METROspectives

In this episode of METROspectives, METRO Executive EditorAlex Roman sits down with Timothy Menard, Founder and CEO of LYT, to talk about how AI and intelligent technology are reshaping public transit operations. Menard discusses how data-driven signal prioritization isimproving efficiency, reliability, and ridership, while offering insight into the innovations driving the next generation of smart mobility. Together, they explore how technology and collaboration are paving the way for a more connected, sustainable future in transit.Topics include:·        The changing face of public transit.·        The current and future evolution of technologyin transit.·        Overcoming hurdles when implementing newtechnologies.·        Future TrendsMake sure you're signed up for the METRO Express newsletter,so you don't miss another METROspectives. Sign up for the METROExpress newsletter. Follow and connect with METRO Magazine on social media!Connect with METRO on LinkedIn.Like METRO on Facebook.Follow METRO on Twitter. Prefer to listen? Check out the METROspectives podcast!Subscribe or Follow METROspectives on:ApplePodcastsSpotify AmazonMusic AudibleiHeartRadio

In this episode of METROspectives, METRO’s Executive EditorAlex Roman sits down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic & Cross-Sector Programs at the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group). With deep expertise in standards development and cross-sector policy alignment,Tomlinson shares how CSA is helping shape the future of safety, accessibility, and resilience across North America's transportation systems.We explore the evolving role of transit standards, includinghow they're responding to emerging technologies, climate change, and the growing need for equity and sustainability. Tomlinson also highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration, the value of stakeholder engagement,and how CSA ensures its standards reflect the real-world needs of both operators and riders.Topics include:·     Why standards and codes are crucial as Canadiantransit continues to grow.·     Bringing together stakeholders to shape thefuture.·      Shaping the program around existing standardsand codes worldwide.·      Setting an aggressive timetable for a four-partprocess.Make sure you're signed up for the METRO Express newsletter,so you don't miss another METROspectives. Sign up for the METROExpress newsletter. Follow and connect with METRO Magazine on social media!Connect with METRO on LinkedIn.Like METRO on Facebook.Follow METRO on Twitter.

In this episode of METROspectives, METRO’s Executive EditorAlex Roman sits down with Colin Parent, Executive Director and General Counsel at Circulate San Diego, to discuss his recent report, “The Powerless Brokers,” and what it reveals about how decisions get made — and too often stalled — in public transit in California, as well as the rest of the US.With a background spanning law, public policy, and advocacy,Parent brings a nuanced perspective on what it takes to make transit projects happen — and why accountability, mentorship, and leadership development are essential to the future of urban mobility.Topics include:·    The genesis of ‘The Powerless Brokers’ and howhis report came about.·    Systemic issues with permitting despite votersupport for public transit.·    Possible changes that could help speed theprocess and eliminate current issues.·    How these issues apply to other regions, as wellas Federal funding. Make sure you're signed up for the METRO Express newsletter, so you don't miss another METROspectives.

When Doug Wright stepped in as President of Forest River Bus & Van in March 2025, his goal was clear — take a strong company and make it even stronger. In this conversation, METRO Executive Editor Alex Roman talks with Wright about Forest River’s journey so far, what’s driving its successtoday, and his vision for the future.Topics include:·        COVID’s Impact on the company and industry.·        Transporting the most vulnerable members ofsociety.·        Controlling customer service.·        Issues facing bus manufacturing now. Make sure you're signed up for theMETRO Express newsletter, so you don't miss another METROspectives. Sign up for the METROExpress newsletter. Follow and connect with METRO Magazine on social media!Connect with METRO on LinkedIn.Like METRO on Facebook.Follow METRO on Twitter. Prefer to listen? Check out the METROspectives podcast!Subscribe or Follow METROspectives on:ApplePodcastsSpotify AmazonMusic AudibleiHeartRadio

Julie Chalmers was recently named one of METRO’s 2025 Women in Transportation. Recently, Executive Editor Alex Roman had a chance to talk to Chalmers, GM at Hotard Coaches Inc. in New Orleans, about being a leader in a historically male-dominated industry, providing mentorship to other women, career milestones, and much more.  Topics include:Getting her start in the motorcoach industry. Hurdles faced as a woman in transportation.How Hotard has evolved over the years.Attracting women into the motorcoach industry.

