Proterra’s board appointed current Chairman Jack Allen as chairman and CEO. Ryan Popple, Proterra’s CEO since 2014, was named co-founder and executive director. Proterra began planning for this transition in January and the board voted earlier this month on Allen’s appointment.
Before joining Proterra as chairman in 2017, Allen spent more than 30 years at Navistar International, the global truck and bus company, where he most recently served as COO. As CEO, Allen will use his extensive operational experience to guide Proterra’s continuing growth, including scaling operations, and supply chain and manufacturing capability to meet growing demand for zero-emission vehicles. He will also continue Proterra’s legacy of delivering groundbreaking EV technology to the market.
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Ryan Popple
Under Popple’s leadership, Proterra has grown from a few customers to more than 120 customers in North America. During his tenure, he introduced industry-leading battery technology, a new Catalyst vehicle platform, and heavy-duty charging systems. In 2017, Proterra broke the world record for the longest distance ever traveled by an electric vehicle on a single charge, traveling 1,101 miles. Today, Proterra has sold more than 900 electric transit buses and Proterra’s EV technology has been proven on the road with more than 11 million service miles to date.
Popple also led the introduction of Proterra’s EV platform into adjacent vehicle markets, including electric school buses, coach buses, and delivery truck chassis with industry-leading partners.
In his new role, he will focus his attention on Proterra’s innovative and industry-leading technology. He will report directly to Allen.
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.
