1980 — Arkansas Transit Association, Inc. was incorporated May 16, 1980, with five members. Today, more than 200 members of community transit systems, non-profit agencies serving the elderly and persons with disabilities, for-profit carriers and vendors make ATA the country's second largest state transit association.

1984 — ATA sponsored its first conference to provide training and promote the exchange of ideas through networking. Each year's meeting brings increased attendance and more diverse learning opportunities. The Annual Arkansas Public Transportation Conference, held at different locations around the state, has become a favorite for both agency and vendor participants. The 2005 Conference will be October 24-27 at the North Little Rock Riverfront Wyndham Hotel, will host more than 200 participants and continue the legacy of quality education.

1991 — The association designed an in-house Training Program and hired a full-time Training and Education Coordinator to teach driver safety classes at member agency sites. Expanded course offerings help agencies meet government requirements, reduce insurance rates, and improve passenger safety, employee performance, and customer service.

1995 — To meet the US DOT Federal Transit Administration's Drug and Alcohol regulations for urban and rural public transit systems, ATA formed the Arkansas Public Transit Drug and Alcohol Testing Program Consortium to manage agency testing, policy development, training and legal compliance.

1996 — Non-profit members with Commercial Motor Vehicles were required to test under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations, and ATA created a FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Testing Program Consortium to group drivers into a single random pool, lower test costs and provide technical assistance to ensure compliant testing programs.

2002 — ATA completed construction of the Arkansas Public Transit Safety and Resource Center — its new permanent home and training facility — in coordination with the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department and the Federal Transit Administration. Designed by the architect firm Fennell Purifoy Hammock, the building, with its geothermal heating and cooling system, received the highest Honors Award from the American Institute of Architecture's Arkansas Chapter. ATA hired a Facility Manager to maintain the state-of-the art building, schedule events, and assist presenters from around the country.

2004 — ATA was named winner of the State Transit Association of the Year Award by the Community Transportation Association of America.

2005 — This year marks Arkansas Transit Association's 25th anniversary. 2005 looks even more promising as new agencies join and take advantage of ATA's services. Our success is a direct result of membership support and participation.