DURHAM — TransLoc CEO Doug Kaufman is stepping down on August 16, almost two years after the Durham transit management tech startup was acquired by Ford’s subsidiary Ford Smart Mobility.
The move comes as the automobile giant plans a massive re-organization of its TransLoc division, integrating it with the newly acquired Journey Holding Corporation, a vehicle tracking software firm. Under Ford Smart Mobility, TransLoc, with Ride Systems and Double Map, will combine to deliver “the industry’s most comprehensive data-driven and accessible transportation solutions for cities, universities, and other businesses with transit operations.”
Doug Kaufman. Source: LinkedIn.
Journey Holding CEO Justin Rees will lead the new operation, which now serves more than 1,200 cities and other enterprises with software solutions for fixed route transportation, microtransit on-demand transportation and other related areas.
Kaufman said he was happy to see the company grow. “TransLoc’s goal has always been to assist transit agencies and universities in delivering smart and cost-effective transportation solutions to its citizens and students,” Kaufman said in a statement. “Agency-owned microtransit has helped fuel economic growth across the country, provided people with access to jobs, healthcare and housing, and has reduced traffic congestion and harmful pollutants.”
In addition to product integration, the new operation will bring together over 200 employees across the country with extensive experience in delivering technology and transit offerings to transportation systems and rider experiences. Other members of the new company’s leadership team appointed include:
- Scott Lacy, vice president of Product
- Ron Cygnarowicz, vice president of Customers
- Ilya Rekhter, vice president of Growth
- Kevin Fowler, vice president of Finance
- Katie Strickland, vice president of People
- Peter SerVaas, vice president of Innovation
- Kelly Rees, vice president of Integration
TransLoc is best known for its on-demand transit solution called the MicroTransit Simulator which targets minicipalities. In the Triangle, for example, TransLoc has worked to link Uber with mass transit. Its technology tracks and models demand a well as response analysis while providing mobile apps that can be used by individuals.