With COVID splitting the number of motorcoach operatorsessentially in half, the United Motorcoach Association (UMA) is working on ways to boost new entrants. Scott Michael, President and CEO of the UMA, joins METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman to discuss what the association is doing toincrease the number of operators, the state of the UMA in general, and much more. Topics include:·        The impact of COVID on the motorcoach industry.·        Creating relationships with state and federallegislators. ·        Evolving post-pandemic business models. ·        Who is currently entering the market?Make sure you're signed up for the METRO Express newsletter,so you don't miss another METROspectives. Sign up for the METROExpress newsletter. Follow and connect with METRO Magazine on social media!Connect with METRO on LinkedIn.Like METRO on Facebook.Follow METRO on Twitter.

Josh Stoddard is the Director of Vehicle Maintenance at Spokane Transit Authority (STA), a role he has held sinceat least April 2025. In this capacity, he oversees the maintenance operations for STA's fleet, ensuring the reliability and safety of the vehicles that serve the Spokane community. ​Topics include:·        Spokane Transit’s growing fleet and bus facilityneeds.·        The opportunities for technicians to growthrough the use of technology.·        Information sharing at the state and federallevel.·        Choosing the right team to support youthroughout the entire process. Ensure you're signed up for the METRO Expressnewsletter, so you don't miss another METROspectives.Sign up for the METROExpress newsletter. Follow and connect with METRO Magazine on social media!Connect with METRO on LinkedIn.Like METRO on Facebook.Follow METRO on Twitter.

Recently, the American Bus Association (ABA) released its“Motorcoach 2025 Sustainability and Innovation Report,” affirming what industry leaders have long championed: “motorcoach travel is the most energy-efficient and environmentally responsible mode of passenger transportation in North America.” Michelle Petelicki, president of New Jersey’s Panorama Tours, joins METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman to discuss how the motorcoach industry is in fact sustainable, the impact of the ABA’s report, and much more. Topics include:·        Why motorcoaches aren’t typically viewed as“green.”·        How operators can capitalize on the report’sfindings.·        Creating relationships state and federallegislators. ·        Motorcoach operators’ role in major specialevents, including 2026’s World Cup. Make sure you're signed up for the METRO Express newsletter,so you don't miss another METROspectives. Sign up for the METROExpress newsletter. Follow and connect with METRO Magazine on social media!Connect with METRO on LinkedIn.Like METRO on Facebook.Follow METRO on Twitter. Prefer to listen? Check out the METROspectives podcast!Subscribe to METROspectives on ApplePodcasts.Follow METROspectives on Spotify. Subscribe to METROspectives on GooglePodcasts.

Charlie Busse is Director of Maintenance at  @connecttransit  (Connect Transit), the public transportation provider for Bloomington-Normal, Ill. Charlie is the driving force behind Connect Transit’s fleet operations. He ensures that every bus on the road is safe, reliable, and running at peak performance. But, his role goes far beyond just keeping wheels turning — Charlie is a key player in the agency’s forward-thinking initiatives, including integrating electric buses and developing cutting-edge charging infrastructure. Through his leadership, Connect Transit is not only maintaining service standards but also paving the way toward a more sustainable and efficient future in public transportation. Find out more in this first edition of Bus Tech Talk.Topics include:• How Charlie got his start in the public transit industry.• The challenges of being part of a small agency from a maintenance perspective.• Recruiting, retaining, and training today’s technicians. • Embracing new tech in the shop.Make sure you're signed up for the METRO Express newsletter, so you don't miss another METROspectives.Sign up for the METRO newsletter: https://www.metro-magazine.com/newsletter-signup?utm_source=formcms&utm_medium=email_subscriptions_optins&utm_campaign=met_website_100#transit #transportation #leadership #publictransit 🚚 Visit Metro Magazine for all the latest transportation news and information ➡ https://www.metro-magazine.com/ 🤝 Follow and connect with Work Truck on social media! Metro on LinkedIn ➡https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/metromag/ Metro on Twitter ➡ https://twitter.com/METROmagTweet Metro on Facebook ➡ https://www.facebook.com/MetroMagTimestamps00:00 Intro01:30 How Charlie Started in Public Transit02:50 What Fueled His Growth?05:01 Shared Knowledge in the Transit Industry07:02 Challenges/Benefits of being at a Small Transit Agency10:42 Recruiting New Techs in Normal, Ill.15:05 Working to Create a Heavy-Duty Training Program16:32 Additional Training Opportunities20:45 Working with New Technologies in the Shop23:00 Embracing New Tech, including AI25:00 The Learning Curve when bringing in New Vehicles

Since 2022, Flix North America CEO Kai Boysan has led thestrategic direction of FlixBus and Greyhound, major players in long-distance bus travel across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman spoke to Boysan, about how the FlixBus model works, the company’s worldwide success, and much more.Topics include:·      The state of the intercity bus line industry.·      The current state and future of Greyhound fouryears after the FlixBus acquisition.·      Policy updates that would help the intercity busflourish.·      Motorcoach successfully taking on some airlinetrips. Make sure you're signed up for the METRO Express newsletter,so you don't miss another METROspectives. Sign up for the METROExpress newsletter. Follow and connect with METRO Magazine on social media!Connect with METRO on LinkedIn.Like METRO on Facebook.Follow METRO on Twitter. Prefer to listen? Check out the METROspectives podcast!Subscribe to METROspectives on ApplePodcasts.Follow METROspectives on Spotify. Subscribe to METROspectives on GooglePodcasts.

