Arlington, VA — The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) is proud to announce its newly elected Board of Directors for the 2026–2028 term. This distinguished group of leaders reflects the complexity of the modern transportation ecosystem, representing a strategic blend of state Departments of Transportation (DOTs), major transit agencies, and leading private-sector engineering and consulting firms.

Collectively, this board brings over 300 years of combined expertise in infrastructure delivery, transit operations, policy advocacy, and workforce development to advance COMTO’s mission of ensuring transportation serves all. 

“This board is intentionally structured to bridge the gap between policy makers and industry practitioners,” said the incoming Board Chair Dr. Lester Woods Jr., “By uniting leaders from state DOTs, transit agencies, and private firms, we are uniquely positioned to address the most pressing challenges in our industry—from project delivery to workforce retention — ensuring that the future of our nation’s mobility is accessible for all.” 

2026-2028 Board of Directors:

Board Chair: Dr. Lester Woods, Jr., Executive Consultant, First Last Mile Valet Transportation Services (former Chief Administrative Officer, MoDOT)

1st Vice Chair: Kimberly Haynes-Slaughter, Sr. Vice President, Transportation Leader, North America, TYLin 

2nd Vice Chair: Sharon Jean-Baptiste, President, Ardmore Roderick 

Secretary/Treasurer: David Wong, Transportation Business Group Client Development Director, HDR, Inc 

Immediate Past Chair: Tanya Adams, Sr. Vice President, Director, Strategic Partnership, WSP, USA 

Member At-Large: Nancy Daubenberger, Commissioner, Minnesota DOT 

Member At-Large: Garrett T. Eucalitto, Commissioner, Connecticut DOT 

Member At-Large: Debra Johnson, General Manager & CEO, Denver RTD 

Member At-Large: Dr. Karen Philbrick, Executive Director, Mineta Transportation Institute 

Member At-Large: Veronica Vanterpool, Sr. Vice President, Americas Transit Lead, AECOM 

COP Representative: Charlotte Shaw, CEO, MAX Transit 

COP Representative: Edna Stanley, Deputy COO, Transit Service Delivery, LAMETRO 

COP Representative Alternate: Brenda Nnambi, Director of Equity in Contracting, Sound Transit 

The post Shaw Named on 2026-2028 COMTO National Board of Directors appeared first on MAX Transit.

Beginning July 1, MAX Transit is launching MAX On-Demand in Irondale and Homewood—a flexible, app-based transportation service designed to give residents a convenient new way to travel throughout the community.

This pilot program is proudly funded by the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, whose investment is helping expand access to transportation and connect more people to opportunity throughout the Irondale community.

What is MAX On-Demand?

Unlike a traditional fixed bus route, MAX On-Demand allows riders to request trips when they need them through the MAX Connect mobile app.

Simply download the app, request a ride, and a MAX On-Demand vehicle will pick you up and take you to destinations within the Irondale and Homewood service zones.

Where can you go?

MAX On-Demand connects riders to many of the places residents visit most, including:

• Walmart Supercenter
• Publix
• Downtown Irondale
• Irondale Public Library
• Ruffner Mountain
• Amazon
• FedEx Ground
• Woodlawn Transit Center
• Senior Center
• Local businesses and more

Whether you’re heading to work, grocery shopping, meeting friends, or spending the afternoon outdoors, MAX On-Demand is designed to make those trips easier.

Designed for everyday life

The new service offers convenient transportation for:

• Daily commuters
• Warehouse and shift workers
• Seniors
• Families
• Students
• Visitors
• Anyone looking for an easy way to travel around Irondale

MAX On-Demand also strengthens connections to the broader MAX Transit network through Woodlawn Transit Center, making it easier to continue your trip across the Birmingham region.

Explore more without the parking hassle

One unique feature of the Irondale zone is access to Ruffner Mountain, giving riders an easy way to enjoy one of the area’s premier outdoor destinations without worrying about parking.

Whether you’re planning a weekend hike, meeting friends, or simply looking to spend time outside, nature is now just a ride away.

Getting started is easy

Ready to ride?

1. Download the MAX Connect app.
2. Create your account.
3. Enter promo code IRONDALE to redeem your promotional ride offer. For Homewood riders enter promo code 2FREEHOMEWOOD.
4. Request your first trip.

A partnership focused on mobility

MAX Transit, the Cities of Irondale and Homewood, and the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham share a commitment to expanding transportation options that improve quality of life, strengthen workforce access, and better connect residents to the places they need to go.

By investing in innovative mobility solutions like MAX On-Demand, this partnership is helping make transportation more accessible while supporting the continued growth of the Irondale community.

