BARRY S. BLAND
Virginia Beach,USA
Summary
Results-driven leader in transit services specializing in technology integration to boost operational performance. Experienced in managing diverse teams across multiple sites, enhancing service quality and customer satisfaction. Skilled in contract management and financial oversight, promoting sustainable growth and adherence to industry standards.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Contract Services Director
HAMPTON ROADS TRANSIT
Norfolk, VA
01.2024 - Current
- Oversaw contractor services for paratransit, ferry, express, and micro transit, ensuring seamless operations.
- Led transition from previous contractor to new vendor, minimizing service disruption.
- Improved on time performance to 95% in relatively short period.
- Managed asset purchases, budgets, performance and data reporting to Commission.
- Coordinated communication with advisory committees and local groups to align service delivery with community needs.
- Serving the Cities of Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach
Assistant Superintendent of Transit Operations
BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION OPERATIONS
, FL
01.2019 - 01.2024
- Provided leadership to a large operating facility with 700 employees & 300 transit vehicles.
- Oversaw control room operations for transit and express routes, ensuring efficient service delivery.
- Leveraged new technologies to enhance on-time performance and optimize operator management.
- Coached and enforced discipline for bargaining unit operators, supervisors, and dispatchers to maintain operational standards.
- The second largest transit agency in the State of FL
General Manager
MTM (Medical Transportation Management) & RIDE RIGHT
Naples, FL
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Provided management and administrative oversight to the Public Transit agency in Collier County FL including dispatching, planning, marketing, customer service, scheduling, and reporting for all agency transportation services.
- Improved fixed route on time performance 10% to high 80% and paratransit performance 9% to 95%.
- Added new technologies to ADA and fixed route service to manage drivers and improve performance.
- Developed processes and reports for accident/incident reporting, performance data, and fare reconciliation to enhance operational effectiveness.
- Led travel training programs to educate public on fixed route services.
- Established reputation as national leader in brokerage and transportation management services for clients.
Consultant
SELF EMPLOYED
Chicago, IL
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Consulted public transit agency on performance improvement, new technologies, service revisions, and contractor performance management, enhancing service delivery.
- Led technical and cost proposal process for complex transit RFP response in Washington DC, ensuring alignment with agency objectives.
- Directed compliance efforts for public transit agency with FTA reporting guidelines on NTD, asset management, and system safety programs, mitigating risks.
- Provided expert consulting services
General Manager
SCR TRANSPORTATION INC.
Chicago, IL
01.2009 - 01.2017
- Directed the vehicle, call center and driver operations for a 1,300 employee, 500 vehicles, $70 million profit center operation providing transportation services to the disabled community in Chicago, IL.
- Led the management operations team to top-performing status while growing both the service and contract revenue by double-digit numbers, providing over 1.5 million annual trips, 5000 per day.
- Increased productivity and on-time performance by 10% in first year through implementation of best practices and new technology.
- Enhanced claim results by 50% in first year by establishing a new safety culture within the organization.
- Developed new business through RFP process and managed joint venture with UBER, overseeing start-ups for Chicago Public Schools, regional call center, and Chicago Colleges.
- The largest and recognized leader of paratransit services in Chicago, IL
Vice President of Operations
ART’S TRANSPORTATION
Chicago, IL
01.2008 - 12.2008
- Initially hired as a consultant with responsibility for the turnaround of the company’s operations including dispatch, driver/vehicle operations, and call center functions of a high-volume service to the ADA community.
- Managed drivers, call center, dispatch, and vehicle operations providing over 300,000 annual trips.
- Developed performance improvement standards and company policies, enhancing operational consistency.
- Implemented technologies in vehicles, scheduling, and customer call center, streamlining service delivery.
- Developed performance improvement standards, company policies and procedures.
- Implemented operational efficiencies, enabling achievement of profit objectives.
- A leading provider of ADA paratransit services in Chicago, IL.
Regional Operations Manager
FIRST GROUP AMERICA
Cincinnati, OH
01.2004 - 12.2008
- Assumed full operational and financial responsibilities as the director of a $70 million region with 7 locations, 1,300 vehicles, and 1,500 employees in the Chicago land area.
- Directed labor relations for union and non-union locations, resolving grievances and overseeing arbitrations to ensure smooth operations.
- Led the region in customer satisfaction and new business development through the proposal/bid process.
