Mass Transit 40 Under 40: Roman Steichen, Frederick County
By Luke Huddon, KFH Group
M ass Transit’s 40 Under 40 is an annual award that recognizes young individuals for their impact on the public transit industry. These individuals have demonstrated outstanding leadership in their communities and shown a capacity for innovation . This year, Frederick County TransIT Services Director Roman Steichen was among those who received the award. Steichen’s first day as Director of Frederick County Transit Services was February 29, 2020, just days before the COVID-19 pandemic forced the nation into lockdown. He faced a delicate situation with countless questions, but Steichen adapted quickly. The new director implemented zero-fare operation , thereby eliminating driver and passenger contact and making access to transit equitable for everyone. Steichen also worked with the Senior Services Division to provide meals to seniors across the county.
“We were very fortunate to receive a large allotment of CARES funding,” Steichen said. “That’s what’s been backstopping our budget and replacing the revenue we would have otherwise had with fare collection. We found that as we continued to operate without fares, things were working really well. The drivers were happier, and the passengers were happier too.” Steichen also partnered with the Frederick County Health Department to provide mobile vaccine buses to transport people who may not have had another option.
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Maryland Transit Update
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