A new way to connect Irondale and Homewood

MAX On-Demand is about more than transportation—it’s about improving access to jobs, shopping, recreation, healthcare, education, and community resources.

From your morning commute to your weekend adventure, MAX On-Demand is ready when you are.

To learn more about MAX On-Demand and download the MAX Connect app, visit maxtransit.org.

The post New MAX On-Demand service launches in Irondale and Homewood, making it easier than ever to get around town appeared first on MAX Transit.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala– The Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) has been selected by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Build America Bureau to receive $1 million through the Innovative Finance and Asset Concession (IFAC) Grant Program. 

The award will provide 100% federally funded technical assistance over a 36-month period to help BJCTA evaluate innovative redevelopment and financing opportunities across key agency-owned assets while strengthening long-term financial sustainability and expanding community benefit opportunities. 

Through the grant, BJCTA will procure specialized advisory support to analyze public-private partnership (P3) opportunities, innovative financing strategies, and transit-oriented development (TOD) concepts for three strategic properties in Birmingham: 

• CrossPlex West Transit Center (4812 Avenue W.) 
• Central Station Transit Center (1735 Morris Avenue) 
• Intermodal Administrative Building (1801 Morris Avenue) 

The initiative will focus on identifying opportunities to maximize underutilized space, generate sustainable revenue streams, improve community connectivity, and support long-term transit investment. 

“This award represents more than funding, it is an investment in the future of transit and community development in Birmingham,” said Charlotte Shaw, CEO of BJCTA. “Being selected among only 45 recipients nationwide affirms that innovative thinking can happen at agencies of every size. This grant allows us to explore transformative opportunities that strengthen our system financially while creating meaningful value for our riders and the communities we serve.” 

The project will include market and demand analysis, financial feasibility modeling, public-private partnership structuring, value capture strategies, community engagement, and implementation planning designed to support future redevelopment opportunities. 

Potential outcomes include: 
• Identification of new revenue-generating opportunities to strengthen transit operations 
• Expanded mixed-use and community-focused development opportunities 
• Enhanced connectivity and rider experience around transit hubs 
• Evaluation of affordable commercial and community-serving uses 
• Development of procurement and partnership frameworks for future investment 

BJCTA’s approach is designed to ensure that redevelopment strategies remain grounded in community priorities and equitable outcomes while positioning the agency to pursue future capital and financing opportunities. 

The grant-funded work will be completed in phases over three years and will include engagement with local stakeholders, public meetings, technical analysis, and final strategic recommendations. 

“As transit agencies continue to evolve, we must think differently about how we leverage public assets to create lasting impact,” Shaw added. “This effort positions BJCTA to continue delivering mobility solutions while strengthening Birmingham’s economic and community landscape.” 

Additional information about the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fiscal Years 2024–2026 Innovative Finance and Asset Concession (IFAC) Grant Program award selections is available below: 

• Recipient List: FY24-26 IFAC Award List.pdf. 
• U.S. DOT Announcement: Trump’s Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Invests $47 Million to Get America Building Again with Public-Private Partnership Engagement | US Department of Transportation 

The post BJCTA Selected to Receive $1 Million Through U.S. DOT’s Innovative Finance and Asset Concession (IFAC) Grant Program  appeared first on MAX Transit.

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The Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA), doing business as MAX Transit, invites community members, stakeholders, and partners to join us on June 25 as we celebrate the groundbreaking of our new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueling station in Forestdale.

This milestone event marks the beginning of a transformative project that will help shape the future of public transportation in Birmingham and Jefferson County. Supported by a $13.6 million Low or No Emission and Bus and Bus Facilities Grant, the new facility represents a significant investment in cleaner energy, safer operations, and long-term sustainability for our region.

Designed to support modern transit operations and an evolving fleet, the facility will strengthen MAX Transit’s ability to provide reliable service while reducing environmental impact and preparing for future transportation technologies.

Event Details

CNG Groundbreaking Ceremony

Theme: Driving Toward a Greener Future

Date: June 25, 2026

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Location: 973 Forestdale Blvd.

Guests will hear remarks from community leaders and project partners before participating in the ceremonial groundbreaking.

This investment is about more than infrastructure. It is about creating a stronger, more sustainable transit system that connects people to opportunities while supporting the continued growth of our region.

We hope you will join us as we celebrate this exciting milestone and take the next step toward a cleaner, greener future for Birmingham and Jefferson County.

The post MAX Transit Invites the Community to Celebrate CNG Groundbreaking Ceremony appeared first on MAX Transit.

