APTA Chair Fernandez sets up transit recovery task force

American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Chairwoman Nuria Fernandez has established a task force to guide the transit agency's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The APTA Mobility Recovery and Restoration Task Force will be led by Phillip Washington, chief executive officer of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and former APTA chair. Serving as task force co-chairs are Joanna Pinkerton, president and CEO of Central Ohio Transit Authority; and Paul Wiedefeld, general manager and CEO of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

The task force will convene May 1 and complete its work by Sept. 1, Fernandez said in an email  to APTA members.

"This task force will focus on our industry's recovery with an eye toward rethinking mobility as we know it," she wrote.

The group will be tasked with developing a path forward for public transportation's core functions and financial stability; and exploring new methods, tools and approaches to reposition the industry's role essential role in a post-pandemic mobility role, Fernandez added.

Task force members will reach out to APTA members for their input. Fernandez said she'll also solicit the involvement of leaders from other industries for their perspectives on the economy, business and social environment.

"There is no more important or urgent undertaking for our association at this time in history," Fernandez wrote. "We have a unique imperative to make public transportation even more vital to our riders, communities and nation."