IATR CONFERENCE - DAILY PLAN

IATR asked its members for input, and you responded.  The 2010 program retains the opportunities for operational problem-solving, and includes business session formats designed for more interactive discussions.  We are reaching out to the broadest spectrum of stakeholders ever, with sessions applicable to our transit and hospitality partners.  These tough economic times require public officials to get the most out of their limited learning opportunities.  IATR 2010 makes sure every session offers valuable take-aways – and the calibre of speakers - that you can only get here.

Day 1 Theme – Bridging the Jurisdictional Gap Between Taxis and Transit

Our Day 1 theme is designed to explore the interjurisdictional nature of our transportation systems, with an invitation to our transportation planning, public transit, regulatory and airport counterparts.  We will examine the complexity of the “taxi” mode, its regulatory gaps, and the relatively low levels of integration between the mode and its immediate public transport neighbors.   Accessibility will play a big role in our Day 1 discussions.  We will explore accessible taxi deployment models, business models, and funding sources and ask, “To what extent are long-standing approaches to supply linked to a separation between transport departments and licensing officers?”  We want to make “room on the curb” for taxis, and foster discussions that will result in real opportunities for business development for the taxi industry.  Through case studies we will learn from jurisdictions that are contracting taxis to provide subsidized demand-responsive transport services, and other creative ways of partnering with public transit.

Day 2 Theme – Building the “Ideal” Taxi System

The program on Day 2 will explore and debate the key regulatory reforms and ingredients for a successful system, including an analysis of the role of the following factors: driver and passenger safety; clean, fuel efficient and accessible vehicles; technology and payment systems; driver licensing standards and enforcement; airport logistics; and cash flow (rate of fare vs. lease rates, driver earnings and rate of return on owner investments).  The topic of medallion or permit value systems will be explored and debated, including discussions on: whether a closed system –  with a fixed number of transferable permits carrying property interest value – is in the best interests of furthering the viability of the ideal taxi system; developing an understanding of medallion financing, auction methods and benefits – including a survey of the success or failure of certain cities; and the impact the vested interests created by medallion asset ownership can have on the success of the transportation system, the city and affected industries, such as hospitality and tourism.

While the medallion system has its fans and critics, the goal of this session is to develop both a thorough and global understanding of the interrelationship between a taxi system’s success or failure, and whether a closed system makes sense for the affected regulator.  If a regulator who is against the system leaves rethinking their position, or a regulator who is contemplating developing such a system or conducting an auction learns how to do so (or scraps the idea of doing so), this session will have been a success.  This is certainly a timely topic for many governments that are facing budget crises and are looking for revenue raising measures; and this session is expected to involve the debate of divergent perspectives and the opportunity to play “devil’s advocate.”   We’ll challenge conventional wisdom when it comes to consumer advocacy, and public choice theory, and discuss what it means when regulation is expressed in terms of performance standards. 

Day 3 Theme – Safety, Operational, and Legislative Issues

Day 3 is always the day that IATR reserves to address operational and enforcement issues.  Distracted driving is a serious public safety concern, both for professional drivers and the regulators that strive to keep them safe.  US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood has been invited to join us, and speak about his initiatives on this topic.  Day 3 also features our 2^nd Annual International Driver Recognition Awards Ceremony.  Our business sessions will include an update from NIOSH on research into safety cameras and shields, and technical advice on spec’ing safety equipment.  We will also revisit the perennial and political topic of hybrid vehicles, the experience of those jurisdictions that have been leading the way, and the lessons that are being learned.  And on Day 3 we will welcome the hospitality industry to join us and share examples of cities around the world that have looked at their night-time economies, acknowledged the enforcement perspective of licencing bodies, and collaborated on how to better plan, manage and police their hospitality zones.

Every Day – Product Exhibits and Displays

The IATR experience is enhanced by the opportunity to learn about new products in the industry, and to understand the technical and operational realities that our regulatory decisions influence.  Our Associate members send their experts to join with us in our educational conference, and this year the IATR program will integrate information-sharing exhibits into our business session format.  Not only will our format give greater exposure to our Associates and Sponsors, but every ounce of learning opportunity will be squeezed out of the agenda.