The LA ART aerial gondola project aims to ease congestionand cut pollution in the Los Angeles region by connecting Union Station to Dodger Stadium. When completed, the gondola will serve underserved communities, including El Pueblo, Chinatown, Mission Junction, and Solano Canyon, and offer ADA-accessible cabins with space for strollers and bikes. METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman to David Grannis, Executive Director of Zero Emissions Transit, about the project and its current timeline, its sustainability benefits, the impact it could have on the community, and more.Topics include:·      What an aerial gondola system is.·      Building community support when pitching aforward-thinking project.·      The project’s aggressive proposed completiondate.·      The room for innovation in public transitMake sure you're signed up for the METRO Express newsletter,so you don't miss another METROspectives. Sign up for the METROExpress newsletter. Follow and connect with METRO Magazine on social media!Connect with METRO on LinkedIn.Like METRO on Facebook.Follow METRO on Twitter. Prefer to listen? Check out the METROspectives podcast!Subscribe to METROspectives on ApplePodcasts.Follow METROspectives on Spotify. Subscribe to METROspectives on GooglePodcasts.

Beginning as a small, minority-owned startup in SanFrancisco in 1975, MV Transportation is celebrating its 50thAnniversary in 2025. METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman had a chance to talk to MV’s Chief Customer Success Officer Gary Coles about the company’s milestone and much more. Topics include:·      The company’s humble beginnings and its growthinto a national company.·      How MV is helping transit agencies adapt newservice models.·      Identifying new technologies to help theindustry operate safer and more efficient systems.·      MV’s next 50 years.Make sure you're signed up for the METRO Express newsletter,so you don't miss another METROspectives. Sign up for the METROExpress newsletter. Follow and connect with METRO Magazine on social media!Connect with METRO on LinkedIn.Like METRO on Facebook.Follow METRO on Twitter. Prefer to listen? Check out the METROspectives podcast!Subscribe to METROspectives on ApplePodcasts.Follow METROspectives on Spotify. Subscribe to METROspectives on GooglePodcasts.

One of the top five largest contractors in the nation, WeDriveU recently rebranded from its previous name National Express. In our latest edition of METROspectives, WeDriveU’s President/CEO Erick Van Wagenen joinsMETRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman to discuss the reasons for the rebrand, the company’s recently launched engagement initiative and much more.Topics include:·        What’s next after the rebrand.·        Mobility trends in the industry.·        Addressing workforce issues from bus operatorsto management and everything in between. ·        Public Transit’s current set of distractions.Make sure you're signed up for the METRO Express newsletter,so you don't miss another METROspectives. Sign up for the METROExpress newsletter. Follow and connect with METRO Magazine on social media!Connect with METRO on LinkedIn.Like METRO on Facebook.Follow METRO on Twitter. Prefer to listen? Check out the METROspectives podcast!Subscribe to METROspectives on ApplePodcasts.Follow METROspectives on Spotify. Subscribe to METROspectives on GooglePodcasts.

On Your Mark Transportation’s President/CEO Mark Szyperski consults for the public transit, motorcoach, and luxury transportation, so he has definitely seen a bus operation or two. In our latest edition of METROspectives, Mark joins METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman to discuss the need for bus operations to be prepared for emergencies, including fires, tornados, and earthquakes. Topics include:·      The percentage of bus operations who areprepared.·      Tips for setting up a plan.·      Details that are often overlooked.·      The need to keep the plan updated.Make sure you're signed up for the METRO Express newsletter,so you don't miss another METROspectives. Sign up for the METROExpress newsletter. Follow and connect with METRO Magazine on social media!Connect with METRO on LinkedIn.Like METRO on Facebook.Follow METRO on Twitter. Prefer to listen? Check out the METROspectives podcast!Subscribe to METROspectives on ApplePodcasts.Follow METROspectives on Spotify. Subscribe to METROspectives on GooglePodcasts.

