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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04126 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. It Wants To Know, Washington Visits Washington, Federal Updates, and Transit Jobs Vol. 11, Issue 12: April 17, 2026 View this email in your browser <https://mailchi.mp/6b903b4c4cc2/the-wsta-weekly-17994906?e=850008f825> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/0215a8c9-44a7-2be0-30d1-b2a80c32f66a.png> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/d59b7ea4-8d4f-d26a-035c-389ed03add30.png> Washington to Washington ________________________________ Transit agency staff and Board members from across Washington State traveled to Washington, D.C. this week for the annual APTA Legislative Conference. While there, they met with members of the Washington State Congressional Delegation to advocate for continued investment and improved public transportation policies. Among those meetings were with United States Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, both longtime champions of transit. Their ongoing leadership plays a critical role in advancing infrastructure and mobility priorities for communities across the state. We are grateful for the strong support Washington State continues to have in Congress, through our Congressional delegation for public transportation. A special thank you as well to Covino Smith & Simon, and to Jen Covino, for helping coordinate many of the meetings and for sponsoring the Washington to Washington Dinner. <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/_compresseds/e1564359-57b5-28b6-a18a-a0774f136ddf.jpeg> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/_compresseds/0469217f-f6e6-4b28-c6a6-83db2936fd8d.jpeg> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/507b765d-8231-e12f-bec6-6391bbe708fc.jpg> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/27544fb0-86cb-4eb4-a6fb-8958be87599c.png> Registation and Information Now Available WSTA Marketing and Communications Committee April 22-23 Olympia WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=abce52906c&e=850008f825> WSTA TNLI Executive April 22-24 Union, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2c8bcf91c0&e=850008f825> Must have GM/CEO Approval to attend WSTS 2nd Quarter Board meeting May 28 -29 Chelan, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=146585ad71&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=9ab9fb1c92&e=850008f825> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/92c7b85f-59ef-784f-7669-38170c8ec978.png> Federal Transit Administration * The transit industry honored retiring Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Executive Director Matt Welbes during a recent ceremony at U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) headquarters. Mr. Welbes joined the Office of the Administrator as a senior advisor in 2001 and has served as the Executive Director of FTA beginning in 2008 directing the daily operations of the agency. In a statement, FTA leaders offered <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=4cae914179&e=850008f825> that “Under Matt’s guidance, the FTA budget doubled to $20 billion, and programs rose by 86 percent, with Matt putting his touch on every rail line, bus route, and ferry terminal in the country.” The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) President and CEO Paul Skoutelas expressed <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6e8e071c50&e=850008f825> that Mr. Welbes has “been a constant presence in the public transportation community for more than three decades” and “brought steady leadership, deep institutional knowledge, and a genuine commitment to the work” of “strengthening FTA’s programs and supporting the people and systems that keep America moving.” He congratulated the Executive Director on an “extraordinary career.” * FTA issued guidance <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e7706b774a&e=850008f825> recommending that public transit agencies implement practices to address worker fatigue. The agency cited 133 safety events involving worker fatigue since 2014, with 73 events occurring from 2022 to 2025. FTA recommends that transit agencies assess fatigue-related risks using Safety Management System (SMS) and Safety Risk Management (SRM) procedures, improve work scheduling practices, develop worker fatigue awareness training, and establish fatigue reporting programs. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration * The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FCMSA) issued <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0bf1bb1391&e=850008f825> a temporary exemption <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=9f686e1a83&e=850008f825> to allow interstate commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders and motor carriers to utilize a paper copy of a medical examiner’s certificate (MEC) as proof of a driver’s medical certification for up to 60 days following issuance. The exemption will remain in place through October 11, 2026. * FMCSA launched <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=44b065207c&e=850008f825> new updates <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a 1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=460c2c0ce7&e=850008f825> to its DataQs program intended to expedite reviews of federal and state safety record corrections requested by motor carriers, commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers, and other stakeholders. The updates include new deadlines and a three-step independent review process. <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/ea436c8d-6255-4572-b705-ffd9193ee521.png> Transit Job of the Week ________________________________ Fixed Route Transportation Director Spokane Transit Salary Range: $122,073 – $163,586 Spokane Transit Authority (STA) is seeking a Fixed Route Transportation Director to lead one of the agency’s most visible and mission‑critical functions. This senior leadership role is ideal for an experienced transit professional who excels in complex, unionized environments and understands how to balance safety, service reliability, workforce engagement, and fiscal responsibility. You’ll oversee systemwide fixed‑route operations, guide a high‑performing management team, and help shape how transit supports the community every day. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=1cd1a4a17b&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=438bd82782&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=2db79d2aac&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=6209f0483c&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=fbc74c932a&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=2f85c7a65a&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> * Pierce County, WA urges Sound Transit to uphold 'promise' on light rail expansion <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c26ebac317&e=850008f825> . KCPQ * ‘Build the spine’: SnoCo leaders say Everett light rail is a priority <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a1047187d2&e=850008f825> . Everett Herald (pdf included) * New drive-thrus, service stations banned along some major Spokane arterials, paving way for bus-centric development <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&i d=21d4dabcd2&e=850008f825> . The Spokesman-Review (pdf included) * Spokane Transit is closer to securing half of its funding for Division Street project <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=fdfb4a5383&e=850008f825> . Spokane Public Radio * Ben Franklin Transit refocuses on core mission after CEO fired <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d3d8b74a98&e=850008f825> . KAPP ________________________________ * Passenger Transport <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=eaa1230885&e=850008f825> Latest Issue <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6 c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=8faf4248ca&e=850008f825> * Metro Magazine News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b0b2df172d&e=850008f825> * National RTAP <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=8e4f0c9d3f&e=850008f825> * Transit Talent <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f07a30dad3&e=850008f825> * Voices of Public Transportation <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=12fa29d725&e=850008f825> * T4America <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c0431a8f51&e=850008f825> * CTAA News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f1caff54f5&e=850008f825> * Shared-Use Mobility Center <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=68b7ab9658&e=850008f825> ________________________________ <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=1229ea4595&e=850008f825> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b9cf543a3d&e=850008f825> <mailto:justin@watransit.com> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f589e67535&e=850008f825> Copyright © WSTA, 2016, All rights reserved. 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