Dakota Transit Association Gears Up for 2026 Conference Amid Regional Growth and Efficiency Gains

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Dakota Transit Association (DTA) is celebrating a year of operational milestones and preparing for its upcoming 2026 conference, with local leadership from Community Transit of Watertown/Sisseton, Inc. playing a key role in sharing the industry’s impact.

Watertown Leadership Highlights the “Mission of Transit”

Terry Hoffman, Co-Executive Director of Community Transit of Watertown/Sisseton, Inc., recently spotlighted the intense, real-world demands of the transit industry through a firsthand account from driver CT Moore.

The report detailed a high-volume operation assisting passengers with mobility devices in Sioux Falls, serving as a reminder of the regional transit system’s scale. Moore noted that while daily routes in smaller hubs like Pierre may feel lighter, the collective mission remains the same across the state:

“We provide more than transportation. We provide access. We provide independence. We provide dignity. Every trip. Every stop. Every day”.

2026 Annual Conference Details

The DTA has officially scheduled its 2026 Annual Conference for September 19–23 in Huron, S.D. The event will be hosted at the Huron Event Center, with the association’s signature Roadeo taking place at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds.

Executive Director Jacque Senger also issued a call for North Dakota-based transit agencies interested in hosting the 2027 DTA Conference. Additionally, agencies are being urged to finalize their 2026 membership renewals, as current renewals (22) are currently trailing behind last year’s total of 35.

Regional Operational Advancements

Beyond Watertown, other regional agencies reported significant efficiency gains:

·        Souris Basin Transit (SBT): After transitioning to Ecolane software in April 2025, SBT reports a 48% increase in operational efficiency. This shift allowed for a 20% fleet reduction while increasing passenger capacity by replacing minivans with larger buses and transit vans.

·        Expanded Access: Utilizing 5310 funding, SBT has extended its elderly and disability services until 10:00 p.m. on weekdays, with additional weekend coverage now available.

·        Fleet Updates in the Southwest: The Golden Valley/Billings County Council on Aging recently added a new 2026 Chrysler Pacifica to its fleet. This update arrives just in time for the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora this July.

Training and Professional Development

To support continued excellence, the DTA is focusing on professional development through PASS (Passenger Assistance Safety and Sensitivity) training. Agencies interested in hosting training classes in April or May are encouraged to contact Rod Grafing at (701) 845-4300. Staff members can now also pursue the PASS Train-the-Trainer online certification through the CTAA.