Texas Transit Association

   Texas transit pioneer, Wayne Michael Cook passed away on June 29, 2008, in Galveston, Texas. A native of Springfield, Vermont, Mr. Cook left an indelible impression on the public transportation industry in Texas, and will be sorely missed by those who knew and respected him.

     Those fortunate to know Mr. Cook considered him to be a man of high ideals, great intelligence and passion. A well read man who loved hunting and fishing, children and animals, Mr. Cook was capable of holding his own in conversations on almost any subject matter.
     According to TTA Board member, John McBeth,  “Wayne Cook was one of the original 10 founding members of the Texas Transit Association, a founding member and long time ardent supporter of SWTA and a life-long member of APTA. It is doubtful that transit in Texas has ever had a stronger advocate than Wayne. Wayne was the General Manger of VIA for what seemed like a life time, leaving there to become the Executive Director of TTA and then  going into private business and then becoming the GM for Island Transit in Galveston. Much of what we see today in transit in Texas is a result of the work and vision of Wayne.” 
     Cook is survived by his wife of 42 years, Ann, as well as their sons Patrick and Stephen, their wives and families, as well as sisters and their extended families. 

Our July newsletter is full of articles about everything from how the cost of fuel is affecting the transit industry, to how Texas State Funding for transit compares to other states, and to how our agencies are making meaningful contributions in their communities. For instance, read how Sun Metro is helping keep “El Pasoans” cool this summer and how Tyler is helping to feed hungry children.
Other articles include:

• New TTA Board of Directors
  
• Words of Wisdom from Dr. Al Abeson – July 21, 2008 General Membership Meeting
  
• Sanchez Retiring
  
• Changes in Longview
  
• Double Duty
  
• Stay Off The Tracks!!!
  
• Is Natural Gas the Answer?
  
• Houston’s Headache Cure
  
• El Metro’s Best Customer
  
• Mug Shots Wanted 

Be sure to note the Calendar of Events for upcoming meetings and conferences. Click here for July’s complete newsletter. TTA Newsletter 07.08.pdf

Request for Proposal to CONVERT PROPANE GFI SYSTEM TO FORD OEM GAS

EAST TEXAS COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS - Rural Transit District
RFP No.:  RTD 01-2008
Proposal Due Date: 5:00 p.m., August 1, 2008

LETTER TO PROSPECTIVE PROPOSERS

Dear Prospective Proposer:

Attached is the East Texas Council of Governments Request for Proposal (RFP) to convert the Propane GFI System to Ford OEM Gas Fuel System.

Please note the Request for Clarification Deadline is 5:00 p.m. (CDT), June 24, 2008.  Any questions or clarifications received will be provided to all vendors who receive the RFP.  The Request for Clarification can be mailed, faxed, or emailed to:  Roxanne.mckinley@etcog.org.

The Proposal Due Date is 5:00 p.m. (CDT), August 1, 2008.  All proposals must be mailed or hand delivered to the East Texas Council of Governments, 3800 Stone Rd., Kilgore, TX  75662.

Sincerely,

Roxanne McKinley, CCTM

Director of Transportation

RM/pa

Attachment RFP VEHICLE FUEL CONVERSION LPG TO GAS 6 11 2008.doc

The SWTA Authorization Task Force has been working on recommendations for the next surface transportation authorization bill. They have created a proposal for APTA, CTAA and for your use when talking with your Congressional representatives about the needs of transit providers in our region. Please see attached document.SWTA Task Force Recommendations.pdf

Thanks to Sandy Webb of HOTCOG for her wonderful photography of all our conference events! We have put together posters of as many photos as possible for you to enjoy. Click on the events below:

Golf Tournament Teams & Winners: Golf Tournament Winners.xls

Golf Tournament: 2008 Golf Tournament.pdf

Bus Roadeos: Roadeo Poster.pdf

Expo:Expo Poster.pdf

Speakers:Speakers and Guests.pdf

Awards:Conference Awards.pdf

Governor Rick Perry has named two new members of the Texas Transportation Commission. He appointed Deirdre Delisi, a former chief of staff to the governor, as Chair, and William Meadows, former vice chairman of the North Texas Tollway Authority, as commissioner.

Ms. Delisi has served for more than 12 years in government; she was also policy advisor to the presential campaign of George W. Bush and has served at the Texas Department of Commerce, as well as a serving as legislative aide for Texas Senator Bill Ratliff. She received a bachelor degree from Duke University and master’s degree in international policy studies from Stanford University. Ms. Delisi replaces Hope Andrade.

Meadows is chairman of Hub International Rigg and was an appointee to the Texas Water Development Board as well as a city council member and mayor pro-tem for the City of Fort Worth. He received a bachelor’s degree from Southwestern University and attended the Harlaxton Institute in Grantham, England. Mr. Meadows replaces Ric Williamson.