Bicycle Transit Systems is a Philadelphia-based business that specializes in bike share launch, operations, and management. Comprised of the most experienced bike share operations team in the industry, Bicycle Transit Systems manages all operational elements of Indego, including bike and station maintenance, marketing, and customer service.

Our  staff Q & A spotlight series was created to compliment the Indego Street Team and Ambassador spotlight series. These spotlights are an opportunity for you to learn more about the dream team that keeps Indego rolling. From bike mechanics and drivers, to customer service  and marketing, this is a wheel treat to get the inside scoop on the 30+ employees who make up Indego. Meet Tray, our friendly and dedicated Fleet Department Lead!

How long have you been part of the Indego team for?
My first day with BTS was Friday April 16th, 2015. Indego launched 7 days later!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your position!
Before I took the job as a balancer, I spent 15 years as a manager of local bike shops. I am married with three children. My wife Marni and I enjoy cycling and hiking/camping with our kids. My position at Indego is Fleet Lead. I supervise the re-balancing team. Those are the folks you see out on the streets taking bikes to and from stations. I also manage the vehicle fleet. I am currently the driver representative on our Safety Committee, and I also work with the mechanical services department on warehouse optimization.

What does a normal day look like for you?
I don’t have normal days! In the morning, I am usually overseeing fleet assets and personnel. To keep Indego running, our vehicles operate about 300 hours a week. Truck maintenance and scheduling through the holidays are also keeping me busy. I collaborate with the customer service, dispatch, marketing, accounting, and mechanical services departments. I am grateful for excellent colleagues! I call on their advice and expertise daily.

 
What do you like the most about working at Indego?
Without a doubt: the supply of Federal Donuts and coffee. As the bear longs for honey, Tray Duffy craves sugar.

How would you say the system has impacted the city?
Philadelphians have deserved more/better transportation options. Living in a flat, dense urban area makes bikes a great candidate for transportation. An Indego bike station located on a corner near home opens so many more options for the city dweller. Indego offers a healthy, cost-effective, and fun way to enliven trips.

Any favorite routes?
I enjoy riding a bike to run errands. I love the ease and speed of a bicycle! My favorite recreational cycling route is the Delaware River Bike Trail near Washington Avenue. Pier 53 has a special significance for me; my grandparents both landed at the former immigration station there in 1901 from Ireland.

What would you say to anyone that might be hesitant about riding in the city?
City cycling can appear dangerous and even scary. There are cars, busses, trolleys, taxis, other cyclists, and pedestrians. Many are rushing around and some are looking at hand-held devices. But riding a bike can energize and empower you! Do some research on the web by checking out the Bike Coalition’s page: http://bicyclecoalition.org/ride-your-bike/
The Bicycle Coalition also offers Urban Riding Basics courses for free! These take place in a classroom and give you the information to feel confident going out on the street for the first time.
You can also stop in to your nearest bike shop and ask questions from folks who ride in the city daily. They may have routes or group ride ideas for you. They can help with clothing, helmets, locks, and maintenance.
Wear a helmet, pick a nice day, grab a well-tuned and sized bike and follow the rules of the road. Or even better: ride an Indego bike! Use the Indego app to make sure there is a bike available at your departing location, and a dock open at your destination!

What are you up to outside of Indego?
When I am not working, I find myself tinkering on my house and my family’s 9 bicycles. When the weather permits, I enjoy riding my Vespa scooter and mountain biking. I am grateful for my family and all their interests. Supporting my kids in their activities brings me great joy. My wife is on a women’s cycling team called VeloDash. I am excited about their mission to encourage women to ride and race bikes.
I dream of hiking more segments of the Appalachian Trail. I currently have logged about 800 miles.