TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Salvador Llamas, General Manager/Chief Executive Officer
SUBJECT: Employee and Non-Employee Out-of-State Travel
BRIEFING ITEM
AGENDA PLANNING REQUEST: ☐
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider receiving the Semi-Annual Employee and Non-Employee Out-of-State Travel Report for the second half of FY 2025-26.
Staff Contact:
Paul Kincaid, Assistant General Manager/Chief Executive Officer
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - High-Performing Workforce
Initiative - Employee Recruitment, Training and Retention
Employee travel to participate in transit industry workforce development opportunities and leadership participation is necessary and beneficial to both employees and the District.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
All reported travel activity is included in the FY 2025-26 Operating Budget.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
Attending in-person training, conferences, and professional development opportunities enhances employees’ knowledge, skills, and work performance, which benefits both the employee and the District. Participation in transit industry committees, boards, working groups, and professional associations is also an important component of employee development and the District’s continued success. Active involvement provides employees with opportunities to share best practices, stay informed of emerging industry trends and regulatory developments, build relationships with peer agencies and industry leaders, and represent the District’s interests and perspectives. These activities strengthen the employee’s professional expertise while also enhancing the District’s visibility, partnerships, and ability to influence and respond to issues affecting the transit industry.
The following travel occurred between January 1, 2026, and June 30, 2026, which are listed on Attachment 1 Out of State Travel Summary (Employees).
American Public Transportation Association (APTA) International Roadeo - Salt Lake City, Utah
AC Transit participated in the APTA International Bus Roadeo held in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Roadeo is both a spirited competition and a valuable learning experience, bringing together bus operators and maintenance teams from across the country. Participants had the opportunity to showcase their skills, engage in training sessions, and connect with other transit professionals in a collaborative setting. AC Transit was proudly represented by nine employees: Chief Operating Officer Aaron Vogel; Director of Maintenance Cecil Blandon; Training and Education Manager Marvin DeLeon; Training and Education Assistant Manager Jose Oseguera; Maintenance Superintendent Sergio Moreno; Journey Level Mechanics Sean Burr, Shubo Liu, and Alvin Tan; and Bus Operator Moises Frias. The combined team ranked third overall nationwide. Each employee took on a distinct role at the event. This year’s Bus Roadeo provided both a platform to highlight AC Transit’s talent and an opportunity for employees to bring back new insights and best practices to the District. The total cost of participation was $27,709. Director of Maintenance Cecil Blandon’s reported travel expenses are higher because he paid for hotel accommodations for several employees using his personal credit card after the District’s P-Card was not accepted. He was subsequently reimbursed by the District for those expenses, which accounts for the higher amount reported under his name.
APTA Legal Conference - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
AC Transit was represented at the APTA Legal Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where industry leaders and legal professionals gathered to share insights on emerging issues affecting transit. General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer Aimee Steele served as a panelist, speaking on Legal Operations and contributing her expertise to discussions with peers from across the country. The total cost of attendance was $3,377.
APTA Legislative Conference - Washington, DC
The 2026 American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., brought together more than 600 public transportation professionals from across the country. The conference provided a forum for transit leaders to engage directly with federal lawmakers, discuss legislative priorities, and advocate for policies that support public transportation. Attendees participated in educational sessions focused on federal funding, infrastructure investment, workforce development, safety, innovation, and emerging transit initiatives. AC Transit was represented by four employees: Assistant General Manager Paul Kincaid; Executive Director of External Affairs and Customer Experience Claudia Burgos; Director of Legislative Affairs and Community Relations Steven Jones; and Training and Education Manager Marvin DeLeon. The total cost of attendance was $16,688.
APTA Marketing & Communication Conference - Savannah Georgia
The APTA Marketing, Communications & Customer Workshop is the premier gathering for public transportation professionals dedicated to the art and science of the rider experience. The workshop is designed to provide attendees with actionable tools to enhance connectivity by better engaging with riders and community stakeholders while delivering excellence through seamless, exceptional customer journeys. Participants learned to build and strengthen their agency’s brand identity and public perception, ultimately leveraging data-driven insights and marketing tactics to increase ridership and get more people on board. This year the conference was held in Savannah, Georgia. AC Transit was represented by two employees: Marketing and Communications Manager Andrew Nern and Marketing Administrator Zachary Farmer. The total cost of attendance was $5,608.
APTA Mobility Conference - Salt Lake City, Utah
The APTA Mobility Conference brought together transit professionals to explore the evolving challenges and opportunities facing bus and paratransit systems. The event featured specialty workshops, the APTA Bus Display, the Products and Services Showcase, and technical tours designed to highlight innovative practices across the industry. This year the conference was held in Salt Lake City, Utah. AC Transit was represented by three employees, General Manager/Chief Executive Officer Salvador Llamas; Assistant General Manager Paul Kincaid; and Director of Innovation and Technology Manjit Sooch. The total cost of attendance was $9,919.
Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting - Washington, D.C.
As the premier international transportation conference, the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting brings together experts from government agencies, academia, consulting firms, transit agencies, and the private sector to address current and emerging transportation challenges. AC Transit represented one employee: General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer Aimee Steele. The cost of attendance was $3,621.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES:
There are no notable advantages or disadvantages to this report.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS:
There are no alternatives to presenting this information to the Board.
PRIOR RELEVANT BOARD ACTION/POLICIES:
Employee Out-of-State Travel, FY 2025-26 (July - December)
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Employee Out-of-State Travel, FY 2025-26 (January - June)
Prepared by:
Shay Otenbriet, Executive Administrative Assistant
Approved/Reviewed by:
Paul Kincaid, Assistant General Manager/Chief Executive Officer