Featured by APTA

The recognition reflects not only Mark’s career in transit, but also the values that continue to drive our work at Transit Marketing Group: persistence, strong relationships, and long-term commitment to the agencies and communities we serve.

Featured by APTA

The Business of Transit Newsletter- April 2026 -Volume 15

In Transit with… Mark Magaldi

Recognized by the American Public Transportation Association for leadership and impact in the transit industry

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) recently featured Mark Magaldi, General Manager of Transit Marketing Group, in its “In Transit With…” series—highlighting leaders across the industry who are helping shape the future of public transportation.

The recognition reflects not only Mark’s career in transit, but also the values that continue to drive our work at TransMark: persistence, strong relationships, and long-term commitment to the agencies and communities we serve.

Below is the full Q&A as featured by APTA:

How did you get started in public transportation?

Technically, I’ve been in the industry for about 24 years—but in reality, it’s been part of my life much longer, going back to when I was 10 or 12 years old. I’m a second-generation transit professional – a transit enthusiast, or even addict. My father has been in public transportation since the early 1980s, and I was fortunate to grow up immersed in the industry.

I spent my early years hearing about bus and rail OEMs, transit authorities, and industry leaders. That exposure gave me a unique foundation and ultimately the opportunity to join the family business. I’ve worked hard to build my own reputation, but I recognize how fortunate I was to be raised in and around this industry.

What’s one moment in your career you still think about regularly—and why?

There are many, but one stands out from early in my career. I was trying to break into a specific transit agency and couldn’t get a meeting—no returned calls, no responses. At one point, I waited in the parking lot before work hours just to catch the key contact walking in. I got maybe 30 seconds with them.

From there, I kept following up. The next meeting was only a couple of minutes. Each time, I was given more to follow up on—and I made sure to deliver. By the fifth meeting or so, we started building a rapport. Over time, that turned into a strong relationship and years of successful business together.

I think about that often because it reinforces a core belief: success in this industry—and in business overall—requires persistence, resilience, and the willingness to keep showing up even when it’s difficult- Doing the things you don’t want to do, and success will follow.

What’s one lesson you learned the hard way but are glad you did?

Learning who to trust—and who not to—was a hard-earned lesson. You can’t succeed alone; you need to surround yourself with the right people, build a strong team, and create something meaningful together.

Early on, I was burned a few times by people I thought I could rely on. It taught me that integrity and follow-through are everything. Being someone who truly stands by their word is harder than it sounds.

That said, the transit industry is full of great people. I’ve been fortunate to build lasting business relationships and even lifelong friendships. Learning how to identify and invest in those relationships has been invaluable.

What’s something you believed early in your career that you no longer believe today?

Early in my career, I believed that if you had the best product or solution, it would naturally win. Over time, I’ve learned that while quality matters, relationships, trust, and consistency matter just as much—if not more.

Success isn’t just about what you offer; it’s about how you show up, how you support your customers, and whether people trust you to deliver over the long term.

When you think about the next generation of transit leaders, what gives you hope?

What gives me hope is the level of resources and education available today. Transit is evolving faster than it ever has before. There are now strong educational pathways in transportation—from technical fields to planning and management.

Workforce development is also gaining real momentum, with increased outreach and awareness around careers in transit. People are starting to better understand the complexity behind delivering reliable, on-time service every day, it’s an impressive and often underappreciated operation.

Younger generations also recognize the broader impact of public transportation—reducing congestion, improving mobility, and supporting environmental goals. They’re more globally aware and well-traveled, which gives them perspective on how transit systems can function at a higher level.

All that makes me very optimistic about the future of the industry.

What’s a moment that reminded you why this work matters?

One of the most meaningful reminders comes from seeing transit in action—watching people rely on it every single day. Whether it’s someone getting to work, a student getting to school, or a person accessing essential services, transit plays a critical role in people’s lives.

There have been many moments visiting agencies and seeing firsthand how much communities depend on reliable transportation. It reinforces that what we do isn’t just about equipment or sales, it’s about enabling mobility and supporting communities. That’s something I never lose sight of.

If you weren’t in transit, what would you be doing instead?

Honestly, I’m not sure—, I started in tech, moved into the RV business and I’ve been in this industry so long I don’t know. Maybe I’d be a rock star, a radio DJ, a realtor, or even a professional athlete—mountain biking or skiing. I’ve also thought about creative paths like being an artist or a podcaster.

The one thing I always knew for certain is that I wanted to be a dad. Beyond that, my path wasn’t always clear—but I’m incredibly glad it led me here.

I’m passionate about the Transit Marketing Group, the industry we serve, and the customers we support. I truly can’t imagine doing anything else.

Recognized. Trusted. Committed to Transit.

We’re proud to see our leadership recognized by APTA and to be part of an industry built on collaboration, trust, and long-term partnerships.

At Transit Marketing Group, we remain focused on supporting transit agencies and partners across North America with solutions that keep communities moving