May Climate Leader: Garland Williams

Garland W. Williams is the Director of Transit for Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) and Pupil Transportation in Charlottesville, VA.  We were happy to catch up with him in recently to spotlight him as our community Climate Leader for May!

Bio: Mr. Williams’ career spans more than two decades of dedicated public service.  Prior to joining Charlottesville Area Transit, he served as the Director of Planning and Scheduling at the Greater Richmond Transit System (GRTC), in Richmond, VA, where he oversaw the planning and implementation of a highly successful system redesign and the launch of a grant funded Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project in Richmond, VA.  He previously worked for the Greater Roanoke Transit Company (Valley Metro) and RADAR-Unified Human Services Transportation, Inc. in Roanoke, VA. In addition to his transportation experience, Mr. Williams worked for over a decade in municipal government with the City of Richmond, VA. H served in a number of senior management positions during the L. Douglas Wilder and the Dwight C. Jones administrations. Mr. Williams earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Economics and a Master’s in Public Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University, in Richmond, VA. He lives in Chesterfield, VA with his wife, Dr. Tonya E. Williams, PharmD, and their two children.  

Q: How did you get involved in environmental stewardship and climate action, but more specifically public transit?

A:  I got involved in public transit right after I completed my undergraduate degree when I was awarded an opportunity to work as a State Transportation Management Apprentice through the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation.  The yearlong program was designed to expose young professionals to public transit.  It was anticipated that at the completion of the apprenticeship, an individual would be ready to assume a role as a senior transit manager.  I saw firsthand how public transportation played a vital role in providing freedom of mobility and access to employment.  I was hooked.  

Q: What are you hopeful about right now?

A:  As the world continues to combat the COVID-19 disease, the need for public transit has become a major point of focus and concern. Public transit provides a critical service that connects medical facilities, employment centers, grocery stores, and food banks. In plain language, public transit connects the most vulnerable in our community to normal, everyday activities. I feel a sense of pride knowing that Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) continues to provide a much needed connection to those who are transit dependent by necessity or by choice.  I am hopeful that after this health crisis, transit will continue to be viewed as an essential service and continue to evoke discussions that highlight its importance.    

Q: What is one thing that is holding our community back from greater progress on implementing climate solutions particularly as it relates to public transit?

A:  Political will and funding.  I know that’s two things but they go hand in hand.  As a small urban transit system, which operates without a dedicated funding source, CAT competes with Public Safety, Social Services, Public Works, and many other worthy causes for public funding.  All these services have needs and want to enhance their reach and programs.  I know that there are finite resources, but if climate solutions are a major point of emphasis then CAT can play a major role in reducing the region’s carbon footprint by getting individuals to ride the bus instead of depending on their personal vehicles.  In order to entice individuals to try public transit, the system has to go where individuals want to go in a timely and dependable manner.  I am committed to planning and providing recommendations for enhancements to the system, but in the end political will and funding will dictate our ability to reduce the region’s carbon footprint. 

Q: What is a climate action personally or professionally that you are proud of?

A:  Prior to becoming CAT’s Director of Transit, I was the Director of Planning and Scheduling for the Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) in Richmond, VA, and in that position I oversaw the planning and implementation of a highly successful system redesign and the launch of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project branded the Pulse.  This major investment in public transportation was very fruitful.  

One year after the launch of both projects, GRTC was able to show a 17% increase in overall ridership.  I can’t be sure but I would like to think that single vehicle use is down.  The major improvements were badly needed.  

GRTC’s success represents a testament to collaboration (Federal, State, and Local) and potentially provides a blueprint for other regions to do the same. 

Professionally, I am most proud that the final product is more successful and provides Richmond’s vulnerable communities faster, more reliable, and more dependable service.  

Q: During this current health crisis, CAT is playing a pivotal role in serving essential workers. What are the measures that CAT is taking to protect these workers?

A:  The COVID-19 health crisis has forced transit agencies to reevaluate what it means to provide for the health and safety of our teams.  As far as CAT is concerned on Monday, March 9, 2020, three days before the Charlottesville City Council passed a resolution to authorize a local State of Emergency, CAT started issuing PPE (gloves and antibacterial cleaning wipes) to all operators prior to the start of their shift.  Additionally, CAT changed cleaning products for our buses and offices to a hospital grade cleaning product that also disinfects.  

CAT is also operating Fare Free and requires passengers to get on and off the bus through the rear doors.  This change in operations promotes social distancing and limits the exposure for the drivers to the general public.  During the governor’s “Stay-At-Home” order, CAT reduced service hours, reduced route frequency, and limited passenger loads to 10 per bus. CAT also provides Operators and Supervisors with face masks and asks the general public to wear face masks as well when riding public transit.  

Finally, CAT hired a professional cleaning company to deep clean transit buses every weekend.  CAT will continue to adjust and modify service based on conditions.  The health and safety of our team and the general public is my number one priority.   

Q: What is one thing a business or homeowner can do today to help reduce climate pollution?

A:  Park your personal car and use transit twice a week.  Small steps will make a big difference.  

Q: This is challenging work.  What is your favorite way to recharge and rejuvenate?

A:  In my down time I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, golf, reading, and playing chess.   

Thanks, Garland, for all you do for this community!