2026 FPTA/FDOT/CUTR PDW & Transit Safety and Operations Summit: Full Schedule

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8:00am EDT

Fare Free Frontiers – Successes and Challenges

Wednesday June 10, 2026 8:00am - 9:45am EDT

In this session, attendees will learn real‑world outcomes of fare‑free programs transit systems. Presentations will demonstrate how each agency approached financial and operational challenges and will highlight key successes. The presenters will provide actionable takeaways on funding models, ridership trends, and stakeholder engagement that can guide any transit agency considering a fare‑free services. A portion of the session will also examine how these systems are evolving to meet future demands.

Moderators

Stephanie Lewis

Workforce Development Project Manager, USF/CUTR

Stephanie Lewis, M.Ed., is currently a Workforce Development Project Manager and Instructional Designer at the Center for Urban Transportation Research at the University of South Florida. She has a wide range of skills in online and instructor led course development, webinar coordination, video production... Read More →

Speakers

Omar Peerzada

Senior Planner, HART

Omar Peerzada is a Senior Planner for the Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART). Omar leads on National Transit Database (NTD) reporting and supports major planning projects and development review on behalf of HART. He has a background in transit operational analysis, collaborative... Read More →

Chris Stephenson

Director of Transportation, Indian River Transit

A proud Texan, Chris was born and raised in the Lone Star State. Chris received his undergraduate degree in Communication and his MA in Non-Profit Business Management from Abilene Christian University. Chris previously worked for Sears Methodist Retirement Systems, the largest... Read More →

Jesus Peraza-Garcia

Planning & Scheduling team, Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART)

Jesus Peraza Garcia is the Manager of Planning for the Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART). Jesus leads in the development of HART's major planning projects and acts as an agency representative for projects impacting the Tampa Bay region. He holds a variety of skills including data... Read More →

Tracy Jahn

Tracy Jahn is St. Lucie County’s Transit Operations Manager. She joined the Transit Team in September 2020. Tracy is responsible for overseeing operational and fiscal aspects of the County’s transit system, Area Regional Transit (ART), and other special transit programs... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 8:00am - 9:45am EDT
Salons F & G

Panel Presentation

8:00am EDT

Transit Vehicle Automation

Wednesday June 10, 2026 8:00am - 9:45am EDT

Magnolia Room

Transit automation technologies have the potential to improve safety, reduce operating costs, and increase convenience of the transit service. An increasing number of transit providers nationwide continue testing and demonstrating passenger vehicles with high levels of automation. Yet, these technologies still face challenges with ensuring adequate safety in all operating conditions, achieving public acceptance, overcoming legal and regulatory obstacles, and other issues. Transportation professionals continue debating when transit automation technologies will see widespread market adoption and what impact they will have on transportation costs, workforce development, urban planning and overall travel behavior. This session will cover the latest developments in automated transit in Florida, including the review of the best practices and lessons learned from recent deployments, as well as the discussion of the existing challenges and obstacles to practical AV implementation in transit service.

Moderators

Victoria Perk

Program Director, Transit Research Program, CUTR

MA, Economics, University of South Florida, 1993, BA, Economics, Eckerd College, 1992. Specialties: transportation economics, transit system performance analysis, transit development plans, transit service planning, survey design and analysis, statistical analysis.

Speakers

Jarice Rodriguez

Interim Chief of Paratransit Program & Mobility Services, Miami-Dade DTPW

Ms. Jarice Rodriguez serves as the Chief of Paratransit Operations and Mobility Services at the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW), where she leads the County’s paratransit and on-demand mobility programs. She is responsible for advancing the... Read More →

Tim Merzheku

Director of Automation and Innovation, JTA

Tim Merzheku is a Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and Project Management Professional (PMP) with over 10 years of experience leading complex capital construction and infrastructure programs from preconstruction through closeout, with both project delivery and operational experience... Read More →

Arman Sargolzaei

Assistant Professor, USF

Dr. Arman Sargolzaei's expertise is in applying linear and nonlinear control methods, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to the field of connected and autonomous vehicles. His mission is to enhance the quality of life for people, assuring security and privacy concerns through... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 8:00am - 9:45am EDT
Magnolia Room

Panel Presentation

8:00am EDT

What’s Really Driving Transit Bus Collisions

Wednesday June 10, 2026 8:00am - 9:45am EDT

Salons A - C

This session will share preliminary findings from the TCRP A-53 study, highlighting key causal and contributing factors identified through national data analysis and in-depth case study interviews. Attendees will gain insight into emerging trends, common risk patterns, and practical implications for improving safety performance across transit bus operations.

