For the 2020-2021 OPTA Board vote, there are 8 vacancies to be filled. At least 5 of these vacancies must be filled by employees of transit system members. At least 1 must be filled by a Business Member.
Transit System Nominees
Ann-Marie Carroll | York Region Transit
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Ann-Marie Carroll
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York Region Transit (YRT/Viva)
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annmarie.carroll@york.ca
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905-830-4444
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an employee of a Transit System Member
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General Manager
Responsible to provide overall administration, management, service planning, budget development, enforcement/security and the establishment of operating policies, programs and objectives for York Region Transit (YRT/Viva) in accordance with Departmental and Regional objectives.
Director, Transit Operations
Responsible for providing oversight and administration for the operation of the Region’s conventional and Mobility Plus transit services, including performance-based contracts, directing the installation and operation of Intelligent Transportation System equipment. Oversee the allocation of fleet equipment, direct the development and maintenance of bus operating schedules, and coordinate services and operations for conventional transit and Mobility Plus. Ensure collaboration to standardize operations and maximize efficiencies and resources, and provide expertise to various internal/external committees and public/private agencies.
Manager, Operations
Responsible to manage and coordinate the day-to-day operations of all conventional transit services, including overseeing the administration of all performance-based contracts, the installation, training, and monitoring of all operational Intelligent Transportation System equipment. Managing the development, input and integrity of transit system applications data used in scheduling, trip planning, bus destination signs and rider guides. Provide expertise and consultation to various internal/external committees and public/private agencies.
Assistant Manager, Operations
Assist with the day-to-day operations of all conventional transit services, including overseeing the administration of all performance-based contracts, the installation, training, and monitoring of all operational Intelligent Transportation System equipment. Provide expertise and consultation to various internal/external committees and public/private agencies.
Facilities Supervisor
Responsible for the administration and control of transit facilities, including; transit stops, bus loops and bus terminals. Co-ordinating and monitoring the progress and performance of contractors and other resources that construct and maintain transit facilities. Ensuring all programs is completed on schedule and in compliance with budgets and specifications.
The City of Vaughan – Engineering/Public Works
Contract Administration/Technical Coordinator
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- I would like to be part of a team that will influence advancement/change in the transit industry.
- York Region Transit ls one of the largest Public Transit Service providers in Ontario and has a unique operating model. I believe that our teams experience would be beneficial to the OPTA organization by offering a different view point. YRT/Viva also has resources available to assist in any new or current OPTA initiatives.
- Personal growth opportunity, getting to know colleagues in the transit industry in both public and private sector and to experience various opinions concerning our industry.
Bem Case | Toronto Transit Commission
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Bem Case
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Toronto Transit Commission
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bem.case@ttc.ca
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416-397-8375
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an employee of a Transit System Member
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Over the past 20 years at the TTC, I served in a number of positions, including: a Track Labourer in the Track and Structure Department; a Technical Assistant and later an Engineering Technologist in the subway maintenance engineering group;
the Mechanical and Structural Specialist on the Toronto Rocket subway and New Streetcar projects; the Manager of Safety Engineering Services in the Safety and Environment Department; and then, the Senior Advisor on Strategic Initiatives in the CEO Office.
For the past 3 years I am the Head of Vehicle Programs Department, with direct accountability for the stewardship of streetcar, bus, Wheel-Trans, Subway, non-revenue vehicle procurement and major overhaul programs. -
First, I am honoured to be considered for re-election as an OPTA Board Member.
My primary interests in serving on the Board are: 1) share information , learn, and collaborate with industry leaders on a wide spectrum of transit subjects; and 2) an opportunity to participate in a strong forum for the advocacy of public transit interests.
Sue Connor | Burlington Transit
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Sue Connor
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Burlington Transit
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sue.connor@burlington.ca
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(905) 335-7869
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an employee of a Transit System Member
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30 years’ experience in transit industry working at three (3) GTHA transit systems; Previous Board experience through CUTA and CUTRIC
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Representation for Burlington Transit with OPTA; Keep current on issues with Ontario focus; Networking with industry peers; Support OPTA lobbying efforts with Ontario government
Paul Buck | Belleville Transit
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Paul Buck
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Belleville Transit
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pbuck@belleville.ca
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613-403-7923
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an employee of a Transit System Member
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Paul Buck is the most knowledgeable Transit Professional in the industry. His countless efforts to increase the profile of the Transit Industry is unheard of.
