Second Chances and AI in Transit with Geisha Ester and MJ Maynard

Key takeaways:  The Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Second Chance Program helps returning residents and others with employment barriers gain one year of paid, supportive work experience, with a focus on long-term career development. The program has grown from 50 to 350 positions and includes technological resources, resume workshops, CDL prep and connections to both internal CTA roles and outside employment. The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada uses artificial intelligence (AI)-driven tools like Rekor and ZeroEyes to enhance traffic management, detect weapons in real time and reduce response times to incidents. AI-powered intersection analytics identified patterns of red-light running and jaywalking, helping RTC make data-informed decisions for improving roadway safety. In this episode, the ITP team dives into the power of transformation—both human and technological. First, Brandon Lewis interviews Geisha Ester, former VP of training and workforce development at the CTA, about CTA’s Second Chance program. This initiative supports returning residents and others with employment barriers as they reenter the workforce and build lasting careers. Next up, Harlee Hewitt speaks with MJ Maynard, CEO of the RTC of Southern Nevada, about how AI is reshaping transit safety. From predictive analytics to weapon detection and smart intersections, Maynard shares how the RTC is leveraging AI to enhance public safety and improve regional mobility. This episode is all about opportunity, innovation and the human side of infrastructure and transit.