Darren Brugmann, Transit Director, announced his resignation to Town Manager Larry Pardee on April 20, 2021. Brugmann has been with the Town since 2015, having worked in public transportation-related positions for 25 years prior to that serving as the Director of Transportation for the Senior Services of Snohomish County Washington as well as the Director of Transportation for the Fremont Public Association in Seattle, Washington.
During his time with START, Brugmann has been instrumental in a number of important improvements within the transit department including acquiring eight new electric buses to the START fleet, developing and implementing an efficient and effective new Route Plan, securing sizeable funding grants in both Wyoming and Idaho, and negotiating long-term storage leases for commuter buses in Victor and Star Valley.
“We truly appreciate all that Darren has done for the Town of Jackson and START Bus,” said Pardee. “He has done an exceptional job managing the day-to-day operations of a bus system that faces many unique challenges that come with seasonal staffing in a valley where staffing in general can be extremely difficult.”
During this past year Brugmann has worked tirelessly with the Jackson Town Council, the Teton Board of County Commissioners, the START Board, as well as with local, state and federal health officials to mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19 while still offering necessary transportation opportunities for residents, commuters and visitors alike.
“I am excited for START and the strategies our staff, START Board and community are working on,” Brugmann said. “I will always look back to my nearly 6 years that I was afforded the opportunity to be the Transit Director. Introducing zero emission electric buses to our
community, increasing ridership each year (pre-COVID of course), an invigorated and committed START Board and staff and lastly setting a path forward with the START Route Plan will be at the top of my list of great things for this community.”
The Town of Jackson wishes to express a deep appreciation for the time Darren Brugmann has devoted to START Bus as well as the passion, dedication, experience and knowledge he brought to his role as the Transit Director.
“On behalf of the START Board I want to thank Darren for his six years of dedicated service to START,” said Jared Smith, START Board Chair. “Our region has benefited from his commitment to making transit an integral part of our transportation solutions.”
Brugmann announced that his departure will occur at some point during the summer and he is committed to assisting the Town and County during the transition to a new Director.
The Town of Jackson recognizes the essential role that public transportation plays in our community and is committed to ensuring it remains effective and efficient for our community to thrive.
“We plan on conducting a nation-wide search to fill this open position,” said Roxanne Robinson, Assistant Town Manager. “It is the Town’s goal to find an equally qualified individual to take the helm of the Transit Department. We will work closely with the START Board, Town and County officials, as well as key community members during this critically important selection process.”
The Transit Department is a joint department of the Town and County with the START Board establishing the budget and providing management under an operating plan approved by the Town Council and County Commission. The position of Transit Director reports to the Town Manager and serves on the staff leadership team for the Town of Jackson.
