- One word to describe yourself: Unconventional
- Alma Mater: Northwestern State University
- Favorite book: “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry
- Favorite TV show: “Power”
- Favorite movie: “Lean on Me”
- Favorite hobby(s): Outdoors adventures, playing musical instruments and traveling
- Fun fact about yourself: I can play many different musical instruments.
- Favorite station or stop that you have ever visited or frequent (and why): Union Station New York – You always hear about it, but to stand in the building is all so real.
- Favorite route you have ever ridden or frequent (and why): Pacific Surfliner in California. This line provides amazing view and the best peace nature has to offer.
Dinero’ Washington was raised in the Shreveport, La., area and attended Caddo Parish schools before graduating from Captain Shreve High School and attending Northwestern State University where he earned two degrees, as well as his MPA. He joined Metro Management Inc. and Shreveport Transit Management Inc. (SporTran) in January 2011 and worked in various transit roles, which led to his appointment as president and chief executive officer in January 2015. His traces his belief in the power of hard work back to his parents, whose faith and work ethics imparted values in Washington that have become his guiding principles.
While at the helm of SporTran, Washington has led a successful implementation of a four-year strategic plan, completed a transit development plan-study, established a transit resource center, as well as a light duty autonomous vehicle maintenance facility and opened three new transit passenger facilities in Shreveport-Bossier. New bus routing and scheduling – the first in more than a quarter of a century –resulted in monthly ridership increases in the past two years. Washington advocated and received funding to replace most of the fleet with new 35-foot and 40-foot compressed natural gas and electric buses.
The transit system has also undergone a technology shift under Washington’s tenure, including the implementation of a “Where is My Bus System” for desktop and mobile tracking, a mobile and smart card ticketing system, an integrated passenger website, a passenger text alert system and an IVR phone system to manage calls.
Outside of his daily work to positively impact riders in the Shreveport-Bossier area, he volunteers his time on several boards, including serving as president of the Louisiana Public Transportation Association, board member on the South West Transit Association (SWTA), board member on Louisiana Clean Fuels and he is a member of Phi Beta Sigma.
Washington’s efforts have been recognized with many awards including the SWTA President’s Award for his outstanding service to the public transit industry; Routematch Urban Transit System of the Year; 2016 Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Shreveport-Bossier Top 40 under 40; 2017 Shreveport-Bossier-DeSoto African American Leadership Award; 2018 Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Top Business Professional; and the 2018 City of Shreveport Outstanding Leadership Award.
“One of the many qualities I enjoy most about working with SporTran is the awesome people who are all connected by their desire to provide exceptional customer experience. As a transit system, we are committed to going above and beyond the call of duty, and together, we are creating a culture where customer service is the top priority. My mission daily is to impact the lives of citizens in the Shreveport-Bossier region in a positive way. It’s extremely satisfying.”
“My biggest professional accomplishment is the team of leaders and employees that we have assembled at SporTran. They work tirelessly to promote public transit and create new options/opportunities for the citizens in our community.”
“Always keep an open mind and a humble heart [to] open doors to unexpected opportunities.”
