AZ: Sun Van Employee Selected as Inclusive Coordinated Transportation Catalyst

Sabrina Herrera, operations and scheduling manager at Sun Van, the paratransit system in Tucson, Ariz., was recently selected as an inclusive coordinated transportation catalyst in the National Knowledge Sharing Network.

As a catalyst, the 57 nationally selected leaders bring a range of experiences, approaches and expertise to support colleagues from the 17 communities awarded grant funding to improve coordinated transportation services for older adults and persons with disabilities. Funding for these projects is provided by the Strengthening Inclusive Coordinated Transportation Partnerships to Promote Community Living, a project of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.

“Ms. Herrera has worked in the public transportation industry in Tucson since 1990 in various positions, including coach operator, dispatch supervisor, road supervisor and operations coordinator,” said Kate Riley, general manager. “Her experience makes her very knowledgeable on the inner workings of a transit system and an asset to the Catalyst team.”

Qualities required to be an inclusive coordinated transportation catalyst include: demonstrating an inclusive approach to working with older adults and persons with disabilities, a transportation rider or planner previously involved in an inclusive community transportation improvement project and demonstrated success at gathering input or ideas from select audiences.

“Not only is this an opportunity for Ms. Herrera to showcase her experiences and expertise, it’s an opportunity to network with and learn from a nationwide audience to continue improving our transit services here,” said Riley.