Transit Unplugged
Paul Comfort, SVP Modaxo
We share the stories, challenges, and successes of the top transit professionals from around the world. Learn how top transit leaders got to where they are with stories and insights from their careers. Get the inside story about public transit and transit trends from the people who run it. Transit Unplugged is hosted and produced by Paul Comfort and brought to you by Modaxo
Learn more at https://transitunplugged.com/
Brisbane’s Dynamic Transit System with City Councillor Ryan Murphy
In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort interviews Ryan Murphy, the Chair of the City Council's Transportation Committee in Brisbane, while riding one of Brisbane’s famous CityCat ferries to talk about the vibrant and evolving transit system in this river city.Episode Highlights:CityCat Ferries: Discover the unique CityCat ferry service that operates along the Brisbane River, connecting 22 stations and carrying about 5 million passengers annually. Ryan shares how this service has beco
Electrifying Chile’s Transport: A Conversation with Transport Minister Juan Carlos Muñoz
This is a special episode of Transit Unplugged from our sister podcast, Mobility Redefined. Learn more about this great new show on their website: https://mobilityredefined.com/. Below are the original show notes for the episode:In this episode of Mobility Redefined, host Dr. Kaan Yildizgoz speaks with Juan Carlos Muñoz, Chile’s Minister of Transport and Telecommunications, about the nation’s journey to sustainable mobility. They discuss Chile’s ambitious 2050 carbon neutrality goal, the electri
Australian Women in Public Transport
In this special episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort and co-host Kelly Chapman highlight the inspiring stories of four remarkable women leaders in Australian public transport. This is the third of five episodes coming from Paul’s recent 10-day tour of Australia. Don’t forget to also check out Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube for the TV episodes as well.First, we hear from Lauren Streifer, Executive Director of the Public Transport Association of Australia and New Zealand (PTAANZ). Lauren's
Transportation Shakeup: New Rules that Could Impact TNCs
In 2016, Brad Miller, CEO of the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PTSA), had an idea. What if subsidized rides with Transportation Networking Companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft could help people in his community get where they needed to go. What if you could get a subsidized Uber ride at the end of your overnight shift when regular transit isn’t running and be able to get home safely? This revolution in public transit and was seen as a model for transit innovation and quickly spread across
Transforming Australia’s Railways with Steve Butcher
In this week’s episode, host Paul Comfort sits down with Steve Butcher, Executive General Manager of Rail and Transport for John Holland. Paul and Steve caught up at the AusRail conference in Brisbane while Paul was on his 10-day tour of Australia. Steve shares his extensive career journey, starting at British Rail at age 16 all the way up to his current job at John Holland and dives into managing Yarra Trams, the Gold Coast Railway, and the Sydney Metro."Transforming lives through railways is w
Ned Freeman and UZURV Helping Communities One Ride at a Time
Ned Freeman joins host Paul Comfort to talk about UZURV and how it's changing how paratransit is delivered in the U.S. UZURV is an adaptive Transportation Network Company (TNC) that gives transit agencies more options for delivering paratransit in their communities. Ned and Paul talk about how UZURV uses its technology to offer on-demand, ADA compliant, and cost-effective paratransit solutions. UZURV’s model combines the flexibility of solutions like Uber, with all the regulatory rigor of an int
How the FTA Supports Transit Across the U.S. with Acting FTA Administrator Veronica Vanterpool
In a Transit Unplugged exclusive, Paul talks with Veronica Vanterpool, Acting Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) about the inner workings of the FTA, how the Regional Administrators help set priorities and connect agencies with funding, the transformative developments in public transportation over the past four years, and Veronica’s vision for transit in 2025.In the U.S., the FTA is responsible for large-scale oversight, rule-making, and, most importantly, funding for tran
In conversation with transit legend Howard Collins
This week we are proud and excited to share an interview with a true public transit legend: Howard Collins, OBE. Howard's remarkable 47 year career has taken him from London's Tube and Sydney's trains to leading transit for the state of New South Wales in Australia. Howard sat down with Paul to talk and reflect on not just where transit has been, but where it's going with workforce development, funding, and making transit just better for everyone.This is a don't-miss interview you can draw insig
Transportation Trends That Will Shape 2025 with Rudy Salo
In this special New Year's Eve episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul is joined by transportation expert and futurist Rudy Salo to discuss what's going to shape the entire transportation sector in 2025. From robotaxis and EVs to autonomous vehicles, Rudy shares his thoughts on transportation in Los Angeles even before the Olympics start. Rudy also explains how a little-known facet of municipal bonds could threaten transit projects across the U.S.We kick off 2025 with the second of Paul's episodes fr
A Transit Unplugged Special: Looking back at 2024 and ahead to 2025
We're turning the tables on host Paul Comfort this week with guest host and Transit Unplugged Executive Producer Julie Gates interviewing Paul on the best of 2024 from Transit Unplugged, what to watch for in 2025, and what they are thankful for. This is also our first video podcast on the podcast! You can watch the video version on YouTube and Spotify, and listen to the audio version everywhere else (the audio-only version will also be on YouTube). Let us know what you think of this new format i
Public Transport in Australia: Turning Points, New Trends, and Big Transformations
We're kicking off the first of five podcast episodes from Paul's 10-day trip to Australia. First up, we have John Storms of Transit Systems Victoria and Mark Peters of Transit Systems Australia giving us an overview of transit in Australia and their plans for the future. Much like North America, Australia has cities surrounded by sprawling, low-density suburbs that are challenging for any public transit system to serve. In their separate interviews with Paul, John and Mark talk frankly about the
Are we creating enough future transit leaders?
Sometimes the difference between winning and losing is your bench. The people you can call on to step up and win the game, finish the project, or get it done when your usual players can't. That's a strong bench. People you know who can step into the shoes of current leaders and be the next ones.By 2030 all baby boomers will be 65 or older and preparing to retire. So who is going to replace them? According to this week's guest, Matt Booterbaugh, CEO of RATP Dev USA, we don't have a strong bench t
Crafting Connectivity: Ben Limmer’s Vision for Public Transport
In this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort sits down with Ben Limmer, Chief of Public Transportation for the Connecticut Department of Transportation. They talk about what it takes to run a massive statewide transit agency with a billion-dollar budget that is a critical part of the Northeast Corridor from Boston to Washington D.C. Paul and Ben talk about Ben's career journey--like many of us, he fell into transit accidentally--and how several important mentors shaped his career. Ben
Eileen Collins Turvey TriMet’s Innovation Trailblazer
Paratransit is the most expensive mode transit agencies in North America provide, so finding ways to save money and better serve the community is paramount. One way to do that is offer a bare-bones, only-what's-mandated service; which saves money, but underserves a vulnerable population. The other way is to get smart, to get innovative.And that's exactly what Eileen Collins Turvey of Portland's TriMet did, and it paid off because she won the 2024 APTA Innovation Award for her pilot program givin
Post-Election Impact Unplugged with SWTA
This episode of Transit Unplugged, brought to you in conjunction with the South West Transit Association (SWTA), tackles a big question after the U.S. election: what does it mean for transit? Rich Sampson, Executive Director of SWTA, and Becca Green, their Legislative Committee Chair and Chief Communications Officer at Rock Region METRO, provide a comprehensive legislative update for listeners. Key topics discussed include:transit's success at the ballot boxthe reauthorization of the Bipartisan
Enhancing the Transit Experience with Stephen Tu: Innovations at LA Metro
For people to want to ride transit, they need to feel safe. And feeling safe is more than just physical safety, it's a perception. A perception based on cleanliness, vandalism, anti-social behaviors, loitering, open drug use, fare jumping; things that create a feeling of disorder on top of actual physical safety.This was a huge problem in LA overall, so they decided to do something about it.On this episode Paul talks with Stephen Tu, the Deputy Executive Officer for Station Experience at LA Metr
Driving Transit Innovations - 5 Global Transit Leaders Share Their Visions of the Future
Join Paul Comfort we kick off Season 8 of Transit Unplugged! This special episode features a live CEO roundtable from the APTA TRANSform and EXPO packed with five of transit's biggest leaders. The panel features:Andy Lord from Transport for LondonDottie Watkins from CapMetro in AustinDwight Ferrell from SMART in DetroitShawn Donaghy from North County Transit DistrictAdam Leishman CEO of Ascendal Group in Hong KongThey discuss their unique transit projects, the impact of the pandemic, the future
Achieving accessibility - Ron Brooks and Kristen Joyner on how to get us there
Accessibility is an essential and important topic in transit--and one that Transit Unplugged has deep connections to. From Paul's first job in transit to his work at WMATA and Baltimore MTA, he has championed ensuring transit connects everyone to all of life's opportunities. Tris' father was a pioneer in helping veterans in wheelchairs live independently on their own.So when we say, we're committed to accessibility in all its forms--we mean it.But when it comes to accessibility, sometimes people
Transit Unplugged Deep Cuts - Eulois Cleckley
From an interview with Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works CEO Eulois Cleckley and Paul Comfort originally aired in February, 2023.Eulois talks with Paul about his vision and approach to leadership with his REPPS model and how it's helped his team perform better and exceed what they thought they could accomplish.Link to original interview: https://transitunplugged.com/transit-unplugged-podcast/stacey-matlen-and-eulois-cleckley/One of his top executives, Schneider St.
Driven to Succeed: Schneider St. Preux on climbing the transit career ladder
This week Paul is talking with someone we could call a Transit Unplugged superfan—Schneider St. Preux—who says he's listened to every podcast episode and credits Transit Unplugged with helping him in his upward career trajectory. We're so pleased to be part of Schneiders' career journey. As he says in this interview—listening and engaging in our podcast community, along with hard work, determination, and willingness to invest in himself, has taken Schneider from bus operator to General Superinte
From the Eye of the Storm: A Transit Unplugged Special Episode
The back-to-back hurricanes that swept through the Southeastern U.S. brought unimaginable destruction to the region. Many places are far from recovered, with tens of thousands of people still without power in some areas.But behind the scenes, transportation networks need to keep running. People need to be evacuated to safety. Supplies have to get through. Emergency workers need to get to where they are needed.This week we pull back the curtain with a special episode focused on how our transporta
Rolling Through Rural Minnesota: Arrowhead Transit Connects Communities Together
This week on Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort interviews Brandon Nurmi, Director of Arrowhead Transit in Minnesota. Paul and Brandon discuss the unique challenges of operating a public transportation system across a vast, sparsely populated rural area. Brandon shares his journey in the transit sector, the geographical and logistical hurdles his team faces, the role of volunteer-driven programs, and the technological advancements aiding rural transit systems.As Arrowhead Transit celebrates it
Reimagining Paratransit: TNC Collaboration
In this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort chats with paratransit thought leaders:Andre Colaiace from LA Access ServicesChris Pangilinan from New York MTAEileen Collins Turvey from Portland's TriMetThey dive into how Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) are shaking up paratransit, making everything smoother for riders and more affordable for agencies. We get a rundown of their systems, highlighting how they're tackling daily challenges and boosting efficiency. Sponsored by Uber T
Getting Boston's Transit Down to a T: Conversation with MBTA's COO Ryan Coholan
On this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort sits down with Ryan Coholan, the Chief Operating Officer of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA or The T) in Boston.Ever heard of a COO who drives his own train to work? Ryan is one of a few (only?) COOs who has kept up his Locomotive Engineer's License and regularly drives the train from his home in the suburbs into Boston. Ryan likes to stay connected with the work he's responsible for, not to mention when the COO calls a
Expanding Your Reach: Leveraging TNCs in Transit
This week we bring you a special episode sponsored by Uber Transit. Across the U.S., Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) are filling important gaps in transit networks. From giving rides to late night shift workers to helping elderly and disabled riders access the world around them, TNCs make sure "transit deserts" aren't "mobility deserts."Recently, Paul sat down with Bonnie Epstein of Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), Carlos Cruz-Casas of Miami-Dade County Department of Transport
Connecting London: Philip Gerhardt Discusses TFL's Transit Solutions
In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul talks with Philip Gerhart, the Head of Bus Operations at Transport for London (TfL). Philip talks about what it's like keeping the over 650 bus routes moving smoothly at one of the world's largest public transport networks.And Philip doesn't just have to worry about the iconic double-decker red buses, he needs to make sure all bus routes--including the express routes around London--connect with all the other modes from The Tube and light rail to the Eli
Resolving the Bus Manufacturing Crisis: Challenges, Changes, and the Path Ahead
The bus manufacturing crisis has been looming for years as more and more OEMs dropped out. But the final straw was when Proterra filed for bankruptcy protection and REV Group said it was closing its ENC facility to focus on the Canadian market. In the blink of an eye the U.S. was down to two major bus manufacturers: GILLIG and New Flyer. This put the entire public transit industry into crisis mode. Delivery times for new buses went from 12-18 months to 18-24 months--and longer.How did we get thi
Exploring Vienna's Multi-modal Transit System with CEO Alexandra Reinagl
Join Paul Comfort as he takes you behind the scenes of Vienna's renowned public transit system, Wiener Linien. Discover the secrets behind the network, from seamless mobility chains to their innovative climate ticket. CEO Alexandra Reinagl shares insights on the city's strong commitment to public transport, decarbonizing the bus fleet, and the collaborative efforts in urban planning that make Vienna the world's most livable city. Enjoy a virtual tour of Vienna's transit infrastructure, cultural
Miami's First-in-the-Nation All-Electric Transit Operations Center with Eulois Cleckley and Angel Andre Chavarria
Miami's First-in-the-Nation All-Electric Transit Operations Center with Eulois Cleckley and Angel Andre ChavarriaAround the world agencies are switching to low or no carbon buses and with that change comes an even bigger challenge: infrastructure. Battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell, even CNG buses, all require new and different refueling/recharging systems, different maintenance set ups, and sometimes even completely different spaces.This week you'll get to hear about a bus garage that is the
Fairbanks Transit: Harnessing Extreme Weather for Extreme Innovation
In this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort continues his Alaska adventure with Fairbanks, as part of his California and Alaska series. Paul starts with sharing his 12-hour train journey from Anchorage to Fairbanks through Denali National Park--which was nearly cancelled because of wildfires!In Fairbanks, he chats with Fairbanks transit leaders Michelle Denton, Corey DiRutigliano, and Dey Johnson about the unique challenges of running a transit system in Fairbanks' extreme weather co
