UZURV does more than just give rides
Strong communities are based on connecting people together
We’ve talked a lot about how adaptive TNCs (Transport Networking Companies) help fill in the gaps and provide more flexible paratransit services in cities across the U.S. Up until now we’ve only heard about the benefits from the agency side, but this week we hear from one of the TNC operator themselves.
Paul’s guest this week is Ned Freeman, the new CEO of Richmond, Virginia-based, adaptive TNC, UZURV. Ned came to transit and UZURV through tech and finance and helped build the operational foundation at the company. Now as CEO Ned is passionately focused on doing more than just the basics the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requires. And while connecting people with disabilities to transit and the community is what UZURV does, it is also a source of jobs for people.
Like many TNCs, UZURV contracts with people to drive their own vehicles, on their own schedule, to provide rides to people in their community. And as you’ll hear in the interview, the biggest complaint their drivers have is they’d like to be able to drive and help more.
In the communities they serve, UZURV provides rides, connections, and jobs, all feeding into Ned’s passion for building stronger communities.
Coming up next week on the show we have the third of our five episodes from Australia with a special show focusing on just a few of the amazing women working in public transport in Australia. The show features interviews with:
- Lauren Streifer, CEO, Public Transport Association of Australia and New Zealand
- Jamie-Lee Owen, Chair, Public Transport Association of Australia and New Zealand, Emerging Mobility Leaders
- Katie Cooper CEO, Metro Tasmania
- Michelle Batsas, Executive Director Government and Stakeholder Relations, Yarra Trams
Joining Paul behind the mic is special co-host, and Associate Producer of the Transit Unplugged TV episodes from Australia, Kelly Chapman.
Paul, Kelly, and our guests talk about transit, leadership, careers, and their passion for transit. Make sure you tune in next week for Australian Women in Public Transport, only on Transit Unplugged.
What do you call that?
Whether it’s pop or soda, cart or buggy, truck or lorry, lift or elevator, around the world we have lots of different words for things. Paul and Associate Producer Kelly Chapman sat down to compare what Americans and Australians call different things.
So make sure you don’t get the tomato sauce from your chips on your thongs when you get on the tram. And then you can have a lolly.
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This Week in Transit News…
During his confirmation hearing to be the next Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Sean Duffy said that, if confirmed, his main priorities would be improving safety and building big infrastructure projects.
And the Mineta Transportation Institute is hosting a poster contest for elementary students to show a green future with public transportation. Go have a look and vote for your favorite.
Make sure you tune in every Monday for your fresh dose of transit news from Julie Gates.
Watch or listen for all the details.
