The post Rep. Terri Sewell to Present $25 Million Ceremonial Check to BJCTA appeared first on MAX Transit.

BJCTA Announces New Board Leadership

Ken King named Chair, LaShunda Baldwin Vice-Chair and Sam Parker Secretary

Ken King, Chair

LaShunda Baldwin, Vice-Chair

Sam Parker, Secretary 

The Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) is pleased to announce new leadership for its Board of Directors, with Ken King serving as Chair, LaShunda Baldwin as Vice-Chair and Sam Parker as Secretary.

The new officers represent communities and stakeholders from across the Birmingham-Jefferson County region:

• Ken King, Chair — Appointed by the City of Hoover

• LaShunda Baldwin, Vice-Chair — Appointed by the City of Birmingham

• Sam Parker, Secretary — Appointed by the Jefferson County Commission

The leadership appointments reflect BJCTA’s continued commitment to regional collaboration and strong governance as the Authority advances initiatives focused on improving mobility, enhancing the rider experience and strengthening connections throughout the communities it serves.

“We welcome Chair King, Vice-Chair Baldwin and Secretary Parker into their new leadership roles and look forward to working alongside them as we continue moving BJCTA forward,” said Charlotte Shaw, Executive Director and CEO of BJCTA. “Their perspectives and commitment to public service will be valuable as we build upon the progress we have made and continue working toward a more connected, accessible and innovative transit system for our region.”

BJCTA’s Board of Directors provides governance, policy oversight and strategic direction for the Authority. Board members represent BJCTA’s participating municipalities and Jefferson County, helping ensure the agency remains responsive to the transportation needs of the communities it serves.

King, Baldwin and Parker will serve alongside fellow Board members Katie Dumais, Patricia Todd, Michelle Inman, Willie S. Davis III, Walter Jones and Michael Fliegel.

The leadership transition comes during a period of continued growth and modernization for BJCTA, including investments in technology, infrastructure, service delivery and regional mobility designed to strengthen public transportation throughout Birmingham and Jefferson County.

For more information about BJCTA’s Board of Directors, visit MAX Transit’s Board Information page.

The post BJCTA Announces New Board Leadership appeared first on MAX Transit.

The Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) invites the community to attend the goBHM Transportation Town Hall on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Boutwell Auditorium. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., and the main program begins at 6:00 p.m.

The town hall will offer residents, business leaders and community stakeholders an opportunity to learn more about goBHM, the City of Birmingham’s multimodal transportation plan, and how coordinated investments in transit, streets and other mobility options can help create a safer, more connected and accessible Birmingham.

BJCTA CEO Charlotte Shaw will serve as a guest speaker, sharing MAX Transit’s role in Birmingham’s evolving transportation network and the agency’s vision for strengthening mobility throughout the region. The program will also feature Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin, James Fowler, director of the Birmingham Department of Transportation, and a next-generation panel led by community advocate T. Marie King.

Before the main program, attendees can explore an open house featuring project displays, partner information and opportunities to provide feedback. Topics will include the goBHM planning process, transportation projects across Birmingham, the city’s transit network and policies that will help guide future mobility decisions.

Event Details

• What: goBHM Transportation Town Hall
• When: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
• Open House: 5:00–6:00 p.m.
• Main Program: Begins at 6:00 p.m.
• Where: Boutwell Auditorium
• Featured MAX Speaker: Charlotte Shaw, BJCTA CEO

Community participation is an important part of planning Birmingham’s transportation future. Join MAX Transit and its partners to learn more, share your perspective and help shape a transportation system that better connects people to jobs, education, healthcare and opportunity.

The post MAX Transit CEO Charlotte Shaw to Join goBHM Transportation Town Hall appeared first on MAX Transit.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA), operator of MAX Transit, is proud to announce it has received two national awards from the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) during the organization’s 55th National Meeting & Training Conference in Washington, D.C.

The awards were presented on July 28, 2026, during COMTO’s annual Industry Awards Ceremony, which recognizes outstanding leadership, innovation, and excellence across the transportation industry.

