BIG IDEAS FOR SMALL TRANSIT SYSTEMS
Hugh Mose '71 (civil engineering) turned his childhood love of trucks and buses into an award-winning 34-year career managing public transportation systems. Recently named the American Public Transportation Association's Outstanding Public Transportation Manager, Mose has led small public transit systems in Iowa, California and Washington, and is general manager of the Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) in State College, Pa.
While his focus is on small transit systems, he's never been one for small ideas. Since coming to CATA 15 years ago, Mose has spearheaded innovative initiatives: CATA has developed its own iPhone and Android apps, its 60 buses are equipped with GPS systems and it has been using natural gas to fuel its buses for nearly 15 years.
"We are able to do things that are more typical of a major urban area because we have a progressive and technologically savvy community that has embraced public transportation," Mose says of State College's university-dominated populace. Of CATA's 7 million annual riders, 90 percent are affiliated with Penn State in some way, he estimates.
Running this thriving bus system comes with a broad array of challenges and rewards that Mose relishes. "In one week, I may be involved in labor negotiations and service planning, conferring with state legislators and business leaders and meeting with individual customers," he says. He's also involved in state and national transit industry associations and many local community groups.
That diversity also translates to the challenges Mose faces. Despite raising fares and cutting service, CATA is dealing with budget constraints at a time when its bus fleet and maintenance facilities are overdue for updates. It is also battling rising health care costs for its 150 workers. And the clock is ticking for Mose's agenda. He plans to retire in 2014 with his wife of 39 years, Janyce Reimer Mose '73, whom he met at a Bucknell fraternity party.
But Mose is still focused on moving CATA forward. "I have a lot to do in the next three years," he says. "I'm cautiously optimistic that we'll be able to find a way through this transportation funding crisis and carry on with our agenda."
— Amy Roach Partridge
Paving the way
For these students, the real-world experience of working to help extend the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail has been a "once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity."
Cortese talk Feb. 12: higher education's role in sustainability
Anthony Cortese will give the talk, "From Leonardo da Vinci to Higher Education: Lead us on a Healthy, Just and Sustainable Path Now," Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. in Trout Auditorium of the Vaughan Literature Building.
Creating a safer society
Though he passed away shortly after retiring in 2011, former Professor Richard McGinnis' dedication to improving society is still being recognized.
Classroom in the clouds
A group of Bucknell students recently received a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ learning experience more than 1,300 feet above ground — a tour of the nearly completed One World Trade Center building.
Professor named Cambridge Fellow
Jeffrey Evans, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Bucknell University, has been awarded an Overseas Fellowship at Churchill College, Cambridge University.
Bucknell faculty honored at ASEE conference
Several members of the Bucknell University faculty were recognized at the annual American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) conference in San Antonio recently.
Lab dedication pays tribute to professor’s passion
A Bucknell professor's dedication inspired a gift from a graduate that will benefit current and future students.
Students build critical skills, connections through Engineering Success Alliance
Now in its second year, the Engineering Success Alliance provides students who come from under-resourced high schools with the academic resources, peer support and opportunities they need to succeed.
Habitat for Humanity student volunteers dedicate spring break to service
Last spring, students in Bucknell's Habitat for Humanity campus chapter spent a week installing siding, painting doors and constructing a deck on a house in Ablemarle, N.C.
Meet Bucknell's new assistant professors
Eleven new tenure-track faculty members describe their research interests and the ways in which they are challenging students across the disciplines.
Meet Bucknell's newly tenured professors
Sixteen associate professors discuss their scholarly interests, from brain signals to Hindu mythology, and their approaches to teaching.- Bucknell grad honored with student research award
Recent Bucknell University graduate Christopher Kulish has received a Student Research Award from the Pennsylvania Water Environment Association for his research work related to characterization and treatment of the brine wastewater generated by hydraulic fracturing of Marcellus Shale for natural gas extraction. - Summer research projects span arts, sciences
Bucknell University students will pursue nearly 60 research projects this summer covering a variety of academic disciplines in the sciences, the humanities and engineering. - Civil engineering students visit Suriname to design water project
Four Bucknell University civil and environmental engineering students traveled to Tumaipa, a village in Suriname, South America, in January to design a water project.
