MENU
SEARCH
December 4, 2025
In this episode of METROspectives, METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sits down with Colin Parent, Executive Director and General Counsel at Circulate San Diego, to discuss his recent report, “The Powerless Brokers,” and what it reveals about how decisions get made — and too often stalled — in public transit in California, as well as the rest of the US.
With a background spanning law, public policy, and advocacy, Parent brings a nuanced perspective on what it takes to make transit projects happen — and why accountability, mentorship, and leadership development are essential to the future of urban mobility.
Topics include:
The genesis of ‘The Powerless Brokers’ and how his report came about.
Systemic issues with permitting despite voter support for public transit.
Possible changes that could help speed the process and eliminate current issues.
How these issues apply to other regions, as well as Federal funding.
Make sure you're signed up for the METRO Express newsletter, so you don't miss another METROspectives.
Sign up for the METRO Express newsletter.
Follow and connect with METRO Magazine on social media!
Connect with METRO on LinkedIn.
Like METRO on Facebook.
Follow METRO on Twitter.
Prefer to listen? Check out the METROspectives podcast!
Subscribe or Follow METROspectives on:
April 11, 2025
Still in the first year on the job, Fred Ferguson, President/CEO of the American Bus Association, just recently helmed his first Marketplace, which was coincidentally held the day the new Administration announced its plans to implement tariffs on countries including Canada and Mexico.
March 17, 2025
In our latest edition of METROspectives, Peter Pan’s Chairman and CEO Peter Picknelly joins METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman to discuss what keeps his operation on top.
February 24, 2025
San Antonio, Texas’ OK TOURS was the winner of METRO’s Innovative Motorcoach Operator of the Year Award, which was presented at this year’s American Bus Association Marketplace. In our latest edition of METROspectives, OK TOURS COO Marcos Sarmiento joins METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman to discuss what helped his company earn the award and much more.
January 24, 2025
Virginia, Minn.’s Arrowhead Transit is the second largest rural public transit system in the U.S. In our latest edition of METROspectives, Arrowhead Tranit’s Dominick Olivanti and Colette Hanson join METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman to discuss public transit from a rural provider perspective.
January 23, 2025
In six years, Nashville’s WeGo Transit was able to lick their wounds after a soundly beaten ballot measure to pass a substantial referendum last November.
