Room: Mississauga AB
Sponsor(s)
 
Session Description
Stream: Operations
Moderator: Bryan Basford – Kingston Access Bus
Speaker:
Deborah Daniel – Durham Region Transit
Bryan Basford – Kingston Access Bus
Stephan Labelle – Saugeen Mobility
This session will bring together transit professionals to explore opportunities for greater consistency and effectiveness in specialized transit service delivery across Canada. With over 50,000 Canadians relying on these services daily and significant variation in how systems are designed and operated, this session will draw on national research to highlight key operational priorities and peer practices. Through a review of the top areas of significance in specialized transit operations, attendees will gain practical insights to support informed decision-making, improve service design, and advance more coordinated, equitable, and efficient approaches across agencies.
Using the 2016 CUTA Industry Practices Review Document
– Panel discussion reviewing the Specialized Transit Services Industry Practices Review by CUTA and its application as a benchmark for KPI evaluation.
Speaker(s) / Presenter(s)
Bio:
Bryan Basford is the Executive Director of Kingston Access Bus Services, where he leads the delivery of specialized transportation for individuals with disabilities across the Kingston region. With over a decade of leadership experience in accessible transit, conventional transit, and operations management, Bryan has worked extensively in service design, municipal partnerships, and regulatory compliance. He is particularly focused on improving mobility equity and enhancing customer experience in specialized transit systems. In his role as moderator, Bryan brings both operational insight and a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing accessible transportation today.
Bio:
Stephen is a senior public-service and executive operations leader with expertise in governance, strategy, service delivery, organizational transformation, and multi-stakeholder leadership.
He is a veteran and executive leader with experience across public service, non-profit administration, and complex mission-driven organizations. Stephen’s work has focused on leading change, strengthening governance and operational discipline, and aligning people, processes, and technology with long-term goals.
Stephen has experience advising boards and senior decision-makers, leading geographically dispersed operations, supporting HR and financial stewardship, improving policies and procedures, and helping organizations modernize service delivery.
He is particularly effective in roles that require practical leadership, political awareness, sound judgment, and the ability to bring structure to complexity. Stephen is drawn to organizations that serve communities, manage public trust, and need steady leadership to improve performance, guide change, and build strong systems for the future.
Deborah Daniel – Program Manager, Community Engagement and Change Management, Durham Region Transit
Bio: Deborah is a leader with over 15 years of experience who is passionate about advancing healthcare to new heights of excellence through innovative project and program management. Her expertise lies in spearheading initiatives that enhance patient care, drive quality improvement, and promote sustainable resource use while integrating health systems effectively. She is also dedicated to community engagement, contributing her skills and insights through volunteer work, committee involvement, and board positions.
Moderator(s)
Bryan Basford – Executive Director, Kingston Access Bus