First Transit announces the appointment of Rashidi Barnes as director of business development for mobility-as-a-service (MaaS). In this newly developed role, Barnes will be responsible for bringing integrated mobility solutions to First Transit’s customers across North America.

“Rashidi’s skills in both transportation and emerging technologies will play a big part in our ability to continue to bring innovative solutions to our customers,” said Justin Pate, sr. VP, marketing and business development for First Transit. “His experience will be an invaluable addition to our team.”

Barnes has more than 14 years of transportation experience in areas such as innovation, procurement, business development, and leadership. His past roles include serving as director of procurement at Foothill Transit and the western sales manager for the Transit Marketing Group.

He most recently was the director of innovation and shared mobility and senior manager of transportation at Central Contra Costa Transit Authority in Concord, Calif. Barnes graduated from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Leadership Program in 2011.

Barnes earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from the University of Colorado Boulder and a master’s of science degree in transportation management from San Jose State University.

Barnes and the First Transit team will be at the APTA Bus and Paratransit Conference in Tampa, Fla., from May 6 through May 9.