I am proud to say I work Paul each and everyday, and as a OTPA member I believe he will bring so much to the BOD. -
Give back to the industry which Paul loves so much
Tony DAlessandro | Milton Transit
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Tony DAlessandro
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Milton Transit
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tony.dalessandro@milton.ca
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905-878-7252 x2548
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an employee of a Transit System Member
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My professional career in the transit industry began in 2004 as a Transit Planner at Oakville Transit. I was primarily responsible for planning and scheduling conventional transit services, creating operator paddles / boards as well as providing feedback on proposed planning developments throughout the Town. In 2007, I accepted a position at the Town of Milton as Coordinator, Transit where I supported the foundation for establishing a transit system from the ground-up in a rapidly growing community. In this position, I have been responsible and accountable for the direction of the Milton Transit services, including the planning, designing, procuring, implementing, monitoring, managing and budgeting contracted conventional and specialized services. In my current role as Manager, Transit, I have been able to bring forward a number of initiatives that have helped increase the Town’s exposure to transit; enhancing community engagement and Council support.
I am an active representative on the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) Board of Directors representing a voice for small transit systems. Additionally, I have been an active representative on the current OPTA Board of Directors since September 2015 and have welcomed the role of Secretary on the Executive Board since April 2017. This collective experience has provided me with a diverse perspective on public transit in addition to an increased ability to collaborate with industry leaders, to move forward advocacy efforts.
From an academic and professional perspective, I hold a Masters degree in Environmental Design with a planning specialization from the University of Calgary in 2004, a B.A. in Social Sciences from McMaster University and have been a Registered Professional Planner with the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI), Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) since 2009
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Please accept my submission of interest to serve as a member of the OPTA Board of Directors for the 2020-2022 term. I believe I can continue to bring experience, personal integrity and commitment to serve the mandate of the Board and its members. With a diverse background in the transit industry and over twelve (12) years of progressive experience in a small and growing transit system, I would be able to provide a unique perspective and contribution on matters of transit advocacy. Notwithstanding the above, I am a continuous learner and would greatly value participation on the OPTA Board as a platform to share and resolve emerging issues related to transit system planning, operations and delivery.
On a personal note, I am grateful to be part of a growing industry where each other’s experiences are valued and openly shared. As an OPTA Board member, I would continue to cultivate our perspectives and knowledge, to contribute to the evolution of the public transit industry.
Vince Rodo | Brampton Transit
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Vincent Rodo
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Vincent Rodo
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Vincent.Rodo@brampton.ca
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905-874-2750
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an employee of a Transit System Member
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Director – Transit: Brampton Transit about 3 years.
Chief Financial & Administrative Officer: TTC 33 years
CUTA Board Member and VP-Finance for many years.
OPTA Board member for many years. -
Already OPTA Vice-Chair. I enjoy making a meaningful contribution to our industry.
Business Nominees
Barry Dykeman | USSC
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Barry Dykeman
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USSC – United Safety & Seating Co.
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bdykeman@usscgroup.com
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(416) 230-1411
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an employee of a Business Member
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Barry has been part of the Canadian Transit Industry for over 20 yrs. He began his career with Luminator in the supply community and after 11 years moved to the manufacturing side where he joined New Flyer as their Canadian Sales Manger.
After continuing that role for over 10 yrs he has moved back to the supply community where he is now the National Sales Manager for USSC.
Barry has also participated in several CUTA and CUTA Chapter, APTA and State level associations committees. -
After serving previous terms on the OPTA board he is interested in continuing to serve the Ontario Transit Industry by representing the interest of fellow business members of the association and assisting the Transit Agency partners as best he can.
Iain Johnston | Clean Energy Fuels
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Iain Johnstone
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Clean Energy Fuels
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ijohnstone@cleanenergyfuesl.com
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604 838-9593
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an employee of an Affiliate Member
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Profile
Iain Johnstone
Region Manager – Canada and Alaska, U.S.
Clean Energy FuelsIain has been active in the energy, alternative energy and utility business sectors across Canada and the U.S. over the last thirty years.
As a creative business executive, he has been instrumental in the development of new services and products at companies such as Shell and BC Gas (now FortisBC).
Two companies where he had significant influence at inception were Clean Energy Fuels and the Corix Group of Companies.
He is now back for his second round with Clean Energy Fuels and is enjoying the rapid and successful re-birth of CNG and LNG as cost, operationally and environmentally attractive alternatives to liquid fuels like gasoline, diesel, heating fuel and propane for on and off road vehicles as well as off grid industries and remote communities located across Canada and the US.
Iain has also been very involved with Junior Achievement of BC over the last twenty years and enjoys spending time with his family skiing, travelling and boating.
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Many transit fleets are transitioning from diesel and diesel electric hybrid buses across Canada and the US. Most that have made the transition have chosen renewable natural gas/compressed natural gas buses after looking at the environmental, operational and financial advantages over other bus technologies such as battery and hydrogen powered buses. It is important that OPTS members clearly understand their bus options now and moving forward.