Anchorage: Transit on the edge of the wilderness
Imagine running a transit system where moose crossing the road in town is just your average day. Where winters are long, dark and cold, but summer is hot and has 22 hours of daylight.That's transit in Alaska.In this first of two episodes from Alaska, Paul Comfort takes us to Anchorage. This week you'll hear from Jamie Acton, Executive Director of Public Transportation, and Bart Rudolph, Transit Planning & Communications Manager for the Municipality of Anchorage talking about the system and what
Inside Sacramento’s transit system: TOD Initiatives and Safety Innovations with CEO Henry Li
Get ready for a packed episode as we welcome Henry Li, CEO of the Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT), to the show. Henry takes us behind the scenes of SacRT, sharing insights into the major initiatives currently shaping the future of transit in the region like students ride free program and transit oriented development (TOD).We'll dive into how transit-oriented development is transforming Sacramento, the innovative approaches SacRT is taking to ensure rider safety, and the challenges a
Special Episode: Books and New Transit Funding with Paul Comfort and Davey Kim
Original show notes from: https://www.metro-magazine.com/10224317/books-and-new-transit-funding-with-paul-comfort-and-davey-kimToday, Paul Comfort, Transit Evangelist and SVP/Chief Customer Officer at Modaxo, and Davey Kim SVP/Principal, National Transportation Policy and Multimodal Strategy, at WSP USA, join METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman.Topics include:Paul’s “The New Future of Public Transportation” book.The Federal Government’s Role in Funding Public Transit.Political Will to Replace Bo
SMART Moves: Dwight Ferrell on Public Transit Innovations in Detroit
In this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort interviews Dwight Ferrell, General Manager of SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) in Southeastern Michigan. Dwight shares lessons from his lengthy career in public transportation, from a bus operator in Dallas to leading multiple transit agencies across the U.S. The discussion covers SMART's innovative service for the NFL draft in Detroit, how to do the same thing for other events, addressing the changing face of
Ron Kilcoyne on the Three Essentials for Growing Transit Ridership
Join Transit Unplugged host Paul Comfort as he dives into the critical issue of boosting post-pandemic transit ridership with Ron Kilcoyne. Ron is a seasoned transit professional with over 40 years in the industry, leading several transit agencies, and now a transit researcher and consultant.Ron and Paul explore some innovative solutions to increase ridership, emphasizing a 'three-legged stool' of service design, marketing, and operations.This conversation combines both practical advice and stra
Special Episode: Lunch with Leon featuring Paul Comfort and Simon Reed
Make sure you visit and subscribe to Lunch with Leon for great transit insights every week.https://audioboom.com/channels/5028700-lunch-with-leonBelow are the original show notes:This week, Leon is joined by transport evangelist Paul Comfort and technology expert Simon Reed to discuss Paul’s latest book, The New Future of Public Transportation. Listen now for a deep dive into the hot topics in the transit industry as well as insights from the book featuring expertise from 30 transport leaders wo
Transit Insights from Hong Kong, Singapore, and London with Adam Leishman
Here's a stat you don't hear every day: over the course of his career (so far), Adam Leishman has helped move over 1.8 billion people. Billion. With a "b." I guess that's what happens when you've worked in three of the top transit cities in the world: London, Singapore, and Hong Kong.In his conversation with host Paul Comfort, Adam talks about Hong Kong's transit model where transit companies operate as true commercial businesses that receive no support or subsidy from the government. Adam's exp
Erick Van Wagenen, CEO WeDriveU, on Innovation and the Future of Transit Contracting
In this episode Paul Comfort interviews Erick Van Wagenen, CEO of WeDriveU, formerly National Express. They discuss the transformation of National Express, the North American Transit Alliance, and the evolving role of contractors in public transportation. Additionally, Erick reflects on his 18-year career with WeDriveU, where he progressed from assistant general manager to CEO, and discusses the rebranding and strategic initiatives under his leadership.Erick shares his insights on industry trend
NYC Stalls on Congestion Pricing: A Deep Dive with Matthew Daus
Plus policing on the subway and upcoming transit conferences. Last week, New York Governor Kathy Hochul abruptly put a stop to New York City's planned congestion charges due to come into effect June 30th. This announcement took nearly everyone by surprise, critics and supporters alike, and this week we have Matthew Daus return as our guest to talk about this sudden change, what it means for the New York MTA's budget, and if congestion pricing will return to the city.We've talked about congestion
Hill Testing, Hydrogen, and Electric Ferries: Halifax Transit’s Green Innovations with Dave Reage
While in Halifax, Canada filming Transit Unplugged TV, Paul sat down with Dave Reage, Executive Director of Halifax Transit and First Vice Chair of the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) to talk about his transit system, testing their new electric buses, and building new ferry terminals for an electric ferry fleet (a first in Canada). Dave shares insights into Halifax's rapid growth, his background, and the challenges and innovations facing the industry in Canada. Dave talks about how cri
Planning for Savannah's Expanded Transit Future with Faye DiMassimo
This week Paul chats with Faye DiMassimo, CEO and Executive Director of Chatham Area Transit Authority (CAT) in Savannah, and soon to be Chief of Planning and Economic Development for the City of Savannah. Paul and Faye discuss the recent APTA Public Transit CEO Conference, Faye's career path (including recent promotion), and the innovations at CAT, including hybrid ferries, an electric microtransit pilot, and their long-term fiscal plan.They get into how CAT is preparing for the fiscal cliff as
Tackling today's biggest challenges at four transit agencies
Across North America there are four fundamental issues facing transit agencies:Getting enough busesGetting enough people to fix and drive the busesGetting enough funding to keep running the busesGetting (cyber)secureThe bus manufacturing crisis is forcing many transit agencies to get creative at keeping buses running longer. Workforce shortages mean agencies are getting creative at finding and hiring enough people. With a fiscal cliff looming for many agencies, finding ways to save money and sti
Planes, trains, buses, and boats. Andy Lord has it all in London
Transport for London (TfL) covers every transport means possible from the iconic red double-deck buses to The Tube to trains and even ferries. Which means the person in charge of it all has a lot going on at any given moment. Andy Lord, Commissioner for TfL spent over 25 years in aviation before coming to transit in 2019 to run The Tube with then Commissioner Andy Byford. Sitting down with Paul, Andy about his career and the enormity of the job of managing nearly 30,000 people moving millions of
Celebrating Paul’s Newest Book: The New Future of Public Transportation
This week we're celebrating the release of Paul's newest book, The New Future of Public Transportation, which is the sequel to The Future of Public Transportation published early in 2020. To say public transport faced an crisis or inflection point in the past four years is an understatement.In this updated edition, Paul collected essays by 30 transit leaders from around the world covering every major topic facing transit today from workforce to safety, infrastructure to faring. On the show today
Launching Successful Innovations at SEPTA with Emily Yates
In a previous episode we talked about SEPTA's innovative SCOPE (Safety, Cleaning, Ownership, Partnership, and Engagement) program -- https://transitunplugged.com/transit-unplugged-podcast/how-septa-is-making-a-difference-in-the-lives-of-vulnerable-people/ -- and how it was helping the city's most vulnerable people. This week we get the big picture from the woman at the head of it all.Emily Yates reports right to CEO Leslie Richards and leads a team that's willing to take a risk on something new
Episode 300!
Welcome to episode 300 of Transit Unplugged! When Paul started the podcast in November 2017, I don't think anyone would have thought that seven seasons later we'd be at our 300th episode.Paul started this podcast to shine a light on the impact of transit on society and give transit leaders a chance to talk about their agencies and their careers, unfiltered and unplugged. Throughout the pandemic Paul interviewed leaders about what it all meant to transit. How were agencies dealing with health res
Welcome to Transit Unplugged!
Transit Unplugged, the world's leading podcast for transit professionals, is hosted and produced by Modaxo SVP and transit evangelist Paul Comfort. Each week, Paul sits down with public transit leaders from around the world to talk about their agencies, how they're facing current challenges, their thoughts on the future of public transit, plus insights into their careers and their approaches to leadership.You'll learn exactly what it's like to lead a transit agency, big or small, urban or rural,
System Redesign and Transit Revival in Madison with Justin Stuehrenberg
Justin Stuehrenberg GM of Madison Metro and his team used COVID as the impetus to finally put a long-planned system redesign into motion and completed it in June 2023. Since then they've seen a 15% increase in ridership. Justin and Paul talked about how his new network works, how geography figured into it, and the new bus rapid transit (BRT) lines coming soon that will use battery electric buses charged en route with overhead pantographs.Also in this episode:Being part of city government--the go
Public Transport Insights and Innovations in the Middle East from UITP MENA
In this special episode we have guest host, and past guest, Dr. Kaan Yildizgoz hosting a live CEO roundtable from the Modaxo booth at the UITP MENA Transport Congress and Exhibition. Kaan is joined by:Renée Amilcar: President of UITP & General Manager of OC Transpo, CanadaAbdulla Al Marzouqi: Director General – Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), Abu DhabiMohammed Obaid Al Mulla: Member of the Board of Directors of Roads and Transport Authority & Chair of UITP MENA Division, DubaiKaan and
Public Transit Trumps Politics in Oklahoma City with Mayor David Holt
Usually on Transit Unplugged we bring you the voices and stories of transit leaders from around the world, but this week we have something a little different. Join Paul as he sits down with Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt to talk about transit, politics, and changing how people view public transit in his city.As David describes it, like many cities West of the Mississippi, Oklahoma City was planned, developed, and built for cars. Transit was seen as transportation of last resort. What this transl
Tom Gerend and KC Streetcar contribute billions to Kansas City’s economy
We kicked off 2024 with an episode with Rep. Earl Blumenauer--https://transit-unplugged.captivate.fm/portland-streetcar--who could be credited for the modern streetcar boom in America, and this week we see how streetcars actually drive billions in economic development in Kansas City. Streetcars aren't just moving people and connecting the city in Kansas City, they are driving businesses like the aptly named Streetcar Grill which stands in what used to be a parking lot.Tom Gerend has been part of
Can KCATA Make Transit Oriented Development a Reality in Kansas City?
Frank White III is a strong advocate of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and has a track record of making it happen. He oversaw TOD for Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) before becoming CEO nearly two years ago, now faced with a fiscal cliff, Frank is pushing KCATA into the future of transit and TOD.KCATA was one of the first systems to go fare free during the pandemic, but that decision to keep people riding has a clear cost--KCATA doesn't have farebox revenue to close funding
Special Episode: Are we thinking about cars the wrong way? from The Future of Mobility Podcast
Welcome to another special edition of Transit Unplugged featuring an episode from another transit podcast. This time we welcome past guest Brandon Bartneck with an episode from The Future of Mobility featuring autonomous vehicle visionary Larry Burns. The episode was released in August 2023. The original show notes are below:Aug 2023 https://brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/larryburns2/Larry Burns is a pioneer in the electrified and automated vehicle space, highly successful industry veteran
Can Hydrogen Hubs Push Hydrogen to the Forefront of Transportation Fuels?
Hydrogen is one of the hottest topics in transit right now, but hydrogen is facing a huge challenge to reduce its cost and increase its availability across North America (and the world). Paul sits down with Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) CEO Kirt Conrad--who manages the largest fleet of hydrogen fuel cell buses outside California--and Ballard Power Systems Dir of Market Development and Public Affairs, Tim Sasseen to talk about hydrogen as a fuel, how hydrogen fuel cells work, and
Placemaking in Tulsa: Secret Tunnels, Art Deco Buildings, and a Downtown Reborn Powered by Transit with Chase Phillips
In part two of our series featuring Tulsa, OK, host Paul Comfort gets a special tour of Downtown Tulsa with Chase Phillips, the Director of Planning for MetroLink Tulsa. Chase talks about the city's rich history, architectural wonders, and the role of transit in its development. Chase sheds light on Tulsa's transformation from a 1920s hub of oil wealth, with the largest airport in the world at the time, to a vibrant city maintaining its historic charm with a modern makeover. They tour the city,
Scott Marr and MetroLink Tulsa get their kicks on Route 66 with BRT and microtransit
In the first of two podcast episodes--and an upcoming Transit Unplugged TV episode--from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Paul chats with MetroLink Tulsa (https://www.tulsatransit.org/) CEO Scott Marr about:His cityHis career in transitThe overwhelming success of microtransit and merging it with paratransit operationsHis plans for expanding Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) to Route 66 for the 100th anniversaryAnd the path to lower emissions with CNG and battery-electric busesAfter a long career as a transit fixer across
Special Episode: Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardener with Art Guzzetti from The Transit Authority
This is a special episode of Transit Unplugged shared with us from our friends at the Transit Authority by APTA. Recorded live at APTA EXPO 2023 in Orlando, Florida, Art Guzzetti, VP of Policy and Mobility at APTA, interviews Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardener.Make sure you follow the Transit Authority wherever you listen to podcasts. Here are the show notes for this episode originally released October, 12, 2023."Recorded on the trade show floor at APTA’s EXPO 2023 in Orlando, Florida, our special gues
Holly Arnold her path to the top job and managing the largest P3 in the U.S.
Holly Arnold has spent her entire career at the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA). Starting as a contractor in grants administration then leading capital planning and then Deputy Administrator responsible for engineering before she became Administrator and CEO two years ago. The head of the MTA is a massive job. Not only is she responsible for massive capital projects--like the largest public-private partnership (P3) in the U.S., the Purple Line--she is responsible for transit in the City of
What’s the secret sauce to increasing ridership 27% in one year?
When you think of big city transit agencies you think about Boston, New York, Toronto, LA, San Francisco...maybe not Mississauga, Ontario. It might surprise you that this city of one million people supports a transit system with over 500 buses and serves as the essential connector between cities East, West, and North (South is Lake Ontario). Mississauga Transit (or MiWay) helps people in Brampton, Oakville, and Toronto get to jobs and school.But they seem to be doing something right because they
Hidden Transit Heroes Revealed: How Rural Transit Serves Unseen Communities
When we think about public transit we often think about subways or buses travelling through bustling cities, we don't often think of small towns in the midst of woods and fields. But the reality is there are thousands of rural transit agencies in North America serving people and places miles and miles away from each other. In this episode, host Paul Comfort talks with with Wendy Weedon, Deputy CEO of the Brazos Transit District in Texas, and Eddie VanStein, the Steuben County Mobility Manager in
If we can’t get new buses, how can we move more people?
