---
title: "Women in Transportation: Meet Hope Ann Smith"
description: "Women in Transportation interviewe Series: Meet Hope Ann Smith, Senior Transit Planner/Scheduler at NICE Bus, which is operated by Transdev"
image: https://blog.optibus.com/hubfs/Hope%20Ann%20Smith.png
---

[![optibus-logo-2019](https://blog.optibus.com/hs-fs/hubfs/optibus-logo-2019.png?width=180&height=49&name=optibus-logo-2019.png "optibus-logo-2019")](https://www.optibus.com/)

[![optibus-dark-logo](https://blog.optibus.com/hubfs/optibus-dark-logo.svg "optibus-dark-logo")](https://www.optibus.com/)

- Product 
    - [Platform](https://www.optibus.com/product/platform/)
    - [Passenger Information](https://optibus.com/product/passenger-information/)
    - [Planning](https://www.optibus.com/product/planning/)
    - [Control & Monitoring](https://optibus.com/product/control/)
    - [MagicEye - Driver Safety](https://optibus.com/product/magic-eye/)
    - [Operations](https://www.optibus.com/product/operations/)
    - [Scheduling](https://www.optibus.com/product/scheduling/)
    - [Driver App](https://www.optibus.com/product/driver-app/)
    - [Rostering](https://www.optibus.com/product/rostering/)
    - [Optibus AI](https://optibus.com/product/ai/)
- Solutions 
    - [Agencies](https://optibus.com/solutions/optibus-for-agencies/)
    - [Win Tenders](https://optibus.com/solutions/optibus-for-tenders/)
    - [Operators](https://optibus.com/solutions/optibus-for-operators/)
    - [Electrify Fleet](https://optibus.com/solutions/optibus-for-electrical-vehicles/)
    - [Consultancies](https://optibus.com/solutions/optibus-for-consultancies/)
    - [Enhance Passenger Experience](https://optibus.com/enhance-passenger-experience/)
    - [Reduce Costs](https://optibus.com/solutions/reduce-operating-costs/)
- Resources 
    - [Blog](https://blog.optibus.com/)
    - [eBooks](https://www.optibus.com/resources/ebooks/)
    - [Webinars](https://www.optibus.com/resources/webinars/)
    - [Case Studies](https://www.optibus.com/resources/case-studies/)
    - [Videos](https://www.optibus.com/resources/videos/)
- Company 
    - [About](https://www.optibus.com/about-the-company/)
    - [Careers](https://www.optibus.com/careers/)
    - [Contact Us](https://www.optibus.com/about/contacts/)
    - [Events](https://www.optibus.com/events/)
    - [Media](https://www.optibus.com/news-events/media-coverage/)
- EN 
    - [English](https://blog.optibus.com/)
    - [Español América Latina](https://blog.optibus.com/es/)
    - [Español Europa](https://blog.optibus.com/es-es/)
    - [Deutsch](https://blog.optibus.com/de/)
    - [Français](https://blog.optibus.com/fr/)
    - [Português Brasil](https://blog.optibus.com/pt-br/)
    - [Português Portugal](https://blog.optibus.com/pt-pt/)
    - [日本語](https://blog.optibus.com/ja/)
    - [Italiano](https://blog.optibus.com/it/)
    - [Русский](https://blog.optibus.com/ru/)
    - [Türkçe](https://blog.optibus.com/tr/)
    - [български](https://blog.optibus.com/bg/)
    - <https://blog.optibus.com/women-in-transportation-meet-hope-ann-smith#empty>

[Request a demo](https://optibus.com/request-a-demo/)

# Women in Transportation: Meet Hope Ann Smith

![Reena Borkar](https://blog.optibus.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Reena.jpeg?width=100&height=100&name=Reena.jpeg)

