Mass Transit Associate Editor Noah Kolenda kicks off this episode of the ITP with a deep dive into bus fare data from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).

Roads and Bridges Head of Content Gavin Jenkins interviews Susan Baillargeon, director of the Highway Maintenance Program at Front Range Community College in Colorado, and Don Strange, streets superintendent for Highland Village, Texas. As the program’s first graduate, Strange credits it with strengthening his leadership and communication skills, enhancing his ability to advocate for his department.

Mass Transit Associate Editor and co-host Brandon Lewis leads a game of higher or lower using APTA's 2025 Q4 data to compare average weekday bus ridership across U.S. agencies.

Don Strange 

Strange is the streets superintendent for the City of Highland Village, Texas. His career in public works spans more than 30 years. He is the first to graduate from Front Range Community College's Applied Science in Highway Management program in May 2025. Strange continues to pursue a doctoral degree in business from Edgewood College. 

Susan Baillargeon

Baillargeon directs the Highway Maintenance Management program at Front Range Community College. Prior to her current position, she served 32 years at the Connecticut Department of Transportation, which included 19 years as a highway maintainer and 13 years as a curriculum manager. Baillargeon holds a master's degree in Adult Learning from the University of Connecticut.

Episode Length: 1:03:32

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