There is more than a little bit of irony that when we have unprecedented levels of funding to buy and replace buses, there is a manufacturing crunch so there are few buses to be had--and with longer delivery times. From manufacturing delays and fewer manufacturers to massive price increases, agencies are pushing buses well beyond their useful life. How can we solve this crisis to not only meet the needs of today's riders, but make the transition to zero emissions? To talk about the topic, this w
Just Don’t Make Expensive Mistakes and Other Lessons from Adam Barth, CEO of the Stanislaus Regional Transit Authority
Sometimes we're so afraid of making mistakes, that we don't push ourselves to take a chance on a new innovative idea. We've all been there, but in this conversation Adam Barth, CEO of the Stanislaus Regional Transit Authority--https://stanrta.org/--, reveals advice he got from a mentor at a critical time in his career.Paul Comfort sat down with Adam Barth, CEO of Stanislaus Regional Transit Authority to talk about his career journey from starting our as a tour bus driver in Fairbanks, Alaska, to
How SEPTA is Making a Difference in the Lives of Vulnerable People
Host Paul Comfort interviews Ken Divers, Director of Outreach Programs at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), and Flora Castillo, President of Pivot Strategies and former APTA chair, about SEPTA's innovative SCOPE (Safety, Cleaning, Ownership, Partnership, and Engagement) program. Ken and Flora talk with Paul about how they created the program over a weekend and its goals for helping vulnerable people.One of the main goals is connecting people with resources to help t
Creating the first modern streetcar network and the storied career of Congressman Earl Blumenauer
Over his five-decade long career in politics Congressman Earl Blumenauer has been a staunch support of transit and livable cities. Paul sat down with Rep. Blumenauer after a chance meeting at the Impact Conference in Phoenix last fall to talk about his life, career, passions, and what's next after he leaves Congress at the end of his term.In their wide-ranging discussion, Paul and Rep. Blumenauer talk about what got him into politics, and more importantly, his lifelong passion for streetcars, tr
Special Episode: Jeff Wood and Dr. Karel Martens on planning our cities for accessibility
We have a special holiday gift for you with a special bonus episode to close out the year. We worked with Jeff Wood from Talking Headways and The Overhead Wire -- https://theoverheadwire.com/ -- to trade episodes with each other. Jeff will be playing our interview with Randy Clarke that kicked off Season 7 and we have his interview with Dr. Karel Martens from March 2021 talking about the philosophy behind city planning.This is something very different from our usual topics, and we hope you enjoy
Taylor Swift and the rebirth of transit in 2023
In our final regular episode of Transit Unplugged for 2023 we have Paul Skoutelas, President & CEO of APTA, and Petra Mollet, VP of Strategic International Programs at APTA talking with Paul about the year that was in 2023 and what we should be looking forward to in 2024.The boost in infrastructure funding was, of course, the big news of the year, but it's somewhat overshadowed by ongoing funding issues at many agencies across North America.But it's not all bad, because Taylor Swift's Eras T
Can Public-Private Partnerships Complete Transit Projects Faster?
Welcome to the penultimate episode of Transit Unplugged for 2023! This week we wrap our series recorded at the CUTA conference in Edmonton with an interview with Arthur Nicolet, CEO of Transdev Canada (https://www.transdev.ca/en/).Paul and Arthur not only talk about contracting in Canada, but pairing with the episode featuring Transdev US CEO Laura Hendricks, talk about the role of contracting around the world. Contracting seems to naturally pair with public-private partnerships (P3s) and Arthur
Is the great hydrogen pivot coming to transit in 2024?
Will battery electric buses work in the northern-most large city in North America? This week on Transit Unplugged, we continue our series from the CUTA conference in Edmonton, AB. Edmonton has been leading the way in transit for 20 years. The first city in Canada to have LRT and now the first city to have a hydrogen fuel cell bus in active service. So what's next?Deputy City Manager--and former head of the Edmonton Transit System--Eddie Robar talks about plans to make oil-rich Alberta the hydrog
What if public transit agencies drove housing policy?
This week we have the first of three episodes recorded during the CUTA (Canadian Urban Transit Association) Annual Fall Conference. In this first episode, Paul first sits down with the President and CEO of CUTA, Marco D’Angelo talking about housing policy, and later with regular contributor Mike Bismeyer, talking about how Mike started his life-long kindness advocacy.Paul and Marco talk about CUTA’s recent report on the housing affordability crisis in Canada https://cutaactu.ca/cuta-report-highl
Meeting The Transit Needs and Keeping Cool in America’s Fastest Growing County
This week we’re staying in Phoenix and picking up where we left off last week. Paul talks with current Valley Metro (https://www.valleymetro.org/) CEO Jessica Mefford-Miller about the light rail expansion, but more than that, Jessica talks about how Valley Metro keeps its cool in the scorching summer heat.You would not believe the amount of air conditioning needed for each light rail train. Small hint, it’s more than a house or two.While riding the LRT and streetcars Paul and Jessica talk about
That Time When Defeating a Ballot Measure Was Good for Transit with Scott Smith
Usually when people vote on ballot measures about transit, the transit agency and supporters want the measure to pass.Not in Phoenix in 2019.That ballot measure would have literally derailed bringing light rail--any rail--to Phoenix forever. Then Valley Metro CEO Scott Smith rallied support throughout Maricopa County and discovered there was overwhelming support for transit and light rail. So much support that the ballot measure was defeated by a landslide.But we start this episode with a somber
Will Low Emission Zones Discourage Driving in the UK with Adam Hill
In this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort interviews Adam Hill, Editor in Chief of ITS International Magazine. They discuss the challenges and prospects of high-speed rail in England and the US, including the various political and logistical issues. Adam explains London's new Ultra Low Emission Zone, designed to encourage public transit use and discusses the struggles with its introduction. They explore how public transit can be made popular, touching on how to capture public inter
Why would a transit CEO pick up 500 tons of trash as his first priority on the job?
This week, we give you Part 2 of our special CEO roundtable recorded live at APTA TRANSform Conference and EXPO. The conversation picks up with host and producer Paul Comfort asking the panel what are the big projects they have going on. From Dave Dech's trash clearing to Coree Cuff Lonergan's just culture, each CEO highlights an essential aspect of public transit today.The discussion continues with each CEO talking about the biggest trends facing the industry, including payments, apps, transit-
Randy Clarke Has Boosted WMATA, But a Budget Crisis Looms Large Over His Success
Welcome to our 6th anniversary and the start of season 7 of Transit Unplugged. Host Paul Comfort has a special opening reflecting on the past 270+ episodes so far and what lies ahead down the road. In our interview this week, we have Randy Clarke, GM and CEO of WMATA (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority) https://www.wmata.com/, chatting with Paul from his new LEED Platinum office building.In his first year as CEO, Randy has:fixed safety issues with his trainsimproved frequencyincrease
The surprising things about being a public transit CEO in 2023
What's it like being the CEO of a transit agency? Paul Comfort asked a panel of five CEOs who've been on the job for about a year what it's been like, what's surprised them the most, and why they love working in transit.Listen to this lively and engaging panel featuring Coree Cuff Lonergan, GM of Broward County Transit, Dave Dech, Executive Dir of Tri-Rail, Dottie Watkins, CEO of CapMetro, Frank White III, CEO of KCATA, and Tiffany Homler Hawkins, CEO of LYNX where they candidly share their expe
Carl Sedoryk Putting His Community, Riders, and the Planet First
This week Paul Chats with Carl Sedoryk, CEO of Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) https://mst.org/ , about his jazz-themed BRT line, applying their new vision statement to serve the people who need transit the most better, and how his practice of martial arts makes him a better leader.Monterey-Salinas Transit is in an interesting place, geographically and within the larger transit industry. Nestled on the Pacific coast and the Salinas Valley, Carl serves a unique community from tourists to farm work
Transit Unplugged News Minute: Happy 150th Birthday to the Cable Car!
Passenger trains now require video recording devices to increase safety, and happy 150th birthday to the cable car!
AI in Transit Panel with Eve Machol and Renee Autumn Ray
This week we focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in public transit with Eve Machol, Director of Aviation and Transportation Strategy at Microsoft, and Renee Autumn Ray, Senior Director of Transportation Policy at Hayden AI https://www.hayden.ai/. As both our guests point out, AI in transit isn't new; we've been using AI for years, but with recent attention on generative AI tools like ChatGPT, AI is the hot topic on everyone's minds.Eve and Renee talk with Paul and our Producer/Editor Tris Huss
Weekly News for October 9th: Robotaxis for paratransit and APTA EXPO!
[00:00:00] Julie Gates: Driverless taxis are coming soon for people who use wheelchairs, and America's flagship transit conference is underway. This is your Transit Unplugged News Minute. Welcome. Big news in the autonomous vehicle world. Cruise has unveiled a wheelchair accessible robo taxi. This AV is fully driverless and creates more room by eliminating the steering wheel and pedals. [00:00:23] Julie Gates: It includes a retractable ramp and floor clamps, and it can provide service to wheelch
In Conversation with Laura Hendricks: How Transdev Brings Expertise to Agencies Across North America
This week Paul talks with Laura Hendricks, CEO of Transdev US https://transdevna.com/ , about her career starting as a driver at FedEx, Trandev's global expertise transitioning to zero emissions, and how Transdev combined with First Transit brings more cohesive transit solutions to transit agencies.As the largest private transportation contractor in the world, Transdev is uniquely positioned to apply its global expertise to a wide range of transit needs and challenges. From zero emissions to sch
Brightline Connects Miami and Orlando with Highspeed Rail Transit Unplugged News for October 2
Confetti is flying as Brightline's rail service now links Miami and Orlando. I'm Julie Gates, and this is your Transit Unplugged News Minute. Privately owned high speed rail operator Brightline debuted its expanded service linking downtown Miami to the Orlando International Airport. Many see this as the beginning of a new era for passenger rail, creating a blueprint to travel with ease between two nearby cities which are too far apart to drive, but too close to travel by air. The trip between Mi
Diana Kotler moves her community in the happiest place on Earth in Anaheim
This week join Paul in conversation with Diana Kotler, CEO of the Anaheim Transit Network https://rideart.org/. Recorded live at APTA Tech earlier this summer, Paul and Diana connect transit, tech, and people in this engaging interview.Diana runs a very unique transit system. It's funded by businesses, but all Anaheim residents and people who work in Anaheim ride for free. Tourists coming to visit the city pay a small fare to ride all day on a completely cashless system. And the goal of the syst
Transit Unplugged News Minute: Miami Dade SHIFT Into Gear Update
I'm Julie Gates and this is your Transit Unplugged News Minute. Transit agencies all over the globe are reimagining their bus networks to meet the changing ridership patterns that were triggered by the pandemic. In November, Florida's Miami Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works will be moving into Phase 2 of its Better Bus Network SHIFTS Into Gear program. With the help of public input, this newly designed bus network aims to make bus service more accessible by increasing fre
Mike Noland on the Path Forward and Improving Service on Commuter Rail
This week Mike Noland, President and GM of the South Shore Line https://mysouthshoreline.com/, joins Paul to talk about commuter rail in the Midwest. The South Shore Line connects Northwestern Indiana with Chicago. This busy corridor is used by commuters and casual riders heading into the Windy City for work or fun. Mike talks about the South Shore Line, how he's adapting to changing ridership, and his double-tracking project to expand capacity and flexibility on the line.Commuter rail is in a t
Transit Unplugged Weekly News: Chicago Transit gets $1.9B to expand the Red Line
I'm Julie Gates and this is your Transit Unplugged News Minute. We're seeing a big win for Chicago. We're talking a potential funding in the billions. The Federal Transit Administration announced that funding for the Red Line Expansion Project has moved to the next phase. The project would extend the Red Line 5.6 miles to Chicago's far South Side, providing a more equitable transit system for communities that have historically lacked access. The Chicago Transit Authority is in line for $1.9 bill
Mark Joseph Looks Back at Going From Taxis to Transdev and What’s Next for Transit
This week Paul continues his look back at his time working at Yellow Transportation with the former CEO of Yellow, Veolia, and Transdev, Mark Joseph (now CEO of Mobitas Advisors--https://www.mobitasadvisors.com/).Mark is a true leader and visionary in the transit industry. Mark recounts how he took a failing taxi business and created a business that would be a leader in public transit contracting.Mark reflects on the future of transit, talking about workforce challenges, the opportunities (and p
Transit Unplugged Transit News Minute for September 11th, 2023
Imagine paying your fare just by walking through the faregate? This is being tested in Seoul, South Korea right now and hear more about it on this week's Transit Unplugged News Minute.
Yellow Transportation Reunion: Stories from the Transportation Trenches
Transdev is the largest public transportation contractor in the world, and it got its start in North America with the acquisition of Yellow Transportation. Paul worked for Yellow Transportation for a number of years and today we bring you a special reunion show with a few of the people Paul worked with there.Paul and his guests, John Duncan, Jeff Barnett, and Peggy Maher, worked together at Yellow during the early days of building the company from a regional taxi, limousine, and charter bus comp
Transit Unplugged Transit News Minute for September 1st, 2023
A quick minute of transit news from Paul Comfort. This week Paul covers the Boston MBTA's new plan to attract new drivers. In the first month they've seen more than a 350% increase in applications. Make sure you subscribe to Transit Unplugged in your podcast app to listen to the full podcast episodes released every Wednesday.
