APTA Chair Nuria Fernandez is general manager and CEO of the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.Photo – Progressive Railroading file photoAmerican Public Transportation Association (APTA) Chair Nuria Fernandez and President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Skoutelas late last week issued a statement that pledges a commitment to diversity, inclusion and equity in the nation's public transportation industry.
The statement was issued after two "painful weeks" of protests over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and after 12 weeks of the industry coping with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Skoutelas explained in a letter to APTA members.
"We believe that freedom and progress are built on mobility. By making opportunities accessible for all, our industry's work is integral to improving people's lives, regardless of race, economic standing or physical ability," the APTA leaders' statement says.
The full statement can be read here.
The pandemic, as well as protests spurred by Floyd's death, have prompted transit agencies to suspend rail and bus service in recent weeks.
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