up the conference with an invitation: “I’m excited to announce that my agency, OCTA, will be hosting APTA’s annual conference next year in Orange County, California. We’re home to one of the nation’s largest hydrogen fueling stations for public transportation, and we’re continuing to invest in converting our entire bus fleet to zero-emission. We’re also committed to making public transportation more equitable and accessible for all. I hope you’ll join us in Anaheim next year for the 2024 APTA Transform Conference.”
To encourage attendance, Johnson shared a video showcasing fun things to do in Orange County and the many available public transportation options.