#### Reena Borkar

March 20, 2023

[![Share on Facebook](https://blog.optibus.com/hubfs/fb_social_icon.svg)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.optibus.com%2Fwomen-in-transportation-meet-hope-ann-smith%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://blog.optibus.com/hubfs/linkedin%20logo_icon.svg)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.optibus.com%2Fwomen-in-transportation-meet-hope-ann-smith%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://blog.optibus.com/hubfs/twitter%20logo_icon.svg)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.optibus.com%2Fwomen-in-transportation-meet-hope-ann-smith%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.optibus.com%2Fwomen-in-transportation-meet-hope-ann-smith%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Women%20in%20Transportation%3A%20Meet%20Hope%20Ann%20Smith) [![Share on Email](https://blog.optibus.com/hs-fs/hubfs/email_icon-1.png?width=24&name=email_icon-1.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.optibus.com%2Fwomen-in-transportation-meet-hope-ann-smith%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.optibus.com%2Fwomen-in-transportation-meet-hope-ann-smith%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail)

![Hope Ann Smith](https://blog.optibus.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Hope%20Ann%20Smith.png?width=1200&height=637&name=Hope%20Ann%20Smith.png)In honor of International Women's Month, we are highlighting some of the influential women who have played a significant role in the public transportation industry around the world. Planners, schedulers, administrators, and more these women have made a lasting impact on the way we travel. 

We are delighted to feature Hope Ann Smith, who specializes in bus service planning/scheduling and OTP improvement. Hope has been in the industry for 12 years and has a unique insight into public transportation that she uses to shape the industry for a better tomorrow. In her own words, she says ‘I want to use my experience to contribute meaningful change to the industry’.

**Background **

Hope Ann Smith is a Senior Transit Planner/Scheduler at NICE Bus, which is operated by Transdev. She’s been with NICE Bus for 7 years and specializes in bus service planning/scheduling and OTP improvement. Her passion for transit started when she became a bus operator while still in college 12 years ago, and has gained an abundance of knowledge through personal and professional development over the years. 

**What drives you?**

What drives me is having the ability to make a difference in the lives of riders. The stories behind each of our riders have moved me in ways that made me feel like this was the perfect career path for me. Each time NICE Bus receives commendations from riders about how we have eliminated one more obstacle from their daily lives, I feel genuine happiness and fulfillment. I enjoy being independent - and having the freedom to go anywhere I desire has allowed me to reach more goals than I could ever have imagined. I am determined to give that opportunity to others without sacrificing service quality or the rider experience.

**What can the industry do to enable more women to have a career in transit?**

I believe the industry should establish a formal curriculum in higher education to expose young adults, especially women, to the different types of opportunities in public transportation. I learned to operate 40-foot buses part-time for a student-driven/student-managed off-campus transit agency in college, OCC Transport, and it opened the door to a career I am really proud to have. I was fortunate to transition into leadership positions during my time with OCC Transport, and that is where I discovered that my passion lies in public transportation. The lack of knowledge on building a career in transit can be a deterrent when the perception of job availability in the industry is solely centered on physically driving a bus/truck or operating rail. The industry can also showcase the different career paths of successful women so that our women can envision themselves in transit in a way that honors who they are and who they ultimately want to be.

**What are the main themes in transportation you advocate the most? **

Two main themes in transportation that I advocate for the most are safety and equity. As a former bus operator, I am aware of the dangers of operating a commercial vehicle and the importance of safely transporting riders to their destinations. I place significant value on new safety features on commercial vehicles/rail cars that increase safety for both operators and riders. Equity in transportation is also very important, as every transportation system should allow passengers equal access to opportunities, despite their financial status or access to resources. I am a huge advocate for independency as it cultivates resiliency and character, and equitable transit opens the door to true independence and personal achievement. Everyone should have the freedom to achieve their goals, and traveling to do so should not be an obstacle.

**What advice/tips would you give to young women who would like to have a career in the industry?**

The first piece of advice I would offer is to learn as much as possible about every department of the agency or firm that you are interested in joining. Having a large knowledge base of how all of the pieces fit together can allow you to make impactful improvements in your role that you can be proud of. 

The second piece of advice I would offer is to not be afraid of unconventional solutions to everyday problems – think outside of the box. There are several ways of solving a problem in transit so be courageous enough to try a new approach. 

