This week Paul chats with Faye DiMassimo, CEO and Executive Director of Chatham Area Transit Authority (CAT) in Savannah, and soon to be Chief of Planning and Economic Development for the City of Savannah. Paul and Faye discuss the recent APTA Public Transit CEO Conference, Faye's career path (including recent promotion), and the innovations at CAT, including hybrid ferries, an electric microtransit pilot, and their long-term fiscal plan.

They get into how CAT is preparing for the fiscal cliff as COVID federal relief runs out and challenges getting grants based on local matches. Faye reflects on how transit CEOs support each other in good times, and bad. Paul and Faye close with a special coda about new role in the City of Savannah, continuing her mission to improve public mobility for everyone in Savannah. The episode highlights the importance of community, equity, and sustainability in public transit.

Next week we have repeat guest Dave Reage giving Paul a tour of Halifax by land and sea!

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo https://www.modaxo.com

• Host: Paul Comfort
• Producer: Paul Comfort
• Editor and Writer: Tris Hussey
• Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Special thanks to:

• Brand design: Tina Olagundoye
• Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova
• Marketing content, Transit Unplugged Newsletter, & transit puns: Tris Hussey

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected].

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00:05 Welcome to Transit Unplugged

01:10 Interview with Faye DiMassimo

01:56 Hosting the APTA CEO Summit in Savannah

02:34 Challenges and Opportunities for Transit CEOs

06:46 The Evolution of Faye's Career in Transit

09:35 Inside Savannah's Transit System: CAT

13:38 Savannah's Charm and History

15:55 Innovations in Transit: Electric Microtransit and More

17:41 Master Planning for the Future of Transit in Savannah

19:48 Preparing for the Fiscal Cliff and Closing Thoughts

24:56 Update to this interview

28:04 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo, and may contain information that may be subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information, and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.