As a CUTA member, you are part of a vital network of transit professionals devoted to efficient and effective service in your community. A comprehensive range of resources can be put to good use by your organization immediately, and a wealth of critical data is at your fingertips.
Industry Reports, Statistics and Publications
Technical Services
Conferences, Tradeshows and Training
Networking
Advocacy
Membership Rewards
Advertising and Sponsorship Opportunities
Industry Reports, Statistics and Publications
Keeping you in touch and well-informed. CUTA offers a variety of publications for the benefit of its members. Periodicals include Canadian Transit Forum, a colourful magazine that serves as the primary source of transit industry news in Canada, and EXPRESSions, a bi-weekly association bulletin communicating the latest developments to CUTA members in a timely fashion.
Membership Directory, including the iDirectory and members' buyer's guide. The CUTA Membership Directory is the premier resource guide for anyone in the transit arena, listing all CUTA-member transit systems, suppliers and government agencies, with specific contact details. Updated annually, the Directory is a quick and easy tool for building contacts and accessing the services of suppliers and manufacturers in the industry. The Directory is available only to CUTA members.
Statistical reports and other occasional publications are available to CUTA members only, while research reports and technical publications are available to members at a discount rate.Transit System members automatically receive copies of all CUTA publications.
Books, reports and documents at your disposal. One of the most comprehensive collections of transit reference materials, reports and documents in Canada, the CUTA library contains over 4,000 volumes of specialized information related to transit management and operations. It serves as a unique source of information on issues related to transit planning, marketing, operations, maintenance, human resources, training, technology and transit policy. The CUTA library is an exclusive service available to members only.
Be on the cutting edge of transit research. CUTA is the primary centre for transit-related research in Canada, and the quality of its work is internationally recognized. CUTA identifies the research needs of its members, and conducts specific projects to address the identified needs. Projects over the last decade have focused on such topics as the implications of demographic and socioeconomic trends, low-floor bus design issues, the design of an ergonomic driver workstation, automatic vehicle location systems, transit priority systems, and environmental management practices.
Access to facts and data. CUTA is the only source of detailed transit statistics in Canada, and the statistical reports prepared by CUTA include detailed operating and financial statistics for conventional and specialized transit systems, fare structure details, ridership data, performance indicators and much more. CUTA statistics are an exclusive service available to members only.
Use our expertise to your advantage. CUTA's experienced and dedicated staff are transit specialists with broad expertise on issues of transit planning, operations, marketing, technology, training, human resources and policy issues, and are available to provide technical assistance on demand. CUTA staff is made up of dedicated professionals with a strong commitment to the urban transit industry. Through their network of national and international contacts and their ongoing work on committees and affiliated organizations, they remain abreast of leading-edge developments in public transit policy and issues. CUTA technical assistance is an exclusive service available to members only.
Conference, Tradeshows and Training
Your partner in performance. Since 1984 CUTA¹s training office has specialized in training and performance improvement solutions for the public transit community. Our programs and services have been designed to deliver the latest techniques and tools to meet the unique needs of the urban transit industry. Our extensive service offerings include: the Transit Ambassador program; courses in leadership and management, supervision, scheduling and run cutting, maintenance planning and operations, risk management, labour relations, transit marketing and planning; a state-of-the-art e-learning system and comprehensive suite of on-line training programs; and comprehensive training consulting services that provide proven, cost-effective workplace learning solutions to address the real needs of our members. Invest in your staff's performance and your organization's future with CUTA's education and training services ... and receive a 20% member discount on all course registration fees and materials purchased (some restrictions apply).
Participate in the "big" events. CUTA organizes two major conferences each year, as well as various workshops on more focused topics. These conferences are known for the quality of their content, the dynamism of their discussions and the interactive nature of their networking and professional development components. Conferences provide excellent value for delegates looking to exchange ideas and experiences with colleagues in the transit industry together in one place. They are a unique opportunity for transit managers, elected officials and suppliers to learn, develop contacts and build alliances for the future.
Showcase to the industry. Every year, Trans-Expo provides an excellent opportunity to be part of the biggest gathering of transit industry products and services under one roof in Canada. For one action-packed day each year, over 100 exhibitors assemble with vehicle and product displays in an unparalleled exchange of information.
Be part of the state of the art. The CUTA national and regional committee structure is designed to harness the strength of the industry and tackle its challenges in a collective and constructive fashion. Your involvement in these activities can connect you to the leading edge of transit developments. It¹s an opportunity to be part of the decision-making process in transit¹s future. Build your own network; CUTA is the best avenue to create a broad network of transit colleagues and contacts with similar challenges and concerns. Use the resources CUTA can put at your disposal to find quicker and better answers to your questions and issues. Develop a customized network through our conferences, committees and training events.
Plug yourself into the world. CUTA has developed an extensive network of partnerships with other associations around the world. Your CUTA Membership opens the door to global alliances and to insights from an international perspective. CUTA¹s international affiliations include numerous relationships with transit industry representatives in the United States, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
Influencing government policy. Policy formulation is complex, affects many stakeholders, and is highly influenced by those who have the time and resources to promote their interests and gain the support of politicians and senior bureaucrats. CUTA has had many successes in this area over the years, and its continued involvement in the most critical national issues will help lead to policies that are beneficial to transit. Your membership ensures that your views and concerns are heard and included in the process.
Advocating the benefits of transit. Gaining better public and political support for transit will only happen if its benefits can be communicated forcefully, continually and effectively. It is also critical that transit¹s voice is heard when major issues arise and governments are seeking solutions that transit can provide. Although there are many types of organizations who speak supportively of transit, the loudest voice of all can come from an association whose members make up the entire transit industry in Canada.
Leader and active partner. CUTA is a leader and active partner in national and international education and outreach initiatives designed to build support and increase investment in public transit. These initiatives include an ongoing media relations program, the annual multi-partner Clean Air Day, CUTA¹s national Visibility, Image and Positioning "VIP" awareness campaign, as well as the CUTA-hosted, first-ever, Youth Summit on Sustainable Urban Transportation.
Effectively managing issues that affect transit. Issues come and issues go, but timing is everything. Success comes from effectively managing the most important issues, staying on top of them, and being able to act at the opportune moment. A strong transit association can be aware of key national issues as they arise, assess their importance, communicate them to its members, determine the actions that need to be taken, and act decisively in a manner that will bring about favourable results.
Take advantage of member discounts. Members have exclusive access to discounts on CUTA products and services. In fact, the discounts could easily justify the membership investment all by themselves! Member discounts include: at least $100 on conference registration fees; 20% on most training programs and services; and, up to 50% on publication purchases. Remember, many CUTA services and privileges are available only to members.
Be recognized for major achievements. The National Transit Recognition Awards are designed to recognize excellence in the Canadian public transit industry. Employee, volunteer, advocate and corporate recognition comprise the major elements of CUTA¹s Awards program. Accomplishments worthy of recognition include safety and attendance, as well as acts of heroism, exceptional performance, and outstanding achievement. Distinguished service, lifetime achievement, or extraordinary support for transit in general are also recognized, with the objective of highlighting success and promoting the sharing of ideas.
Advertising and Sponsorship Opportunities
The medium is the message. Advertising opportunities for transit-related products and services are available in a variety of CUTA publications, including Canadian Transit Forum magazine, the Membership Directory, and a variety of event programs. Advertising in CUTA publications is exclusive to CUTA business members.
Enhance your image and visibility. Sponsorships at CUTA events are ideal ways to let people know you care. Show your support and get your message out by taking advantage of the many sponsorship opportunities at conferences, workshops and other association events. Sponsorships are exclusive to CUTA members.