Lastly, I would say, be unique and do not lose your femininity in fear that you might portray weakness as a leader. The softness and gracefulness of being a woman allows for a powerful and well-rounded perspective that is unique and very necessary in transit.

**What do you like to do outside of work?**

I am a car enthusiast, so I enjoy going to auto shows to see different types of cars. I also play the piano, so I enjoy learning new melodies and playing for my family and friends.

Thank you!

*We hope you enjoyed Hope Ann Smith's insights as much as we did. Did you also see the other episodes of our interview series in which we interview women who are making public transportation better around the world? Find them in our [blog overview](https://blog.optibus.com/?hsLang=en).*

![](https://blog.optibus.com/hubfs/new%20design%20blog/illustration.svg)

### Get transportation industry updates

(But not too often, don't worry!)

Sign up for insights

## Recent Posts

- #### [Optibus Launches Digital Vacation Bidding to Answer Bus Driver Demands for Self-Service Time-Off Control](https://blog.optibus.com/optibus-launches-digital-vacation-bidding-to-answer-bus-driver-demands-for-self-service-time-off-control?hsLang=en)
  
  [Read More](https://blog.optibus.com/optibus-launches-digital-vacation-bidding-to-answer-bus-driver-demands-for-self-service-time-off-control?hsLang=en)
- #### [Optibus Battles Driver Turnover and Overtime Expenditure with New Intelligent Driver and Vehicle Allocation](https://blog.optibus.com/new-intelligent-driver-and-vehicle-allocation?hsLang=en)
  
  [Read More](https://blog.optibus.com/new-intelligent-driver-and-vehicle-allocation?hsLang=en)
- #### [Three Minutes Away, Forever: The Anatomy of a Ghost Bus](https://blog.optibus.com/anatomy-of-a-ghost-bus?hsLang=en)
  
  [Read More](https://blog.optibus.com/anatomy-of-a-ghost-bus?hsLang=en)

## Popular Content

[![Women in Transportation: Meet Nosipho Pambuka](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/4wh0cITK3viNUrRYiysNQKqnc3SaV9_TyYwLpfFvQmWxQoFv73S1qNmjhTAYcux-9N6TE_fvRjE0W7mlFB8A2F3WBfXVrdtJzTA-LK5WZIwuSnd12JgNzttUXVMCl02EJ7ALxUv-3DUdDdEypSTClmo)](https://blog.optibus.com/women-in-transportation-meet-nosipho-pambuka?hsLang=en)

## [Women in Transportation: Meet Nosipho Pambuka](https://blog.optibus.com/women-in-transportation-meet-nosipho-pambuka?hsLang=en)

[Read More](https://blog.optibus.com/women-in-transportation-meet-nosipho-pambuka?hsLang=en)

[![Women in Transportation: Meet Sally Stannard](https://blog.optibus.com/hubfs/Niege%20Chaves%20-%20EN%20Version%20(1).png)](https://blog.optibus.com/meet-sally-stannard-in-our-women-in-transportation-series?hsLang=en)

## [Women in Transportation: Meet Sally Stannard](https://blog.optibus.com/meet-sally-stannard-in-our-women-in-transportation-series?hsLang=en)

[Read More](https://blog.optibus.com/meet-sally-stannard-in-our-women-in-transportation-series?hsLang=en)

[![The State Of Digital Transformation In Public Transportation – 5 Key Takeaways For 2024 And Beyond](https://blog.optibus.com/hubfs/ebook-The-State-of-Digital-Transformation-in-Public-Transportation-2024-1024x597-4.png)](https://optibus.com/ebook/2024-digital-transformation-public-transportation/)

## [The State Of Digital Transformation In Public Transportation – 5 Key Takeaways For 2024 And Beyond](https://optibus.com/ebook/2024-digital-transformation-public-transportation/)

[Read More](https://optibus.com/ebook/2024-digital-transformation-public-transportation/)