Still in the first year on the job, Fred Ferguson, President/CEO of the American Bus Association, just recently helmed his firstMarketplace, which was coincidentally held the day the new Administration announced its plans to implement tariffs on countries including Canada and Mexico. In our latest edition of METROspectives, Ferguson joins METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman to discuss the impact those tariffs would have on the industry, his reflections on his first Marketplace, and more.Topics include:·      How tariffs could disrupt a peaceful coexistencein the motorcoach industry.·      How ABA and its partner associations both hereand in Canada are combating the issue.·      The importance of the industry as an economicdriver.·      The state of the motorcoach industry today. Make sure you're signed up for the METRO Express newsletter,so you don't miss another METROspectives. Sign up for the METROExpress newsletter. Follow and connect with METRO Magazine on social media!Connect with METRO on LinkedIn.Like METRO on Facebook.Follow METRO on Twitter. Prefer to listen? Check out the METROspectives podcast!Subscribe to METROspectives on ApplePodcasts.Follow METROspectives on Spotify. Subscribe to METROspectives on GooglePodcasts.

In business since 1933, Springfield, Mass.’ Peter Pan BusLines was recently named METRO’s Motorcoach Operator of the Year at this year’s UMA Expo. In our latest edition of METROspectives, Peter Pan’s Chairman and CEO Peter Picknelly joins METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman to discuss what keeps his operation on top.Topics include:·      How the operation stays ahead of the curve.·      The recent takeover of Megabus routes.·      The operation’s history of innovation.·      The current state of the intercity bus industry.Make sure you're signed up for the METRO Express newsletter,so you don't miss another METROspectives. Sign up for the METROExpress newsletter. Follow and connect with METRO Magazine on social media!Connect with METRO on LinkedIn.Like METRO on Facebook.Follow METRO on Twitter. Prefer to listen? Check out the METROspectives podcast!Subscribe to METROspectives on ApplePodcasts.Follow METROspectives on Spotify. Subscribe to METROspectives on GooglePodcasts.

San Antonio, Texas’ OK TOURS was the winner of METRO’sInnovative Motorcoach Operator of the Year Award, which was presented at this year’s American Bus Association Marketplace. In our latest edition of METROspectives, OK TOURS COO Marcos Sarmiento joins METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman to discuss what helped his company earn the award and much more.Make sure you're signed up for the METRO Express newsletter,so you don't miss another METROspectives. Sign up for the METROExpress newsletter. Follow and connect with METRO Magazine on social media!Connect with METRO on LinkedIn.Like METRO on Facebook.Follow METRO on Twitter. Prefer to listen? Check out the METROspectives podcast!Subscribe to METROspectives on ApplePodcasts.Follow METROspectives on Spotify. Subscribe to METROspectives on GooglePodcasts.

In six years, Nashville’s WeGo Transit was able to lick their wounds after a soundly beaten ballot measure to pass a substantial referendum last November. In our latest edition of METROspectives, WeGo Transit CEO Stephen Bland joins METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman to discuss what changed over six years and much more. Topics include: ·       Earning the community’s trust. ·       Advice for agencies trying to pass ballot measures. ·       WeGo Transit’s post-COVID ridership growth. ·       What’s next for the agency. Make sure you're signed up for the METRO Express newsletter, so you don't miss another METROspectives.   Sign up for the METRO Express newsletter.   Follow and connect with METRO Magazine on social media! Connect with METRO on LinkedIn. Like METRO on Facebook. Follow METRO on Twitter.

Virginia, Minn.’s Arrowhead Transit is the second largest rural public transit system in the U.S. In our latest edition of METROspectives, Arrowhead Tranit’s Dominick Olivanti and Colette Hanson join METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman to discuss public transit from a rural provider perspective. Topics include: ·       Arrowhead Transit’s driver shortage. ·       Bringing Innovation to a rural transportation system. ·       Preparing ridership for a more digital-friendly future. ·       The funding challenges from a rural agency perspective. Make sure you're signed up for the METRO Express newsletter, so you don't miss another METROspectives.   Sign up for the METRO Express newsletter.   Follow and connect with METRO Magazine on social media! Connect with METRO on LinkedIn. Like METRO on Facebook. Follow METRO on Twitter.

In our latest edition of METROspectives, Rashidi Barnes, CEO of California’s Tri-Delta Transit and Maggie Pears, managing consultant at the Center for Transportation the Environment, join METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman to discuss their roles in the California Transit Training Consortium (CTC) and more. Topics include: ·       The Consortium’s recent rebrand. ·       The need for new and ongoing vehicle technician training. ·       Membership and structure of the CTTC. ·       How the Consortium continues to give back to the industry.