Corey Aldridge

Background

About Corey Aldridge

Starting as a school bus driver during my studies at Arizona State University, my professional journey has been deeply rooted in public transportation. After exploring various industries post-graduation, my path led me back to transit in 2007, where I’ve since dedicated myself to its advancement.As the General Manager of RiverCities Transit in Longview/Kelso, Washington, from 2011 to 2015, I championed alternative fuel use, increased route frequencies, and oversaw a system-wide overhaul of bus stops and signage. My leadership also extended to the implementation of advanced CAD/AVL bus technology, enhancing service efficiency and user experience. Further demonstrating my commitment to the public transit, I served on the executive committee of the Washington State Transit Insurance Pool and the board of directors for the Transit Association.Since becoming the CEO & General Manager of Mountain Line Transit in Missoula, Montana, in 2015, I’ve led the agency through an era of significant transformation and growth, doubling its size. The Zero-fare initiative, an innovative social and economic equalizer, propelled ridership by nearly 70% to 1.5 million annual rides, underscoring the indispensable role of public transit in enhancing community life. This initiative’s success, cemented by voter support in November 2020 for its indefinite funding, is a testament to the community’s recognition of public transportation as a pivotal part of Missoula’s identity.My time at Mountain Line has been marked by a strategic focus on expanding service by 30% through a successful ballot initiative, championing the largest project in our history with the Bus Stop Improvement Project to enhance safety and accessibility, and steering the agency towards sustainability with a transition to a zero-tailpipe-emissions fleet. These efforts were bolstered by securing multiple federal and state grants, enabling the acquisition of battery electric buses, thus moving our fleet towards 90% battery electric by 2025. A significant milestone in our journey towards expansion and sustainability was the award of a $39 million federal grant to construct a new home for Mountain Line, setting the stage for our continued growth and innovation in public transportation services.Our commitment to excellence was nationally recognized with APTA’s Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award, a reflection of our team’s dedication and our collective vision for a more connected and sustainable future in transit.