Clever Devices employees are the engine that powers mobility for riders around the world. On World Public Transport Day, we're excited to share stories of the impact of public transportation directly from the team that makes this dream a reality. From a meet-cute story on a campus bus to a generational legacy of transit operators, these are journeys that matter through the eyes of our amazing employees.
"Public transit changed my life. It's where I met my husband. When I was attending UNC, I rode the bus to and from classes most days. On a Tuesday afternoon in January of 2006, I boarded the NU route leaving campus to head back to my apartment. A few minutes later, a handsome blue-eyed student boarded the bus as well. We kept looking at each other and smiling. When he moved to get off the bus, I got up too, even though we were one stop earlier than my normal stop. We walked in step together, before he started talking to me. We didn't see each other again until the following Tuesday on the bus. David Donovan asked me on a date for that evening, and we have been together ever since! We both graduated from UNC in 2007 and got married in 2009. I started working at Digital Recorders in 2010, which was bought by Clever Devices not too long after. We now have two beautiful children, Aria (9) and Lucas (4). I now work on the databases that power the bus's technology where I met my husband. I now work with the professional voice talent whose voice got me to and from my classes each day! My husband and I returned to Chapel Hill to take our engagement photos, and we took many of them on the bus, at the bus stop, etc. I didn't know it at the time, but Chapel Hill Transit was one of Digital Recorders' customers. Life has truly come full circle for me, and I have public transit to thank for my entire family!"
Ashley Donovan
Supervisor, Data Systems
"World Public Transport Day out at Georgetown Waterfront, Washington, DC.
For us, it’s personal. This is the team that shows up every day to keep buses on the road and riders moving. Proud of the WMATA Service Team."
Jose Callado
Regional Service Manager
“For me, public transport is about real economy and real experiences.
I try to use it in every city or country I visit because it gives me a genuine sense of the place, the people, the rhythm, and the culture.”
Monica Malhotra
Chief International Operations Officer
On Driver’s Day, I was at the bus company by his side—he has now completed 30 years in the profession. At that moment, I wore a driver’s uniform as a tribute, a simple gesture but full of meaning. It was my way of recognizing everything he has done for me, all the teachings and values he passed on throughout my life.
Much of who I am today comes from this bond and these experiences lived alongside him. Everything I learned within public transportation I carry with me proudly. And above all, there is gratitude: thank you, Dad, for every lesson and for guiding me to where I am today."
Elter Rivelino
Trainer I
"This picture is of my daughter, Sylvie, and me on the AirTrain from JFK to transfer to the Subway. We did a one day trip to NYC for the holidays last year.
This picture is of me on the Subway Platform in Brooklyn. Part of the same trip my daughter and I did to NYC for the holidays last year."
Crystal Benjamin-Bafford
Managing Director, Product Management
"Great memories working on a green field rail wayside signaling project in Ethiopia, Africa. The project (funded by the World Bank) built a new cargo and passenger rail system to help grow the country's economy."
Davis Steigerwalt
Project Manager
"The Maricopa, AZ Amtrak station is where this photo was taken, about 2 miles from my home. This was an overnight trip on the Sunset Limited directly to LA Union Station, co-located with LACMTA Headquarters at One Gateway Plaza, in support of LACMTA client meetings. Much more relaxing and stress-free compared to flying! Loved the fact this trip was almost doorstep to doorstep!"
Rex Surber
Program Manager
"I’ve always had a strong connection with public transportation — so much that I even have a tattoo inspired by it.
Since my very first internship, I haven’t seen myself working in any other field. Public transport is not only my career, but also part of my daily life, as I am a frequent user myself. I truly believe in its impact, and I’m always encouraging my friends to choose it whenever possible.
Living in São Paulo, a city with a vast and complex transportation network, makes this connection even stronger. Experiencing public transport every day allows me to better understand its challenges, but also its importance in connecting people and shaping the city."
