Transforming Transit: Meet Brian Smart
Brian Smart, Program Manager and Southeast Transit Lead, has more than 20 years of experience delivering complex transit and corridor programs across the United States. With deep expertise in Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and federal funding strategy, he helps agencies move projects from early planning through implementation with clarity and confidence.
How did you get involved with BRT and transit programs?
I got involved in BRT through my early work in transit planning and project development, particularly through projects that involved the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) environmental review and Capital Investment Grants (CIG) processes. A big part of that work involved engaging with communities to understand their needs and priorities.
Through that experience, I learned that BRT can fulfill people’s daily transit needs through better access, safer streets and more reliable service. That combination of community impact and practical implementation drew me to this work and has kept me engaged.
How are transit programs evolving today?
Many transit programs are moving from long-range visioning into implementation, and a greater focus on acceleration and accountability is vital during that transition.
Agencies today are under pressure to move projects forward quickly while aligning with funding opportunities and demonstrating measurable outcomes. There’s also a stronger emphasis on equity, customer experience and integrating transit with broader mobility systems.
This shift is driving a more disciplined mindset where agencies must think about execution and outcomes earlier in the process.
How do major transit projects successfully move from vision to implementation?
Successful projects are structured with implementation in mind from the beginning. My role is to help agencies bridge the gap by bringing together the right teams and strategies to move projects from concept into implementation in a clear and structured way. That means aligning planning, environmental review, engineering and funding strategies early and leading strong coordination across disciplines. Because we balance vision with practicality, we maintain momentum through each phase and stay aligned with budget and regulatory requirements.
What are the biggest challenges agencies face with federal processes like NEPA, and how can they overcome them?
Successful agencies integrate environmental considerations from the beginning, maintain clear and consistent documentation and stay aligned with federal expectations throughout the process.
One of the biggest challenges is understanding how federal requirements translate into project-level decisions. Having worked on both sides — as an FTA environmental specialist and now as a consultant — I’ve seen how important it is to approach NEPA as a process that supports calculated decision-making, not just compliance.
In my role, I work closely with clients to help navigate these requirements, translating federal expectations into implementable strategies that keep projects moving while reducing risk and uncertainty.
What excites you most about the future of transit?
I’m excited by the growing investment in transit across the country, particularly with increased focus on BRT and corridor-based improvements that integrate Complete Street policies, safety and broader mobility goals.
There’s a real opportunity to deliver projects that are faster, more cost-effective and more responsive to community needs. I’m also encouraged by agencies using technology and data to make well-informed decisions and improve the rider experience.
Overall, it’s an exciting time for transit because communities are increasingly prioritizing more connected, accessible and resilient transportation systems.