From Strategy to Service: Damera at the 2026 SWTA & New Mexico Transit Conference

March 26, 2026
Event Announce
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WHEN/WHERE
2026
30 March – 2 April
Albuquerque, NM, USA
Type of the event
Transit show
On Display
Karsan eJEST
Published on
March 26, 2026
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Damera will be participating in the 2026 SWTA & New Mexico Joint Annual Conference & Expo in Albuquerque — a regional event focused on advancing how transit systems operate, adapt, and scale in real conditions.

This conference is not centered on concepts alone. It is built around operational reality — bringing together transit agencies, planners, operators, and industry partners to examine what is working today, where challenges remain, and how to move forward with confidence.

Across sessions and discussions, several key themes emerge that are highly relevant to agencies navigating change:

  • how to improve service in low-density and underserved areas
  • how to implement microtransit and flexible routing models effectively
  • how to maintain accessibility while managing costs
  • how to align funding, compliance, and long-term planning
  • how to build and retain a capable workforce in a changing environment

For many transit organizations, the challenge is no longer identifying new ideas — it is implementing solutions that perform consistently over time.

Evaluating Solutions in Real Context

Events like SWTA create an important space where technologies are not viewed in isolation, but in the context of:

  • existing operations
  • maintenance capacity
  • service expectations
  • long-term lifecycle considerations

This is where practical evaluation becomes critical.

At the EXPO, the Karsan eJEST electric minibus will be presented on static display, offering transit professionals the opportunity to assess a right-sized, zero-emission vehicle designed for real-world deployment.

The eJEST is particularly relevant for:

  • microtransit and on-demand services
  • paratransit and accessible transportation
  • campus and community routes
  • first/last-mile connections

In these applications, matching vehicle size to demand is essential — not only for efficiency, but for service reliability and cost control.

Industry Participation

The vehicle will be presented by:

  • Deniz Çetin, Chief Commercial Officer, Karsan
  • Roman Duplak, P.Eng., M.Eng., Vice President, Sales – Americas, Damera

Together with the Damera team, they will be available to discuss how transit agencies can approach fleet decisions with a focus on operational fit, not just specifications.

A Practical Approach to Electrification

Damera’s approach is shaped by hands-on experience in:

  • vehicle maintenance and refurbishment
  • high-voltage systems and training
  • long-term fleet performance

This foundation allows for a more grounded perspective — where solutions are evaluated based on:

  • reliability in daily service
  • ease of maintenance
  • compatibility with existing infrastructure
  • predictable lifecycle performance

As the industry continues to evolve, this type of practical understanding becomes increasingly important.

Why This Matters for Transit Agencies

The direction of the industry is clear:
transit systems are moving toward more flexible, demand-responsive, and efficient service models.

However, success depends on how well solutions are implemented, not just selected.

This is why events like SWTA are valuable — they help agencies:

  • compare approaches across regions
  • learn from real operational experience
  • evaluate technologies in context
  • make informed, confident decisions

If you are attending the event, we welcome the opportunity to connect and exchange perspectives on how right-sized, zero-emission solutions can support your operations today and over the long term.

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