Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout030826 - The WSTA WeeklyALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. 5 spots left, State Legislative Update, Thank You Sponsors, Register for Committee Mtgs, Federal Updates, and Transit Jobs Vol. 11, Issue 8: March 8, 2026 View this email in your browser <https://mailchi.mp/4aef33d2b154/the-wsta-weekly-17994171?e=850008f825> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/0215a8c9-44a7-2be0-30d1-b2a80c32f66a.png> Only 5 Spots Left <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/15ee5cc3-55ab-e8e2-25c2-026e3e1f474f.png> Registation Now Open Attendees must have GM/CEO Approval to Attend WSTA is excited to announce registation is now open for its biennial TNLI Executive track program. This intense learning program will take place at the Alderbrook Resort, April 22 - 24th. Becaue this training is geared towards individuals who either seek to be or are in Executive-level roles, we ask that you receive your GM/CEO support before applying. Executive Bootcamp: Preparing for the Enterprise The path to executive leadership requires a fundamental shift in perspective—moving from managing teams to leading the enterprise. This transition demands a unique level of strategic vision, presence, and stamina. For 2026, we are introducing TNLI Executive Bootcamp, a premier, immersive development experience designed for leaders who are ready to prepare for the highest levels of organizational responsibility. Download Program Flyer by CLICKING HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=10e1ec2b1d&e=850008f825> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2abad77fb4&e=850008f825> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/723df378-2e8a-6d24-f2a1-f33286c2c39f.png> By Mike Shaw, WSTA Lobbyist The Final Week: March 6th was the opposite house cutoff. By 5 pm that day, the House and Senate finished considering bills from their respective opposite chamber and now will now try to reconcile the differences of their bills that were amended by the opposite chamber. The Senate passed 154 House bills, but the House only passed 104 Senate bills. Not all of these will require concurrence or conferences, but most will. Session is scheduled to end on March 12th. Budgets: The budgets are still being negotiated but there are rumors that agreement may have already been reached on most of the supplemental operating budget. Hope continues that the supplemental transportation budget will come to agreement by Sunday evening. A few days ago, that prospect was grim due to disagreements over bonding and changes to the House bill, 2711 <https://watransit.us12. list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b25a33e27a&e=850008f825> , concerning transportation resources, that was heavily amended in the Senate Transportation Committee on Wednesday. Bills Necessary to Implement the Budgets: Besides the budgets, the House is expected to take up soon the “Millionaires” tax bill, SB 6346 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=865c081f84&e=850008f 825> , which taxes personal income over $1 million per year. The Senate passed it, 27 – 22, last month, and the House has a floor “striker” amendment that seems to have buy off from the Governor. The other tax bills necessary to implement the budget (NTIB) are teed up for a House Finance Committee vote on Saturday, and the Senate Ways and Means Committee is scheduled to hear other budget-necessary bills on Monday morning. Bills of Transit Interest that Survived (or are NTIB): Bill # Abbrev. Title Short Description Status Sponsor ESHB 1980 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=53554fd854&e=850008f825> Employer transp. services Allowing certain private employer transportation services to use certain public transportation facilities. S Passed 3rd Zahn HB 2091 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2b0547dfb4&e=850008f825> Bargaining/employee info. Requiring public employers under chapter 41.80 RCW to provide employee information to exclusive bargaining representatives. S Passed 3rd Reed 2SHB 2105 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f14085f4cc&e=850008f825> (SSB 5852) Immigrant workers Concerning immigrant worker protections. S Passed 3rd Ortiz-Self E2SHB 2251 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2a9920fc0a&e=850008f825> Climate commit. act accounts Concerning climate commitment act accounts. S Passed 3rd Fitzgibbon HB 2495 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2c35257f69&e=850008f825> Removal of vehicles Addressing the removal of vehicles by certain cities when obstructing the operation of streetcar vehicles or jeopardizing public safety. S Passed 3rd Thomas EHB 2588 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0350471c93&e=850008f825> County ferry districts Concerning county ferry district authority. S Passed 3rd Timmons ESHB 2711 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c1fdd99ff4&e=850008f825> Transportation resources Concerning transportation resources. S 2nd Reading Fey ESSB 5998 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b89f98dcf6&e=850008f825> (SHB 2289) Operating budget, supp. Making 2025-2027 fiscal biennium supplemental operating appropriations. S Conf appt Robinson SSB 6003 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f60a22b172&e=850008f825> (SHB 2295) Capital budget, supplemental Concerning the capital budget. H 2nd Reading Trudeau ESSB 6005 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=03fca6a766&e=850008f825> (SHB 2306) Transportation budget, supp. Making supplemental transportation appropriations for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium. S Conf appt Liias ESSB 