[![Optibus Joins Open Transit Initiative to Work Together on Agile Transit Ecosystem](https://blog.optibus.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/OTI-BANNER-BLOG_Blog-size.png)](https://blog.optibus.com/announcements/optibus-joins-open-transit-initiative-to-work-together-on-agile-transit-ecosystem?hsLang=en)

## [Optibus Joins Open Transit Initiative to Work Together on Agile Transit Ecosystem](https://blog.optibus.com/announcements/optibus-joins-open-transit-initiative-to-work-together-on-agile-transit-ecosystem?hsLang=en)

[Read More](https://blog.optibus.com/announcements/optibus-joins-open-transit-initiative-to-work-together-on-agile-transit-ecosystem?hsLang=en)

[![Key Takeaways on Revolutionizing Public Transport: Lessons Learned From Digital Transformation in Other Industries](https://blog.optibus.com/hubfs/a-group-of-people-on-a-city-bus-in-new-york-city-2022-03-04-02-40-44-utc-1.jpg)](https://blog.optibus.com/key-takeaways-on-revolutionising-public-transport-lessons-learned-from-digital-transformation-in-other-industries?hsLang=en)

## [Key Takeaways on Revolutionizing Public Transport: Lessons Learned From Digital Transformation in Other Industries](https://blog.optibus.com/key-takeaways-on-revolutionising-public-transport-lessons-learned-from-digital-transformation-in-other-industries?hsLang=en)

[Read More](https://blog.optibus.com/key-takeaways-on-revolutionising-public-transport-lessons-learned-from-digital-transformation-in-other-industries?hsLang=en)

[![New York City Transit to pilot Optibus as part of the Transit Tech Lab](https://blog.optibus.com/hubfs/GettyImages-1406960186.jpg)](https://blog.optibus.com/new-york-city-transit-to-pilot-optibus-as-part-of-the-transit-tech-lab?hsLang=en)

## [New York City Transit to pilot Optibus as part of the Transit Tech Lab](https://blog.optibus.com/new-york-city-transit-to-pilot-optibus-as-part-of-the-transit-tech-lab?hsLang=en)

[Read More](https://blog.optibus.com/new-york-city-transit-to-pilot-optibus-as-part-of-the-transit-tech-lab?hsLang=en)

[![Optibus expands in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil with new public transportation operators](https://blog.optibus.com/hubfs/Rio%20Grande%20do%20Sul%20Expansion_Blog%20(3).png)](https://blog.optibus.com/optibus-expands-in-rio-grande-do-sul-brazil-with-new-ptos?hsLang=en)

## [Optibus expands in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil with new public transportation operators](https://blog.optibus.com/optibus-expands-in-rio-grande-do-sul-brazil-with-new-ptos?hsLang=en)

[Read More](https://blog.optibus.com/optibus-expands-in-rio-grande-do-sul-brazil-with-new-ptos?hsLang=en)

## See the power of Optibus for yourself

[Request a demo](https://www.optibus.com/request-a-demo/)

#### Get transportation industry updates

#### Product

- [Platform](https://www.optibus.com/product/platform/)
- [Planning](https://www.optibus.com/product/planning/)
- [Scheduling](https://www.optibus.com/product/scheduling/)
- [Rostering](https://www.optibus.com/product/rostering/)
- [Operations](https://www.optibus.com/product/operations/)
- [Driver App](https://www.optibus.com/product/driver-app/)
- [Passenger information](https://optibus.com/product/passenger-information/)
- [MagicEye – Driver Safety](https://optibus.com/product/magic-eye/)
- [Control & Monitoring](https://optibus.com/product/control/)
- [Optibus AI](https://optibus.com/product/control/)

#### Solutions

- [Agencies](https://www.optibus.com/solutions/optibus-for-agencies/)
- [Operators](https://www.optibus.com/solutions/optibus-for-operators/)
- [Consultancies](https://www.optibus.com/solutions/optibus-for-consultancies/)
- [Electrical Vehicles](https://www.optibus.com/solutions/optibus-for-electrical-vehicles/)
- [Tenders](https://www.optibus.com/solutions/optibus-for-tenders/)
- [Enhance Passenger Experience](https://optibus.com/enhance-passenger-experience/)
- [Reduce Costs](https://optibus.com/solutions/reduce-operating-costs/)

