Space Coast Area Transit Director Scott Nelson Set to Retire March 2
By Space Coast Daily // February 12, 2021
Joined Space Coast Area Transit in 2007
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Scott Nelson will retire as the Director of Space Coast Area Transit, Brevard County’s public transit system, on March 2.
Nelson leaves with 35 years in public transportation which began as a Transit Operator at Kitsap Transit in Bremerton, Washington. After years of being promoted through the ranks, he ended his career there as Operations Manager.
He joined Space Coast Area Transit in 2007 as their Manager of Operations and Maintenance. When longtime Transit Director Jim Liesenfelt became an Assistant Brevard County Manager in 2017, Nelson was tapped to lead the Transit Department.
During Nelson’s tenure, the transit system expanded, adding two additional paratransit routes and one fixed route, with three more fixed routes being added in April 2021.
Space Coast Area Transit re-established trolley service on the Cape Canaveral-Cocoa Beach route. A third trolley is on order for the South Beach route in August.
The system’s first hybrid buses are on order with planned delivery in July. The paratransit fleet was also upgraded, with seven new cutaway buses in service.
Related Story:Space Coast Area Transit’s ’10 Days of Trolley’: Day 4 Features Wildlife Watersports, Fat Kahuna’s on Route 9
The system made a major ITS purchase and is in the process of installing automatic vehicle locating passenger counters, live stream video, and new Paratransit scheduling software. Passengers will soon have access to real-time passenger information, mobile fare payment, wi-fi on the buses, and automated stop announcements.
Also during Nelson’s tenure, Space Coast Area Transit completed an ADA Bus Stop Assessment, installed new bus shelters, negotiated a new vehicle maintenance contract and vanpool management contract, and won numerous Florida Public Transit Association awards for their community outreach— including the coveted State of Florida Innovative and Creativity Award.
Nelson served on several statewide leadership teams; and was recognized for his integrity, strong interpersonal skills and operational expertise.
Nelson said he was grateful for the strong support of the Board of County Commissioners, the County Manager’s Office, FDOT, community stakeholders, the riders and the transit employees.
“I am so proud of our dedicated and committed staff and drivers who have done an amazing job serving through the COVID pandemic,” he said.
“Brevard County has a phenomenal transit department.”
Brevard County is currently recruiting for his replacement.