Bus Rapid Transit and Brazil’s Contribution to Global Transit with Tula Vandaramatos
When Paul talked with Seleta Reynolds of LA Metro, one of the places she planned to visit ahead of the Olympics in LA was Brazil. She wanted to see first-hand how Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) works and helped move people in Rio for the Olympics. This week we have the second of our Brazil-focused episodes with Tula Vandaramatos, President of the Passenger Transport Association, where Tula talks more about Brazil's unique public transport system and how BRT is helping move people faster through some of
Dimas Barrreira–Going all electric isn’t the only path to reducing emissions
This week on the show Paul chats with repeat guest Dimas Barreira about Brazil's unique way of organizing public transportation, innovations in his own city of Fortaleza, and his approach to reducing carbon emissions in his region. We kick off the episode though with Dimas retelling the story of his life-changing motorcycle accident where he was dead for 40 minutes and spent 4 days in a coma!This episode was recorded during Paul's recent trip to Brazil where he met with industry leaders, attende
Coree Cuff Lonergan on Creating 200 Miles of New Transit Service in Broward County
This week we're staying in sunny Florida and moving down to Broward County to hear what Broward County Transit (BCT) CEO Coree Cuff Lonergan has in store for the people of her county. As the new CEO she's leading the charge on an amazing 15-year plan to add 200 miles of new transit service to the county's transit infrastructure. Over the next decade and a half Broward County will get:High-frequency bus serviceCommuter railLight railBus Rapid Transit (BRT)Coree is starting with high-frequency bus
Transit Payment Innovations in Central Florida and Driving Customer Loyalty in Transit
This week Paul has two great interviews for you: John Slot, Chief Innovation Officer of LYNX in Central Florida, and Rudy Vidal, Managing Director of Vidal Consulting Group. Both interviews center on building strong, emotional connections with riders, so they choose transit over other options.John Slot leads a team responsible for testing and piloting innovations in and around the Orlando area. From sustainable buses to new payment options to bring fare equity to everyone, John's team makes sure
Innovation, Accessibility, and Attracting New Riders–UITP CEO Roundtable Part 2
This week we bring you our final segment from the UTIP Global Summit held earlier this summer in Barcelona. In this dynamic CEO Roundtable recorded live at the summit, we hear from Dorval Carter, President of the Chicago Transit Authority, Paul Skoutelas, President and CEO of APTA, Carla Purcell, CEO of Yarra Trams, and Jeremy Yap, Deputy Chief Executive of LTA Singapore.This panel continues the discussions started in the first CEO Roundtable with a focus on innovation across the industry, how p
Creating new funding models, the challenge of the EV transition, and stop negative self-talk
We have a jam-packed episode for you this week. We lead off with David S. Kim, formerly the Secretary of Transportation for the State of California, now Senior Vice President & Principal, National Transportation Policy and Multimodal Strategy at WSP. Paul and David talk about two of the most pressing issues facing public transit today: finding alternatives to gas taxes to fund transportation and the transition to EVs.For decades federal and state/provincial taxes on gas and diesel have funde
UITP CEO Roundtable Part 1: European Transit Leaders on Today’s Transit Trends
This week we bring you the first of two special CEO Roundtables recorded live at the UITP Global Summit in Barcelona. This first panel features:Thierry Mallet,CEO of TransdevAnjes Tjarks, Minister of Transport in HamburgLaura Shoaf, CEO of the West Midlands Combined AuthorityRuben Leonor, Strategy & Quality Director at RenfePaul leads this all-star lineup of transit leaders through discussions of today's changing ridership, funding and fares, the transition to zero emissions, and what t
A Global Perspective on Transit from Dr. Kaan Yildizgöz and Tips to Speak with Confidence
Every week we bring you the top transit thought leaders from around the world, and this week is no exception. Recorded while at the UITP Global Summit in Barcelona, Paul sits in conversation with Dr. Kaan Yildizgöz, Senior Director of Membership and Global Operations at UITP. Kaan and Paul dive into one of the most important topics facing public transport today--helping people rely less on personal cars for regular travel.In much of the world, taxis are integrated into the transit system so
Cybersecurity, Safety Data, and Smart Cities — Canadian Transit Tech Innovation Part 2
We wrap up our special look at Canadian transit tech innovation with three great innovators in the transit tech landscape. We lead off with Paul in conversation with Jean-Pierre Baracat, VP and Partner at Cysca Technologies, talking about the need for enhanced operational cybersecurity for the vehicles and systems that power transit. Then Paul talks with Tim Bigwood, GM of Trapeze Workforce Management, about the need for agencies to have a single source of truth for all their safety-related data
Focus on Canadian Transport Tech Innovation Part 1 EVs and New Transit Models
This week we kick off the first of two episodes focused on Canadian transportation tech and innovation. In this episode, Margaret Cullen, Trade Commissioner for the Canadian Consulate in Florida, joins Paul with Niklas Kviselius, Sr. Manager Innovation Management and New Mobility at TransLink, and Colin Lavery, Chief Growth Officer at Asset Market. On the show, the guests about the planning needed for the tsunami of EVs coming over the next several years and how agencies need to be more proactiv
Sneak Peek - Canadian Technology Focus on AI in Transit
Listen to this sneak peek at part one of our two-part series on Canadian Tech Innovations in Transit. This segment features Paul Comfort with Niklas Kviselius of TransLink and Colin Lavery of Asset Market talking about the role of AI in transit.
Renée Amilcar is charting the course for the future of transport around the world
After spending the bulk of her 20 year career in public transport in Montreal at STM, Renée Amilcar has been at the helm of OC Transpo in Ottawa for almost two years and leading the effort to move OC Transpo to zero emissions by 2036. But that's only the tip of the iceberg for this dynamic transit leader. Join Paul in conversation with Renée in an interview recorded at the UITP Global Summit in Barcelona the day before she took office as the President of UITP. OC Transpo serves the City of Ottaw
New, Innovative Microtransit Models and How to Make Sure You Always Bring Your Passions to Work
We have two very complementary episodes this week on Transit Unplugged. We start off with Alex Esposito, Co-founder and CEO of Circuit, who took a passion for solving traffic problems and turned it into a business. In our leadership segment Paul talks with Marinma Dorado, Founder and Passion Catalyst of Mindset Results, about connecting the things you're passionate about with your work.On demand transit is an innovation born out of a simple premise: just because it isn't cost-effective to run a
Connecting With Employees is the Secret to Managing a Successful Transit Agency
This week we continue our series focusing on LA Metro with Paul talking with LA Metro COO Conan Cheung. Conan was originally a transit planner and this focus on details and connecting with people gives him a unique approach to managing his agency. In his discussion with Paul, Conan gets into three issues facing all agencies right now: the transition to zero emissions, improving safety on the system and building a strong workforce. Like many previous guests and agencies, Conan talks about LA Metr
How LA Metro is Already Getting Ready for the 2028 Summer Olympics with Seleta Reynolds
Plus how to match your strengths to your job with Josh CohenWelcome to the first of two special episodes featuring leaders from the second largest transit system in the U.S.--LA Metro! In this first interview, Paul chats with Seleta Reynolds, Chief Innovation Officer and interim Chief People Officer at LA Metro, about planning for the future of LA Metro including the upcoming 2026 World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics. Seleta reflects on how to build a lasting legacy for Los Angeles from transit to
Creating tourist-friendly transportation in Banff, AB
This week we're continuing our tour of Western Canada with Martin Bean, CEO of Roam Transit in Banff, AB. Roam Transit, like many transit agencies in tourist destinations, has a dual role. One is to get the residents of the Bow Valley from Canmore to Banff (who all ride for free by the way) where they need to go, the other is helping the over four million visitors who come to Banff National Park and Lake Louise each year explore the region (and leave their cars behind). Beyond transit passes fo
Focusing on Better Customer Experience and Micro Innovation in Transit
This week, we have two intersecting interviews covering customer experience and innovation in transit. We start off with Paul talking with Aaron Weinstein of Transit CX about creating customer experience (CX) programs within transit agencies. We continue with Brandon Bartneck, GM of Edison Manufacturing and Engineering and the host of the Future of Mobility podcast, talking about transit innovation and manufacturing. Aaron talks about building a customer experience mindset within transit agencie
Announcing Paul's Newest Book Plus Meeting the Needs of a Growing City in Everett, WA
Tom Hingson knows transit inside and out. Learn how the City of Everett, WA tackling battery-electric range issues with inductive charging. And announcing Paul's newest book--Comfort Food. We return to Snohomish County this week to the City of Everett (and county seat) to learn about this network within a network from Everett Transit Director Tom Hingson. With a transit career spanning 40 years, Tom has seen it all, from behind the wheel to behind the scenes as a transit leader. Everett is one
Going Green with Hydrogen and Two Books to Level Up Your Leadership
We continue our discussion on the transition to zero emissions with Doran Barnes, CEO of Foothill Transit, and Karl Gnadt, Managing Director of the Champaign Urbana Mass Transit District, talking with Paul about their hydrogen fuel cell-powered bus fleets. Doran currently has the largest fleet of hydrogen fuel cell electric buses in North America with 20 and growing to over thirty in the future. Karl manages one of a few agencies that generates its own hydrogen for its fleet of buses.
Ric Ilgenfritz Leads Community Transit with Ambitious BRT Plans and It's our 250th Episode!
Welcome to the 250th episode of Transit Unplugged! What a tremendous milestone and we're only just getting started! We have big plans for the show--the podcast and TV--and we know you'll like what we have up our sleeves. This week Paul is in conversation with Community Transit CEO, Ric Ilgenfritz from Snohomish County, WA. Listen as Ric and Paul talk about not only serving the diverse needs of Snohomish County but also the Bus Rapid Transit plans he has put into motion to get people where they w
CEO Roundtable Recorded Live at ThinkTransit: Behind the Scenes with Transit Leaders
Recorded live at ThinkTransit in Nashville, this CEO Roundtable brings together four of North America's brightest transit leaders for an in-depth discussion about their lives, careers, and the future of transit in North America. Join Paul in conversation with: Doran Barnes, CEO of Foothill Transit Monica Backmon, CEO of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority Erinn Pinkerton, CEO of BC Transit Billy Terry, Executive Director of the National Transit Institute In the episode, you'll hear
Promoting Inclusive Public Transport in Singapore with Andy Thompson of Go-Ahead Singapore
Singapore is one of the most densely packed cities in the world. Designed to be a "car-light" city, most people rely on public transport to get around. Learn about this fully-integrated and accessible system from Andy Thompson, Managing Director of Go-Ahead Singapore. Paul Comfort and Andy Thompson discuss how Go-Ahead Singapore helps people in Singapore get from place to place with buses, subways, and more. Because so many people rely on public transport, it's essential the entire system be acc
Craig Cipriano On Planning for Zero Emissions and Developing Your Career
This week Paul is in conversation with Craig Cipriano and talking about how he put together the plan for New York MTA to transition to zero emissions. We talk a lot about the technology side of the problem. Hydrogen vs battery electric. How to charge batteries. Where is your hydrogen coming from. But what we don't talk about is how agencies need to adapt and change processes, workflows, and even the structure of their organizations to make it happen. The first thing Craig did to attack the probl
Creating a dynamic on-demand transit system in Oklahoma with Kendra McGeady, Pelivan Transit
We often highlight large transit systems on Transit Unplugged, but there are hundreds of smaller transit systems that are just as--maybe even more so--innovative who also provide those critical links in their community. Kendra McGeady, Director of Pelivan Transit, is one of those innovators. Her coverage area is thousands of square miles in Oklahoma, supporting the Cherokee Nation, other tribes in the area, and the wider community as well. Like many rural transit services, Pelivan provides an es
What the financial crisis means for your agency with David Leininger and is hydrogen our best zero emissions option with Kirt Conrad
We have an info-packed show for you this week. We lead off with Paul in conversation with David Leininger of Leininger Analytics, talking about the current banking crisis and what agencies need to think about. Where David says you have to check for risk isn't where many of you would think! We then move on to Kirt Conrad talking about SARTA and its fleet of hydrogen fuel cell-powered buses--the third largest in the country! Finally, learn about building your emotional intelligence (EQ) from Shai
Noah Berger MVRTA
Noah Berger of the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority (MVRTA or MEVA) has done two amazing things at his agency: he's increased ridership 122% and gone zero fare--even going so far as removing the fareboxes from the buses. And the amazing thing about it is the why. Noah believes if take care of all your riders in general, you'll get more riders overall. He gives the example of accessible buses. They are great for people with disabilities, but they are also great for parents with strolle
Jon Nouchi and Keith "Flip" Griffin
This week we have the companion interview to the Transit Unplugged TV episode from Hawaii, with Jon Nouchi, Deputy Director of the Honolulu Department of Transportation Services. For the first time, Paul doesn't just sit down with our guest; he walks and rides with Jon on the Number 8 electric bus. Jon tells Paul about his department's commitment to preserving the Hawaiian language and culture right down to having bus announcements in English and Hawaiian. While the conversation wanders into pin
Stephen M. R. Covey
We are excited to bring you this special episode of Transit Unplugged with world-renowned speaker and leadership expert Stephen M. R. Covey. In this riveting conversation, Paul and Stephen talk about what it means to lead people, organizations, and ourselves, today. Stephen Covey, already an expert on leadership and leadership development, faced a challenge while merging Franklin Quest and the Covey Leadership Center to form FranklinCovey. People who had been rivals and competitors were now work
Christian Kent and Shawn Moon
This week we bring you two fantastic and thoughtful interviews on Transit Unplugged News and Views. First, transit consultant Christian Kent of Transit Management Consulting, LLC, talks with Paul about two essential topics:Delivering paratransit servicesEnsuring our hiring practices are inclusive and welcoming for disabled applicants.Christian talks about how the world of delivering paratransit has changed in the 30-odd years since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) first enacted the rule
Ts Mazli Mustaffa -- Sarawak Metro
This week we give you the first of three podcast episodes from Paul's recent Pacific tour that took him from Hawaii to Malaysia to Singapore. We kick things off with the CEO of Sarawak Metro, Ts Mazli Mustaffa. Sarawak Metro is in a unique position where they are tasked with building and expanding public transit in their region--a challenge that always fosters innovation. As you'll hear in Paul's conversation with Mr. Mustaffa, they have a tremendous innovation running in Sarawak: an autonomous,
Stacey Matlen and Eulois Cleckley
One of the hardest things about transit is getting new technology into production. Something that sounds great, but is just a little on the cutting edge is hard for agencies to practically test and trial. This is where The Partnership for New York City and The Transit Tech Lab come in. Stacey Matlen, VP of Innovation at the Partnership for NYC, talks with Paul about how she's helping technology companies and the region's transit agencies test out new ideas and bring the best into production. Rig
Kate Mattice — Northern Virginia Transportation Commission
This week Paul chats with Kate Mattice, Executive Director of the Northern Virginia Transit Commission, about managing and advising transit agencies and the Virginia Rail Express in one of the most complex and connected regions in the United States. From zero emissions to zero fare, Kate Mattice is tackling the big issues facing transit in Northern Virginia and the U.S. Capitol Region. It's not enough to get people from A to B; you need to plan for C, D, and E as well. In today's new transi
Rikesh Shah and Larnzell Harper
Great leaders foster great innovation. Rikesh Shah is driving innovation at Transport for London (TfL), and Larnzell Harper helps level up transit leaders. Learn about both sides of the equation in two dynamic interviews. People think innovation is all about new shiny things, but it's really about finding new ways to solve problems. Rikesh Shah, Head of Open Innovation at TfL dives into some of the innovations he's led--and some of them have less to do with moving people than understanding every
Catherine Rinaldi -- Metro-North and Long Island Rail Roads
Join Paul in conversation with Catherine Rinaldi, President of Metro-North Railroad and Interim President of Long Island Rail Road in New York. As Catherine says in her chat with Paul, New York wouldn't be New York without transit. Getting from A to B efficiently makes buses, subways, and trains. These two critical rail lines provide commuters with critical connections throughout the New York Metropolitan Area, and the new stations--like Grand Central Madison--will make connections even smoother
Matthew Daus and Dale Walls
This week we kick off something new on Transit Unplugged. Every other week, in addition to our newsmaker interview, Paul will talk with a leadership expert on developing and improving your leadership skills. No matter what level you're at in your organization, these segments are essential to your career. As this week's guest Dale Walls, founder of Lions Guide, says: "You're always the leader of yourself."Paul kicks off the show with Matthew Daus, Partner and Chair of Transportation Practice
Jim Derwinski — CEO Metra Commuter Rail Chicago
Paul kicks off 2023 talking with Jim Derwinski CEO of Metra Commuter Rail in Chicago. The changing face and role of commuter rail in connecting suburbs to cities was a big topic in 2022 and will certainly continue throughout 2023. As we see Tuesday-Thursday cities and flattening the peak across North America and the world, we're seeing commuter rail becoming less about "get me to work on time" and more "get me into the city for fun without my car."But what does this mean for the future of rail p
End of the year wrap up for 2022
Join Paul for a very special Transit Unplugged episode. This look back at 2022 and ahead to 2023 features four amazing transportation leaders: Mohamed Mezghani, Secretary General, UITP Jeremy Yap, Deputy Chief Executive, LTA, Vice President, UITP Executive Board Julie Timm, CEO, Sound Transit Rod Jones, Portfolio Leader, Head of Americas, Modaxo In this wide-ranging, three-part conversation, you'll hear what each of these leaders thinks about the current state and future of transportation arou
Dave McKenna — Rocky Mountaineer
This week we bring you something a little different. Usually, when we talk about rail we're talking about commuters or inter-city rail, but in this episode, we're talking about rail tourism. Dave McKenna, CEO of the Rocky Mountaineer talks with Paul about delivering an unparalleled rail experience traveling through some of the most amazing scenery in North America. With routes in British Columbia, Alberta, and now Colorado-Utah, the Rocky Mountaineer, traveling at "the speed of Kodak" lets peopl
Mike Bagshaw - MTR UK
We're winding down the year with another trip across the pond to London. Paul talks with Mike Bagshaw, COO MTR UK, about running the Elizabeth Line (and completing all the remaining connections), the technology needed to run it on time, and how MTR uses property development to fund transit operations in cities like Hong Kong. Mike talks about how MTR UK used digital twin tech to test, refine, and configure the Elizabeth Line schedules to be reliable even when things don't always go to plan. Also
Mass Transit 40 Under 40 Part 2: Carlos Cruz-Casas, Roman Steichen, and Sophia Maletz Franklyn
We wrap up our Mass Transit Magazine 40 Under 40 series with interviews with three more amazing transit leaders: Carlos Cruz-Casas, Chief Innovation Officer, Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works Roman Steichen, Director of Transit Services, Frederick County, MD Sophia Maletz Franklyn, Director of Fare Revenue & Administrative Services, TriMet In conversation with Paul and Mischa Wanek-Libman, Editor in Chief of Mass Transit Magazine we learn how each of them apply t
Mass Transit 40 Under 40 Part 1: Kayleigh Cleek and Sapna Shah
This week we have the first of two special Mass Transit 40 Under 40 shows. This week Paul Comfort and Mischa Wanek-Libman, Editor in Chief of Mass Transit Magazine talk with two of the honorees: Kayleigh Cleek, Transit Planning Manager, Greenville Transit Authority, and Sapna Shah, Superintendent, NY MTA talk about their careers, what they do at their agencies, and their visions for the future of transit. These are two extraordinary women who are already making their mark on the transit world.
