By Sophie Guiny, WTS-DC
On August 14, 2024, WTS-DC hosted a coffee chat with April Rai, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO). Coffee chats are an opportunity for WTS-DC members to meet with transportation leaders in a small group setting and ask questions directly.

COMTO has a legacy of over 50 years of advocating for underrepresented minorities and for transportation leadership that reflects the communities being served. April noted both similarities and differences between COMTO and WTS - while both organizations are working to bridge the gap in representation, COMTO’s focus is more on organizations and communities than on individuals and their careers.

We had a dynamic exchange with April on the topic of workforce and what has changed since the COVID pandemic. Flexibility and remote work have been very helpful to office workers, especially women, but frontline employees like bus operators have not benefited from the increased flexibility. COMTO is helping the transportation industry think through how to update the traditional shift model to attract and retain more workers.

The group also discussed how we, as members of professional organizations, can make sure there is accountability for businesses in the industry. What mechanisms are in place to make sure that they are making a lasting, positive impact to the broader community and to their projects? Several participants shared their experiences and resources they have found helpful, such as USDOT’s Promising Practices for Meaningful Public Involvement in Transportation Decision-Making Document.

This led to some interesting discussions about how WTS can better engage frontline workers, and how the private sector can genuinely help with matters of equity. Other topics we discussed included mentoring and how to ensure employers support participation in COMTO and WTS.

WTS-DC thanks COMTO for hosting us in their Arlington office.