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As someone who has always wanted to help people, the transportation industry was a perfect fit for Coree Cuff Lonergan.
“That’s kind of been the basis of my career development,” she tells The CEO Magazine. “I was inspired to pursue a career in transportation because of the direct and lasting impact that it has on lives.”
Indeed, it was back in her college days at the University of Delaware that Cuff Lonergan first became aware of urban transportation planning through one of her professors, which resulted in her selecting that as an emphasis, alongside environmental engineering.
“I’ve always believed in service-driven leadership and transportation really offered the opportunity to shape mobility solutions that serve communities equitably and efficiently,” she explains.
“It’s about expansion, but it’s also about efficiency.”
After graduating with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering, followed by a Master’s Degree in Organizational Dynamics at University of Pennsylvania, Cuff Lonergan began amassing an impressive CV, working for Exelon Energy, CSX Transportation, Network Rail Consulting and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, before joining the team at Broward County Transit in Florida as CEO/General Manager in February 2023.
“My previous roles, including leadership in both operations and policies, have allowed me to develop a broad and balanced understanding of how successful transit systems function, and these experiences have shaped me into the collaborative leader that I am today,” Cuff Lonergan says.
“In that context, I define growth as measurable progress in terms of service delivery, customer satisfaction, workforce development and system resiliency. It’s about expansion, but it’s also about efficiency.”
In order to significantly enhance the region’s mobility options, Broward County Transit is currently undertaking a US$5.2 billion ‘PREMO’ expansion program to add 322 kilometers of new transit service, including commuter rail, light rail and bus rapid transit.
“The American Public Transportation Association has done some studies on programs like PREMO,” Cuff Lonergan explains. “They found that for every billion dollars that you invest in projects of this nature over a 21-year period or over the life of that asset, you’re looking at an opportunity to create about 49–50,000 jobs, which is an enormous level of economic impact for any local community.”
Given the reach of the organization, Cuff Lonergan argues that a fundamental issue across the industry is that the public transportation sector is often not viewed as a business in itself.
“I disagree with that,” she says. “I provide a consumer service just like other retailers do. I have customers, revenue, liabilities, exposure and equipment that I have to maintain. Just like people choose to shop in certain environments or stores, they have a choice, they can drive a car or they can take an Uber, and I take that responsibility and that competitive landscape very seriously.”
Broward County Transit leverages technology and innovation, such as real-time tracking, mobile ticketing and AI-powered decision-making, to enhance service delivery and the rider experience and set the stage for a smarter and more responsive network, Cuff Lonergan says.
Yet, she adds, ultimately, the human element for a business like Broward County Transit cannot be overstated.
“We do leverage technology to the extent that we can,” she says.
“We do leverage technology to the extent that we can.”
“When you look at the private sector compared to the public sector, the private sector may be a little more nimble and agile, but I think what’s important is that we have people, particularly in leadership roles with business sensibilities that can bring that agility into the workplace and help us as a sector modify the way we do business.”
By actively collaborating with local stakeholders, including communities, businesses and economic development organizations, Broward County Transit is able to ensures its services continue to meet the needs of the two million residents, as well as the substantial tourists and visitors who come to enjoy the area’s pristine beaches and natural attractions.
Partnering with the highest quality partners, such as global engineering and advisory firm TYLin, which plans and designs infrastructure solutions that connect communities, the organization is able to further streamline processes and improve efficiencies.
“One of the things we feel is very important for us is that we are in a space where we are as transparent and collaborative as possible,” Cuff Lonergan says. “Through partnerships, we’re able to be responsive to the needs of the community.”
Broward County Transit ensure employees feel respected and valued through management approaches that encourage the contribution of ideas and offer exciting career development possibilities, with external as well as internal training options.
“A lot of people choose this line of work because they want to help the greater good.”
“A lot of times your best ideas come from frontline employees that are living the activities on a day-to-day basis,” Cuff Lonergan says.
“I have a very fascinating workforce because I have skilled tradespeople who are mechanics and plumbers, I have bus operators, accountants and customer service representatives. I’ve got the full gamut in my organization. So developmental as well as cross-functional opportunities are paramount for all of those disparate groups. It’s a pretty cool place to work.”
For that reason, attracting and retaining talent is a priority for Cuff Lonergan, with Broward County Transit focusing on creating an inclusive and supportive work environment that aligns with the department’s mission of serving the community.
“A lot of people choose this line of work because they want to help the greater good,” she says. “They’re motivated by the impact that they have on society and that their day-to-day responsibilities actually change lives. That’s an amazing call to action. If they’re in that headspace of wanting to help society, they will feel fulfilled.
“And I really believe that if you’re fulfilled at work, you stay, you enjoy it and you contribute to your fullest capabilities.”
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