2025 40 Under 40: Matt Taylor

Matt Taylor, vice president of operations, Ecolane, has gone above and beyond to help agencies unlock the full potential of Ecolane’s technology, enabling them to deliver more efficient, reliable and equitable transportation services. His work directly supports transit providers in maximizing operational impact and serving their communities better. He works closely with agencies to tailor solutions that align with their goals, improve rider experience and ensure long-term sustainability. His hands-on approach has helped countless agencies enhance service delivery, increase accessibility and make data-informed decisions that benefit underserved populations.  

Taylor’s career in transit began as a paratransit operator, fueling his commitment to improving transit systems and accessibility. After joining Ecolane as a technical trainer, colleagues say Taylor quickly distinguished himself through his ability to bridge technology with real-world transit operations. His strong leadership and problem-solving skills led to successive promotions, culminating in his current role as vice president of operations. In this role, Taylor has been instrumental in shaping strategy, building client relationships and driving improvements that increase operational efficiency and community impact.   

Through the deployment of EcoVision, Taylor introduced a live-stream camera and monitoring solution that directly integrates with  dispatching software. This innovation significantly improved workplace safety, reduced risk exposure and streamlined incident response. Features such as real-time video access, automated alerts and artificial intelligence-based driving behavior analysis have not only enhanced operational oversight, but also helped reduce insurance claims and protect drivers.  

One of Taylor’s most significant contributions has been the implementation of a Mobility-as-a-Service  solution that integrates trip planning, booking and payments into a single rider-facing app. He helped unify access to multiple transit providers and funding sources, creating a frictionless rider experience while streamlining fare management for providers. 

Internationally, Taylor has also guided the successful implementation for the Malta transit system, where tailored deployment of on-demand scheduling and advanced dispatch tools dramatically improved the rider experience. These efforts led to measurable increases in service utilization.  

Taylor serves on the Suburban Transit Network (TransNet) Board, where he helps guide strategic decisions. His leadership extends to specialized safety concerns as a member of TransNet’s Wheelchair Transportation Risk Committee, where he works to enhance safety protocols for demand-response providers.   

He is also a recognized thought leader and regular presenter at key industry conferences. Some examples of his speaking engagements include: 

• Presenting on data and analytics at the Pennsylvania Public Transportation Association Conference.  
• Leading a session on microtransit implementation at the Kentucky Public Transit Association. 
• Sharing best practices on service efficiency at the Transportation Association of Maryland. 
• Contributing annually to strategic discussions at the Transit Retreat, where he helps shape regional transit priorities and innovation strategies.  

Taylor has also engaged in ongoing professional development, including executive training in leadership and innovation. He has achieved certifications and training in project management, customer service, customer success, product management, cyber security and data privacy. 

Is there a specific experience that led you to where you are today?  

Funny enough, my interest in transportation started with playing SimCity. I was always fascinated by how transit systems could shape a community. I ended up at Ecolane after answering a job posting for a paratransit driver, and from there, I took every opportunity to go above and beyond. That mindset opened doors and eventually led me to where I am today.  

What do you enjoy most about your job?  

What I enjoy most about my job is the community aspect of transportation. I love being able to support agencies every day and help them make a real impact in the lives of the people they serve. There are definitely challenges, but I try to keep the perspective that every challenge is an opportunity to learn, grow or improve.  

What is the accomplishment you’re most proud of and why?  

What I’m most proud of is finding a work-life balance that lets me show up fully for my wife, Kate, and our kids, Olivia and Emmett. It’s not always easy, but it’s the most important thing I’ve achieved. 

What is your best advice/tip/best practice you can share from your area of expertise?  

Give every task your full effort, even the little ones—and be kind to everyone. That mindset has opened more doors for me than anything else.