Petersburg Names Director of Petersburg Area Transit
The City of Petersburg is pleased to announce the selection of Darius Mason as the Director of Petersburg Area Transit. Mason began his tenure with Petersburg Area Transit (PAT) in 2006. He has served as PAT Operations Manager since 2017.
“The City received an outstanding pool of applicants and interviewed several excellent candidates,” said City Manager March Altman. “Mr. Mason impressed the interview panel and me with his knowledge and understanding of transit operations and PAT's challenges. I believe Mr. Mason is the right person to lead PAT into the future and make PAT the model transit organization in Virginia.”
Mason’s experience includes transit operator, transit supervisor, transit system manager, and interim transit general manager. His certifications include:
- Outstanding Achievement Award for Safety from National Safety Council by VML Insurance Company
- Certified Reasonable Suspicion Trainer for the Department of Rail and Public Transportation
- Certified Safety and Security Officer - Community Transportation Association of America
- Certified Passenger Assistance Safety and Sensitivity Instructor from the Community Transportation Association of America
- Certificate of Compliance, Department of Motor Vehicles (License Check for the City of Petersburg)
- Certified in Managing Transit Emergencies, Department of Transportation
- Certified in SMS Safety Assurance and Awareness for Transit
- National Transit Institute Certified in Managing Transit Projects.
“Petersburg Area Transit is essential in promoting accessibility, supporting economic growth, and providing transportation services to vulnerable populations within the City,” said Darius Mason. "I am eager to lead the growth and expansion of PAT, a key priority for our region."
After graduating from Petersburg High School, Mason attended St. Augustine College and later transferred to Virginia State University.