January, 2025 Virtual Summit – Legacy Streetcar Systems
When it comes to streetcar ridership, legacy systems such as San Francisco, Boston, and Philadelphia lead the way. These systems have become integral parts of their neighborhoods over time, cementing ridership through strong community integration. However, operating these legacy systems comes with its own set of challenges, including aging infrastructure, evolving transit needs, and the pressures of meeting established expectations.
In this virtual summit, we’ll provide an in-depth overview of these historic streetcar networks. Afterward, a Q&A session will dive into how these systems are addressing their unique challenges and adapting to shifting rider demands. Join us to learn what’s next for these iconic transit systems!
Video archive of the Microsoft Teams meeting
January 29, 2025
Presenter Bios
Liz Brisson
Long Range Transit Corridor Planning Manager Transit Division
SFMTA San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency
Liz Brisson has worked in the public sector in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 15 years. She leads the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s transit corridor planning team that directs the early stages of major new bus and rail projects. Liz is currently leading the Muni Metro Capacity Study to identify the future vision of Muni Metro and position the agency for an FTA Core Capacity grant.
Anthony Jreije, AICP
Planning Project Manager—Trolley Modernization
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority
Anthony Jreije possesses a strong background in transportation planning and program management. Currently serving as a Trolley Modernization Planning Project Manager at Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), Anthony supports the advancement of SEPTA’s largest capital program. His experience includes project planning at the Federal Transit Administration, where he facilitated inter-agency cooperation, supported grant creation, and led NEPA environmental determinations for large transit projects. Anthony’s expertise also extends to the private sector, having worked as a Transportation Analyst at Cambridge Systematics and a Consultant at WSP, contributing to the development and assessment of transportation projects throughout the country.
Desiree Patrice
Chief of Integrated Transit Programs (ITP)
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)
Desiree Patrice is the driving force behind the transformation of transit programs as Chief of Integrated Transit Programs at the MBTA. With over two decades of expertise in construction and civil engineering, she leads a diverse team dedicated to revitalizing the track, signal, and power systems of the Red, Orange, Blue and Green Lines, along with the Mattapan Line. Upgrading these functions to a State of Good Repair requires visioning, strategic planning and large-scale project management. Demonstrating leadership marked by humility, persistence, and patience. Desiree inspires her team to tackle and overcome the inherent challenges of their work. She derives immense satisfaction from devising strategies to navigate complex issues.
Throughout her tenure at the MBTA, Desiree has showcased her versatility through various roles. Notable projects in her portfolio include the design and management of the Blue Hill Avenue Commuter Rail Station on the Fairmount Line as well as spearheading the agency’s vertical transportation/accessibility initiatives, including the Porter, Harvard, State, and Park Street Vertical Transportation Projects. She also plays a pivotal role in creating and orchestrating many of the full/partial line closures (SURGE) to address state of good repair and reliability at the MBTA and oversees the execution of critical projects such as track renewal on Red, Orange and Green Lines, Traction Power and Orange and Red Lines Mainline Signals.
Beyond her impactful contributions to transportation, Desiree dedicates herself to serving the community as a member of the Executive Board of Directors of Domestic Violence Ended (DOVE). This multi-service organization offers comprehensive support to victims of dating and domestic violence, along with their children.
