How Technology Impacts Highway Maintenance

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.

Featured Guests

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.

What You'll Learn

• Which transit systems have the highest and lowest bus fares, and how have prices moved over time. 
• How a longtime public works employee honed his skills in an online course focusing on highway management. 
• Why online programs, such as the one offered at Front Range Community College, will play a central role in the future of the industry. 
• How bus ridership in Q4 2025 stacked up city by city. 

Inside the Episode

Episode Length: 1:03:32

Timestamps:

• 0:26 — The team's daily tasks
• 3:25 — Mass Transit data download
• 18:39 — Roads & Bridges interview
• 52:55 — Over/Under with Mass Transit

Useful Links

• APTA Fare Database
• Front Range Community College Highway Maintenance Management Program
• APTA Ridership Data
• Roads & Bridges
• Mass Transit
• Send us a topic suggestion! 

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