Livermore, CA – July 12, 2024 – GILLIG, a leading U.S. transit bus manufacturer, welcomed leadership from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) for a facility tour and roundtable discussion at its headquarters and manufacturing plant in Livermore, California. The event, held on Friday, July 12, highlighted the pivotal role GILLIG and the broader public transportation industry play in America's economic and environmental future.
Among the distinguished guests were Paul Skoutelas, APTA President and CEO; Michele Wong Krause, APTA Chair; Dorval Carter, Chair of the Bus Manufacturing Task Force and President of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA); David Carol, APTA COO; and Ward McCarragher, APTA Vice President of Government Affairs and Advocacy. Their visit underscored the strong relationship between GILLIG and APTA and the shared commitment to advancing public transit solutions that drive economic growth and sustainability.
During the visit, the APTA officials as well as Edwin Sevilla, Director of Constituent Services, on behalf of Senator Laphonza Butler, Madison Watkins, Constituent Services Representative, on behalf of Congressman Eric Swalwell, and City of Livermore Mayor John Marchand, had a walking tour of GILLIG’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, which highlighted the company’s commitment to producing American-built, high-quality, and reliable transit buses for the U.S. transit market.
The tour was followed by a roundtable discussion, during which APTA officials, GILLIG executives, and key suppliers engaged in a robust dialogue about the significance of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the current state of the American public transit market, and GILLIG’s leadership in zero-emissions transit solutions.
The dialogue emphasized the critical need for continued investment in public transportation to modernize infrastructure, support domestic manufacturing and upskill the workforce for a zero-emission future. Highlighting the significant economic benefits of investing in public transit, which sustains hundreds of thousands of jobs and fosters economic growth in communities nationwide, Paul P. Skoutelas, President and CEO of APTA, commented that “investments in public transportation have been shown to yield substantial returns, with every dollar generating approximately five dollars in economic benefits.”
In closing remarks, Derek Maunus, GILLIG’s President and CEO, stated that “this visit from APTA is a testament to our shared dedication to advancing the public transportation industry and addressing head-on the challenges and opportunities the current industry dynamic presents. At GILLIG, we are committed to manufacturing high-quality, reliable, and sustainable transit buses that serve communities nationwide and to ensuring our industry is healthy, sustainable, and able to meet the needs of customers around the country.”
“APTA thanks GILLIG for hosting our delegation and providing an informative tour of their facilities. They are an outstanding industry partner, especially during this critical moment as the industry moves forward on clean bus technology and transit agencies nationwide modernize their fleets,” concluded Skoutelas. "The strength and resilience of public transportation significantly affects the economy, supporting jobs and driving growth in numerous sectors. We must preserve, protect and nurture the U.S. bus manufacturing market if we are to advance our nation's public transportation infrastructure."
About GILLIG: GILLIG is a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty transit buses in the United States. Founded in 1890, GILLIG has built a reputation for unmatched quality, reliability, and customer service. In steadfast commitment to their mission of building buses that connect communities, eliminate congestion, and contribute to a greener environment, GILLIG offers a diverse range of clean energy transit solutions, including zero-emission Battery Electric and Hydrogen Fuel Cell buses, ultra-low-emissions Hybrid and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) as well as Clean Diesel solutions. GILLIG is committed to providing high-quality transit solutions that offer the flexibility to fit every fleet and improve the quality of life in the communities they serve.
About APTA: The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the advancement of public transportation programs and initiatives in the United States. APTA members include public transit systems, private businesses, government agencies, and other organizations dedicated to improving public transportation.
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