Speakers

Gennaro Saliceto

Transportation Safety and Security Specialist, Center for Urban Transportation Research

Gennaro Saliceto is a Transportation Safety and Security Specialist and member of Transit Safety and Workforce Development at the Center for Urban Transportation Research at USF. He collaborates on FDOT funded programs to provide training and technical assistance to Florida agencies... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 8:00am - 9:45am EDT
Salons A - C

Presentation

8:00am EDT

Leveraging AI Tools in Grant Writing

Wednesday June 10, 2026 8:00am - 9:45am EDT

Cypress Room

As funding opportunities grow more competitive, artificial intelligence (AI) tools are emerging as valuable supports for rural and small urban transit agencies in developing grant applications. Enjoli Dixon will present on how AI can help professionals streamline the grant writing process, from drafting and organizing narratives to identifying funding sources and improving overall efficiency. Participants will receive hands-on experience using ChatGPT and Gemini (please note that National RTAP does not recommend or endorse any specific product) to assist with Section 5311 and Section 5310 grant applications, with examples drawn from work conducted through the DOT grants and Community Rides. The session will emphasize practical, accessible applications of AI for all skill levels, offering insights for both experienced grant writers and those new to the process.

Speakers

Enjoli Dixon

National RTAP

Enjoli Dixon is the Founder of Mobilitique Consulting, where she provides transportation planning, training, technical assistance, grant writing, outreach, and capacity-building services focused on urban, rural, tribal, and mobility management initiatives. She also serves as an Advisor... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 8:00am - 9:45am EDT
Cypress Room

Training

10:00am EDT

Transit Modernization Playbook: Practical Strategies for Delivering More Efficient and Reliable Service

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am EDT

Salons F & G

This session addresses the “what” and “why” of transit modernization — exploring how and why agencies evolve their service models. Discussion may include transitions across fixed-route, hybrid, and on-demand service; strategic decision-making under fiscal and performance constraints; implementation realities; and lessons learned from agencies navigating these shifts.
Discussion topics include:

What conditions or triggers most often prompt agencies to consider a service model shift

Implementation realities: technology, procurement, staffing, training, and change management

How agencies define success for fixed-route, hybrid, and on-demand services in different contexts

Decision frameworks and trade-offs under fiscal constraints, performance expectations, and public/administrative expectation

Common pitfalls, course corrections, and lessons learned from agencies that have made a system transition

Moderators

Jonathan Roberson

Research Associate, Center for Urban Transportation Research/USF

Jonathan Roberson, AICP, is currently a Research Associate with the University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation (CUTR). Jonathan has over twenty years of expertise in transit planning and project implementation, including leadership positions at Manatee County... Read More →

Speakers

Jacob Labutka, MCRP

Planning Manager, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority

Jacob Labutka, as the Planning Manager at PSTA, leads a variety of planning projects such as the agency’s system redesign. He also leads the development of PSTA’s discretionary grant applications such as federal grants for buses & technology programs and state grants for operating support of new services. Jacob oversees several... Read More →

Mansoor Lajmiri

Planner II, GoPasco

Manny Lajmiri brings more than 30 years of transportation planning experience, including planning, development, and implementation of a variety of transportation planning plans and programs. Manny worked at the Pasco MPO for 30+ years developing several Long-Range Transportation Plans... Read More →

Thaddeus J. Davenport

Mass Transit Director, Escambia County Area Transit

Thaddeus Davenport serves as the Mass Transit Director, overseeing Escambia County Area Transit and all public transportation operations for the Mass Transit Department. Davenport brings over two decades of industry experience to the role, with a proven track record of success in strategic transportation... Read More →

Heidi Maddox

Transit Operations Manager, Charlotte County Transit

Heidi Maddox has served as Charlotte County’s Transit Operations Manager since 2023. She directs policy development, ensures contractual compliance, and oversees both long-range planning and daily operations. Heidi has driven key improvements, including implementing scheduling software to reduce... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am EDT
Salons F & G

Panel Presentation

10:00am EDT

Navigating Transit Technologies Roundtable

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am EDT

Magnolia Room

With transit technology advancing rapidly, it can become difficult for transit agencies to navigate the ever-evolving, complex landscape. Transit agencies can harness technology to streamline operations, enhance service delivery, and improve rider experience. This session will provide practical guidance on evaluating, selecting, and implementing transit technologies, exploring both internal operations technology and customer-facing technology applications. We will discuss common needs and challenges, as well as strategies for all agency sizes and technology experience. The session will include a roundtable discussion and peer-to-peer agency exchange, offering participants an opportunity to share lessons learned and ask questions.

Speakers

Kristin Gladwin

Senior Transportation Planner, Michael Baker International

Kristin Gladwin, Ph.D. is the Senior Transportation Planner for Michael Baker International’s north Florida offices, providing consultant support to FDOT’s Safe Mobility For Life Coalition as well as FDOT’s Public Transit Office. Kristin holds a bachelor’s degree in civil... Read More →

Elizabeth Bechtel

As a transportation planner, Ms. Bechtel has contributed to a variety of transportation projects and activities including transit asset management, transit technology studies, transit systems design, feasibility studies, strategic business plans, grant applications, proposal support... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am EDT
Magnolia Room

Roundtable

10:00am EDT

Agency-Level Oversight Under Rule 14-90 and the FDOT State Management Plan

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am EDT

Salons A - C

This session is not about FDOT monitoring you — it is your responsibility to monitor those operating under your authority. Effective oversight is the foundation of a compliant, accountable, and high-performing transit system. This session explores the critical role of oversight in ensuring adherence to federal and state regulations, contractual requirements, and performance standards. Participants will examine how oversight mechanisms, such as monitoring, audits, performance reviews, reporting protocols, and corrective action plans can work together to safeguard public funds and ensure service delivery aligns with statutory and programmatic expectations.

