The American Public Transportation Association(APTA) is a non-profit organization which serves as an advocate for the advancement of public transportation programs and initiatives in the United States. Since its founding in 1882, APTA has educated the public about the benefits of public transportation through organized bus, paratransit, light rail, commuter rail, subways, waterborne services and intercity and passenger rail programs. It lobbies the U.S. Congress and local government bodies in favor of public transportation improvements and new developments.
APTA holds an annual convention and a triennial exposition called APTA Expo; the location of these events varies from year to year. The APTA Expo is the world's largest trade show for the public transportation industry. APTA also oversees the annual International Bus Roadeo and International Rail Rodeo. APTA publishes a biweekly news magazine, called Passenger Transport.
Effective January 1, 2000, the organization's name was changed from American Public Transit Association to American Public Transportation Association. As of August 6, 2012, APTA has more than 1,500 member organizations.
As of September 22, 2011 the Elected Chair of APTA is Gary Thomas, who is also the president/executive director of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) in Dallas, TX.
On November 1, 2011 Michael Melaniphy took the helm as president and CEO of APTA. Mr. Melaniphy succeeded William Millar, who retired on October 31, 2011 after serving 15 years as APTA president.
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