6110 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2d001ef91a&e=850008f825> Electric bicycle, motorcycle Addressing electric-assisted bicycles and electric motorcycles. H Passed 3rd Shewmake SSB 6225 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=58df2bf80a&e=850008f825> Transportation funding bonds Authorizing bonds for transportation funding. H Transportation Liias SSB 6309 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=fde6fac70f&e=850008f825> (2SHB 2517) High cap. transit permits Providing for enhanced municipal permitting tools for high capacity transit projects. H Passed 3rd Liias Governor Action: The Governor has 5 days to sign/veto bills that are delivered to him 5 days before the end of session, and 20 days to act on bills that are transmitted after. With only 5 days left in this session, most bills passed the last few days will not make it to him in time to force quick action. None of the bills listed in the table above indicate they have been “Delivered to the Governor”. <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/9479d8a6-40eb-dc30-5c94-b67d44802785.png> Attendees: 91 Vendors: 48 There are Vendor Booths and Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2c88a2d425&e=850008f825> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/053b9f0e-9c77-d684-779c-a17686eaaf7f.png> Thank You, Vendors ________________________________ Altro USA, Inc. AngelTrax AROW Global BAE Systems Blue Star Gas Bryson sales & service Bus Climate Controls Busstuf Coleman Oil Company Complete Coach Works CREATION ORGANICS LLC, Cummins Sales and Service Dobbs Peterbilt Driventic LLC ENC Gerflor USA GILLIG GovDeals Hanover Displays IO Controls Kiel Americas Kirk's Transit Fleet & Equipment Lift-U McKinstry MGM Brakes Model 1 Commercial Vehicles Mohawk Mfg. & Supply Co. New Flyer/MCI Northwest Bus Sales, Inc. NORTHWEST LIFT & EQUIPMENT LLC Qstraint RIDE Romaine Electric Corp ROUSH CleanTech S & A Systems, Inc. Safe Fleet/Seon Safety Brake Set Inc. Safety Vision Schetky Bus and Van Sales Spare Spheros North America, Inc. Ster Seating Thermo King LLC Transit Marketing Group, Inc. Troman Industries TSI Video Surveillance W.W. Williams Co. LLC Wabtec Bus Solutions <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/27544fb0-86cb-4eb4-a6fb-8958be87599c.png> Registation and Information Now Available WSTA Roadeo Steering Committee March 11 Ellensburg, WA Email will be sent to Cmt. TNLI Meet and Greet March 18 Virtual WSTA HR Roundtable Committee March 19 - 20 Bellingham, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0a47587ceb&e=850008f825> WSTA Finance Officers Leadership Committee March 25 Ellensburg, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=bedfc16923&e=850008f825> WSTA Maintenance & Facilities Committee March 31 Tulalip, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=82e204fc0d&e=850008f825> WSTA Spring Maintenance Forum April 1-2 Tulaliup, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a9f9cee275&e=850008f825> TNLI Session 1 April 1-2 Tulaliup, WA Info sent to Fellows WSTA Marketing and Communications Committee April 22-23 Olympia WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=30e5917e42&e=850008f825> WSTA TNLI Executive April 22-24 Union, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=44eabb8e56&e=850008f825> Must have GM/CEO Approval to attend WSTA Transit Planners Committee April 30 - May 1st Richland, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5d21789e52&e=850008f825> For WSA Meetings and Events Beyond April, please see WSTA's 2026 Master Calendar CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=24b2c3bff7&e=850008f825> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/92c7b85f-59ef-784f-7669-38170c8ec978.png> Government Shutdown Pressure Intensifies as Lawmakers Fail to Pass DHS Funding Bills Yesterday, for the third time, the Senate failed to pass a bill (H.R.7147 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d0a5b69bff&e=850008f825> ), passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in January, that would fund the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in a 51-45 vote. Meanwhile, the House voted 221-209 to pass <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ff71232f92&e=850008f825> a new, nearly identical bill, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7744 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c5cb816fe6&e=850008f825> ), which would also fund the DHS and provide retroactive pay for DHS employees, as well as other payments that would have been issued had the shutdown not occurred. The measure is widely expected to face the same fate in the Senate. In a Statement of Administrative Policy (SAP) <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=47cab111cc&e=850008f825> , the White House urged Congress to pass the new bill, stressing that “the current DHS shutdown disrupts FEMA’s disaster recovery efforts, furloughing personnel who coordinate with local partners, and halting disaster critical preparedness activities, including first responder training and hurricane season planning. In addition to funding these critical operations, H.R. 7744 would provide $26 billion in critical funding to replenish FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund, which has been depleted in the wake of devastating natural disasters. Calls to end the partial government shutdown have intensified following the outbreak of war with Iran, but Democratic lawmakers continue to withhold support as negotiations over reforms to immigration enforcement operations at DHS remain unresolved. Progress toward a bipartisan agreement has been stagnant. Senate Majority Leader John Thune warned <https://watransit.us12.list-manage .com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e4df8e7fdc&e=850008f825> earlier this week that “above all right now, with enhanced terror threat from Iran and Iran-funded terrorist groups, it is vital that we ensure the Department of Homeland Security is fully funded and fully functioning." House Speaker Mike Johnson issued a similar statement earlier this week, stressing that “military action in Iran makes it all the more urgent and crucial to have a fully staffed, fully funded Department of Homeland Security across all departments." Yesterday, President Donald Trump announced <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e36ebef0ed&e=850008f825> that he will remove Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and replace her with Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin, effective March 31, 2026. His decision appeared to have no immediate impact on negotiations between the two parties. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated this week that “A change in personnel is not sufficient. We need a change in policy." Meanwhile, local government and public safety groups continue to warn about the operational impacts of the funding lapse. Smart Cities Dive recently reported <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/t rack/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=67c77aa005&e=850008f825> that the American Sheriff Alliance and the National League of Cities (NLC) urged Congress to restore full funding for DHS, noting that funding gaps have disrupted reimbursements for public safety and emergency management support, affected task force operations, and limited intelligence-sharing efforts, particularly those involving military operations. The shutdown has also affected grant programs administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), whose grant management system is currently offline due to staff furloughs. In addition, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has canceled physical and cybersecurity assessments used to identify vulnerabilities. The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Foundation warned that “a shutdown does not only affect Washington. It can directly impact the safety of towns, cities, and counties across the country,” emphasizing that for state and local agencies that rely on DHS grants, “intelligence and training, sustained federal funding remains critical to maintaining operational readiness.” Budget * Roll Call reported <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=25f0f353ca&e=850008f825> that the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is tentatively planning to release President Donald Trump’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget request to Congress during the week of March 30, 2026, approximately eight weeks after the statutory deadline. While specific details have not yet been disclosed, the Administration is reportedly considering a request for additional defense funding. The President has indicated that he may seek $1.5 trillion in defense spending, including a proposal for $1.1 trillion in discretionary defense funding, with the remaining $400 billion potentially pursued through reconciliation, though the breakdown remains subject to change. Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration * The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=992ccf1ec6&e=850008f825> the release of approximately $100.25 million worth of apportionments <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=17eb88a473&e=850008f825> authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (P.L. 119-75) to support public transportation for the 2026 World Cup. The funds are apportioned to host cities by formula accounting for stadium capacity and number of matches. Eligible expenses for reimbursement may include public transportation planning, capital, and operating expenses generally incurred between June 1, 2026 and July 31, 2026 supporting World Cup matches and other public events held in the host city. Both fixed route and demand response, including paratransit, are eligible. See a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=20284bad34&e=850008f825> , an FTA World Cup Funding Grant-Making Toolkit <https://watransit.us12.list-manage .com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=81c0364dfb&e=850008f825> , and technical assistance resources <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d8fda7 a161&e=850008f825> developed by the agency to support transit agencies and host cities in preparing for major events. FTA will hold a webinar <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c 70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=45a3f5ab86&e=850008f825> on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) to provide further information. * FTA issued <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=17219a81b1&e=850008f825> a solicitation for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 and 2026 All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP). The agency expects to award $686 million in funding to support capital and planning projects that upgrade the accessibility of legacy fixed rail guideway public transportation systems that existed prior to the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Eligiblity is limited to designated recipients of FTA funding that operate or allocate funds to legacy rail public transportation systems, as well as states and local governmental entities that operate or finally support legacy rail public transportation systems and corresponding legacy stations and facilities. The application deadline is May 1, 2026. See our grant memorandum <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id =9eb3677be3&e=850008f825> for more information. * FTA invited transit stakeholders to participate in its Drug and Alcohol Program National Conference in Portland, Oregon from April 14-16, 2026. The annual Conference is free and includes a variety of sessions focused on the agency’s drug and alcohol program regulations contained in 49 CFR Part 655 and 49 CFR Part 40. See the conference website <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com /track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=1e640e2208&e=850008f825> for registration information and a tentative agenda. * We also wanted to flag that DOT published a new document <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=550883a982&e=850008f825> entitled “The Do’s and Don’t for the Substance Abuse Professional and the Return-to-Duty Process in the U.S. Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol Testing Program.” The agency stated that it released the document “in response to several SAP/RTD-related issues that the Department has recently become aware of.” * Washington Congresswoman and Congressional Ferry Caucus Co-Chair Emily Randall introduced <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ae16a7cae1&e=850008f825> the Federal Enhancement and Revitalization of Reliable Infrastructure for Essential Seaways (FERRIES) Act <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=7076b8fd 92&e=850008f825> this week. The bipartisan measure introduced with fellow Ferry Caucus Co-Chairs would reauthorize the FTA Passenger Ferry Grant Program and Rural Ferry Grant Program as well as the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Ferry Boat Programs from Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 to FY 2031 and increase annual funding. It would expand eligibility for the FTA ferry programs to operators serving both urban and rural communities and set aside funding from the Rural Ferry Grant Program to be available for routes serving any two rural areas regardless of distance. The bill would also reimagine the FTA Electric or Low Emitting Ferry Pilot Program as the Ferry Fleet Modernization and Shipyard Job Creation Grant Program and provide $240 million in funding for the program annually. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration * Indiana Senator Todd Young introduced <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=083f1336d9&e=850008f825> a measure intended to advance the Trump Administration’s efforts to restrict the issuance of non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). The Securing American Freight, Enforcement, and Reliability (SAFER) in Transport Act <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0a327279f8&e=850008f825> would establish a series of mandates for states to confirm work authorizations for commercial drivers and provide additional oversight requirements for the issuance of CDLs. The House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability held a related hearing <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ff612fbb0f&e=850008f825> on the matter this week. Office of the Secretary * The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) solicited <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=88e16490f2&e=850008f825> nominations for membership to its National Advisory Committee on Travel and Tourism Infrastructure (NACTTI). The Committee includes representatives from local government, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), and other relevant stakeholders and provides recommendations to the Secretary on enhancing mobility in the travel and tourism sector. The agency will accept nominations through April 1, 2026. Trade White House * Yesterday, a coalition of 24 states sued <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=694e992020&e=850008f825> the Trump Administration’s imposition of global ten percent tariffs under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. The President ordered the tariffs after the Supreme Court invalidated the Administration’s tariff regime under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA). In a 34-page complaint <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=25b33743f7&e=850008f825> , the states maintained that Section 122 tariffs are intended to address “large and serious balance-of-payments deficits.” They argued that the “Presisdent has not met the statutory prerequisites,” and “Section 122 cannot be invoked merely to address trade deficits on their own.” The lawsuit comes as companies impacted by the invalidated IEPPA tariffs continue pursuing refunds in court. <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/ea436c8d-6255-4572-b705-ffd9193ee521.png> Transit Job of the Week ________________________________ External Communications Strategist Community Transit Salary Range: $94,020 - $141,030 As an External Communications Strategist, you will plan and execute external communication strategies. You will help produce engaging content that informs the public and promotes Community Transit’s brand, services, initiatives, and contributions to Snohomish County. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b0d277b960&e=850008f825> ________________________________ ________________________________ WSTA Jobs Board: WSTA offers a comprehensive clearinghouse for transit jobs across the state. Use our website to see the latest job postings. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=812fa5acd0&e=850008f825> If you are a transit agency and have an opening - please use the submit button on the website. Attention Transit Vendors Please sign up for the WSTA Vendor Email Distribution List to be the first to know. