Responding to Congressional Cutback Proposals APTA 2011 Authorization Outreach Responding to Congressional Cutback Proposals Webinar July 20, 2011 2:30 p.m.

Agenda Legislative update Initial response to proposals “Don’t X Out Public Transit” What is it How to get involved Questions Next steps

Legislative Update Expiration of current program authorization- September 30, 2011 Status of House proposal Status of Senate proposal

Initial Response: Legislative Response - Meetings with members of Congress and their staff. Research, Stats and Surveys - Member survey requesting effects of a more than 30% cut in federal funding. Public Relations Response- Composed and distributed response to the proposal, responded to National Journal blog post on the subject. Public Outreach – Worked with coalitions, state associations, social media followers and petition signees to send letters to Congress expressing disappointment with the proposal. To date nearly 6,000 letters were sent. Advertising - Ongoing print, radio and online advertising both inside the beltway and nationally.

A Proposal to Cut More than 30 Percent Means NOW IS THE TIME TO TAKE ACTION! Let Congress members know their proposal is unacceptable. Take advantage of August recess and schedule a meeting at your elected officials’ offices or invite them to your facilities Reach out to the public. Use press releases, websites and social media to share information, and mobilize your advocates. Join the national effort by “liking” our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/publictransportation . Actively participate in our newest concept “Don’t X Out Public Transit”

Don’t X Out Public Transit Concept This concept is based on a similar event held in Atlanta in 2010.

Case Study: MARTA, 2010 Dr. Beverly Scott

The National Concept The concept is bold and direct. Transit systems would place an “X” on 30 percent of their trains, buses, shelters, and project signage to symbolize what funding cut of this magnitude would mean to their system. The symbolic “X”s represent the vehicles and equipment that would not be able to be replaced when they should, and the project that cannot continue without federal funding at current levels. For small systems the “X” also represents the route that will no longer exist due to operating assistance cuts. Business members would place an “X” in and around their facilities to show the impact on jobs and the economy.

Getting Started Determine where the “X”s will be placed Consider partnerships with transit unions Reach out to local coalitions and advocates

Key Components This “X” initiative will be supported with well-timed: Public relations Advertising Social media

Public Relations Support Begin building momentum 2-3 weeks out from the event with various media relations pushes including: Develop a series of Save the Date materials, media advisories for the weeks leading up to the event. Leverage data of recent APTA member survey quantifying the effects of a 30% cut to the overall industry as well as individual agencies. (Release day of)

Advertising Support Employ well-timed local and national advertising Develop a national ad for the day of Localized version of ad available

Social Media Support Build momentum with followers as we lead up to the national event: Teaser Facebook posts Tweets about an “upcoming event” Utilizing hashtag for event Create “day of” buzz: Post photos from the event Develop “check-in” opportunities Live tweet from the event Utilize hashtag

Event Day This will be the culmination as transit agencies, business members, and advocates from around country come together in support of public transit. Local events/rallys across the nation, with public, media and local politicians National media outreach Ads in national publications Timing- late August/early September - TBD

Questions/Ideas?

Next Steps Determine timing Seek participation Develop partnerships/recruit advocates

Questions Any questions regarding this initiative that arise after this webinar can be directed to: Rose Sheridan- Vice President of Marketing and Communications at 202-496-4826 or rsheridan@apta.com Or Mantill Williams – Director of Advocacy Communications at 202-496-4869 or mwilliams@apta.com