Dave Reage -- Halifax Transit
This week we head out east to Halifax, Nova Scotia and hear from Dave Reage, Executive Director of Halifax Transit about his uniquely Canadian transit system. In conversation with Paul, Dave talks about the balance of being a center of government, the Atlantic home of the Canadian Navy, serving rural communities, and running a commuter ferry service across Halifax Harbor. As a trivia note, Halifax and Vancouver are the only transit systems in Canada that integrate ferries into the transit system
Jarrett Walker -- Jarrett Walker and Assoc. Part 2
Welcome to part two of Paul's interview with Jarrett Walker of Jarret Walker & Associates. In this part of the interview, Paul and Jarrett talk about two of the hottest topics in public transport: equity and the demise of rush hour. Jarrett discusses the tension and balance between focusing on ridership versus coverage when looking at transit equality. As he talked about in part one, too far to one side or another leads to very different transit systems. He gives an example from his homebase of
Jarrett Walker — Jarrett Walker and Assoc. Part 1
We continue our special kick-off to Season 6 with a special two-part Transit Unplugged News and Views with Jarrett Walker of Jarrett Walker & Associates talking about what it takes to rebuild and replan a transit network. Jarrett and his team are the minds behind the Houston Model transit system. The Houston Model brought focus on providing fast, efficient, frequent service with minimal transfers and away from ridership as the main driver, or indicator, of success. In part one we set the sta
Rich Davey -- New York MTA
Welcome to a very special episode of Transit Unplugged In-Depth! This episode marks our fifth anniversary, the start of Season 6, and it also happens to be our 225th show! To celebrate these milestones we have an interview with Rich Davey, President New York City Transit, NY MTA as our guest. Paul interviewed Rich live from the APTATRANSform show in the Vontas booth in October after Paul's very successful book signing event. Rich and Paul dive into what it's like to run North America's largest p
Jennifer DeBruhl -- Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
With decades of transportation experience in Virginia, Jennifer DeBruhl knows the value of connecting people with reliable transit. From successful rural microtransit projects to Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) to invigorated North-South and East-West rail connections, Jennifer is creating the infrastructure for growth in the Commonwealth. In this week's Transit Unplugged In-Depth, Paul talks with Jennifer about her career journey, her plans across the state to connect Virginia to neighboring regions, a
Charles Lattuca -- GoTriangle
The Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) in North Carolina is one of the fastest-growing areas in the U.S. Already at 2 million people, they are expecting another million people by 2050. So, how do you keep the area moving without relying on more cars and more roads? Better regional transit, of course! This week Paul chats with Charles Lattuca, President and CEO of GoTriangle, which works with partner agencies GoRaleigh, GoDurham, and Chapel Hill Transit to create a unified transit sys
Vernon Everitt -- Transport for Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester is about the size of London with a population of roughly 3 million people. Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, wants to help his region have safe, convenient, affordable, and green public transport options. Transport for Greater Manchester already has one of the largest tram networks in Europe and now they are in the process of following the Transport for London model of central oversight over buses under a franchise model. All with the goal of getti
Lisa Walton -- SFMTA
Lisa Walton is the CTO of SFMTA, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (aka Muni), and is responsible for one of the largest and most complex transit regions in North America. She needs to interact with over 20 different agencies and services around the Bay Area, not to mention all the people within the city and county of San Francisco. And the biggest challenges are seamless travel and getting the right information to people at the right time. One of Lisa's biggest projects recently has
Michelle Bouchard — Caltrain
Stretching from San Francisco to Gilroy (the garlic capital of the U.S.), Caltrain follows the spine of the Bay Area peninsula and straight through Silicon Valley. Having been around since the 1860s, Silicon Valley grew up around Caltrain. And unlike most commuter rail lines, Caltrain doesn't serve a single city center with traffic going one way in the morning and back in the afternoon; people travel up and down the peninsula in both directions getting to work. This is, as Mi
Suhair Al Khatib -- Washington Metro Rail Safety Commission
Suhair Al Khatib knows safety. After years at Baltimore MTA, he's now a Commissioner for Maryland on the Washington Metro Rail Safety Commission and his job is simple. Keep passengers safe. Safety isn't just about ticking boxes or enforcing rules, it's a mindset. It's knowing that putting safety first sometimes means disrupting service. Sometimes it means inconveniencing the traveling public. Because if you don't make those tough calls and let things slide, bad things can happen. Join Paul and S
Paul Comfort, Bacarra Mauldin, and Alex Wiggins on Diversity and Inclusion
Our guest host Julie Gates, award-winning broadcaster and Director of Marketing at Trapeze interviews Paul about his upcoming book Conversations on Equity and Inclusion in Public Transportation. They talk about why he wrote it, what it's about, what you'll learn from it, and most importantly what it means to Paul. We also hear from Bacarra Mauldin of MARTA reading excerpts from her forward to the book and Alex Wiggins of NORTA on the practical things he's doing for diversity and inclusion in New
Steve Young — VIA Metropolitan Transit
We've all stood at a stop wondering when the next bus will arrive. And a lot of us have wondered why a bus didn't go where we thought it would because of a detour or closure. These are not good feelings as a rider. Steve Young, VP of Technology and Innovation at VIA Metropolitan Transit in San Antonio, TX knows a thing or two about data and customers. He and his team have pushed the limits of technology to give his customers the absolutely latest information about routes and buses.VIA
David Scorey - CEO Keolis North America
David Scorey leads Keolis North America working with agencies across the U.S. and Canada. From starting in the trenches in the UK's rail sector to managing the MBTA commuter rail contract, and now CEO of Keolis North America, David keeps his sights on what's important to agencies and riders. David looks at transit holistically, like how he views accessibility: "When I talk about accessibility, many people think of step-free access, you know, elevators and things like that. And of course, that's
Steve Martingano -- Denver RTD Transit Police
Six years ago Steve Martingano challenged conventions with his innovative policing strategy at Denver RTD by pairing officers with mental health workers. He saw a lot of police interactions weren't criminal issues, but medical issues. People needed help. They needed medical care. They needed support. They needed housing. Steve talks with Paul about how after six years he's expanding his efforts beyond medical and mental health support to housing and social service access. Steve talks about chang
Monica Backmon — Northern Virginia Transportation Authority
Monica Backmon, CEO of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, has a unique job in the transit world. Her agency plans and funds transportation projects as small as traffic calming and as big as Bus Rapid Transit. And she does it across cities, towns, and counties in Northern Virginia. While often compared to a Municipal Planning Organization, NVTA has no close comparators in the United States. Her responsibility is broad and so is her mandate to help move people across her region. From
April Rai CEO COMTO
Paul met April Rai, CEO of COMTO (Conference of Minority Transportation Officials) at the recent COMTO conference in Miami. He sat down with April to talk about the origins of COMTO, the challenges transit is facing today, and her vision for how we'll solve them.On Transit Unplugged News and Views this week we also have:Transit news of the weekElea Carey's messaging minuteMike Bismeyer on leadershipUpdates from Paul about his latest book about diversity and inclusion in transitNext week on Trans
Henry Li -- SacRT
This week Paul talks with a guest we've wanted to get on the show for a long, long time. When Henry Li arrived in Sacramento, the agency needed to restore both public trust in the system and financial stability for the agency. In his 7 year tenure so far he's launched the first microtransit pilot in the U.S., made the system free for kids in grades K-12, and ensured there was pay equity across his agency. His efforts have clearly paid off, Henry was named APTA CEO of the year in 2019 and SacRT w
Alva Carrasco and Herold Humphrey -- Latinos In Transit
Alva Carrasco and Herold Humphrey are on a mission. A mission to increase the visibility, opportunities, and voice of Latinos in public transit. And not just when talking about issues, but more importantly in leadership positions to help the communities they serve. Alva and Herold talk with Paul about the origins of Latinos In Transit from a casual group of people working in the same industry to an organized force to encourage and support Latinos in their careers. From advocacy and mentorship to
Matt Tucker North County Transit District
Matt Tucker, Executive Director and CEO of the North County Transit District covers a huge geographic area north of San Diego. From buses to rail to a new hybrid light rail, Matt has served his region for over a decade with big plans for the future. Matt and Paul talk about all the different transportation modes, Matt's plans for going green with battery electric and hydrogen, and hints at his plans for the future of the agency. One of the longest-serving CEOs in public transit, Matt has a uniqu
Wiebe Wakker Sustainable Adventurer from Plug Me In
This week Paul talks with Wiebe Wakker, sustainable adventurer about his three-year trip from the Netherlands to Australia in an EV--with no money--and then how he traveled from the Netherlands to Dubai (most) on public transport to give a keynote speech at UITP MENA earlier this year. It's a fascinating story of someone who admits wasn't really into sustainability when he started but has now become a champion for it. Learn more about Wiebe on: His Plug Me In website Facebook Twitter Instagram
Charlotte Shaw Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority
Charlotte Shaw, CEO of Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority, has deep experience in getting things done. From project and program management to capital planning, Charlotte is the person who makes a transit vision a reality. After years at MARTA, she came to Birmingham to manage building a bus rapid transit (BRT) for the city before it would be handed over to BJCTA. But as she tells Paul, the transit authority thought she'd be just the right person to bring BJCTA into a new era of transi
Sam Morrissey -- Urban Movement Labs
This week Paul talks with Sam Morrissey from Urban Movement Labs in LA about their mandate to help the city navigate the changing face of transportation. When scooters came to the city, there were issues with where to ride them--not on the sidewalks, but maybe not the road either--and how to return them. As new transportation technologies emerge, Urban Movement Labs serves as a trusted partner working with the city and private companies to deploy new technologies the right way. Also on the show:
Sam Snead -- Anne Arundel County Department of Transportation
Sam Snead is looking towards the future of transportation in Anne Arundel County, MD. From solar-lit bus stops to websites to full system maps, Sam sees up-to-date technology as crucial to success in his region. Paul talks with Sam about his career journey and then gets into Sam's ambitious Move Anne Arundel transit master plan looking forward to create sustainable, accessible, and green transit solutions for the county. Creating a robust transit system in smaller and more spread-out areas is al
Tom Wright -- Regional Plan Association
This week on Transit Unplugged News & Views, Paul is talking with Tom Wright of the Regional Plan Association (RPA) about planning for the future in the New York Metropolitan area (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut). Over its 100 year history, RPA has put a stake in the ground for what needs to be done to build and sustain the region. As Tom says, all of their recommendations are implemented--eventually. Tom talks about the RPA vision for what's needed in the region to grow in the post-pande
Melinda Metzger -- Pace Suburban Bus
Melinda Metzger is the first female Executive Director for Pace Suburban Bus, one of the largest bus and paratransit systems in the United States covering 3,500 square miles and serving 272 communities. On this week's Transit Unplugged In Depth, Melinda and Paul talk about how the great resignation has impacted public transit and how local partnerships are combating those effects. To get more bus operators at Pace, they are covering the cost of tuition at a local community college to help peopl
Jen Shepherd -- GM Uber Transit
Jen Shepherd is passionate about public transit. As GM of Uber Transit she is responsible for helping agencies move more people, more flexibly, and more cost-effectively. In her chat with Paul, Jen talks about how Uber provides agencies tools to balance demand and resources with on-demand capacity when it wouldn't make sense to have an agency-owned vehicle on the route. One of the most exciting ways Uber is helping transit agencies is adding flexible paratransit capacity with the recently announ
Wayne Rogers — Northeast Maglev
Northeast Maglev has a vision for bringing fast--really, really fast--rail service to the Northeast Corridor (Boston to Washington D.C.). This week Paul talks with Wayne Rogers, Chairman and CEO of the Baltimore Washington Rapid Rail, LLC, and Northeast Maglev, LLC, about his vision for what maglev trains could do for the region.Faster than steel wheel-based trains, maglev trains use superconducting magnets to propel trains along at up to 311 miles an hour. Already running in Japan, where the se
Christiaan Blake, Managing Dir, Dept of Access Services, WMATA
Christiaan Blake is responsible for the business of offering paratransit services that balance accommodation and sustainability. Christiaan needs to serve the most people he can with paratransit, while also creating accessible fixed-route transit that is open to all. One of the tricks up Christiaan's sleeve is his innovative rider's choice program where, if paratransit riders opt into using a taxi or service like Uber for their ride, their ride could be randomly chosen to be free. Armed with an
Eulois Cleckley Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works
This week Paul is talking with Eulois Cleckley, Director and CEO of the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works. Eulois manages everything from buses, trains, microtransit, and even exploring urban air mobility--yes, flying cars--along with all the roads and bridges in his county. Eulois is undertaking a massive update of the county's 3000 intersections with smart signaling technology to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in one of the nation's most car-
Luc Richard RTC Quebec City
In our 199th episode, Paul talks with Luc Richard, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of Réseau de transport de la Capitale, in Quebec City, Quebec. Quebec City is one of the oldest cities in North America and one of the snowiest too. RTC delivers bus service year-round with winter weather that would shut down many transit systems. Now looking ahead to creating a more inclusive transit system, RTC created its own electric-assist bike-share service and zone-based microtransit solution
Steve Poftak - MBTA
Steve Poftak is leading the MBTA during unprecedented times. Three years into the job he's managed through a pandemic and invested billions into revamping bus and rail service across the system. The T--North America's oldest subway--is growing and adapting to new rider patterns and on the commuter rail side, he's made changes to make the largest commuter rail system in America a regional rail system people can use throughout the day to get into and out of the city. Listen to Paul and Steve talk
Rich Sampson, Southwest Transit Association
Frequent guest Rich Sampson, Executive Director of the Southwest Transit Association, sat with Paul to give him the latest updates from D.C. on transit funding. With fiscal year 2022 appropriations set, agencies now know about their new formula fund amounts and new funding grants available to them.Elea Carey talks about how to include the leaders in your communities in your transit marketing plans. Mike Bismeyer takes a moment to thank the people who put themselves in harm's way to keep transit
Adelee Le Grand. CEO HART
Adelee Le Grand is a long-time transit rider. Growing up in New York, Adelee says taking transit was like brushing your teeth and toothpaste--you just did it, it's always there. Transit was how you got places and experienced things. Like Terry White, and more than a few of our guests, Adelee has spent her entire career associated with transit and moving people. You can hear Adelee's passion for transit in her descriptions of her life in New York and contrasting that with cities like Atlanta or T
Sara Stickler, CEO WTS International
Sara Stickler, CEO of WTS International, chats with Paul on International Women's Day about her work supporting and creating opportunities for women in transit. Founded in the 1970s as a group providing seminars and training--since women were discouraged from joining "associations"--WTS International strives to increase opportunities for women in the transit industry. Many of the women leaders on this show--Leslie Richards, Nadine Lee, Inez Evans, and Nuria Fernandez--have all participated in WT
