Tim Sanderson has been named chief operating officer for the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART). In this role, Sanderson will lead DART’s largest department of approximately 200 employees including fixed-route transportation, paratransit and flex transportation, vehicle maintenance, service management, safety and training, and facility maintenance.
“Tim’s extensive experience in operations leadership at small- and medium-sized transit systems will be a great asset for DART,” said DART General Manager Elizabeth Presutti. “His leadership will be instrumental as we continually seek to improve service to our customers in the Greater Des Moines region.”
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“I am very excited and privileged to become the newest member of the DART team,” said Sanderson. “I look forward to serving the citizens of the Greater Des Moines region by helping to provide a high-quality transportation option.”
Sanderson has more than 15 years of experience in transit in Nashville, Tenn.; Winnipeg, Canada; and Brandon, Canada. His most recent position was as director of transportation services for the City of Brandon, Manitoba, Canada.
Prior to that he worked at the Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority as director of operations, director of planning and director of administration. Sanderson began his transit experience as a bus operator and transit inspector for Winnipeg Transit. Sanderson’s education includes a Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba.
He is a Certified Fleet Manager through the NAFA Fleet Management Association and has been a frequent presenter at American Public Transportation Association conferences.
The delivery marks the first car in a 374‑vehicle order and begins the arrival of a new generation of higher‑capacity, more reliable, and more comfortable trains for one of the country’s busiest commuter rail systems.
Metro launches a 24-month project to replace 3,700 bus stop signs, introducing improved visibility, QR-enabled rider info, and expanded amenities across Hamilton County.
BART recorded 5,403,140 exits in March, making it the highest monthly ridership since the pandemic and surpassing the previous high set in October 2025 (5,346,890 exits).
The station was rebuilt as part of SEPTA’s Station Accessibility Program, making it fully ADA accessible with new elevators, ramps, and high-level platforms.
The plan represents an increase of just 1.9% over the current year, and includes investments in new buses, more full-length fare gates, and other enhancements for customers.
The announcement highlights the long-standing partnership between the Class I railroad and the commuter rail system, dating back to Metra's creation in 1983.
In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.
