2021 Annual Conference & Expo

Event Photographs

Conference photos are available here. Additional photos are available on VTA's flickr page. 

Materials, Presentations, and Videos

Here’s the 2021 Annual Conference Program.

► “Transit Equity – Central to Our Success” – Paul Smedberg, Chair of WMATA Board of Directors, Moderator; Delegate Delores McQuinn, Chair House Transportation Committee; Jacqueline Hopkins, Esq., SEPTA Director, EEO/AA &Employee Relations; Faith Walker, Director of Community Outreach, RVA Rapid Transit

► “Zero Emissions Technology” – Alleyn Harned, Virginia Clean Cities; Josh Baker, DASH

► “GTFS Transit Navigator” – Brittany Voll and Wood Hudson, DRPT; Katherine Newman, Bay Transit

► “VTA’s Transit Equity Leadership Toolkit” – Lisa Guthrie, VTA; Dr. Sidney Faucette; Equity Consultant to VTA; Grant Sparks, DRPT

► “Implementation Strategies for a Network Redesign” – Raymond Mui, DASH; Joe Stainsby, OmniRide; Emily DelRoss, GRTC

► “Moving Forward in Virginia” – DRPT Director Jennifer Mitchell

► “Delivering Innovation for Transit and Mobility” – Keith Jasper, NVTA; Michael Norvell, Bay Transit; Raphael Barcham, Cambridge Systematics 

► “Changing Fare Policies: Zero Fares Post-Pandemic” – Julie Timm, GRTC; Lauren Fishbein, DRPT; Garland Williams, CAT

► “Successfully Executing and Applying Transit Strategic Plans” – Danielle McCray and Lucas Muller, Kimley-Horn; Brian Booth, Blacksburg Transit; Michael Felschow, Fairfax Co.; Perrin Palistrant, OmniRide; Daniel Sonenklar, DRPT

► “Post-COVID Transit – Lessons Learned- Operations,” – Byren Lloyd, OmniRide; Martin Barna, DASH; Rodney Davis, HRT

► “Post-COVID Transit – Lessons Learned – Ridership Recovery & Marketing” – Ashley Mason, GRTC; Matt Friedman, NVTC; Perry Barnett, Moovit

► “Federal Infrastructure and Reauthorization” – U.S. Senator Mark Warner

► “Executive Priorities for Transit” – Gubernatorial candidates - former Governor Terry McAuliffe and Glenn Youngkin

► “Moving the Needle on Transit” - Governor Ralph Northam

► “New Direction at FTA” – FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez

2021 Award Winners!

The awards program was established to recognize innovation and achievement by public transportation systems and recognize the work of individuals who provide leadership and support for public transportation in Virginia at the local, regional, or state level.

“We are thrilled to recognize transit systems and individuals from across the Commonwealth for going the extra mile to improve public transportation for all Virginians,” said Lisa Guthrie, Executive Director of VTA.

Distinguished Leadership for the Commonwealth Award: The Honorable Governor Ralph Northam

The Joe Alexander Public Service Leadership Award: The Honorable Delores McQuinn

Exceptional Safety Award: Omni-Ride

Outstanding Public Transportation Marketing Award:
• Bay Transit (small agency)
• GRTC (large agency)

Unsung Hero Award:
• Erik Alvarenga, DASH (Pandemic Response – large agency)
• Sy Seibold, Fredericksburg Transit (Pandemic Response – small agency)
• Tabitha Benjamin, GRTC (transit agency)
• Emily Cass, TRAFFIX (TDM)

Outstanding Community Program Award: Danville Transit for “Dial a Ride and Same Day Service”

Helen Poore Transit Professional Distinguished Service Award:
• Tom Fox, Blacksburg Transit
• Debbie Taylor, Jaunt