Darren Kettle, CEO Metrolink
This week Paul talks with Darren Kettle, CEO of Metrolink in Southern California. Not long in the job at Metrolink, Darren is a long-time transit veteran coming from Ventura County Transportation Commission and is looking forward to building and improving a critical piece of California's public transit system. Metrolink will be a key part of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, connecting many of the venues together. In the meantime, buoyed by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Darren is inves
Patrick Goddard -- Brightline Trains
This week on Transit Unplugged News and Views Paul talks with Patrick Goddard, President of Brightline Trains about high-speed rail in Florida. Brightline Trains is the only privately-held high-speed rail service in the U.S. and serves as a vital connection between South and Central and beyond. Brightline serves the niche getting people to places that are too far to drive, but too short to fly. The end goal is to make people less car-dependent; move people from their cars to something faster and
Mohammed Salim Al Ghafri -- COO Mwasalat, Oman
Continuing the series of interviews from the UITP MENA Congress and Expo earlier this year, Paul speaks with Mohammed Salim Al Ghafri, COO of Mwasalat in the Sultanate of Oman on how he's creating a transit culture in a country where private cars are cheap and affordable. One of the newer transit agencies in the world, Mwasalat manages the bus and ferry service connecting the major cities in Oman to each other and neighboring countries like the UAE. It's been an uphill battle to get people to sw
Noormah Noor Express Rail Link
Noormah Noor, CEO of Express Rail Link in Malaysia has accomplished something that very few people have done--create an award-winning, world-class, and economically viable high-speed rail service. ERL runs between Kuala Lumpur and the airport connecting downtown for travelers and everyday commuters. Her service offers nonstop service, including airport check-in , from downtown to the airport. And if you'd like a white glove experience, their VIP service brings you door to door including handling
Terry White Interview Ripple Effect
Terry White, General Manager of King County Metro, is a life-long public transit rider in his hometown of Seattle, Washington. He relied on transit to get him to school and work, buoyed by his mother her stack of timetables. If it wasn't for public transit, Terry wouldn't be where he is today. The experience of relying on transit and growing up on the system--including turning the signs on the bus--instilled a life-long passion for transit and a clear career path (although he never did become a
Alexander Pazuchanics and reports from UITP MENA
Paul was at the UITP Middle East North Africa Conference and Expo in Dubai, UAE recently and this is the first of several interviews from his trip. The first is with Alexander Pazuchanics, Head of Policy & Partnerships at Vianova I/O. Alexander and Paul talk about something we don't hear much about these days, ever really--managing curb space. Not just for parking, but travel and making the best use of this public space throughout the day. We also hear from Elea Carey and Mike Bismeyer this week
Legacy Leaders Part 2: Paul Toliver, Peter Varga, Grace Crunican, and Mike Scanlon
Here's part two of our Legacy Leaders Series (listen to part 1) where Paul taps into decades of leadership, perspective, and insight from some of the foremost leaders in the public transit industry. In this episode we hear from: Paul Toliver Grace Crunican Peter Varga Mike Scanlon The advice in this episode is second to none and everyone, no matter your role, can take something away from this to do their jobs better. Next week we bring the first in a series of interviews Paul recorded while at
Billy Terry On Delivering Training for Better Transit
Have you ever wondered how people get training on running a public transit agency? Public transit is a very complex business/service to run, so how do you learn everything you need to know? The answer is the National Transit Institute at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. Paul talks with Executive Director Billy Terry about NTI and everything it does. Like having to switch from 98% in-person classes taught around the U.S. to 100% virtual classes taught remotely. We also hear from Elea
Legacy Leaders Part 1: Paul Toliver, Fred Gilliam, Robert Prince, Rod Diridon
This is the first of two special episodes where Paul chats with some of the leading figures in public transit. These are the people who built the foundations and set the standards for how public transit is done.Their perspectives are absolutely not to be missed.On part one of the series are:Paul ToliverFred GilliamRobert PrinceRod DiridonSee the full show notes on TransitUnplugged.com for their links and contact information.Next week on Transit Unplugged News & Views we have Bill Terry, Exec
Karen Philbrick Researching the Future of Public Transit at the Mineta Institute
In the public transit industry, we are all standing on the shoulders of giants. People who set the stage for the progress we're making now. The next several episodes on Transit Unplugged epitomize this fact looking back powering our way forward.This week Paul talks with Karen Philbrick, Executive Director of the Mineta Transportation Institute. Named for Secretary Norman Mineta, the Institute conducts and supports research on a wide range of public transportation topics and issues.In their inter
In Memoriam: Jeffrey Parker
On today's special edition of Transit Unplugged. We want it to honor the memory of Jeff Parker, CEO of MARTA in Atlanta, after his recent tragic death. He was a strong leader for his city and our industry, and will be sorely missed. Original show notes from February, 2020: “While we have to think about the future, we also have to think about the here and now and making sure that we’re improving the customer experience.” Atlanta and the surrounding area is the third fastest-growing region in the
Laura Koprowski Reinvigorating TARTA's Role in the Community
This week Paul catches up with Laura Koprowski, CEO of Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) and they talk about Laura's plan to revitalize TARTA with a new leadership team, new branding, and a new focus on customer experience. Laura and Paul also talk about the successful ballot measures that will help TARTA expand service and have a stable financial future. Next week, Paul interviews Karen Philbrick of the Mineta Institute with her views on public transit. If you have questions, comme
Mass Transit 40 Under 40 Looking Ahead to a Bright Transit Future
This week we have a special double interview episode on Transit Unplugged News and Views. Paul, and special guest Mischa Wanek-Libman Executive Editor of Mass Transit Magazine, speak with two of Mass Transit's 40 Under 40 honorees.We start the show with Shofi Ull Azum, MBA, Operational Innovations and Performance Manager, Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA), followed by Brittney M. Farr, Esq., Director of Government Relations, Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA).These two
Kevin Quinn focusing on the fundamentals and network expansion at TransLink
This week Paul chats with Kevin Quinn, CEO of TransLink in Vancouver, BC. Kevin succeeded Paul as CEO of MTA Baltimore and now is the head of a multi-city transit network in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. Kevin talks about managing North America's largest autonomous subway systems (SkyTrain), the major expansion projects underway, and life in Vancouver. Next week on Transit Unplugged Paul interviews two of Mass Transit Magazine's 40 Under 40 with Mass Transit Magazine's Executive
What will public transit look like in 2022?
It's the end of the year and the last episode of Transit Unplugged for 2021. This is a really special episode with Paul Comfort convening a panel with our producer Tris Hussey, regular contributors Elea Carey and Mike Bismeyer, and a special guest Mike Dukart, Dir. of Sales at TripSpark. On the show, we talk about what are going to be the hottest trends in 2022, and a little look back at the past year. We hope you enjoy it. Next week (and next year), we'll have Kevin Quinn the new CEO at TransLi
Best of Transit Unplugged In Depth for 2021
Welcome to our second special episode of Transit Unplugged, the Best of Transit Unplugged In-Depth. In this episode, you'll hear excerpts from five of the best interviews this year. You'll hear ... Anne Graham, National Transport Authority, Ireland (full episode) Ahmed Bahrozyan, Road and Transport Authority, Dubai, UAE (full episode) Leslie Richards, SEPTA (full episode) Nat Ford, Jacksonville Transport Authority (full episode) Jeremy Yap, Land Transport Authority, Singapore (full episode) Ne
Special Transit Technology Episode: Cybersecurity and transit tech in 2022
Kicking off a trio of special episodes on Transit Unplugged is a transit tech episode with guest host Tris Hussey. Tris interviews Daniel Saddy, Director of (IT) Architecture at Trapeze about cyber and computer security at transit agencies with real, concrete advice on how agencies can help protect themselves. Then we have a special technology expert panel with Sebastian Vaitus, VP of Innovation at Vontas, Priyanka Palacholla, Sr. Director of New Product Initiatives at Vontas, Tyler Dvorak, Prod
Innovation, growth, and expansion in Singapore with Lee Ling Wee
Paul returns to the island nation of Singapore to chat with Mr. Lee Ling Wee, Deputy Group CEO and President, International, SMRT Corporation. Like his earlier interview with Jeremy Yap earlier this year, the conversation focuses on how Singapore and SMRT are innovating and pushing towards a low/no emissions future. Paul sets the stage for the interview with Trapeze General Manager for the ASEAN region Frank Hesse. Frank makes his home in Kuala Lumpur and offers great context into public transit
On Demand Microtransit taking off in Sarasota, Florida
In our final episode from APTA EXPO 2021, Paul chats with Jane Grogg, Director of Sarasota County Area Transit. If there was one singular thing that is the hallmark of the post-COVID transit world, it's on-demand microtransit. Jane Grogg replaced fixed routes that had lower ridership and replaced them with on-demand microtransit. And it's been a smashing success! Typically these low ridership fixed routes also tend to have big headways (30 minutes or more between buses), which means people aren'
Transit Leaders Panel: 5 of the most powerful women in transit today
Update: An audio issue kept one of the panelists from being heard. We've pushed out an updated audio track. In the second of three APTA EXPO special episodes, this week it's the highlight of the week--the special panel of the 5 top women leading transit today. Nadine Lee (CEO, Dallas DART), Leslie Richards (CEO, SEPTA), Lauren Skiver (CEO, SunLine Transit), MJ Maynard (CEO, RTC SNV), and Bacarra Sanderson Mauldin (Chief of Staff, MATA Transit) shared the stage and talked about their visions of
Live from APTA EXPO 2021: It's electric with Chris Harris and Lauren Cochran Scoville
Paul and Tris were at APTA EXPO 2021 in Orlando, FL last week and recorded several interviews while they were there. From "Get to Know the GM" with the heads of Vontas and Trapeze Group and interviews with transit leaders to our amazing panel of amazing women leading transit agencies in the U.S., Paul and Tris covered a lot of ground in a few days. This week we highlight two of the interviews from those three days. First up is Chris Harris, Associate Director of Transportation at Auburn Universi
Bringing public transit to a transit desert in the desert–MJ Maynard and RTC of Southern Nevada
This week's episode comes to you from Las Vegas, Nevada when Paul visited RTC of Southern Nevada CEO MJ Maynard and her team. These segments are excerpted from the upcoming Transit Unplugged TV episode--the first episode for Transit Unplugged TV.Also in this episode are Deputy CEOs Francis Julien and David Swallow as well as Antonette Braddock who talks about RTC's new mobile app for their network.At RTC MJ Maynard and her team are doing great things for their community. They used COVID relief f
The three big transit trends, making kindness cool, and more APTA EXPO 2021 events
Welcome to season 5! Kicking off Season 5, Episode 1 we have a chat with Roger Helmy, Director of Product Management at Modaxo. Then Paul talks with regular contributor Mike Bismeyer about his Kindness is Cool campaign. We hear from Elea Carey on how to keep your messaging relevant and top of mind for riders. And finally, Paul and Tris talk about everything going on at APTA EXPO 2021. Paul will be at the Trapeze-Vontas booth (booth 353) talking with GMs Teresa Domingo and Peter Aczel from 11-12:
Multi-modal solutions, advanced ticketing, and loyalty programs: Innovation from Africa and the Middle East
This week's show is an edited re-broadcast of the UITP and Trapeze-sponsored Connected Journeys webinar from earlier this summer.Paul leads a discussion with:Abimbola Akinajo, CEO, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO, Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)Djan Fanny, Director of Operations, AMUGAAbout what they are doing to promote public transit and develop more integrated, connected journeys in their cities.This episode brings home how, around the
How Autonomous Vehicles Are Fitting into the Bigger Public Transit Landscape
This is a very special Transit Unplugged News and Views. This week we not only hear from Katrina Heineking and W.C. Pihl from Transdev about autonomous vehicles, but Paul reveals all the things going on at APTA EXPO in a few weeks.In the news segment, Paul gives you all the details on what's going on with Transit Unplugged, Transit Unplugged TV, and the other places you can find him at APTA EXPO. If you'd like to stay in the loop about everything that's going on, and get reminders when events ar
Nashville's WeGo Public Transit Is Coming Back Strong with New Innovations
Paul travelled to Nashville, TN to talk with Nashville MTA CEO Steve Bland and his leadership team about all the improvements and innovations they've done in the past year. From safety to route planning to stations and stops, there is little that they haven't improved on. Which is, of course, music to our ears. This episode was also filmed for an upcoming episode of Transit Unplugged TV. People you will hear: Steve Bland, Nashville MTA CEO Approaches to COVID Response and Workplace Safety – Ni
How transit agencies in New Mexico came together and weathered the pandemic storm
One of the biggest challenges at transit agencies during the pandemic has been making sure there was enough money to stay in operation. In New Mexico, the Department of Transportation took a unique approach that underscores the spirit of cooperation we found throughout the transit industry.They funded the operating expenses for the 21 transit agencies in the state and were able to do that because the three largest agencies in the state agreed to forego their share of federal funding to help the
Four Inspiring Women Leading the Way in Australia
As a woman in transit and the tech industry, it’s not every day that you get to see female leaders in transit share how they got to where they are today and the hurdles they had to overcome to do so. Transit has traditionally been a male-dominated industry; and years ago, it would’ve been rare to see a female CEO rise up the ranks. It’s inspiring that that’s no longer the case. On today’s episode of Transit Unplugged, we put together more than just an interview with one female transit leader – f
Going truly zero-emissions in Champaign-Urbana, Karl Gnadt on deploying hydrogen fuel cell buses
More and more agencies are going green and reducing their carbon emissions. There are lots of ways to get there, but one that isn't talked about often is hydrogen fuel cell electric buses.Karl Gnadt of Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District is serious about going zero emissions. And truly zero emissions. In October his agency will open its solar-powered hydrogen generating and fueling complex and deploy its first hydrogen fuel cell electric buses. Making this deployment truly zero emissions. No
Julien Dehornoy of Yarra Trams on the Challenge of Updating an Iconic Tram System
Julien Dehornoy, CEO of Yarra Trams, is responsible for the iconic Melbourne streetcar tram system. This is storied tram system has run continuously since 1884 and is the longest light rail system in the world. Which is a blessing and a curse. Julien wants to modernize the tram system to make it more efficient, more nimble, more accessible, and faster. But that's easier said than done when you're working with legacy systems. In this episode, you'll hear about Julien's vision for the future of th
David Bruffy and Mountain Line Transit Giving People What They're Asking For: More Transit
It's not often you get the results of a customer survey and the results clearly say, "we think you're doing great, can you do more of it please?". But that's what David Bruffy of Mountain Line Transit in Morgantown, West Virginia found when he got feedback from his community. And while his plans for helping his community, including microtransit and helping the unbanked in a universal fare program, are important, just as important is what he does to recharge. David runs Smoke n Mirrors Photograph
Josh Baker on Relaunching DASH and Untangling the Spaghetti
Imagine starting your transit career as a driver when you were nineteen and then going on to launch an entirely new transit service for one agency and now at the helm to launch a revamped service for an up-and-coming transit agency. This is what Josh Baker of DASH (Alexandria Transit) has done in his career thus far with more great plans on the way. This is one of those "wow, that's amazing" interviews from a person who has done and tried almost everything there is to do in transit. Josh and Pau
What’s data got to do with it? To do transit right, everything.
