METROspectives

As technology continues to reshape the transportation landscape, companies are finding new ways to connect passengers with mobility services while helping operators streamline traditionally fragmented processes. One company working at the intersection of transportation and technology is CharterUP, a marketplace platform that connects organizations with charter bus and group transportation provider...

In this edition of METROspectives , Joshua Schank, co-authorof New Tricks for Old Bureaucracies: Improving Policy Outcomes in the Public Sector, reflects on the evolution of transportation innovation, lessons learned from helping launch LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation (OEI), and how those experiences continue to shape his work today at InfraStrategies and the ACES Mobility Coalition....

In this episode of METROspectives, Brian Buchanan, transitprogram management lead at HDR, joins METRO’s Alex Roman to discuss how his role is helping agencies navigate the growing complexity of major capital programs. Drawing on his background, he explains how program management has evolved into a strategic function as projects grow larger, become more interconnected, and are subject to greater sc...

In this episode of Bus Tech Talk , Co-Hosts Mark Hollenbeck, business development manager at Complete Coach Works, and Alex Roman, Executive Editor at METRO, are joined by Cecil Blandon, director of maintenance at AC Transit in Oakland, California. Our conversation was so in-depth that we’ve split it into two parts. In Part 2, Blandon discusses his agency’s training programand the challenges of wo...

In this episode of Bus Tech Talk , Co-Hosts Mark Hollenbeck, business development manager at Complete Coach Works, and Alex Roman, Executive Editor at METRO, are joined by Cecil Blandon, director of maintenance at AC Transit in Oakland, California. Our conversation was so in-depth that we’ve split it into two parts. In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marinesto a leadership role in...

On the latest episode of METROspectives, leaders from The Bus Coalition (TBC) sat down with Executive Editor Alex Roman to discuss the organization’s evolving role in shaping federal transit policy and advocating for stronger investment in bus systems nationwide. With surface transportationreauthorization approaching, the coalition is focused on ensuring that bus and bus facility programs remain a...

In this episode of METROspectives, METRO Magazine spoke with Inez Evans-Benson, SVP and deputy transit and rail market leader for WSP in the U.S., about the line between customer experience and customer satisfaction. Drawing on decades of industry experience, Evans-Benson offered insights into the differences between the two, along with tips for better customer engagement and more. Topics include:...

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...

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...

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 polic...

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....

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...

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 i...

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 opportun...

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 Rom...

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 ag...

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 cu...

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 Granni...

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 helpi...

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...

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:...

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 t...

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 rec...

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...

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 age...