Kamila Alves
Project Engineer I
"This is my husband Leonard. As a crossing guard for Chicago Public Schools, he takes the #74 CTA bus to and from his assigned intersection every day. It's a quick, convenient, and safe way to commute, plus he rides for free (a perk of being a SEIU 73 union member)."
Anna Forsher
Knowledge Manager
I didn't grow up with access to a robust public transportation system, so as a South Carolina girl who moved to Long Island, it was life-changing to be able to reach New York City in under an hour without the stress of learning to drive in Manhattan traffic. The reliable service provided by the Long Island Railroad gave me access to career opportunities in New York City that would never have been available to me otherwise— and eventually led me to the transit industry and my role here at Clever Devices.
It's a privilege to now be an advocate for greater mobility in our communities, to support the adoption of reliable, safe, and efficient public transportation systems worldwide, and to be a transit superfan!"
Mary Pusterla
Sr. Digital Marketing Manager
"Sara and Brann Angelini riding the Disney World Monorail in November 2024.
Brann Angelini driving an NYC MTA Bus in the NY Hall of Science City Works Exhibit."
Sara Angelini
HR Manager, Benefits & Systems
Buddy Coleman aboard a high-speed Hitachi bullet train in Japan.
Buddy Coleman
Chief Customer Officer
"My career in public transportation began as a young apprentice, rooted in a lifelong connection to a sector that has always been part of my daily reality. Over the years, this initial interest evolved into a solid professional journey, leading me to my current role at Clever Devices on the SPTrans SMGO project.
Being 'on the ground' and inside the buses allows me to witness firsthand how our work transforms urban mobility. This experience, built on years of dedication and continuous learning, is more than a job; it is a passion-driven commitment to improving people's lives every day."
Andressa Campos
Project Engineer I
"My family was on vacation in Pennsylvania/New York. We took the ferry from the Jersey side to New York, and it gave our whole family an easy experience to enjoy the city, no matter the age, from baby to grandparents."
Davina Holmquist
Data Systems Specialist II
"Incognito on a crowded bus in Livorno, Tuscany, during rush hour. We were going to dinner with my husband’s family and chose not to take two cars. At 18:30, the bus was completely full, everyday life at its most real."
Lourdes Rico
Global Marketing Manager, MAIOR
"Photo taken on DART Silver Line Train. I rode on opening day from DFW to Plano, TX and back. Public Transit means freedom of mobility and accessibility for a lot of people that have various limitations preventing the use of other means of transportation.
Unexpected was the number of people out riding. Every train was full to capacity and the fun was that there were events at each station."
Susan Baldwin
Senior Project Manager
"This Photo was taken on my 3rd day after joining Clever Devices at the Big Blue Bus (BBB) Santa Monica CA yard. I was about to hop on that bus for a test ride on Route 7 which goes from Santa Monica to Downtown LA. This gave me a good understanding how our Onboard systems behave on a Route. It's interesting that before joining Clever Devices, I didn't really notice or care about Public Transit. Now I see buses everywhere and constantly checking my Transit app even though I am not looking for a ride."
Larry Veilleux
Trainer I
"This photo was taken in Livorno, Italy, while we were on our way to Florence. My family likes to rely on public transportation when we travel — especially in Europe — because it’s both convenient and budget-friendly.
A little tip from experience: always plan for extra time. We nearly missed our ship on the return trip from Florence due to unexpected delays!"
Alicja Kulaczkowski
Principal QA Engineer
“While traveling through Europe with my family, we made a point to use public transit whenever we could. After getting comfortable navigating London by bus and Tube, Paris brought a new layer to the experience. Using transit in another language added a real sense of adventure. Exploring Europe like this made the journey just as meaningful as the places we visited.”
Bernadette Ackerman
Vice President of Marketing
"This was our first family train ride to the city of Raleigh. We visited the museums and had some lunch. Kids loved the train ride!"
Helion Dhrimaj
Product Manager