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1801 Morris Avenue, Birmingham AL 35203 +1 (205) 521-0101

BJCTA’s MAX Foundation Partners with Heal on Wheelz to Offer “Mindful Mondays” Wellness Sessions for Riders

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November 14, 2025

- Announcements, Blog, General Information, News Releases

Image with text that says Mindful Monday - Monday, November 17


The Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) is launching a new wellness initiative aimed at helping riders manage stress during the busy holiday season. In partnership with Heal on Wheelz, a local nonprofit dedicated to bringing mental wellness resources directly into the community, MAX Transit will host two “Mindful Mondays” sessions on board a regularly scheduled MAX Transit route.

The on-board wellness experience will take place on Monday, November 17 and Monday, December 8, beginning at 8:00 a.m., and ending at 11:00 a.m on the Central Station to Woodlawn Birmingham Express (BRT) route.

As part of BJCTA’s MAX Foundation’s continued effort to support the whole well-being of its riders, the partnership is designed to gently introduce mental wellness practices in a welcoming and approachable environment. Given that therapy and mental health conversations still carry stigma in some communities, these sessions aim to create a safe, accessible space for riders to learn about stress relief techniques without pressure or judgment.

During the ride, licensed therapist, Dana “Woo” Woodruff from Heal on Wheelz will:

– Guide riders through simple breathing and grounding exercises
– Share practical tips for managing holiday-related stress
– Engage in light, supportive conversations to help riders begin their week feeling centered
– Encourage mental wellness awareness in a comfortable, no-pressure setting

“Public transit connects people to opportunity, and this partnership helps us connect riders to something just as important—peace of mind,” said Amanda Hare, Marketing & Communications Manager of BJCTA. “We know the holidays can be stressful, and we want to support our community in every way we can, including emotionally.”

“Mindful Mondays” aligns with BJCTA’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the rider experience and providing holistic support to the communities it serves.

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BJCTA Announces Homewood Transit Service Changes Beginning October 27, 2025

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October 21, 2025

- Announcements, Blog, General Information, Public Notice

The Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) is notifying riders of upcoming Homewood transit service changes that will take effect on October 27, 2025, due to budget reductions in the City of Homewood’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget. 

These adjustments are a direct result of local funding levels and were not made internally by BJCTA. 

“We understand how important access to reliable transit is for the people we serve,” said Charlotte Shaw, CEO and Executive Director of BJCTA. “These adjustments are not choices we wanted to make but are necessary due to budget reductions. BJCTA will continue to advocate for strong transit solutions that meet the needs of Homewood residents and the broader region.” 

Why This Change Is Happening 

The impacted Homewood bus route was launched in 2023 at the request of City of Homewood leadership, who sought to expand public transportation options for local residents. Since then, MAX Transit has proudly operated the service, helping riders connect to jobs, schools, healthcare and other key destinations throughout Jefferson County. 

As part of BJCTA’s 70/30 Mobility Plan, the Authority also proposed bringing MAX On-Demand to Homewood, a flexible, app-based transportation service that has improved mobility in other cities like Mountain Brook and Hoover. While Homewood declined this option at the time, MAX On-Demand could still provide significant benefits for local riders if implemented in the future. 

BJCTA’s Ongoing Commitment to Riders 

At BJCTA, we believe that public transit is more than a service. It’s a lifeline. It connects people to opportunity, strengthens communities, and enhances regional mobility. Despite current funding challenges, BJCTA remains fully committed to its mission of providing reliable, equitable transit service across Jefferson County. Over the coming months, BJCTA will launch a public awareness campaign to help Homewood riders prepare for the upcoming service changes. The campaign will:
– Notify riders about route adjustments and service reductions
– Provide alternative travel options using other MAX Transit routes
– Share information on how to plan trips and access nearby services 

Looking Ahead 

BJCTA’s vision is to create a stronger, more connected region through sustainable and accessible transportation. Even when faced with budget constraints, the Authority continues to explore ways to expand mobility, from innovative options like MAX On-Demand to ongoing improvements across traditional routes. Riders are encouraged to stay updated by visiting maxtransit.org or following MAX Transit on social media for the latest service alerts and rider information.

Download FAQs here

 

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Announcements, Blog, News Releases

BJCTA Executive Director/CEO Tapped for BBJ’s Mentoring Monday Networking Event

By on

February 17, 2025

- Announcements, Blog, News Releases

 

Birmingham’s business community is set to witness a significant mentorship event as the Birmingham Business Journal (BBJ) prepares to host its Mentoring Monday on February 24, 2025. This event will bring together nearly 30 accomplished businesswomen, including Charlotte Shaw, the Executive Director and CEO of the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA), to share their expertise with the next generation of female leaders. 

  

The Mentoring Monday event, scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m., will take the form of a happy hour mentoring session. It aims to create a platform where established businesswomen can impart valuable insights and knowledge to up-and-coming female professionals in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. 

  

Charlotte Shaw’s participation in this event is particularly noteworthy. As the leader of BJCTA since October 2021, Shaw has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a commitment to community development. Her involvement in Mentoring Monday aligns with her philosophy of creating opportunities for others to grow and develop, which she considers a fundamental part of her mission. 

  

Event Details and Significance 

  

Mentoring Monday is part of a larger initiative by American City Bizwomen, with over 40 markets participating nationwide. The event offers various formats for interaction, including speed networking and roundtable discussions. These sessions are designed to provide participants with networking opportunities and constructive feedback, essential elements for professional growth in today’s business landscape. 

  

Shaw’s participation in this event is a testament to her commitment to fostering leadership and community engagement. Throughout her career, she has emphasized the importance of creating leaders and providing opportunities for people to better themselves. Her experience in managing large-scale projects and budgets, coupled with her ability to navigate challenges in a predominantly male industry, makes her an invaluable mentor for aspiring businesswomen. 

  

Impact on Birmingham’s Business Community 

  

Events like Mentoring Monday play a crucial role in shaping the future of Birmingham’s business landscape. By facilitating connections between established leaders like Charlotte Shaw and emerging professionals, the BBJ is contributing to the development of a more diverse and dynamic business community. This aligns with the ongoing transformation of Birmingham that Shaw herself has observed and embraced since moving to the city. 

  

For those interested in participating in this transformative event, registration is available online. Additionally, prospective attendees can visit the event’s website to learn more about this year’s mentors and their diverse backgrounds. 

  

As Birmingham continues to evolve and grow, initiatives like Mentoring Monday, supported by leaders such as Charlotte Shaw, are instrumental in ensuring that the city’s business community remains vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking.

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