MAX On-Demand is a shared ride, app-based transit service designed to provide convenient transportation within designated zones while connecting riders to essential destinations and the broader MAX Transit network.

In addition to the Downtown zone’s Saturday launch, the following MAX On-Demand zones will continue operating with existing Saturday service hours:

• Mountain Brook Zone: 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

• East & Airport Zones: 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

• North Birmingham Zone: 5:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

The return of downtown Saturday service is part of MAX Transit’s continued commitment to improving accessibility, expanding mobility options, and meeting the evolving transportation needs of the community.

“Transportation needs do not stop at the end of the workweek,” said Charlotte Shaw, Executive Director/CEO of MAX Transit. “The return of the Saturday downtown MAX On-Demand service helps create greater access to jobs, shopping, appointments, entertainment, and other important weekend destinations for our riders. We are committed to building a transit system that offers flexibility, convenience, and connectivity for the communities we serve.”

Riders can book trips directly through the MAX Connect mobile app, available for download on Apple and Android devices or call customer service at (205) 521-0101. The app allows users to schedule rides, track vehicles in real time, and access additional MAX Transit services all in one place.

Service Details:
• Service: MAX On-Demand Downtown Zone
• Effective Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026
• Operating Hours: Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Booking Method: MAX Connect mobile app or call customer service at 205.521.0101

For more information about MAX On-Demand service zones, booking instructions, and transit services, visit MAXTransit.org or download the MAX Connect app.

The post MAX Transit Announces Expanded Saturday Service for MAX On-Demand Beginning June 6 appeared first on MAX Transit.

Passengers can utilize fixed-route buses, the Magic City Connector, or the Birmingham Xpress to reach their designated polling places without any fare. This initiative aims to eliminate transportation barriers and encourage civic engagement among residents of Birmingham and Jefferson County.

“We know that reliable transportation plays an important role in civic participation,” said Amanda Hare, Director of Marketing & Communications at MAX Transit. “By offering complimentary rides on Election Day once again, we are helping ensure that residents across our community have accessible transportation options as they head to the polls to make their voices heard.”

For more information about routes and schedules, please visit the BJCTA website at maxtransit.org or contact their customer service at 205.521.0101.

The post MAX Transit Announces Complimentary Rides for Election Day appeared first on MAX Transit.

MAX Transit is pleased to announce several major transit improvements coming to North Birmingham in Birmingham, all designed to make service more frequent, more connected and easier to use.

Here’s what’s new:

NEW: Route 24 Fairmont–Collegeville
Route 24 will replace Routes 23 and 40, creating a more streamlined and efficient connection between Fairmont and Collegeville. This means simpler service and more direct trips for riders.

Expanded Service to North Birmingham Library
The Magic City Connector will now serve the North Birmingham Library, improving access to an important community resource.

More Frequent Service at North Birmingham Shopping Center
Riders traveling to and from the North Birmingham Shopping Center will now see service every 15 minutes, thanks to combined coverage from Route 24 and Route 90 (Magic City Connector). Less waiting, more convenience.

NEW: Microtransit Zone for Hooper City & Harriman Homes
A new microtransit zone will provide flexible, on-demand service in Hooper City and Harriman Homes—expanding access and offering more options where traditional routes may be limited.

These updates represent a continued investment in better transit for North Birmingham, focused on reliability, accessibility and meeting the needs of the community.

The post MAX Transit Makes Changes to North Birmingham Routes Beginning May 18 appeared first on MAX Transit.

The post MAX Transit Launches New Mobile App with Community Celebration at Central Station appeared first on MAX Transit.

The on-board wellness experience will once again take place from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. along the Central Station to Woodlawn Birmingham Express (BRT) route, meeting riders where they are with accessible mental wellness resources.

Originally introduced during the holiday season, Mindful Mondays was designed to create space for reflection and stress management in a familiar, everyday setting. As the series continues, BJCTA remains committed to normalizing conversations around mental health while integrating wellness into the rider experience.

During the session, licensed therapist Dana “Woo” Woodruff of Heal on Wheelz will:

1. Lead guided breathing and grounding exercises
2. Share practical tools for managing daily stress and emotional fatigue
3. Offer supportive, informal engagement with riders
4. Promote mental wellness in a welcoming, judgment-free environment

“Public transit is more than a mode of transportation—it’s a touchpoint for connection, care, and community,” said Amanda Hare, Director of Marketing & Communications for BJCTA. “Continuing Mindful Mondays allows us to meet our riders in meaningful ways, supporting not just where they’re going, but how they’re feeling along the way.”

This initiative reflects BJCTA’s broader commitment to enhancing the rider experience through thoughtful, community-centered programming that prioritizes both access and well-being.

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