May 2003 Conference Issue

The Newsletter of the Wyoming Public Transit Association
15th Annual WYTRANS Conference and Bus Roadeo
Paul Foer to Present Marketing Workshop
      National Transit Institute (NTI) Fellow Paul Foer will present “Creating the Low-Cost, Low-Tech, Transit Marketing Plan for Small Agencies” Thursday, June 19, at the WYTRANS Conference. Paul has been the Transportation Marketing Specialist for the City of Annapolis, Maryland, for over five years. During his tenure, ridership doubled and in May 2002 Annapolis Transit was named One of the Ten Most Improved Transit Systems by Metro Magazine. Paul’s workshop teaches attendees how to develop low-cost marketing initiatives that can improve service, increase ridership, and promote a valuable public image.
      His workshop teaches why marketing:
  • Starts with customer interaction at all levels;
  • Is not necessarily (and in some cases should not be) about advertising or promotion;
  • Depends on identifying and using community influence points;
  • Does not have to cost a lot of money;
  • Includes developing partnerships with natural constituents;
  • Involves regular contact and rapport with media and local leaders.

     Paul gives examples of how to get free radio, TV and other media coverage, how to get others to advertise for you at their own expense, little-known or misunderstood places to generate publicity, and how transit agencies and local schools and colleges can help each other.
     Participants will leave his workshop with a clear understanding and guideline for a basic marketing plan that they can use to guide their marketing efforts and allocate resources.
     The afternoon part of the session may include a driving tour. Plan now to attend.
WYTRANS Conference Training Schedule
     WYTRANS conference participants can benefit from three days of training workshops and enjoy some fun events at the 15th Annual WYTRANS Conference and Bus Roadeo, June 18-21, in Cheyenne.
     Pre-conference training will begin on Wednesday, June 18, with CTAA’s PASS (Passenger Service and Safety Certification) for new drivers and escorts. The two-day PASS course covers driver sensitivity and teaches drivers to be more in tune with passenger needs. ADA requirements, emergency evacuation procedures, and much more is taught in this hands-on class. WYTRANS Trainers, Sandy Wirtz of the Eppson Center for Seniors and Jimmi Snyder of the Campbell County Senior Center, will be the instructors.
     Full conference activities begin Thursday morning with a welcome from Cheyenne Mayor, Jack Spiker. Thursday classes include the continuation of the beginning PASS class, a PASS recertification class, and a six-hour Safe Driver course. The Safe Driver course was designed by WYTRANS Trainers specifically for transit drivers. This class is for first-time participants and/or those needing to be recertified. Steve Ainslie of START in Jackson will be the instructor.
     The PASS recertification course is a half-day refresher for drivers who took the two-day class three years ago and now must recertify. Rod Slocum, from Big Horn Enterprises, will be the instructor.
     Also on Thursday morning, Bert Lowe of WRTA in Riverton will conduct a Dispatch class. Participants will be given helpful tips on how to remain calm and prioritize duties in daily situations.
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    Wyoming Transit Express 1 May 2003