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=92eb074f30&e=850008f825> *If you are not a vendor please do not sign up <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/1877cd28-850f-4d18-987c-7fcdc524d617.png> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/16fd6fee-3218-4d70-b1fe-2056df0f1434.gif> WSTA pays an annual membership to the Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC), which allows our Transit Agency members access to their services. Check out what is new with MRSC. Available for WSTA Transit Members: Ask MRSC - Ask MRSC Archives <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=19d685f94f&e=850008f825> ________________________________ Ask Transit WSTA's partn <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/d4f5e03c-25b5-4812-8415-e6065dfea42a.png> er, the Washington State Transit Insurance Pool (WSTIP), provides an "Ask Transit" tool, which allows agency employees to ask a question, and staff will work to research that question and respond back. . Click Here to Ask Transit <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=29d88381dd&e=850008f825> <https://maassets.higherlogic.com/image/APTA/Executive_Action_Update_650x200_Final_3009955.png> Impacts of Executive Actions on Public Transportation: Since January 20, President Trump has issued almost 100 Executive Orders, Memoranda, and Proclamations to carry out his Administration’s policy goals and agenda. Many of these directives, together with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) actions, directly impact the public transportation industry. These Executive Orders and other directives pause some transportation funding; terminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs; impose new tariffs; and establish priorities for DOT competitive grants. APTA’s Executive and Regulatory Actions Tracker <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=246efcbb12&e=850008f825> provides real-time updates and summaries regarding the President’s Executive Orders and other Administration actions that impact the public transportation industry. <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/fb82d603-27ab-431a-ac10-5225f4a43f6c.png> * Sound Transit ramps up efforts to prevent copper wire theft <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=dd56ecb6fc&e=850008f825> . KIRO * Seattle agencies map out transit plan for downtown FIFA World Cup 2026 matches <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d6f0344dfd&e=850008f825> . KOMO * Seattle Transit Measure: Renewal and a Course for More Frequent Transit <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=be94ce5071&e=850008f825> . Seattle Transit Blog * Friday Roundtable: Wilson Transition Committee Recommendations <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d3d7be3e72&e=850008f825> . Seattle Transit Blog * Sound Transit introduces contactless payment for public transit across the Puget Sound <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2894543097&e=850008f825> . The Daily (UW) * Seattle’s World Cup duties draw $8M in federal transportation money <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=56e6245385&e=850008f825> . Seattle Times (pdf included) * Sound Transit Breaks Ground on Stride S3 Bothell-to-Shoreline Bus Line <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=da4c218b01&e=850008f825> . The Urbanist * Metro Operator Shortage to End Next Year <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=7bf7c96b0c&e=850008f825> . Seattle Transit Blog * Opinion: Olympia’s failure on copper wire theft comes with high price <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0659af3286&e=850008f825> . Seattle Times (pdf included) * Copper theft spurs new calls for tougher crackdown, including from WA attorney general <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=199f7be801&e=850008f825> . KIRO Newsradio ________________________________ * Passenger Transport <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=75618f139e&e=850008f825> Latest Issue <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6 c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e854c4f31d&e=850008f825> * Metro Magazine News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=bdd663cb86&e=850008f825> * National RTAP <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f561fd6fc0&e=850008f825> * Transit Talent <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=129e65c53f&e=850008f825> * Voices of Public Transportation <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=29174c69b0&e=850008f825> * T4America <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=4ca5f8b8bb&e=850008f825> * CTAA News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=7e44a213d9&e=850008f825> * Shared-Use Mobility Center <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ed901f963f&e=850008f825> ________________________________ <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=859801adf6&e=850008f825> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=866bc6278b&e=850008f825> <mailto:justin@watransit.com> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6f3f70f149&e=850008f825> Copyright © WSTA, 2016, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2629 12th Court SW Olympia, WA 98502 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/profile?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c7c0e5ee8e&e=850008f825&c=6cdd2f30b9> or unsubscribe from this list <https://watransit. us12.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c7c0e5ee8e&t=b&e=850008f825&c=6cdd2f30b9> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/open.php?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6cdd2f30b9&e=850008f825>