The Hall of Fame Inductee for 2025 is Timothy “Tim” Garling. Tim had a 42-year career in public transit serving in 6 different agencies. 17 of those years were in Florida with two different agencies. He held a total of 14 different positions in the transit industry from executive, operational, safety and security, and budget and finance. He managed numerous public transit modes, heavy rail, light rail, commuter rail, fixed-route bus, and paratransit.
He assisted in providing over 2 billion rides to the public!
Tim served for 15 years on the FPTA Board of Directors and was a long-time member of the Legislative Committee. He represented both the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) and Broward County Transit (BCT).
In 2012, he served on the Hiring Committee that selected Lisa Bacot as FPTA Executive Director. In 2012-2013, he served as the Chair of the FPTA, and he provided invaluable guidance to Lisa as she transitioned into the Director role. As Chair, he ensured that the “Round the State” concept of each system sharing their latest accomplishments or challenges was brought back for each board meeting. He helped to steer the creation of the Work Plan for the FPTA Strategic Plan and provided input, advice, and guidance when in 2012, FTA suggested we
halt ordering vehicles off the current FPTA Vehicle Consortium Contract. He chaired numerous Executive Committee meetings, including several “Emergency” meetings to deal with these FTA issues.
While at PSTA, he led the agency to record ridership despite a 30% reduction in property taxes. Tim successfully navigated the agency through the worst of the great recession without reducing service or laying off any employees through the implementation of an employee-based Productivity Improvement Program (PIP). He served on the Management Committee of the Tampa Bay Regional Transit Authority and participated in the development of the region’s first ever Transportation Master Plan.
While at BCT in Broward County, he led staff efforts to develop the 30-year transit financial plan that served as the basis for the Broward County Transportation Surtax referendum in 2018. Tim contributed as a speaker for the educational outreach efforts that led to its successful passage with an overwhelming 60% approval by the voters or Broward County. This surtax will provide over $16 billion for transit and transportation projects in Broward County over a 30-year period. The surtax provides Broward County with a sustainable funding source to ensure the future of public transit.
In 2013, Tim was a large reason that Broward County Transit was selected as the Outstanding Transit Agency in the State of Florida by the FPTA.
It is a true honor that the 2025 Florida Public Transportation Association’s Hall of Fame be given to Timothy Garling.