This week on Transit Tech, Tris interviews Tyler Dvorak of Trapeze and Terry Bills of Esri about the how and why of using data at your agency. Combining data sets, especially spatial and demographic data, gives transit agencies tremendous decision making power. Learn why the agencies who most effectively use data to learn about customers and make decisions are also the agencies who are most successful at delivering services to those customers.In her Messaging Minute, Elea Carey talks back to sch
Special Panel Discussion: What the U.S. Infrastructure Bill Means for Transit Agencies
This episode of Transit Unplugged In-Depth comes from the SUN Conference in Missoula, Montana. Paul sat down with Scott Bogren of CTAA, Ed Redfern of The Bus Coalition, Rich Sampson of SWATA, and Elea Carey to talk about the massive infrastructure bill that just passed the U.S. Senate. In this very special episode, Paul and the guests dive into why this bill could be a historic, watershed moment for public transit in the U.S. The pandemic opened eyes at all levels of government that public trans
John Seber answers the why question
This week on Transit Unplugged News and Views we have two Newsmaker interviews.First Paul chats with John Seber Executive Director of the Central Indiana Regional Transport Authority (CIRTA) and they get into how John is helping the counties he serves work together and provide an integrated intercounty transit network. John also reflects on when he was working with Paul at WMATA and how a college poster sticks with him today.If that wasn't enough, Paul chats with Stewart Mader and Scott Bogren a
Carrie Butler Executive Director of TARC – Optimism and excitement about the future of transit
This week Paul comes to you from the Bluegrass State and historic Louisville, Kentucky. Paul visited Carrie Butler, Executive Director of the Transit Authority of River City (TARC), in-person in her office in the former Union Station from the Louisville-Nashville rail line. You can read more about Paul's visit in his post on the Vontas blog. Carrie started at TARC almost a year ago in the midst of the pandemic, but that challenge only seems to have buoyed her optimism and drive to bring fre
Using AI to predict when your bus will arrive, meeting tips from Paul Comfort, and people are coming back to transit
This week on Transit Unplugged News and View we have the first Transit Tech segment. These will be monthly segments where we interview on new innovations in transit technology.This week Tris chats with Dr. Farrokh Mansouri, head of data science at Trapeze, about using machine learning and AI to predict how weather and traffic affect on-time performance. If you're interested in how Trapeze approaches machine learning and AI you might like Farrokh's recent blog post.Paul gives his weekly look
Joubert Flores on creating an integrated and supported public transportation system in Brazil
This week we wrap up our mini-tour of Latin America with Paul's conversation with Joubert Flores, Chairman of ANTPTRILHOS in Brazil.Joubert has been an integral part of the transit industry for over 45 years and his insights into where the transportation system in Brazil has been, and where it's going in the future, are essential listening for all transit agencies.To close out this pair of interviews, Paul hosted a roundtable with Paola Realpozo, VP Marketing at Trapeze, and Juan Goritti, Sales
Capitalizing on transit’s opportunity with Andrew Bata of UITP
This week on the first episode of Transit Unplugged News and Views (what we use to call Comfort's Corner) Paul chats with Andrew Bata of UITP, North America. Paul and Andrew talk about Andrew's former role as Chief Innovator at New York MTA. He and Paul continue with his vision of the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead for transit agencies around the world.Elea Carey continues the thread with how agencies should communicate getting people back to transit.And finally, Paul wraps up the e
Dimas Barreira Putting Technology and Innovation in the Driver’s Seat in Fortaleza, Brazil
The bustling city of Fortaleza could be a model for how operators, transit agencies, and cities can work together to deliver sustainable, technology-enabled public transit. This week Paul chats with Dimas Barreira is the president of SINDIONIBUS, a group of 17 transit operators serving the city of Fortaleza and the surrounding area.What's unique in Fortaleza isn't the close partnership between SINDIONIBUS and the city, but the confederation of independent companies who have come together to agre
Mark Wild of Crossrail UK getting a massive rail project back on track
What do you do when you're given the reins of one of the biggest rail projects in history that's three years late and well over budget? How do you take something that has gone decidedly off the rails, back on track?For Mark Wild of Crossrail UK, it meant going back to the fundamentals of project management. He focused on grappling with the enormous complexity of the project, correcting things that had gone off course, and building a team that could adapt to uncertainty.No project of this scale g
Comfort’s Corner: Is It Time to Call It Regional Rail?
Paul's on vacation this week so our producer Tris Hussey is in the host's chair for this episode.News in this episode:Proterra goes public on the NASDAQUS Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg highlights and thanks the transit industry for its work getting people vaccinated.Robert Yu was tapped as President and General Manager for Oahu Transit Services.Vince Pellegrin, COO of Metro Transit retires after 24 years at the agency. We wish him the best on his retirement.The Chicago Transit Autho
Making Taxis Part of the Transport Solution in Saudi Arabia with Naif Bin Hwail
This week Paul chats with Naif Bin Hwail of Saudi Arabia's Transport General Authority (TGA) on how his agency built a structure to serve millions of people--including the millions visiting Mecca and Medina for the Haj--using bus, rail, and taxis. In his conversation with Paul, Naif Bin Hwail talks about developing bus rapid transit (BRT) in several cities and expanding the rail network to serve the millions of people who come to Saudi Arabia. Unlike many transportation agencies, TGA is also res
Comfort’s Corner: Using data to improve operations and meet the changing needs of riders
This week on Comfort's Corner we have two newsmaker interviews for you. First, we talk with Candace Moore of the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority about how she's used asset management data to improve maintenance in her fleet of nearly 200 vehicles. Then we travel to Saskatoon, SK, and hear an excerpt from Cory Shrigley's ThinkTransit session on how they used real-time ridership data to quickly adapt their service to meet the needs of essential workers during pandemic lockdowns and he
Jeremy Yap, Land Transport Authority, Singapore
"We want to promote caring commuting culture here, a gracious one, ... working together with everyday commuters to try and improve each other's commute."This week Paul talks with Jeremy Yap, Deputy Chief Executive for Public Transport, Policy and Planning for the Land Transport Authority, Singapore. In this wide-ranging interview, we learn how Singapore is creating and expanding a transit system to serve its 5.6 million people with bus and rail service that is clean, efficient, and kind.From dig
Comfort’s Corner: NATA, UITP, and the new study on contracting in public transit
Show notes:Welcome to Comfort's Corner for May 26th, 2021.This week on Comfort's Corner we have a special newsmaker segment with board members of the North American Transit Alliance (NATA) and the International Association of Public Transit (UITP) discussing the results of a new study on private contracting in public transit agencies.UITP completed the study on behalf of NATA and conducted interviews with transit agencies from around the world. The results of this study and give a rich, diverse,
Esmaeel Hasan Al Blooshi, RAK Transport Authority
This week Paul chats with Esmaeel Hasan Al Blooshi of the RAK Transport Authority in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. Ras Al Khaimah is the northernmost of the seven Emirates in the UAE and home to over 60 km of beaches, the world's longest zip line, and...A really innovative and integrated transit system. From buses to taxis, e-scooters and e-bikes to ferries, RAK Transport is creating a uniquely integrated system powered by new apps and technology.Unlike many North American transit author
Comfort’s Corner: Julie Timm of GRTC Are fares truly fair?
This week is a special Comfort's Corner with a focus on access and equality in the transit system.After this week's transit news, we hear from Julie Timm of the Greater Richmond Transit Company on how she is looking at how the fare system, might not be fair to the people who need and depend on it most. Julie's segment was taken from her Virtual ThinkTransit talk she gave on April 28th, 2021. In part three of Comfort's Corner, Paul talks about his new vision on the future of transit. Beyond techn
Leslie Richards – SEPTA
"...it was really that project that showed me how much transportation can add to the economic development of a region, can hurt, or help, neighborhoods. can really impact people at their business levels ... in the communities they choose to raise their families..."This week Paul is joined by Leslie Richards General Manager of SEPTA (Southeast Pennsylvania Transportation Authority). In this Transit Unplugged episode, you not only learn about Leslie's career path but how she is tackling challenges
Virtual ThinkTransit Day Three Keynote: Future of Transit Panel
In the third of our special Transit Unplugged episodes from Virtual ThinkTransit, we have the final keynote from Day Three. Our final keynote of the conference had Geoff Gray step into Paul Comfort's shoes to moderate this amazing panel of Phil Verster, President and CEO, Metrolinx; Erinn Pinkerton, President and CEO, BC Transit; and Alex Wiggins, CEO, New Orleans Transit.Phil started off highlighting projects underway that will keep going to meet the needs of one of Canada's fast
Virtual ThinkTransit Day Two Keynote: Lauren Skiver
This is the second of three special Transit Unplugged episodes from Virtual ThinkTransit. Our Day Two keynote was by Lauren Skiver, CEO of SunLine Transit Agency. challenged us to find our power and purpose to innovate.Lauren hit head-on the challenge of innovating in a regulated business like transit. We have a great responsibility to our staff, riders, and everyone else sharing the road, but we also have a responsibility to make sure transit evolves with the times and does more.Innovations in
Virtual ThinkTransit Day One Keynote: Robbie Makinen
In the first of three special Transit Unplugged episodes, we bring you the keynote from Day One of Virtual ThinkTransit (VTT). Robbie Makinen's (CEO of the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority) keynote was an inspiration to the entire audience. Robbie is well known as an inspiring speaker and he did not disappoint today. He lost his sight about eight years ago and related a story about sitting in the car with his son and how it was a turning point for him.Everyone is dealt a bad h
Comfort’s Corner: Luke Antoniou – Intelligent Transport
“This industry is absolutely crucial for people to live their lives in the way that they are used to doing.”On this episode of Comfort's Corner, part of the Transit Unplugged podcast, Luke Antoniou, Editor of Intelligent Transport, joins Paul Comfort to discuss new transit trends in Europe and his thoughts on Mobility-as-a-Service. Paul also shares an exciting Q&A from ThinkTransit featuring Elea Carey, John Sisson, and Sam Sargent.If you want to know more about Intelligent Transport, c
Clinton Forbes – Palm Tran
“I have always said that crisis breeds innovation.” Joining the Transit Unplugged podcast for this episode is Clinton Forbes, Executive Director at Palm Tran. Clinton chats with Paul Comfort about Palm Tran’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, their new flex routes for remote areas, and shares his thoughts on the future of electric vehicles. Clinton also joins Paul’s lightning round to share his favorite books, hobbies, and more. If y
Comfort’s Corner: Valerie Neilson – Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency
“We're looking at the big picture. Where are we going? What's happening? How do we make this all make sense together?” On this episode of Comfort's Corner, part of the Transit Unplugged podcast, Valerie Neilson, Deputy Director of the Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency, joins Paul Comfort to discuss the role of a metropolitan planning agency and how they interact with the local community. Valerie also chats about her passion
Nat Ford – Jacksonville Transportation Authority
“I think we are best prepared and situated to be holistic transportation service providers, and we should not limit ourselves and stay in one lane.” Joining the Transit Unplugged podcast for this episode is Nat Ford, CEO of Jacksonville Transportation Authority. Nat chats with Paul Comfort about the latest and greatest innovations at the JTA, from vaccine buses to microtransit, and shares more about JTA’s unique autonomous vehicle Test and Learn track. If you want to know more about th
Comfort’s Corner: Brian Litchfield – Town of Chapel Hill
“We're fortunate enough to work in a community that is supportive of our efforts.” On this episode of Comfort's Corner, part of the Transit Unplugged podcast, Brian Litchfield, Transit Director for the Town of Chapel Hill, joins Paul Comfort to discuss how COVID-19 has helped to bring his agency closer to the local community. Brian also chats about Chapel Hill Transit’s investments in clean energy and their unique fare-free model. If you wan
Tilly Chang - San Francisco County Transportation Authority
“These people who take care of us every day, we need to take care of them, and make sure that we're ensuring that our services are for everyone.” Joining the Transit Unplugged podcast for this episode is Tilly Chang, Executive Director for the San Francisco County Transportation Authority. Tilly chats with Paul Comfort about autonomous vehicles, the impact of TNC’s such as Uber and Lyft in San Francisco, and her thoughts on how public transit will recover from COVID-19. Tilly also joins
Comfort’s Corner: Christian Kent, Principal, Christian T. Kent Transit Management Consulting LLC
“When we're challenged in transit, that's often sometimes where the greatest innovation comes.” On this episode of Comfort's Corner, part of the Transit Unplugged podcast, Christian Kent, Transit Management Consultant and former Assistant GM at WMATA, joins Paul Comfort to discuss how he believes paratransit services will change after COVID-19. Christian also chats about his career in the transit industry, and shares industry trends he’s seeing in transit recruitmen
David Kim – Secretary of Transportation for the State of California
“We need transit to not only survive the pandemic, but to thrive.” Joining the Transit Unplugged podcast for this episode is David Kim, Secretary of Transportation for the State of California. David chats with Paul Comfort about CalSTA’s new high-speed rail project, the future of zero-emission buses, and his thoughts on autonomous vehicles. David also joins Paul’s new lightning round to share his favorite books, musicians, an
Assistant Transit Bureau Chief, Arlington Department of Environmental Services, Division of Transportation
“We have two projects that were always on our books and our capital improvement program, however with the Amazon decision, it did provide us with the ability to actually put those projects forward even quicker.” On this episode of Comfort's Corner, part of the Transit Unplugged podcast, Pierre Holloman, Assistant Transit Bureau Chief at the Arlington Department of Environmental Services Division of Transportation, joins Paul Comfort&nbs
Anne Graham – National Transport Authority
“In times of crisis, you tend to come up with more creative solutions when you want to deliver them quite quickly.” Joining the Transit Unplugged podcast for this episode is Anne Graham, Chief Executive Officer of the National Transport Authority of Ireland. Anne chats with Paul Comfort about three major projects that the NTA is currently working on, including creating the first underground metro in Ireland and electrifying their rail network.&nb
