A behind the scenes look at BCT during an Emergency
By Rachel Richardson and Jose Paz, BCT
In a discreet, nondescript building nestled in the heart of Broward County, the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) serves as a hub of strategic focus on keeping the county safe during an emergency like a storm. Rows of monitors illuminate maps and live updates, guiding rapid decisions and coordinated actions from government agencies across the county. During a storm, this center operates 24 hours a day, becoming the focal point for ensuring the safety and mobility of Broward County residents.
When Hurricane Milton threatened the area recently, Broward County Transit (BCT) top administration reported to the EOC, monitored storm conditions and made critical decisions to maintain transit services during the storm.
“Even in moments like this, the goal of BCT is to provide 100% on-time service while ensuring the safety of our bus operators and staff,” BCT Deputy General Manager Tim Garling explained.
In the fast-paced environment of the EOC, communication is vital. The BCT team relies on real-time reports from operations teams, including bus operators and supervisors in the field. Dispatchers continuously adjust routes based on road conditions.
“Another goal for BCT especially during a storm is ensuring the safety of riders while keeping the buses operational,” Garling continued. “We always remain committed to getting people where they need to go safely even during emergencies.”
As the storm approached, BCT fully activated its communication strategy to keep the public informed of its operations. It utilized the news media, social platforms, BCT website, and BCT e-newsletter, Transit Flash, which provides subscribers with real-time service change. BCT 24-hour customer service hotline also remained available to assist passengers with trip-related inquiries.
“Every crisis is unpredict-able,” Angelica Jones, Deputy General Manager of BCT stated. “Although we have conducted thorough planning for various disasters, we remain prepared to adjust to the unexpected challenges that arise.”
Behind the scenes, the BCT team works tirelessly to ensure passengers’ experience is safe and reliable. Throughout the hurricane, BCT remained fully operational to provide residents with uninterrupted access to dependable transit services despite challenging conditions.
Discover how BCT can get you where you need to go—rain or shine. Visit Broward.org/BCT to learn more about transit services and to sign up for Transit Flash and to follow BCT on its social channels.
