West Virginia University
10/10/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/09/2024 22:12
WVU PRT supervisor keeps campus moving
Ian Frease manages the many computers, screens and monitors in the PRT central control room were he has worked for the past six years. (WVU Photo/Brian Persinger)
When Ian Frease was a student at West Virginia University, he recalls a scolding from a voice on a speaker he received for bouncing a basketball at a Personal Rapid Transit or PRT station. Never did he consider he would end up working in the PRT control room, playing a crucial role in operations of the primary mass transit system for the University.
He moved to Morgantown in the third grade, where field trips to ride the PRT are common, but transportation was not his background. Following the closure of his previous employer, he found himself at a crossroads in his career.
"It just so happened the PRT was hiring and my wife kind of jokingly said I should apply, 'You always loved the PRT, why not go work there?' and I was like 'Actually, that's a good idea,'" Frease said.
PRT afternoon shift supervisor Ian Frease works on the team that keeps riders safe and the entire system moving. (WVU Photo/Brian Persinger)
He has served as afternoon shift supervisor for PRT operations working in the central control room for six years. His job includes overseeing the transport and safety of thousands of students every day. The control room includes a wall of screens displaying dozens of camera feeds, system maps tracking the movement of cars and some big red buttons that can shut down the entire system.
"Every aspect of the PRT is controlled from this room," Frease said, from lights to elevators to the electric that powers the whole track.
The system itself is automated. Prior to a major technical overhaul, commands would have to be entered for each operation, now it's drag-and-drop utilizing the same software system used by Disney's Monorail and the New York City Subway.
The PRT tracks are displayed on large screens in the control room so the team can keep track of any issues happening within the system. (WVU Photo/Brian Persinger)
Still, supervising the control room involves vigilant monitoring of the five stations and passenger cars. Frease and his team redirect cars to platforms with higher populations, interject over the intercoms when safety concerns arise and dispatch maintenance when vehicles have issues.
"We'll let them know what vehicle number it is, where it's at, what the issue is and we'll formulate a plan to try to get back up and running as fast and safely as possible," he said.
In what can be an demanding environment, Frease credits the comradery of coworkers as one of the most enjoyable parts of the job.
"When you sit in a room of that size with three other people eight, nine, 10 hours a day, 40-50 hours a week, you get to know each other pretty well. We all have one common goal," he said, which is getting people where they need to be as safely and efficiently as possible.
It's not always intense, though. Frease said peak people-watching of the campus community is at the PRT stations and student interactions are enjoyable. He has observed fashion styles and trends that have come and gone.
"I could tell every year the freshman class almost has like a different tone or theme to it, it's really unique," he said. "In the six years I've been here, I enjoy watching the students and how they have evolved."
Currently, he noted, making social media posts from the people mover is a common occurrence.
"Six years ago, TikTok wasn't nearly as popular. Our cameras are there in plain sight, but that doesn't stop everyone from putting their phone down and dancing, you know, having a good time and to me that's hilarious."
The playful interaction with students helps keep serious transportation business light. Some students flash hearts and nice messages to the cameras, others play games such as "rock, paper, scissors" with the operators.
"The silliness and goofiness of some of the students, I find great. The lighthearted humor, you'll see friends out there messing with each other," he said.
Ian Frease said it's important to stay "calm, cool and collected" working in the PRT control room where stressful situations can pop up at anytime.(WVU Photo/Brian Persinger)
Even yet, some students can push the boundaries and guidelines, and in those moments, he pulls lessons from his personal experience as a student - a memorable scolding still guides him. His goal is to treat students the same way he would like to be treated.
"You have to learn to be cool, calm and collected."
When not on the job, Frease likes being outdoors, having visited 27 of 34 West Virginia State Parks. He's also a frequent concertgoer and is advocating for the return of music to the PRT.
That is just one of many ideas for upgrades to the PRT. Future iterations of the PRT also involve discussions about battery-operated cars, extended tracks and additional stations.
For current updates on the PRT status check the websiteor follow the PRT on X at @WVUPRTstatus.
-WVU-
ks/10/10/24
MEDIA CONTACT: Shauna Johnson
Director of News Communications
WVU Strategic Communications and Marketing
304-293-8302; [email protected]