METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

HDR Names New Bus Rapid Transit Leader

Based in Phoenix, Gina Thomas has experience managing and delivering quality transit projects, from initial alternatives analysis, conceptual engineering, and planning-level cost estimating to final design and construction.

May 14, 2024
HDR Names New Bus Rapid Transit Leader

In her new role, Gina Thomas will guide HDR’s BRT work in coordination with the firm’s industry-leading transit and highways practices.

Photo: HDR

2 min to read


HDR’s Gina Thomas, PE, was promoted to global bus rapid transit (BRT) practice leader.

Based in Phoenix, Thomas has experience managing and delivering quality transit projects, from initial alternatives analysis, conceptual engineering, and planning-level cost estimating to final design and construction.

Ad Loading...

Guiding HDR’s BRT Practice

In her new role, Thomas will guide HDR’s BRT work in coordination with the firm’s industry-leading transit and highways practices. She will help clients identify, build, and deliver BRT services that enhance bus speed, reliability, and the rider experience for millions of people in the U.S. and Canada.

“BRT is a valuable option in the transportation toolbox,” said HDR Highways and Roads Director Bernie Arseneau. “BRT is growing by leaps and bounds and Gina will excel at delivering HDR’s vision to provide communities a safe and equitable transportation option to enhance quality of life.”

Bringing Experience to HDR

Thomas has spent 14 years advancing transit projects at HDR. She has become a skilled leader within the transit industry through streetcar and BRT projects across North America.

Thomas is currently serving in management and leadership roles on BRT projects in Tucson and Phoenix.

“BRT projects present unique and exciting opportunities in urban infrastructure development to create meaningful and sustainable solutions for our clients,” Thomas said. “Through the collaboration of transit and roadway, we’re able to enhance mobility within corridors and leverage funding from both sources to implement much-needed mobility improvements. This synergy reaffirms our commitment to pioneering excellence in transit innovation.”

More Bus

Turning Transportation Challenges into Opportunities
Management•by Alex Roman•October 22, 2026

Brian Dickson on Building Stronger, More Resilient Transportation Organizations

Bus Business Consultants Founder Brian Dickson discusses the leadership principles, operational discipline, and strategic planning that separate transportation companies positioned for long-term success from those stuck in survival mode.

Read More →
Groundbreaking ceremony for LA Metro's Vermont Transit Corridor BRT
Bus•by Staff and News Reports•October 22, 2026

LA Metro Breaks Ground on Vermont BRT Project

The 12.4-mile corridor is projected to serve 66,200 daily riders, reduce travel times by up to 24%, and create the nation's busiest bus rapid transit corridor.

Read More →
ABC Companies President and CEO Roman Cornell
Bus•by Alex Roman•October 21, 2026

Roman Cornell on ABC Companies’ Evolution and the Future of Passenger Transportation

The company’s CEO discusses carrying forward a third-generation family legacy, ABC’s continued evolution in passenger transportation, support for increasingly complex fleets, and how technology and continued investment could help operators improve uptime.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
VIA Primo BRT bus riders
Bus•by Alex Roman•October 19, 2026

VIA Bus Ridership Grows 10.1% Through August 2026

San Antonio's VIA Metropolitan Transit reported the highest bus ridership growth among major Texas transit systems. Federal Transit Administration data ranked it second among the nation's 50 largest transit systems.

Read More →
Crowd waiting for LA Metro bus
Management•by Staff and News Reports•October 16, 2026

LA Metro September Ridership Climbs 3.9%, Led by Rail Growth

The agency recorded more than 27.2 million boardings, with rail ridership increasing 12.4% year over year and the D Line posting the largest gains.

Read More →
The Frontrunner XF on the APTA Expo show floor in 2026.
Paratransit•by Alex Roman•October 15, 2026

Frontrunner Bus Group Introduces XF Low-Floor Bus with Enhanced Accessibility

The new mid-sized bus features a full flat-floor design, eight-inch curbside step-in height, and zero-entry rear ramp to improve passenger access and operational flexibility.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An overhead view of APTA EXPO's show floor.
Management•by Alex Roman•October 9, 2026

Scenes from APTA TRANSform & EXPO 2026

Transit leaders, manufacturers, and industry professionals gathered in Chicago to explore new technologies, share ideas, and discuss the future of public transportation.

Read More →
DRPA interns with program swag.
Management•by Alex Roman•October 1, 2026

More Than a Summer Job: Building the Next Generation of Transit Talent

The Delaware River Port Authority and PATCO have transformed their internship program into a hands-on professional development experience that introduces students to the breadth of transportation careers — and creates a pipeline for future employees.

Read More →
A shot of ENC's manufacturing facility
Zero Emissions•by Alex Roman•September 30, 2026

LA Metro Board Awards 220 Battery-Electric Bus Contract to ENC

The contract, which is the largest base award of battery-electric buses by a U.S. transit agency, will be built in Southern California, sustaining good jobs as LA prepares to welcome the world in 2028

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Help Shape the 2027 Public Transit Conference
Management•by Alex Roman•September 29, 2026

Public Transit Conference Returning to GFX in 2027, Call for Papers Now Open

The Call for Papers is now open, allowing transit agency professionals and industry experts to help shape the PTC educational program by submitting session ideas for consideration.

Read More →