With the news cycle getting faster and faster amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, METRO Magazine is launching METROspectives — a new podcast hosted by Managing Editor Alex Roman, which is focused on public transportation, the private motorcoach industry, and all things mobility.

We are kicking off the new podcast with two episodes. The first, features American Bus Association (ABA) President/CEO Peter Pantuso, who discusses the immediate impact COVID-19 had on the three major sectors of the motorcoach industry, as well as what the ABA is doing to help its membership. While the discussion takes place before the CARES Act was passed, Pantuso also talks about the materials and resources available on the ABA’s website, which the industry can use to reach out to their Congressperson as the possibility of a fourth COVID-19 stimulus package looms.

Episode two of METROspectives features Scott Bogren, executive director of the Community Transportation Association of America. During the discussion, Bogren talks about the unprecedented impact COVID-19 has had on his association’s membership, as well as the ongoing efforts in some regions to adapt their services to serve healthcare and other workers that have been deemed essential at this time.

Looking forward, Bogren discusses the importance of the surface transportation authorization bill for small and rural public transportation providers and how it is essential to include NEMT and other medical transportation services in the bill, as well as how mobility models shift in smaller towns and regions.

Stay tuned for more episodes of METROspectives in the coming weeks.