Why Halifax’s new transit boss is taking the bus every day

Halifax has a new transit boss for the first time in nearly a decade, and he’s wasting no time in getting to know the system from the ground up. Robin Gerus, who took on the role of executive director of Halifax Transit in January, has been immersing himself in the daily operations of the city’s public transportation system by riding the buses himself.

With almost three decades of experience in the transit industry, Gerus started his career as a streetcar driver in Toronto in the 1980s and worked his way up through the ranks. After spending about nine years overseeing transit in Guelph, Ontario, Gerus decided to make the move to Halifax. Tired of lengthy commutes and driving, he now lives in downtown Halifax and relies solely on public transportation to get around.

“I didn’t bring a car. I take transit everywhere I go. I go shopping on transit. I leave work and I jump on a bus and I go to a terminal and I talk to the operators,” Gerus said in a recent interview. “I’m going to be passionate and serious about taking transit. I’m going to be committed. I’m going to do the best job I can, to create the best transit environment that I can.”

Gerus has wasted no time in getting to know the system and its users. He has been speaking with bus drivers and welcoming feedback from transit riders. He plans to implement a “day in the life” program for senior staff, where managers will experience what it’s like to be a bus driver or a passenger by riding the ferry or an Access-A-Bus, or spending a day at a garage.

Despite the challenges faced by Halifax Transit, including overcrowding and on-time performance issues, Gerus sees a lot of potential in the system. He has been impressed by the resilience of ridership numbers following the COVID-19 pandemic and is committed to making small changes that can have a big impact. This includes tweaking route schedules and improving driver conditions to ensure the system is properly staffed.

Gerus takes over at a crucial time for Halifax Transit, as the city experiences significant population growth and increasing demand for public transportation. He acknowledges that there is work to be done to regain the trust of those who have given up on the system but is determined to make improvements and create a more reliable and efficient transit service.

With a fresh perspective and a willingness to try new ideas, Gerus has already begun exploring innovative solutions to complement bus rapid transit, such as micro transit and on-demand bus services. These initiatives, along with investments in new staff roles and infrastructure improvements, are part of Halifax Transit’s new $60.7-million draft operating budget approved by council last month.

As Gerus continues to settle into his role and work towards enhancing Halifax’s public transportation system, residents can expect to see positive changes that prioritize the needs of both transit users and employees. With his hands-on approach and commitment to excellence, Gerus is poised to lead Halifax Transit into a new era of efficiency and reliability.