WASHINGTON — Greyhound executive Evan Burak has been appointed to a federal advisory subcommittee focused on training transportation workers to recognize and respond to potential human trafficking.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy appointed Burak, Greyhound’s senior regional vice president for the Southeast region, to the Training and Awareness Subcommittee of the Department of Transportation’s Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking, the company announced Oct. 5.
Burak will help develop recommendations, best practices, and training approaches for frontline transportation employees.
“It’s an honor to represent the motorcoach industry in this important work,” Burak said. “Transportation employees are often in a unique position to observe and report signs that something may be wrong. By equipping frontline workers with the right training, awareness, and resources, we can help identify potential trafficking situations and connect people with help. I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring Greyhound’s experience and perspective to these efforts.”
The advisory committee recommends strategies to the transportation secretary for combating human trafficking across the transportation sector.
Greyhound said Burak’s appointment builds on its efforts to protect vulnerable travelers. Through its Home Free partnership with the National Runaway Safeline, the company has provided free transportation to nearly 20,000 runaway, homeless, and exploited youths for more than 30 years, according to Greyhound. The program helps participants reunite with family members or reach safe living arrangements.
“Human trafficking cannot be addressed by any one organization alone,” said Rodney Surber, Greyhound’s chief operating officer. “It requires collaboration across the transportation industry, law enforcement, and government partners. Greyhound has long been committed to doing its part, and Evan’s appointment provides an opportunity to bring the insights we’ve gained from operating the nation’s largest intercity bus network to the federal level. We’re proud to contribute our experience to efforts that strengthen training, awareness, and coordination across the transportation sector.”
Burak, who is based in Dallas, has more than 15 years of transportation leadership experience. In his regional role, he works with federal, state, and local partners on safety, operational performance, and public safety initiatives, the company says.
Greyhound is part of Flix North America, which also operates FlixBus services in the United States and Canada.
