MENU
SEARCHIn this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, MCTS, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
The latest edition of METRO's People Movement includes TriMet, Trinity Metro, and more.
Credit: METRO
METRO’s People Movement highlights the latest leadership changes, promotions, and personnel news across the public transit, motorcoach, and people mobility sectors.
In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, MCTS, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Governor Abigail Spanberger appointed Mariia Zimmerman as director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT).
Zimmerman most recently served as founder and principal of MZ Strategies, a Richmond-based planning and policy firm. In that role, she worked with states, regions, and organizations nationwide to advance transit-oriented development and implement transportation projects that improve mobility, access, and community outcomes.
Her professional work includes extensive involvement in transportation planning initiatives throughout Virginia.
As director, Zimmerman will lead DRPT’s continued efforts to plan, fund, and deliver rail and public transportation initiatives that meet Virginia’s evolving transportation needs. Her appointment reflects a focus on strategic investment, strong partnerships, and forward-looking solutions that position the Commonwealth for long-term success.
Brian Buchanan has been named HDR’s transit program management lead.
Based in Columbia, South Carolina, Buchanan will bring together knowledge and expertise from across HDR’s transit and program management practices to deliver multifaceted transit programs, including bus rapid transit, streetcars, commuter rail, light rail, and heavy rail.
Before joining HDR in 2018, Buchanan spent nearly 15 years managing projects and planning for public agencies, gaining a valuable perspective on the needs of transit systems.
The transit program management practice that Buchanan will lead encompasses a wide range of services that HDR provides, including transportation program management, engineering design, project controls, and expertise in environmental, safety, utilities, architectural, systems, facilities, traffic engineering, and other disciplines.
Fort Worth, Texas’s Trinity Metro named Mike Brennan as the agency’s new VP, economic development.
Most recently serving as president of Near Southside Inc., Brennan has extensive experience in public-private development partnerships and capital improvement projects.
At Trinity Metro, he will plan, direct, and manage Trinity Metro’s economic development activities, including advancing economic growth and maximizing the value of real estate assets. He will work closely with the business community, developers, property owners, and other stakeholders to implement the agency's economic development goals and objectives.
The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) named Ruben Salas Jr. as its new VP/Deputy CEO.
Salas brings 28 years of public transportation experience, with a strong background in large-scale operations, fleet maintenance, and strategic leadership.
He joins MCTS from Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), where he served as assistant VP, bus maintenance. There, he led a large, multidivisional team of more than 400 employees.
Before his role at DART, Salas began his public transit career on the frontline at Fort Worth Transportation Authority (Trinity Metro), in the maintenance department, where he advanced within the organization to senior leadership. He helped modernize fleet and maintenance operations, improve fleet reliability, reduce overtime costs, and strengthen day-to-day operations.
Portland, Oregon’s TriMet named Jamie Snook as executive director, capital project delivery.
A former Metro project manager and TriMet employee since 2019, Snook brings nearly three decades of experience in transportation within this region to TriMet’s leadership team.
In her new position, Snook will oversee capital improvement and maintenance projects across TriMet. This is a particularly important position for TriMet, as it focuses on keeping the transit system in good repair, which includes maintaining the equipment, systems, and facilities that keep tens of thousands of riders moving every day, according to agency officials.
Snook moves into this position after serving as TriMet major projects director since 2021. She had been serving as the interim executive director since September.
The first comprehensive overhaul of SEPTA’s bus network will expand frequent service, add routes, and phase in changes through 2027.
Read More →
In his first State of CDTA address as CEO, Frank Annicaro highlighted the organization’s continued focus on delivering reliable service, investing in innovation, and strengthening connections across the region.
Read More →
The agency is testing floor decals on select railcars to improve awareness of priority seating and support a more accessible transit experience.
Read More →
The special episode features an exclusive interview with Mark Miller, president of Constellation Software Inc. and executive chairman of the Volaris Group, who reflects on the podcast's early vision and the importance of creating a platform where transit leaders can share ideas and learn from one another.
Read More →
The CAD facility enables NFI to complete full domestic production of heavy-duty transit vehicles, including zero-emission buses, in Winnipeg for the first time in 15 years.
Read More →
The findings provide clear evidence that sustained Federal investment in public transit and passenger rail delivers significant returns for workers, communities, taxpayers, and the U.S. economy, APTA officials said.
Read More →
On a recent episode of METROspectives, METRO Magazine’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sat down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic & Cross-Sector Programs at the CSA Group, to explore a bold initiative aimed at addressing those challenges: the development of a National Code for Transit and Passenger Rail Systems in Canada.
Read More →
The funding will ensure communities can expand transit options to meet increased demand for services around stadiums.
Read More →
John Obert previously served as regional sales manager for ENC since joining the company in June 2025.
Read More →
Over the next four years during the Spanberger Administration, DRPT will use the plan to prioritize funding for human service transportation projects and programs that reduce barriers, expand access, and promote equitable mobility, said department officials.
Read More →
