UZURV – The Adaptive TNC

We're thrilled to announce an expansion of our Executive Team. Welcome Allie Feakins and Congratulations Ned Freeman! Read the full announcement here: https://buff.ly/4dOI5pP

Accessibility is always top-of-mind for UZURV’s User Experience team, Chase Thompson and Christina Huther. Learn more about their design philosophy and the considerations they make while developing the user experience of UZURV’s apps here: https://buff.ly/3OKP5th

Come chat with us if you are at the Illinois Public Transportation Association (IPTA)’s 2024 Fall Conference. Our colleagues Susan Starwalt, Evelynn Highlander, Taylor Klocke, and Amanda Ellis, can all be found at the UZURV Booth #36. They’d love to talk about how innovative agencies like Pace Suburban Bus leverage the UZURV Adaptive TNC model, to add a network of fully FTA-compliant drivers for rider choice and ADA supplemental paratransit service.

Exciting news! Our colleague Ron Brooks, along with Kristen Joyner and with contributions from Mary Liz McNamara and Michelle Witman, has published a book, "All Aboard: Conducting Accessible Community Involvement for Public Transit." It's chock full of simple, actionable steps transit agencies (and really any public facing organization) can take to make their community outreach as accessible as possible. Grab your copy now - or make plans to visit our booth (#413) at the American Public Transportation Association #TRANSform conference. Stay tuned for more details.

Say “Hello!” to UZURV’s newest team members, Courtney Graham and Alexander Barnfield. Courtney joins UZURV’s Brand Marketing team as a Senior Design Associate, working closely with Marketing Director, Ben Griffon creating digital and print assets. She will work from concept to final product, taking a creative approach to problem-solving. Previously, Courtney worked for Meta as a brand manager and created web design solutions for Virginia Tech. She brings with her nearly a decade of experience in the brand and visual design space. For Courtney, it is important that she can walk away at the end of every day knowing that she made a difference. This is why success in her new role means making a positive impact in the community. Courtney loves learning all about the history of our shared home in Central Virginia and enjoys the outdoor activities it offers, such as fishing in the summer and hunting in the fall. Alex is our newest Operations Manager, overseeing ride execution, developing data-driven feedback to improve individual and departmental performance, and assisting the growth and development of UZURV’s operations associates and supervisors. With him, Alex brings a decade of experience in the call center industry, both in third-party services, and internal staff teams. Alex has his eyes on several key performance indicators, including safety and reliability performance. Alex enjoys making a positive impact on people’s lives, which he feels aligns neatly with UZURV’s mission to take care of riders. He attributes his lack of hair to his 3 lovely girls and describes himself as a “huge nerd” who plays a lot of video games. Fun fact! In his younger days, Alex did gymnastics. We are so excited about the expertise Alex and Courtney bring to the table!

We are heading to the Illinois Public Transportation Association (IPTA) 2024 Fall Conference! With almost 60 regional members IPTA plays an important role in representing legislative interests and promoting a positive public image of public transportation operators throughout Illinois. Directors of Business Development, Susan Starwalt and Taylor Klocke, and Client Success Managers Evelynn Highlander and Amanda Ellis will be in attendance from Sep 4 - 6th. Innovative agencies across the country, like Pace Suburban Bus, leverage UZURV The Adaptive Transportation Network Company fully to a new network of FTA-compliant driversfor paratransit and rider-choice programs to expand capacity while driving down costs To learn more visit UZURV booth #36 or reach out to schedule a time to meet.

Almost 60% of people with disabilities use one or more mobility aids. This is why UZURV Drivers learn about best-practices in providing service to a wide-range of disabilities, including those using aids, during onboarding. Read all about how UZURV drivers give riders with mobility aids peace of mind to venture out and feel more independent here: https://buff.ly/3WmE3yC

Please share a warm welcome with Taylor Klocke, who joins UZURV as a new Director of Business Development. Taylor brings years of experience in the transit industry, most recently with Damera Bus and as the Director of Communications for the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA). As Director of Business Development, Taylor works to find and develop partnerships with transit agencies looking to expand mobility independence for all riders across the country. Taylor was drawn to UZURV’s mission - she strongly believes expanding mobility options for all strengthens communities and increases opportunities for those facing transportation barriers, “...by expanding UZURV's services across the country, we'll be able to help make that happen.” Growing up overseas led Taylor to become a passionate traveler, these days she is accompanied on her journeys by her favorite buddies, her husband, and two pups. We are excited about everything Taylor brings to the table and can’t wait to hit the road with her!

In 2018, Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) and Transdev North America were looking to innovate their paratransit program with a new same-day service addition. Partnering with UZURV, they quickly launched the Mainstream On-demand rider choice program. Learn more about how COTA has figured out how to successfully provide on-demand paratransit (with the ability for riders to book trips within 1-hour of pick-up!) while balancing cost and service - all with fully FTA-compliant drivers: https://buff.ly/4dsOK8M

Metro Magazine featured GoDurham and their ambitious goals for riders in the Durham region. Having successfully navigated workforce shortages and bus service issues brought on by COVID-19, GoDurham has set its sights on accomplishing ambitious goals for the future. Over the next 18 months, GoDurham plans to expand service by 30%, and by 2035 the transit operator intends to reach zero emissions for their bus fleet. UZURV proudly provides service for GoDurham ADA Paratransit program, GoDurham Access, in partnership with WeDriveU. The agency is now onboarding Spare, with an eye on expanding services and increasing efficiency. With safety, equity, and reliability as their guiding principles GoDurham continues to innovate in the public transit industry. https://buff.ly/46ZUEfh