#### Resources

- [Blog](https://blog.optibus.com)
- [eBooks](https://www.optibus.com/resources/ebooks/)
- [Webinars](https://www.optibus.com/resources/webinars/)
- [Case Studies](https://www.optibus.com/resources/case-studies/)
- [Videos](https://www.optibus.com/resources/videos/)

#### Company

- [About](https://www.optibus.com/about-the-company/)
- [Careers](https://www.optibus.com/careers/)
- [Media](https://www.optibus.com/news-events/media-coverage/)
- [Events](https://www.optibus.com/events/)
- [Contact Us](https://www.optibus.com/about/contacts/)
- [Partnership Program](https://optibus.com/company/global-partnership-program/)
- [Academy Program](https://optibus.com/company/academy-program/)
- [Sustainability & ESG](https://optibus.com/esg/)
- [Security Whitepaper](https://optibus.com/company/security/)

#### Content

- Recentes
- Populares
- Categorias

### Lists by Topic

- [Transportation (174)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/transportation)
- [Announcements (159)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/announcements)
- [Public Transportation (59)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/public-transportation)
- [Blog (55)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/blog)
- [Corporate (49)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/corporate)
- [Product (40)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/product)
- [People (33)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/people)
- [Technology (32)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/technology)
- [Solutions (26)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/solutions)
- [Engineering (24)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/engineering)
- [Company (17)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/company)
- [Latin America (15)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/latin-america)
- [Women (15)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/women)
- [North America (14)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/north-america)
- [AI (12)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/ai)
- [Passenger (10)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/passenger)
- [case study (10)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/case-study)
- [Drivers (9)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/drivers)
- [Electric Buses (9)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/electric-buses)
- [values (9)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/values)
- [APAC (8)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/apac)
- [Algorithms (8)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/algorithms)
- [driver shortage (8)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/driver-shortage)
- [Innovation (6)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/innovation)
- [Operations (6)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/operations)
- [Planning (6)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/planning)
- [Driver retention (5)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/driver-retention)
- [Partnerships (5)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/partnerships)
- [impact (5)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/impact)
- [Control (4)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/control)
- [ebuses (4)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/ebuses)
- [Automation (3)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/automation)
- [Driver Portal (3)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/driver-portal)
- [GTFS (3)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/gtfs)
- [Security (3)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/security)
- [covid-19 (3)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/covid-19)
- [efficiency (3)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/efficiency)
- [Billboards (2)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/billboards)
- [Data (2)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/data)
- [Digital Transformation (2)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/digital-transformation)
- [cloud (2)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/cloud)
- [digital bidding (2)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/digital-bidding)
- [performance (2)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/performance)
- [Africa (1)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/africa)
- [Allocation Optimization (1)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/allocation-optimization)
- [BRT (1)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/brt)
- [Bidding (1)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/bidding)
- [Cybersecurity (1)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/cybersecurity)
- [Demand response (1)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/demand-response)
- [Demand response transport (1)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/demand-response-transport)
- [GTFS-Flex (1)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/gtfs-flex)
- [India (1)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/india)
- [Optibus Agent (1)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/optibus-agent)
- [Passenger Information (1)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/passenger-information)
- [Shuttles (1)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/shuttles)
- [Trillium (1)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/trillium)
- [design (1)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/design)
- [punctuality (1)](https://blog.optibus.com/tag/punctuality)

see all

## Get transportation industry updates

(But not too often, don’t worry!)

[info@optibus.com](mailto:info@optibus.com) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.optibus.com/optibus-privacy-policy/) | [Cookies Policy](https://www.optibus.com/optibus-cookie-policy/) | [ISO 27001 certified](https://www.optibus.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/ISO-27001-Optibus-certification.pdf) | © Optibus 2026

<https://twitter.com/optibus> <https://www.facebook.com/Optibusltd/> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/optibus-ltd/>