OTE Program Agenda

Keynote Speaker Brian DePratto, Senior Economist, TD Economics

An overview of the implications of medical marijuana use, as well as the potential impact of legalized marijuana to the transportation sector, including reducing risks, managing employees, and drug testing.... Read More

Examination of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) in the U.S. and potential implications for Canadian operators. Speaker Dan De Palma, Streamline Transportation Technologies Timothy Grimley, Safety Investigator – NY Division, USDOT/FMCSA... Read More

Mark Begg, General Manager of Delaney Bus Lines and OSBA President, will provide the latest OSBA information regarding activities such as joint OSBA/ISBOA initiatives, inter-community bus modernization-regulation vs. deregulation, Ontario’s... Read More

At this session you’ll learn from pilot projects and early adopters as presenters share their experience with how to take the first steps. Speakers Rod Schebesch, Vice President, Regional Business... Read More

Sponsored by Prevost and Nova Bus

Local ports highlighting improvements to infrastructure, policies for smoother border crossings. Speaker Mark Butler, Director of Communications, Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority  Download: WDBA Presentation (PDF) Todd Kealey, Principal, Business and... Read More

Join Barry Stock, founding principal of Landmark Bus Lines and Past President of the National School Transportation Association (NSTA), in an engaging discussion surrounding the use of seat belts on... Read More

As the first 5-year review of the AODA Transportation Standards nears completion, it’s time to ask: What will integration look like in the years to come? Speakers Shelley Ayres, Supervisor,... Read More

A new tool developed to help motor coach industry examine KPIs and maximize investment. Chris Henry, president of StakUp Inc., will lead a discussion with OMCA members to gauge interest... Read More

This interactive session will be lead by members of the Certificate in Pupil Transportation Management (PTM) Planning Committee.  The speakers will equip attendees with information about the changing demands on... Read More

This session is a staple of the Monday program, and especially so in 2017 with the focus on transit from all three levels of government. Join us for an update... Read More

As transit systems make investments in technology, it can be difficult to know what to do with all the data.  You are not alone! Speakers Cynthia Albright, Senior Associate, Community... Read More

A “How To” effectively manage/run damage control with public relations and customer perceptions when faced with a crisis situation. Speaker Doug Switzer, President and CEO, Ontario Motor Coach Association (OMCA)

Facilitated by KPMG Canada, this session will highlight key points of the Broader Public Sector Procurement Directive (BPSPD), explore how the Directive impacts service procurement contracts across Ontario, and discuss... Read More

Sponsored by The International Plaza Hotel

By Invitation Only

ISBOA Members Only

OSBA Members Only OSBA continues to be a grass roots organization here to serve the needs of its members, and the best way we can do that is by hearing... Read More

Open to OPTA and CUTA Members Only Speakers Wendy Reuter, Vice President, Member Value, Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) Kirsten Watson, Deputy Service Officer, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)

Agenda includes: Customer Direct Communications; Why Transit Agencies Need to Invest in Brand & Marketing. Speakers Scott Christie, Partner, Creative, BLVD Agency Omar Khan, Partner, Marketing Strategy, BLVD Agency Ryan... Read More

For purchase on the Trade Show Floor

This session is designed for those transit managers who are responsible for everything from infrastructure planning to eligibility, from bus shelter maintenance to wi-fi on buses.  If you want to... Read More

By Invitation Only

In 2016, OPTA’s Marketing Committee “got social” and shared their approaches to and experience with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more.  This time the discussion focuses on staffing for a successful... Read More

Open to OPTA Transit and Business Members Only Download: Calgary Transit Presentation (PDF) Cummins-CUTA Workshop Presentation (PPTX)

Hear from Dr. Linda F. Bluth, Ed. E., Special Initiatives Program Specialist Consultant with Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Special Early Education/Early Intervention Service!  Dr. Bluth is also... Read More

Open to OPTA Transit Member GMs Only Our annual look at recent human rights complaints, arbitration cases and legal decisions affecting transit operations. Topics include medicinal marijuana, drug testing, and... Read More

Drinks sponsored by Motor Coach Industries and New Flyer Industries

OSBA and OMCA are jointly presenting a panel discussion on “Motor Coach and School Bus Technologies – Opportunities and Realities”.  The speakers will discuss topics such as the future of... Read More

Community Transportation Pilot Projects: In 2015, 22 pilot projects received funding from MTO to test solutions to local transportation needs, including ways to better utilize existing transportation resources.  In true... Read More

This session will discuss the popular topic of recruiting and retaining drivers and other employees including skilled mechanics through the use of non-financial tools, tactics and practical ideas, as well... Read More

OPTA Procurement Committee ideas for bringing value to large and small transit systems alike. Speakers Leslie Williamson, Manager Purchasing and Risk Services, Milton Transit Scott Gillner, Senior Policy Advisor, Brampton... Read More

As of January 1, 2017, carbon pricing has come to Ontario. This session is part of the transit-led research and consultations that are underway to provide the government with advice... Read More

This one and a half hour session is your opportunity to hear from various regulators on issues that impact every bus company and transit system in Ontario.  Topics include Ministry... Read More

Lunch Provided Open to OPTA Members Only

Following the OTE Conference, CUTA will be hosting a workshop around its conventional and specialized Fact Book publications.  CUTA Research and Statistics Staff will discuss issues around filling out the... Read More