- Managed team development programs in the areas of planning, safety, recruitment, vehicle maintenance, new technology, budgeting, personnel, and customer service.
- Managed team development programs in planning, safety, recruitment, vehicle maintenance, new technology, budgeting, personnel, and customer service to enhance workforce capabilities.
- Directed implementation of complex contracts and staff development initiatives, aligning with company policies to consistently exceed performance standards.
- The world’s largest provider of passenger transportation services.
President & Chief Executive Officer
INDIANAPOLIS PUBLIC TRANSIT CORPORATION
Indianapolis, USA
01.1997 - 12.2001
- Retained by the Indianapolis Public Transit Authority to provide leadership as CEO of the Authority and all operating departments including Finance, Governmental Relations, Human Resources, Marketing, Purchasing, Planning, Transportation Operations, and Vehicle/Facility Maintenance. Reported to a seven member politically appointed Board of Directors.
- Managed $90MM budget, 400+ union work force, 200+ transit vehicles, and 3 operating facilities.
- Achieved $1.5MM in cost reductions in initial year, preserving fixed route service levels.
- Increased ADA ridership by 50% and rides per hour in the program by 60%.
- Coordinated intergovernmental agreements to replace aging fleet and acquired capital and discretionary funds ($25MM) to purchase 73 fixed route and 25 para-transit vehicles.
- Re-negotiated labor, pension, and work rule agreements to restructure costs.
- Led company through major transitions, including privatization of union-led services, negotiated employee early retirement due to funding losses, and re-organized public transit structure as INDYGO.
- Improved system-wide delivery of services; implemented new services and established quality performance standards for on time, vehicle maintenance, and customer service departments.
- Increased annual ridership in the system 57% in a five-year period from 7 to 11 million.
- Completed a five-year regional public transportation strategic plan for the city and surrounding areas.
Vice President of Operations
MAYFLOWER CONTRACT SERVICES, INC.
Overland Park, KS
01.1992 - 12.1995
- Directed the company’s largest, most profitable division of 30 transportation units in the Midwest and Northeast employing 1600+ employees, with 1300 vehicles generating $40MM in revenue.
- Implemented financial reporting procedures and developed action plans to exceed annual profit and performance goals.
- Created and led management development programs in planning, safety, vehicle maintenance, budgeting, personnel, and customer service, enhancing profits, operational efficiencies, safety, and client satisfaction.
- Developed customer quality assurance system, retaining 100% of client contracts and added new business in Missouri, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Illinois, and Rhode Island by active involvement in the bid/sales process.
- Initiated innovative safety culture for all employees resulting in a 25% reduction in safety related incidents, claims and dollars.
- Directed labor relations for five union contracts, managing grievances, negotiations, and arbitrations.
- Managed all communication with media during positive and negative situations including interest stories, accidents, lawsuits, and other issues.
- A leading provider of private contracted transportation services in the US.
Education
B.S. - EDUCATION/BUSINESS
OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY
NORFOLK, VIRGINIASkills
- Contract management
- Contract negotiation
- Budget oversight
- Performance reporting
- Asset management
- Transportation management
- Technology integration
Affiliations
- Member, American Public Transportation Association
- Member, Indiana State Transportation Association
- Member, National School Transportation Association
Professional Development
- Extensive Corporation, APTA, NTI, and FTA Management Development Programs and Seminars
- Dale Carnegie Course in Human Relations and Effective Speaking
Timeline
Contract Services Director
HAMPTON ROADS TRANSIT
01.2024 - Current
Assistant Superintendent of Transit Operations
BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION OPERATIONS
01.2019 - 01.2024
General Manager
MTM (Medical Transportation Management) & RIDE RIGHT
01.2018 - 01.2019
Consultant
SELF EMPLOYED
01.2017 - 01.2018
General Manager
SCR TRANSPORTATION INC.
01.2009 - 01.2017
Vice President of Operations
ART’S TRANSPORTATION
01.2008 - 12.2008
Regional Operations Manager
FIRST GROUP AMERICA
01.2004 - 12.2008
President & Chief Executive Officer
INDIANAPOLIS PUBLIC TRANSIT CORPORATION
01.1997 - 12.2001
Vice President of Operations
MAYFLOWER CONTRACT SERVICES, INC.
01.1992 - 12.1995
B.S. - EDUCATION/BUSINESS
OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY