A quiet, efficient, fully accessible electric minibus. The eJEST delivers exceptional maneuverability, low operating costs, and smooth passenger experience.
Built on the proven eJEST platform and automated by ADASTEC, this Level-4 autonomous minibus brings reliable, safe, and fully accessible automated transit to real-world routes.
Celebrating 50 Years of Public Transportation in Washington State
The 50th Washington State Public Transportation Conference, Vendor Expo & State Roadeo is bringing the transit community together in Tacoma, Washington, from August 10–12, 2026.
Supported by host agency Pierce Transit, the milestone event creates an important meeting point for transit agencies, transportation professionals, operators, planners, suppliers and technology providers to exchange practical experience and discuss how public transportation continues to evolve.
This year's expanded three-day conference combines educational sessions, networking, the Vendor Expo and the State Roadeo. Together, they provide an opportunity to look at transit from multiple perspectives—from the people operating and maintaining vehicles every day to those planning future networks, evaluating technologies and determining how agencies can serve their communities more effectively.
Damera Corporation will be exhibiting the Karsan eJEST at the Vendor Expo, giving attendees an opportunity to see the right-sized, fully electric, low-floor minibus in person and speak directly with the Damera team about its potential applications within evolving transit networks.
From Transit Operations to the Future of Mobility
The conference program addresses both immediate operational priorities and longer-term questions facing the industry.
Sessions bring perspectives from rural and urban transportation providers, giving participants an opportunity to examine proven strategies in very different operating environments. That distinction is increasingly important. Transit solutions that work in dense urban corridors may not be appropriate for communities characterized by lower population density, dispersed destinations or longer travel distances.
One particularly relevant discussion examines transit-led Mobility on Demand. Research involving the Washington State Department of Transportation and the University of Washington compares the costs of Mobility on Demand services with fixed-route transit, transportation network companies and private vehicle travel, while considering how those economics change between urban and rural environments.
The conversation goes beyond whether one operating model is inherently better than another. For transit professionals, the more useful question is often: Which combination of services, technologies and vehicles is appropriate for the community being served?
Expanding the Transit Toolbox
As agencies explore Mobility on Demand, microtransit, community transportation and other flexible approaches, vehicle selection becomes part of that discussion.
High-capacity fixed routes remain essential where passenger demand supports them. In other applications, agencies may need different tools to extend transportation coverage while maintaining accessibility and a high-quality passenger experience.
Factors such as vehicle capacity, accessibility, low-floor boarding, maneuverability, operating environment and passenger demand can all influence which vehicle is appropriate for a particular service.
For Damera Corporation, these conversations align with a broader approach to bringing new transit technologies to the North American market: innovation is not simply about introducing another vehicle. It is about helping agencies expand the range of solutions available to address different operational and community needs.
Working with global vehicle manufacturers including Karsan, Damera supports the introduction of transit technologies prepared for North American requirements while building the technical knowledge, service capabilities and after-sales infrastructure needed to support their operation.
Vendor Expo: Connecting Technology With Operations
The Vendor Expo takes place Tuesday, August 11, from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center.
The exhibition gives transit professionals an opportunity to meet directly with industry suppliers, examine new products and technologies, and discuss how emerging solutions can translate into real-world transit operations.
Damera Corporation is participating in the Vendor Expo, where our team looks forward to connecting with agencies and industry partners and discussing right-sized, accessible mobility solutions and the changing requirements of public transportation.
Based on the event information provided, I would not state that a Damera/Karsan bus is on display unless Damera has specifically confirmed a vehicle for the indoor display area. The conference does offer indoor vehicle displays, but that alone does not confirm Damera is exhibiting a bus.
Celebrating the People Behind Public Transit
Technology is only one part of a successful transit system.
The conference's State Roadeo puts the focus on the operators and maintenance professionals whose expertise keeps transportation networks moving. Competitions highlight practical skills while creating an opportunity for professionals from across the state to learn from one another and celebrate excellence within the industry.
The conference concludes Wednesday with additional breakout sessions, networking, a general session and lunch, followed by the WSDOT Wall of Fame Banquet and evening activities.
Fifty years of the Washington State Public Transportation Conference also provides an opportunity to recognize how far the industry has come—and consider what the next generation of public transportation could look like.
As communities change, transit agencies need an increasingly diverse set of tools to respond. Fixed routes, Mobility on Demand, accessible transportation, right-sized vehicles and emerging technologies do not necessarily need to compete; thoughtfully deployed, they can become different components of a more connected transportation network.
Damera Corporation looks forward to continuing these conversations in Tacoma. Visit our team at the Vendor Expo on Tuesday, August 11, and talk with us about the technologies, vehicles and support needed to address the next generation of transit operations.
.svg.avif){kind=logo}
-p-500-p-500.avif)
.svg)
-web.jpg)
.svg){kind=icon}