BJCTA was honored with:

• The 2026 Industry Innovation Award which recognizes an individual, organization, city, or region that has introduced measurable innovations to improve mobility, public safety, and reliable transportation service through technology or other innovative approaches.
• The Thomas G. Neusom Founders’ Leadership Award is COMTO’s highest honor. It recognizes transportation executives and policymakers who have provided outstanding leadership, supported the development of transportation professionals, and demonstrated continued service to COMTO and its mission.

“Receiving national recognition from COMTO is an incredible honor for our organization,” said Charlotte Shaw, CEO of BJCTA. “These awards reflect the dedication of our employees, the strength of our partnerships, and our commitment to providing innovative, accessible, and customer-focused transportation solutions throughout Jefferson County. We are proud to be recognized among transportation leaders from across the country.”

The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) is one of North America’s leading organizations dedicated to advancing opportunities and excellence in the transportation industry. Its annual Industry Awards celebrate individuals and organizations whose work has made a significant impact across all modes of transportation.

The recognition comes during a year of continued innovation for BJCTA, including the expansion of MAX On-Demand service into the communities of Homewood, Irondale, and Mountain Brook, the launch of the new MAX Connect mobile app, and ongoing investments in improving customer experience and expanding mobility options throughout the region.

“This recognition belongs to our entire team,” Shaw added. “Every employee plays a role in moving our mission forward, and these awards reinforce that the work happening at BJCTA is making an impact not only locally, but nationally.”

Additional details regarding the specific award categories will be shared following COMTO’s official publication of the 2026 Industry Award recipients.

The post BJCTA Earns Two National Honors at COMTO’s 55th Annual Industry Awards 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.

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.

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.

The post BJCTA’s MAX Foundation Continues “Mindful Mondays” Wellness Series in Partnership with Heal on Wheelz appeared first on MAX Transit.

Titled “Women Who Move Birmingham,” the tribute bus honors women who are making meaningful contributions across a range of industries, including mental health advocacy, technology, workforce development, youth empowerment and community leadership. By highlighting these trailblazers, MAX Transit aims to recognize the many ways women help strengthen and shape Birmingham’s future.

The ceremony included brief remarks, a countdown reveal of the fully wrapped bus, and opportunities for attendees and media to engage with the honorees. Following the unveiling, guests gathered for photos in front of the bus and participated in individual interviews celebrating the achievements of the women featured in the design.

Honorees

The 2026 Women Who Move Birmingham tribute bus recognizes the following leaders:

• Dr. Nadia Monique Johnson, Black Women’s Mental Health Institute
• Selena Rodgers Dickerson, SARCOR
• Martha Underwood, Prismm
• Jennifer Gowers, GoPro Solutions
• Shella Sylla, SisterGolf
• Irealle Sylvas, iKidd
• April Benetollo, Momentum

Each of these women has made a lasting impact in Birmingham through leadership, innovation, and service within their respective fields.

A Moving Tribute Across Jefferson County

Following the unveiling, the tribute bus began traveling routes throughout Jefferson County during Women’s History Month. As it moves across the community, the bus serves as a visible reminder of the women whose ideas, advocacy and leadership continue to drive progress in Birmingham.

Through this initiative, MAX Transit celebrates not only the accomplishments of these seven honorees but also the broader influence of women who help shape the city’s future every day. The tribute reflects the spirit of connection and progress that transportation represents, linking people, places, and possibilities throughout the region.

The post MAX Transit Reveals Moving Tribute Honoring Birmingham Women Leaders appeared first on MAX Transit.

This project will introduce a new fueling facility designed to support cleaner and more reliable transit service across Jefferson County.

Business owners are invited to attend to learn more about the project, hear what to expect, and ask questions.

Event Details
Date: Tuesday, April 7
Time: 10:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m. (attendees only need to attend one session)
Location: Forestdale Fire Station #1 Auditorium
1485 Forestdale Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35214

To attend, please confirm your preferred session time by emailing capitalprojects@bjcta.org.

BJCTA looks forward to sharing more information and connecting with the community.

The post BJCTA to Host Public Information Session on New CNG Project for Forestdale Business Owners appeared first on MAX Transit.