HISTORY OF THE NORTHEAST TRANSIT ASSOCIATION (NETA)
By Michael F. Blondin
- In the early 1990s, a trio of New England transit managers envisioned an organization that could focus on public transit issues. The trio consisted of Robert Lorah, General Manager of CT Transit, Sarah de Does, General Manager of Portland (ME) Transit, and John Powell, General Manager of the Worcester Area Transportation Company.
- In 1992, after further research, the NorthEast Transit Association (NETA) was formed. Robert Lorah was the first President and held that title until 1994.
- In the early days, NETA focused on presenting seminars and other events that would help teach its members about the latest developments in the transit industry and would involve industry experts from across the country.
- One of NETA’s first accomplishments was the establishment of the Eastern States Expo. It enabled members to view suppliers’ products and services in one location, the Sturbridge Host Hotel in Sturbridge, MA. The Expo was extremely successful for both members and exhibitors.
- In 1995 and 1996, Raymond J. Smith, Administrator of SCM Elderbus, served as President of NETA. He continued NETA’s progress and helped to conceive a scholarship program for NETA’s members and their employees. In 1999, under NEPTA, the scholarship became a reality.
- 1n 1996, representative of NETA and the New England Passenger Transportation Association (NEPTA) began discussions aimed at a merger. Both organizations recognized their members concerns about joining two organizations. They also recognized conflicts that were arising as each group vied for the same members.
- In the spring of 1997, NETA held its Expo at the Host Hotel in conjunction with NEPTA. This was a major step for the two organizations, as they began merging into one. Also at that time, Michael Blondin, Assistant General Manager for Transit Services at CTTRANSIT, became President of NETA.
- As 1997 progressed, Blondin and Dave Lee, General Manager of CTTRANSIT and President of NEPTA, continued to lead the efforts to form one organization. Raymond Smith and Lee had begun the process earlier.
- In December 1997, history was made as NETA and NEPTA officially merged into the NorthEast Passenger Transportation Association (NEPTA). The first NorthEast Passenger Transportation Association (NEPTA) Annual Meeting was held on December 5, 1997 at Anthony’s Pier 4 Restaurant in Boston.
- NETA directors, along with the directors of the previous NEPTA, were equally encouraged with the formation of the new NEPTA and the realization that transit systems, both public and private, would reap the benefits.
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