VTA

Chief Operating Officer Derik Calhoun discusses the increasing demographic diversity in transit maintenance at the 2024 California Transit Association Fall Conference. The discussion highlighted the critical role of VTA's Joint Workforce Investment (JWI) High Road Partnerships and Women Innovating Transit (WIT) programs in driving this change. “We will continue to grow in a D.E.I.B. (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) culture at VTA,” says Calhoun, reinforcing the commitment to inclusion and opportunity. #CalTransit24 #diversity #DEI #DEIB #workculture #transit #workforce

Aston T. Greene, VTA’s Chief of Safety and Security, participated in a panel discussion at #CalTransit24 on Homegrown Solutions and Innovations for a Safer Transit System, sharing insights and learning from other agencies’ case studies. These collaborative efforts are vital as we work to enhance the safety and comfort of riders across California transit systems, especially with major events coming soon, like Super Bowl 60 and the FIFA World Cup. Together, attendees at the California Transit Association's Fall Conference are shaping strategies to improve the transit experience statewide. #Safety #Security #Transit #Collaboration

Shannon Arms, Women Innovating Transit (WIT) Ambassador and Operations Manager, represented VTA at the "Recruitment, Retention and Reinvention: Build a Diverse, Durable Transit Workforce" panel during #CalTransit24. She joined thought leaders to address evolving workforce challenges, including retention strategies, diversity, and the shifting expectations of a new generation. As part of WIT, a pioneering VTA initiative, Shannon advocates for inclusivity, safety, and empowerment for women in transit by addressing staff needs within the union framework, contributing to improved employee retention. California Transit Association | County of Santa Clara | ATU

The Customer Service team joined the California Transit Association Fall Conference, sharing trip planning tips and highlighting the many services they provide, including the Youth Outreach Program. It was great to see the interest in our programs and the opportunity to showcase all the ways Customer Service supports our riders—with a smile! #CalTransit24 #CustomerService #TransitSupport #CommunityOutreach #PublicTransportation

VTA GM/CEO Carolyn Gonot joined a panel discussion at #CalTransit24 on attracting workers to public transit, sharing VTA’s successful initiatives used to attract high quality employees and build a strong workforce. She highlighted programs like Women Innovating Transit (WIT) and the Joint Workforce Investment collaborative with ATU, along with efforts to increase safety for both passengers and employees across our system. California Transit Association | County of Santa Clara | City of San José #workforcedevelopment #growth #DEI #hiring #publictransit #womenintransit

VTA Community Outreach Supervisor Kathleen Podrasky, MPA emphasizes the importance of activating public transportation spaces during #CalTransit24. “When the community is involved in creating the art or helping choose the artwork, it gives the space a sense of home," she shares, "Encouraging pride and greater use of transit.” She explains how incorporating art into bus stops and train stations transforms them into vibrant community hubs, fostering connection, promoting diversity, and encouraging public engagement. California Transit Association | County of Santa Clara

Over the next few days, VTA leaders are proud to join transit professionals statewide at the California Transit Association's Annual Fall Conference to discuss crucial topics like safety, recruiting transit workers, community outreach, and diversity in the transit industry. “I applaud you all for serving in your capacity to make public transit available, effective, and reliable for your communities,” shares VTA Board Chair Sergio Lopez. VTA will be represented on key panels, including:  · Selling Public Transit as a Career – Carolyn Gonot, GM/CEO  · Recruitment, Retention, and Reinvention: Building a Diverse Transit Workforce – Shannon Arms, Operations Manager / Women in Transit  · Homegrown Solutions and Innovations for a Safer Transit System – Aston T. Greene, Chief of System Safety and Security  · Activating Public Spaces: Stops, Stations, and Surroundings – Kathleen Podrasky, MPA, Community Outreach Supervisor  · Actions to Increase Demographic Diversity in Transit Maintenance – Derik Calhoun, Chief Operating Officer Plus, we’re excited to showcase our brand-new hybrid diesel-electric buses during the conference! Stay tuned as we highlight the many VTA leaders contributing to workshops, panels, and discussions shaping the future of transit. #CalTransit24

The Speed and Reliability Program will help direct and prioritize interconnected improvements to meet VTA's Visionary Network goals for future transit service in Santa Clara County. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4eLj9iy

VTA and CEO/GM Carolyn Gonot proudly kicked off the California Transit Association's 59th Annual Fall Conference & Expo right here in the City of San José! “I am so proud that we are able to host this conference,” shared Gonot. "Get out and about on our wonderful system, and I want to warmly welcome you all to San Jose!" We’re thrilled to welcome transit professionals to explore networking opportunities, workshops, tours, and much more. Here’s to a successful and inspiring conference! #CalTransit24

“This funding is pivotal in helping us build equitable and accessible communities across Santa Clara County,” says VTA General Manager and CEO Carolyn Gonot. VTA has been awarded federal funding as part of its ongoing commitment to integrate affordable housing with public transit. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Z23yoS