Application Guide

How to Apply for State and Local Policy Principal, West

at Via Transporation

🏢 About Via Transporation

Via Transportation is unique because it's not just a rideshare company—it's a technology platform transforming public transit systems into efficient, on-demand networks. Working here means directly shaping the future of sustainable urban mobility through software that makes transportation more accessible and affordable. Their mission-driven approach combines tech innovation with real-world impact on communities.

About This Role

This role involves leading Via's policy advocacy across Western states, particularly California, by monitoring legislation, drafting policy proposals, and engaging with elected officials to advance transit technology solutions. It's impactful because you'll shape regulations that determine how millions of people access transportation, directly influencing the adoption of Via's innovative mobility platforms in public transit systems.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve morning research on new California transportation bills, drafting comments for an upcoming regulatory proceeding, an afternoon meeting with a city transportation department about policy barriers to microtransit adoption, and preparing talking points for a policy conference presentation. You'd be constantly switching between strategic planning and immediate response to legislative developments across multiple Western states.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Via Transporation Is Looking For

  • A strategic thinker with proven experience in California state/local policy who can simultaneously manage multiple legislative tracking and advocacy campaigns
  • An exceptional communicator with a portfolio of written materials like testimony, op-eds, or regulatory comments that demonstrate persuasive policy writing
  • Someone who thrives in fast-paced environments and has experience representing organizations at policy conferences or before government bodies
  • A hyper-organized professional with experience working cross-functionally with both internal teams and external consultants on policy projects

📝 Tips for Applying to Via Transporation

1

Highlight specific experience with California transportation or technology policy—mention specific bills, agencies (like CalSTA or CPUC), or local governments you've worked with

2

Include writing samples that demonstrate policy advocacy (testimony, regulatory comments, op-eds) rather than just academic or internal documents

3

Show how you've juggled multiple policy issues simultaneously with concrete examples of prioritization and organization systems

4

Demonstrate understanding of Via's specific business model—how their technology integrates with public transit systems rather than competing with them

5

Reference specific Western state policy environments beyond California (like Washington, Oregon, or Colorado) to show regional understanding

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your direct experience with transportation technology policy in Western states, particularly California', 'Examples of successfully advocating for policy changes with measurable outcomes', 'How you balance strategic long-term policy goals with day-to-day execution and rapid response', 'Your ability to translate complex technology concepts into compelling policy arguments for diverse audiences']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Via's existing partnerships with public transit agencies (like LADOT, Seattle Metro, or others in Western states)
  • → Current California legislation affecting transit technology, microtransit, or shared mobility
  • → Via's specific policy positions from their blog, testimony, or public comments
  • → The competitive landscape of transit technology providers and their different policy approaches

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach building relationships with key stakeholders in California's transportation policy community?
2 Describe a time you had to quickly respond to emerging legislation that impacted your organization's technology solutions
3 What specific Western state policies or regulations do you see as most relevant to Via's transit technology platform?
4 How do you prioritize when tracking multiple legislative developments across different jurisdictions simultaneously?
5 Can you walk us through how you would draft testimony for a state committee hearing on transit innovation funding?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic policy experience without specific transportation or technology focus
  • Presenting as purely a strategist without demonstrating day-to-day execution capabilities
  • Lack of understanding about how Via's business model differs from Uber/Lyft (public-private partnerships vs. pure rideshare)
  • Failing to show comfort with both high-level advocacy and detailed regulatory work

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Via Transporation!

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