Speakers

Dean Kirkland-McMillan

Compliance and Oversight Manager, University of South Florida

Mrs. “Dean” Kirkland-McMillan, Compliance and Oversight Manager
Dean has been involved in public transportation for over 35 years Dean has held many positions in the transit industry including Bus Operator, Operations Manager, Executive Director, Safety Security Director, and... Read More →

Laurie Zeruto

Program Oversight Supervisor, CUTR

Laurie has worked in the transit industry for 25 years. Earning her Masters in Social Work from Florida State University, Laurie’s career in transportation began at the Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged. In 2018 Laurie joined the CUTR Compliance Oversight and Technical... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am EDT
Salons A - C

Training

10:00am EDT

Implementing NIST CSF 2.0: A Practical Guide

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am EDT

Cypress Room

This session provides a real-world, non-technical overview of implementing the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 within smaller-sized organizations. Participants will explore the primary differences between versions 1.0 and 2.0, with a specific focus on the Govern function and how it cuts across all other framework functions to manage organizational risk. The course breaks down the six core functions—Govern, Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover—to show how they can be operationalized in everyday practical terms. Attendees will learn to use framework profiles and maturity tiers to assess their current security posture and identify critical gaps.

Speakers

Bhuvan Unhelkar

USF Muma College of Business

Bhuvan Unhelkar is a Professor of information technology in the School of Information Systems, Muma College of Business in Sarasota-Manatee campus. His research focuses on big data strategies/AI, Agile processes and their application in practice. He teaches IT and Project Management... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am EDT
Cypress Room

Training

12:00pm EDT

General Session Luncheon Program – FPTA Marketing Awards (pre-registration required)

Wednesday June 10, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

Salons D & E

As the workshop draws to a close, join us for the final common session. In addition to delicious food, the general session will provide a great opportunity to relax and network with your peers. FPTA has reorganized all their Awards Categories to make applications simpler and more fair to different sized transportation systems. As part of the reorganization, we are excited to present the winning FPTA Marketing Awards as part of the PDW luncheon this year. You will learn about various campaigns launched all over the state covering increasing ridership, supporting workforce development, and efforts to support public education and outreach.

Speakers

Stephanie Lewis

Workforce Development Project Manager, USF/CUTR

Lisa Bacot

Executive Director, Florida Public Transportation Association (FPTA)

Amanda Baird

Director of Communications and Marketing, PSTA

Amanda Baird is the Director of Communications and Marketing for PSTA, serving St. Petersburg and Clearwater in Tampa Bay. She joined the team in 2021, and immediately dove into the go-to-market strategy for SunRunner, the region’s first bus rapid transit offering. She’s so proud... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Salons D & E

Lunch

1:15pm EDT

Marketing Meeting

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:15pm - 3:00pm EDT

Salons F & G

In this open forum discussion, we’ll discuss challenges and solutions affecting marketing, communications, and customer experience in transit agencies. Come prepared to share recent wins, ask questions of peers, and collaboratively workshop solutions for increasing ridership, improving passenger communication, maximizing public engagement, and enhancing the rider experience.

Speakers

Amanda Baird

Director of Communications and Marketing, PSTA

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Salons F & G

Meeting

1:15pm EDT

All-Hazards Preparedness for Florida Transit Providers

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:15pm - 3:00pm EDT

Salons A - C

Speakers

Paul Goyette

Project Manager, CUTR

Paul Goyette served as the Deputy Director for Lee County Transit in Fort Myers, Florida for several years. With over 25 years of public transportation experience, Paul conveyed a cohesive leadership style to the employees at Lee Tran to support a cross-functional and efficient transit... Read More →

Gennaro Saliceto

Transportation Safety and Security Specialist, Center for Urban Transportation Research

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Salons A - C

Training

1:15pm EDT

TILE Orientation (Cohort 5) (by invite only)

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:15pm - 3:00pm EDT

Cypress Room

Speakers

Stephanie Lewis

Workforce Development Project Manager, USF/CUTR

Liliane Finke

President, ExecuCoach360 Training and Consulting, LLC

Dr. Liliane M. Finke, Ed.D., ExecuCoach360 President
As a leadership development consultant, Dr. Liliane M. Finke offers over 25 years of experience in both the public and private sectors and is a seasoned professional with a strong vision and mission to initiate a positive impact on the workplace by supporting the development of indiv... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Cypress Room

Workshop