NVTA’s Kate Miller Appointed to State Transit Transformation Task Force
Kate Miller, Executive Director of the Napa Valley Transportation Authority, has been appointed by the Secretary of Transportation Toks Omishakin to serve on the statewide Transit Transformation Task Force.
Established in the transit recovery package signed by Governor Gavin Newsom as part of the 2023-24 state budget, the task force will develop policy recommendations to grow transit ridership, improve the transit experience and address long-term operational needs.
Secretary Omishakin emphasized the crucial role of public transportation in achieving the state’s climate and equity goals, acknowledging the challenges faced not only in California but nationwide. He expressed anticipation in collaborating with task force members to guide public transit agencies toward long-term financial stability and deliver a world-class transit system for all Californians.
The Transit Taskforce will collaborate with CalSTA on specified issues and recommendations on transit reform and develop a structured, coordinated process for engagement of all parties to develop policy recommendations to grow transit ridership and improve the transit experience for all users of those services.
Director Miller said, “I am honored to be selected to represent rural operators like the Vine Transit system on the Transit Transformation Task Force, and I look forward to working on long-term and sustainable funding solutions and operational innovations to enhance public transportation service throughout the state.”
CalSTA, in consultation with the task force, is required to prepare and submit a report of findings and policy recommendations to the Legislature on or before October 31, 2025. The task force will kick off with a virtual meeting on December 19 and aims to meet in person every two months beginning in February 2024. Agendas, meeting materials and other task force information will be available on the CalSTA website https://calsta.ca.gov/subject-areas/sb125-transit-program.
