June 27: Metro transit authority buying more buses, hiring new employees

Metro’s June board meeting focused on improving public transportation and addressing operational challenges. The board approved the purchase of 26 new fixed-route buses through a competitive agreement with the state of Washington, with unanimous support (Resolution 2024-18). The new buses may arrive as early as December 2025. CEO Lauren Cencic emphasized that this initiative is critical to resolving the current bus shortage and enhancing overall fleet efficiency.

Human capital and talent development director, Dewan Grant, provided a recruitment update, announcing eight new team members in May and 10 more set to start in June. These hires include bus operators and maintenance staff, bolstering Metro’s workforce. The board also voted unanimously to appoint new members to the Salaried Pension Retirement Committee and the Hourly Pension Retirement Committee, further strengthening Metro’s governance. Grant highlighted Metro’s collaboration with the Communications and Civil Rights Inclusion departments, facilitating transportation for events like Cinco de Mayo and Juneteenth, which helped to increase public engagement and service delivery.

Interim DEO Kevin Pendland reported on initiatives to enhance the rider experience, including a new safety training program for bus operators and a partnership with a third-party contractor to redesign operational procedures for a more “customer-centric” approach.. The next board meeting is scheduled for July 25.

Meeting documented by Elle Nina Love

To read the full meeting notes, click here.

By Omaha Documenters

Omaha Documenters is a program that empowers citizens to actively participate in local governance by documenting public meetings. This initiative enhances transparency and accountability by making critical information accessible to the community, fostering informed public discourse, and promoting civic engagement. Through its network of dedicated Documenters, the program bridges the gap between government entities and the public, ensuring that decisions affecting the community are transparent and inclusive. For more information and to get involved, visit documenters.org.

By Leah Keinama

Leah Wambui Keinama boasts a robust professional journey, commencing as a systems engineer and integrator within the software industry. In this capacity, she excelled in the conception, design, construction, and deployment of software systems, adeptly managing projects from inception to completion. Transitioning into the nonprofit realm, Leah directed her expertise towards enhancing food systems, with a particular emphasis on soil health, regenerative agriculture, and bolstering food accessibility while fostering resilient communities. Her repertoire includes comprehensive program design skills coupled with a profound commitment to community engagement. Leah's fervor for cultivating networks and forging meaningful connections underscores her dedication to advancing organizational goals.

1 Comment

I wonder the need for more busses? Every time I go by a bus it is nearly empty, even during rush hours.

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