Supporting the Mental Health of Frontline Transit Workers with Foursquare ITP's VP, Sandy Brennan

Sandy Brennan, Vice President at Foursquare Integrated Transportation Planning and Mass Transit Magazine's 40 Under 40 awardee, joins hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono to discuss her TCRP Report 245 on transit worker mental health. Content Warning: This episode discusses mental health challenges, workplace trauma, and violence that some listeners may find distressing. Sandy reveals that over one-third of frontline transit workers show signs of anxiety or depression, exploring how COVID-19 intensified isolation and mistrust in the industry. The conversation covers practical solutions from agencies like VTA, TriMet, and IndyGo, including crisis response teams, mentorship programs, and innovative support systems. Key topics include the unique stresses facing bus operators and mechanics, the importance of building trust between workers and management, and how agencies can implement effective mental health programs regardless of size or budget. TCRP Report 245: Mental Health, Wellness, and Resilience for Transit System Workers https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/27592/mental-health-wellness-and-resilience-for-transit-system-workers