Michael Coote | Nova Bus
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Michael Coote
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Nova Bus
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Michael.Coote@Volvo.com
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4163153983
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an employee of a Business Member
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Mike is an accomplished sales professional with 23 years of experience with Commercial vehicles and in transit since 2007. As Regional Sales Manager first with Daimler Buses North America and now with Novabus, Mike brings a wealth of industry knowledge as well as operational and technical experience to the role.
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As a representative of one of 2 Canadian OEM bus manufacturers, It is suggested that it is important Mike contribute to OPTA as a member of the Board of Directors. This provides opportunity to interact directly with competitors, suppliers and most importantly transit system members. As a representative from Novabus, Mike is in a unique position to provide OPTA members with insight from an OEM perspective, but more importantly to provide leadership at Nova Bus with valuable feedback from the Transit System Members and their representatives on the Board.
Mike Bismeyer | Proterra
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Mike Bismeyer
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NA
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mbismeyer@proterra.com
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(864) 448-8443
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an employee of a Business Member
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– Mike has been involved in Public Transportation for 12.5yrs, a passionate advocate of all things Transit, & Transit Safety.
– Previously with Seon/ Safe Fleet for 12 years, serving as Sales Executive, Canadian Sales Executive, North American National Accounts, & North American Transit Division Sales Manager
– Mike was part of the founding team, for United to End Bullying foundation in 2012, and became the National Speaker and Advocate and continues to speak to various audiences both inside and outside of Transit, on Kindness, Mentorship and Anti Bullying
– Joined Proterra in April of 2019, as the Canadian Regional Sales Director
– Residing in Abbotsford British Columbia, Mike travels throughout Canada and visits Ontario monthly
– Mike is also a member of the APTA Bus Safety Committee & the APTA Diversity & Inclusion Council -
– Mike is a passionate, tireless advocate that would be a great addition to continue OPTA’s mission of strengthening and improving public transit through advocacy.
– A team player with and us first mentality, with a belief that all advancements for public transit, be it regionally or provincially (Ontario), are a benefit to transportation as a whole
Naeem Farooqi | WSP Canada
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Naeem Farooqi
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WSP Canada
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naeem.farooqi@wsp.com
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416-816-6786
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an employee of a Business Member
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Naeem has been associate with the transit industry for a number of years and has extensive knowledge of the industry. Naeem is the founder of shelter bus, a non-profit organization that provides a bus retrofitted with beds, blankets and survival kits for the homeless in Toronto. Naeem has vast knowledge of the industry and is a leader with Electric bus.
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Naeem wants to expand his practice to include participating with the OPTA board. he wants to contribute to the betterment of the industry and provide the board with his vast experience.
Roger Sauve | Consat Canada Inc
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Roger Sauve
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Consat Canada Inc
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roger.sauve@consat.se
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+1 (705) 677-9228
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an employee of a Business Member
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Roger Sauve has decades of experience in the Ontario transit industry. As Transit Manager and Fleet Director for the city of Greater Sudbury and currently as CAO of Consat Canada.
Roger has also been a very active member of OPTA for a long time, and have served in the OPTA board for several years as a transit system representative.
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Roger continues to have a passion for the transit industry. He continually strives to improve the industry in many ways. As a transit system representative he was able to bring transit systems together in order to achieve common goals. Roger would like to once again work with the executive to improve the industry in Ontario and strengthen OPTA’s position
Teo Teodoro | Wajax
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Teo Teodoro
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Teo Teodoro
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tteodoro@wajax.com
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4165773402
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an employee of a Business Member
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I have worked in this industry for 40 years. I started back in 1980 with Harper and now with Wajax.
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I believe it is time for me to give back and help this organization.
Tom Glover | MTB Transit Solutions Inc.
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Tom Glover
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Tom Glover
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tom@m-t-b.com
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9058760669
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an employee of a Business Member
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Involved in manufacturing, rebuilding & repairing buses for the transit industry since 1980. 1980-1989 Ontario Bus Industries; Sheet metal worker, stockroom parts clerk, aftermarket sales desk representative, aftermarket warehouse supervisor, new bus delivery coordinator, warranty program administrator.
1989 to present; MTB Transit Solutions Inc. (Formerly Mississauga Truck & Bus (MTB) & MTB Truck & Bus Collision); Certified damage appraiser; Shop supervisor; Sales Manager, VP of Operations & currently SVP Sales & Marketing. Throughout my career @ MTB I have been fortunate enough to meet and know many individuals in the Transit and highway Coach industry. -
I have always supported the Ontario based associations since my tenure @ MTB. This dates back to the previous OUTA association. I believe I can add value to the association with my knowledge of our industry partners both in the Transit and Supplier sectors.