Each year Mass Transit magazine recognizes 40 individuals who have shown a capacity for innovation, demonstrated leadership and a commitment to making an impact in transit.
This year, Gabriel Lopez-Bernal, Icomera US’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing, made Mass Transit’s 40 Under 40.
“It is an incredible honor to be named by Mass Transit as a recipient of the 40 Under 40. It represents my professional life’s work to the present. It reinforces my decision to serve as a lifelong advocate for improved transit services,” said Gabriel.
Gabriel’s sees mobility as a fundamental right and his career is dedicated to the deployment of resourceful solutions to make operators and cities more sustainable and competitive.
Gabriel is known for creating a culture of high performance and enjoys the challenge of doing things differently and has the ideas, perseverance and willingness to make tough decisions to drive the change process.
With a background in civil engineering and urban policy and planning, Gabriel brings an understanding of wireless communications, streaming media, CCTV, Wi-Fi, IoT, CAD/AVL, asset management and network security to the transit industry.
In 2020, Gabriel was instrumental in securing three new customers in North America – one light-rail operator, one heavy rail operator and one intercity passenger rail customer. He also sits on Icomera’s research and development committee that works towards “The Digital Train” and “The Digital Bus” solutions.
Gabriel was instrumental in securing Icomera’s largest North America technology contract to date with Metrolinx, totaling 1,475 end-to-end Wi-Fi solution installations across GO Transit’s entire fleet (943 train cars and 532 buses). In addition to onboard internet connectivity, Gabriel inspired Metrolinx to bring passengers an immersive entertainment experience – making their trip on GO Transit more productive and enjoyable. He spearheaded the idea to open new revenue streams through which GO Transit can offset operational expenditures.
Gabriel also serves as the key account manager for Brightline. In the initial stages of project development, Gabriel educated the rail operator on the importance of having quality onboard amenities, which included passenger Wi-Fi.
Gabriel Lopez-Bernal said: “There isn’t a solution too complex or a timeline too rigorous for our staff. And best of all – we are all having fun doing what we love. It is difficult to see this as a ‘job’ when I am doing what I love. I help transit providers to deliver services more effectively, communities to be more equitable and leverage technology to encourage greater use of transit services.”
Gabriel’s passion for his work extends beyond his career. He founded and served as executive director of Transit Miami, a non-profit entity dedicated to discussing and resolving the transportation and development issues which affect the greater Miami region. He is credited with forging partnerships with policymakers and elected officials to promote sustainable urban development strategies, like Miami21.
