Hall of Fame Inductees – A to C

John Bartosiewicz’s distinguished career in the field of transit is a tribute to his father’s beginnings as a bus mechanic in Queens, New York during the 1950s. John’s career in the transit industry commenced while at Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he not only initiated but also managed and operated the inter-campus shuttle service. This experience paved the way for a series of bus operator roles throughout his graduate studies.

His formal foray into the realm of transit management began as the Administrative Assistant to the Transit Director in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Bartosiewicz eventually assumed the role of Interim Director. However, his enduring legacy was forged when he joined McDonald Transit Associates in Fort Worth, Texas, where his career spanned more than four decades. In 2016, McDonald Transit merged with RATP Dev where Bartosiewicz finished his career as the Chief Operating Officer.

During his tenure as CEO, he transformed the T in Fort Worth. He elevated a small, bus-exclusive transit system into a multi-modal regional operation, complete with commuter rail and a sustainable funding source. His leadership was characterized by innovation, including early adoption of computerized scheduling, employing part-time operators, and introducing Compressed Natural Gas as a pioneering bus fuel source. He championed initiatives such as Guaranteed Ride Home for commuter service users, Fixed Route Travel Training for ADA-eligible paratransit riders, and pre-Uber and Lyft era, on-demand cell phone-based service for the general public. Furthermore, he orchestrated the transition of low-density bus routes into vanpool services, collaborated with social service agencies to offer free bus transportation to clients and promoted extensive utilization of taxicab services to enhance paratransit options.

Bartosiewicz’s corporate contributions encompassed the management of multiple transit systems and the negotiation of numerous labor agreements. These agreements improved the quality of life for employees and ushered in state-of-the-art benefits and incentives. His most cherished accomplishments were unwavering support for his team and mentorship of numerous transit managers. He acknowledged, “My induction into the APTA Hall of Fame was a true team effort, made possible by the thousands of people, both professional and in my family, who supported my career.”

His commitment to the transit industry and its advancement was boundless. His role as a founding member and chair of state and regional transit associations reflected his dedication to the sector’s progress. He also contributed significantly to the industry’s development by serving on the Transportation Research Board TOPS Committee and participating in various expert panels. His invaluable contributions to APTA included co-leading the organization’s first strategic plan, serving on the inaugural Standards Development Council, and leading APTA’s first ever international study mission. His leadership roles within APTA culminated when he served as its 2000 Millennial Chair. Bartosiewicz’s career earned him multiple accolades, including APTA’s Diversity and Inclusion Award and Outstanding Public Transit Manager, Friend of Texas Transit and WTS Employer of the Year.