As we continue to work toward the new year, First Transit predicts that the industry will see:
- A continued trend toward contracting, with cities to outsource their transportation operations.
- Technology becoming more important than ever, with advances safety and environmental sustainability.
How organizations operate is becoming more imperative as everyone works tirelessly through the current economic recession. With many transit organizations working against budget deficits, we believe more will consider the benefits outsourcing adds to their operations.
In 2010, First Transit assumed operating responsibility for fixed route operations for North County Transit District (NCTD). NCTD was faced with possible budget deficits as a result of a loss of $30 million in state funding. As a result of contracting with First Transit, NCTD has been able to achieve a balanced budget for the 2010 – 2011 year without sacrificing service, safety or customer service.
As more transit organizations look to improve service, efficiency and environmental impact, technology to reduce fuel consumption and emissions will be important factors for all publicly managed transportation organizations and contracted systems in 2011.
First Transit is proud of our talented employees throughout North America, the services we provide and the value we’ve brought to our customers this year. We believe there is much to improve upon. We look forward to continuous improvement in 2011 and wish all of the Mass Transit readers a safe holiday season.
Company Profile
For more than 50 years, First Transit has provided our customers industry leading transit management and contracting services to meet their budgetary needs. While our customers (transit agencies, state transportation departments, airports and universities) vary in their core business structure, their common need is to operate at an affordable price while also making safety of the utmost importance.?
BIO
BRADLEY A. THOMAS
President, First Transit and First Services
A 16-year transportation industry veteran, Brad previously served as president of Coach USA Transit Services, where he was responsible for all aspects of the company’s transit division. In 2003, Coach USA Transit Services was acquired by First Transit, and Brad was named senior vice president of the East Region.
In 2009, Brad was promoted to president of First Transit and First Services. First Transit employs 15,800 professionals and transports more than 300 million passengers annually on 10,800 vehicles. First Services employs 3,320 individuals and maintains approximately 43,000 vehicles and pieces of equipment throughout North America.
