Adam Barth has been with the Fairbanks North Star Borough for 4 years, managing the MACS Transit and Van Tran system. Coming into this position, he saw some areas needing improvement and committed to make them better. These projects include a simplification of the MACS Transit routes, new bus stop signs and schedules, and new routes to previously uncovered areas of Fairbanks, including the Fort Wainwright army post. These improvements have resulted in a ridership increase of 30 percent, from 383,000 trips in 2010 to a more than 500,000 trips this year.
Barth has been dedicated to this position, continually looking at ways to improve the operation by providing convenient, easy-to-understand and frequent bus service for the residents and visitors of the borough.
Barth is currently working on establishing an AVL system for the transit fleet that will enable customers to see where their bus is located. This new technology addition will further spur the ridership growth in Fairbanks, as customers will not need to stand in the extreme cold temperatures as long during the winter months.
He has worked in the State of Alaska Department of Transportation and other private land owners to construct bus stop shelters throughout the system, with the first group scheduled for construction this summer.
He’s involved in transit statewide with the Alaska Mobility Coalition, and is currently serving on its board of directors as vice president. He’s also been heavily involved with regional coordination plans to bring transit providers together both in Fairbanks and Interior Alaska.
He’s involved in transit statewide with the Alaska Mobility Coalition, and is currently serving on its board of directors as vice president. He’s also been heavily involved with regional coordination plans to bring transit together providers both in Fairbanks and Interior Alaska.
Barth is known statewide as source of transportation experience in both the public and private sectors as he worked for 10 years in the cruise and tour industry prior to coming to the borough. Prior to transit Barth worked for Holland America Line as a manager overseeing the land tour operation in Fairbanks, which involved a seasonal fleet of buses and drivers, taking Alaskan visitors all over the state.
Barth also led the effort to arrange and plan the transportation for the Arctic Winter Games held in Fairbanks in March 2014. This involved setting up a transit system for more than 2,000 athletes from the United States, Canada, Greenland, Russia and Norway, to get them to sport and accommodation venues scattered across Fairbanks. The games were a success, and he received numerous accolades for a well-run transportation system.
“The public transit industry is rapidly becoming more accepted and utilized. As systems become more frequent, simple and easy to understand, people will see that public transit is a viable mode that gives freedom to travel when they want to travel.
“As I ride the bus in Fairbanks talking with drivers and customers, I see the impact that MACS Transit has on everyday people. Knowing that many people rely on it drives me to make it the best. I like being a part of this growing industry, especially the growing system we have in Fairbanks.”
