VTA put its expertise on statewide display, sharing best practices with transit professionals from throughout California, at the California Transit Association’s Fall Conference and Expo, held in San Jose in late November.

Panelists from our Safety and Security Division, Operations Division and Planning and Program Division discussed cutting edge approaches to transit safety, workforce diversity, and public engagement.

Chief System Safety and Security Officer Aston Greene participated in a discussion highlighting VTA’s enhanced security through data-driven, preventive strategies.  Chief Operating Officer Derik Calhoun called attention to VTA’s efforts to attract a more diverse workforce, particularly in maintenance roles, with the agency’s nationally recognized Joint Workforce Investment (JWI) apprenticeship program, a collaborative effort between VTA, ATU Local 265 and Mission College. Bus Operations Manager Shannon Arms introduced one of our newer initiatives: Women Innovating Transit, or “WIT”, emphasizing the young program’s success in promoting inclusivity and career advancement for women in non-traditional jobs.

VTA General Manager/CEO Carolyn Gonot joined other transit general managers in a discussion about what is being done to attract talent to the public transit industry.  VTA’s efforts include intensive marketing campaigns, as well as highlighting our JWI and WIT programs, along with added security measures, ensuring our employees feel supported, valued and safe.

Conference-goers got outside to explore local transit in action. The technical tours were well attended at VTA’s Milpitas Transit Center, which features BART service along with VTA light rail and bus connections, and the Diridon Station, where Caltrain’s new electric trains showcased Silicon Valley’s commitment to modernizing transit infrastructure.

VTA was proud to host this year’s conference, highlighting our leadership in shaping the future of transportation with a focus on innovation, diversity, and community.