Comfort’s Corner: Scott Bogren – Community Transportation Association of America
“We’re trying to remind Congress that the pandemic’s everywhere. And transit is a national program. It's not a program in 15 largest cities in the country. It's a national program, and if we're going to be able to get votes in Congress to the numbers we need, members need to have a reason to vote for the transit in their communities.” On this episode of Comfort's Corner, part of the Transit Unplugged podcast, Scott Bogren, Executive Director at Community Transportation Associ
Sir Peter Hendy CBE – Chair of Network Rail
“It's not transport for the sake of it … it's got a purpose, and it's worth investing in for that purpose. And as habits change, we should adapt what transit is there for to address the issues.” Joining the Transit Unplugged podcast for this episode is Sir Peter Hendy CBE, Chair of Network Rail. Sir Peter shares the story of his long and illustrious career in the transit industry and talks about the long and short-term implications of COVID-19 on
Comfort’s Corner: Matthew Wood – National Express Transit
“Some of those agencies where we've brought microtransit in, they’ve heard about it, but they weren't really looking into how to implement it. We get it up and running within 30-60 days ... I think private contracting can bring that value and that innovation and flexibility to put new services and products in at a faster pace.” On this episode of Comfort's Corner, part of the Transit Unplugged podcast, Matthew Wood, Chief Operating Officer at National Express Transit, joins Paul Comfort to dis
Alex Wiggins – New Orleans Regional Transit Authority
“Transit was very critical to me being able to live the American dream.” Joining the Transit Unplugged podcast for this episode is Alex Wiggins, CEO of New Orleans Regional Transit Authority. Alex has had a long and storied career in the transit industry, and he shares how his past experiences have shaped how he leads today. Alex also provides an in-depth look at how New Orleans RTA responded to COVID-19 and discusses his commitment to equity and transit for all. If you want to kn
Comfort’s Corner: Tom Gerend – KC Streetcar Authority
“Our board made a decision very early on that if we could remove the barriers to use, more people would ride. They would frequent more businesses. They would spend more money… We think our ridership is 30% to 40% higher than it would have been with a fare, and it has totally changed the dynamic for how people view the system and its ease of use.” On this episode of Comfort's Corner, part of the Transit Unplugged podcast, Tom Gerend, Executive Director at Kansas City Streetcar Authority, joins Pa
Ahmed Hashem Bahrozyan – Roads & Transport Authority
"We operate the longest driverless Metro system in the whole world currently. Unlike what you normally see around Europe, the far East, etc., our Metro stations are built more like five-star hotels, very fancy transport mobility hubs, that encourage people to use the different mobility services."Joining the Transit Unplugged podcast for this episode is Ahmed Hashem Bahrozyan, Chief Executive Officer of the Roads & Transport Authority in Dubai, United Arab Emirate (UAE). A
Comfort's Corner: Joshua Schank – LA Metro
"We came together to form this Public-Private Partnership, where we were able to provide what will eventually be the largest on-demand publicly provided microtransit service in the country." On this episode of Comfort's Corner, part of the Transit Unplugged podcast, Joshua Schank joins Paul Comfort from Los Angeles to discuss his career in the transit industry. He talks about how the CEO created his role, "The Office of Extraordinary Innovation," to allow LA Metro, a public sector agency, to imp
Taulby Roach – Bi-State Development
"Bi-State Development is one of the few agencies set by a charter, by an act of Congress. We have a federal charter that notes the governance of Bi-State and allows for the interoperability of a transit system across two states, multiple jurisdictions, and multiple towns."Joining the Transit Unplugged podcast for this episode is Taulby Roach, the President & CEO of Bi-State Development. Taulby Roach has worked in and around the transit system for the past 20 years. The skillset he has acquir
Comfort’s Corner: Ben Plowden – Transport for London
"Transport for London is probably one of the most integrated transport authorities in the world, in the sense that we not only planned for but also operate pretty much all of the public transport in the city. But crucially, we also are responsible for the planning for an operation of the road network."On this episode of Comfort's Corner, part of the Transit Unplugged podcast, Ben Plowden joins Paul Comfort from London to discuss Transport for London's restart and recovery program. He shares idea
Ronald Lwakatare – Dar Rapid Transit Agency
"When we complete the six phases of the transit system in Tanzania, we expect to have more than 3,000 BRT buses in the city, and they will replace what we have currently, nearly 10,000 local buses."Joining the Transit Unplugged podcast for this episode is Ronald Lwakatare, Chief Executive of Dar Rapid Transit Agency (DART) in Tanzania. Ronald joined DART in January 2016 as Chief Executive and is working hard to bring future public transportation to his nation and city.In this episode, Ronald sha
Comfort’s Corner: John Rossant – CoMotion
"In many ways, Los Angeles is going to become one of the key global hubs of new mobility. It is the largest urban car market globally, and in terms of the metro area, one of the world's biggest, along with New York and Tokyo. What happens in LA affects everything else in the world, and we are excited for CoMotion to be here."On this episode of Comfort's Corner, part of the Transit Unplugged podcast, John Rossant joins Paul Comfort to discuss his career as Chair of New Cities Foundation and the b
Abimbola Akinajo – Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority
“We are constantly looking at our systems and working to ensure that when we do roll out, we do not have to roll back.” Joining the Transit Unplugged podcast for this episode is Abimbola Akinajo, the Managing Director and CEO of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA). Abimbola Akinajo is a chartered civil engineer with over 25 years of experience working in the United Kingdom and Nigeria on the design an
Comfort’s Corner: Alejandra Cruz Ross – United Nations International Labor Office
“When looking through an industrial lens, how the future of transit might look will highly depend on its workforce. It will depend on the future of decent and sustainable work in urban transport services.”On this episode of Comfort’s Corner, part of the Transit Unplugged podcast, Alejandra Cruz Ross joins Paul Comfort from Geneva to discuss her career, outlook on the future of public transit, and career goals. Though most importantly, as the Transport Specialist in the Sectoral Policies Departme
Sue Dreier - Pierce Transit
“[Of our 160-million-dollar operating budget], we are proud that 88% goes to direct service on the road and 12% goes to administration. We try to keep that within that range for our 32 local routes.” Joining Paul Comfort on this episode of “Transit Unplugged” is Sue Dreier, Chief Executive Officer of Pierce Transit, a public transit operator for Pierce County, Washington. Pierce Transit offers fixed route bus, vanpool, microtransit, and paratransit services, all with the goal of connecting peopl
Celebrating 3 Years: A Special Best-Of Edition of Transit Unplugged
“The [interviews I have conducted over the last three years] confirmed that CEOs of public transit agencies have a very tough job. They are half politician and half operations director. They are a staff leader and a planner.”This episode marks the 3rd anniversary of Transit Unplugged! As one of the world’s first podcasts for public transit professionals, the show is now listened to in over 99 countries. In honor of this milestone, we have compiled a few best moments and key learnings out of the
Comfort’s Corner: Mohamed Mezghani – UITP
“Though there is a second wave [of COVID-19] in many countries, the ridership of public transport is not decreasing – it is still increasing. Thus, the main difference from the first wave is that we now know [public transportation] is safe and people know how to behave.”On this episode of Comfort’s Corner, part of the Transit Unplugged podcast, Mohamed Mezghani, Elected Secretary General of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) joins Paul Comfort to discuss his current work an
Tom Egan – MV Transportation
“[As NATA members], I think we collectively felt a sense of duty to the communities we serve to create an organization that advocates for effective public transportation systems, plays a leading role in serving the needs of cities across North America, and maintains confidence in public transportation.”Tom Egan, Chief Executive Officer of MV Transportation is a dedicated leader to both his company and the industry.On this episode of Transit Unplugged, Tom virtually sat down with host and transit
Comfort’s Corner: Magda Robertson – Torrens Connect
“We are social creatures. We are going to go back to the offices. So, the next twelve months for me will be spent planning for that increase in patronage. [I will be looking for] ways to run the timetable better, provide a better customer experience, and ensure the public that our transit is safe to travel on.”On this episode of Transit Unplugged Magda Robertson, General Manager at Torrens Connect, joins Paul Comfort from Australia to discuss careers, goals, technology, and predictions for the p
A State Funding Success Story with William Harrell – Hampton Roads Transit
“We are going to phase 13 routes in over many years, but once those are in place, we will serve a population of 487,000. That is a 169% increase. On the job side, right now our market share is about 137,500 jobs, and that will see a 127% increase to make it roughly 312,500 jobs. This is a revolutionary change in how we do business.”William Harrell, President and CEO at Hampton Roads Transit, joins Transit Unplugged to discuss what has been made possible for his community in Virginia as a result
Comfort’s Corner: 40 Under 40 in the Public Transit Industry Pt. 2
“I think it is incredibly important that staff at all levels get regular exposure to their [transit] system. Doing so, gives you a greater perspective and will help you be more effective in your job.”This week on Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort hosts three of Mass Transit magazine’s 40 Under 40 honorees who have been recognized as outstanding young individuals actively making a difference in the public transit industry. Guests include Alice Grossman, an AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow
Rodd Staples – Transport for New South Wales
“I think great data and analytics, joining up the various data pools in the organization, will challenge our thinking and will open up new opportunities we have not thought of and help our customers in ways we did not think we could.”Joining this episode of “Transit Unplugged” from Australia is Rodd Staples, Secretary of Transport for New South Wales. In this role, Rodd leads 25,000 employees and oversees an expansive public transport ecosystem that serves a state population of over 8 million pe
Comfort’s Corner: 40 Under 40 in the Public Transit Industry Pt. 1
“Many people in our industry get up every day to make sure that Canadians, Americans, and commuters around the world get to where they need to be. To do that, it creates an environment where you continuously need to be improving, figuring out the next trend, and in the meanwhile, operating a business and transit operations effectively. All of which requires a great deal of self-motivation.”On this week’s episode of Transit Unplugged – Comfort’s Corner, your host Paul Comfort, kicks off a series
Neil Scales – Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads
“We need to think about...how we harness social media…new technology…messaging in vehicles...how we give the attending customers as much information as we can, so they can make good transportation choices.”Neil Scales, Director-General of Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, joins Transit Unplugged to discuss his career, the transit industry, and the exciting ecosystem of operations that his department oversees. The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads is working
Comfort’s Corner: Focusing on Transit Riders
“We did a lot of user research to understand what kinds of information did people need? What did they want? How should it best be presented so that it would be as useful as possible? That user-based research is really a cornerstone of the way that we try to attack problems here.” In today’s Comfort’s Corner episode, we hear from David Gerstle, Chief Digital Officer at MBTA, a messaging minute from Elea Carey on focusing your transit service as a mobility utility, and a new Mike’s Minute on the g
Andy Byford – Transport for London
“I had huge empathy for front line employees. I always have. But it also really influenced my management philosophy because very occasionally when the top brass visited Regents Park and…or on occasion they’d stop and say hello to you. And then you’d feel 10 foot tall. That always resonated with me. It’s seared into my psyche. So now if you ever follow me around in transport on any of the jobs I’ve done or watch me walk through a subway station or out on the streets I will not walk past one of my
Dick Alexander – TransDev
“Never a dull moment, which is what I’ve always loved about this industry ‘cause it changes, the opportunities change and you know it’s infectious….I think what’s fun about it now what’s exciting about it now is technology now plays such a huge role in transit that we’re getting all of these just young and smart bright people in the industry “ Dick Alexander, CEO of TransDev, the largest privately owned transportation company in the world, and Chairman of the North
Comfort’s Corner: Focus on Mobility, Now and Into the Future
“Transport is not only one solution. It’s a combination of different solutions...Integration of the different modes of transport [to provide] mobility.” In today’s Comfort’s Corner episode, we hear from Arnaud Legrand, CEO of RATP Dev USA, a messaging minute from Elea Carey on focusing your messaging on the outcomes of transit, and a new Mike’s Minute on the value of mentorship. Plus, Paul Comfort shares a reading from his book the Future of Public Transportation. Arnaud Legrand, CEO
Dennis Solensky - Connecticut Department of Transportation
“We could see these technology improvements coming, and the changes in the industry… we felt that…our fastrak would be the perfect opportunity…to start implementing automated technologies.” Dennis Solensky, Public Transit Administrator, Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), joins Transit Unplugged to discuss the transit industry, his career, and an exciting autonomous bus project that will be launching at the end of 2020. Dennis has a strong passion for the public transit industry, w
Comfort's Corner: Planning Phases of COVID-19
In today’s Comfort’s Corner episode, we hear from Sam Sargent, Deputy Chief of Staff at Capital Metro, a messaging minute from Elea Carey on the importance of internal messaging, and a new Mike’s Minute on the power of kindness. Plus, learn Paul’s top ten ways to future proof your transit agency! Sam Sargent, Deputy Chief of Staff at Capital Metro, shares the impact that COVID-19 has had on transit ridership in Austin, Texas. Capital Metro has approached COVID in 3 phases: responding, recover
Michael Hursh – AC Transit
"You're going to be in a place in your career where you're going to need mentors. You're going to need trusted people that you can talk [to] about the aspects where you may not have the career strength." Michael Hursh, General Manager of AC Transit joins Transit Unplugged to provide us with an outlook on his career, experiences, and his role at AC Transit for the past five years. Michael provides an update on the impact COVID-19 has had on ridership in Alameda Contra Costa and what implica
Comfort’s Corner: Redefining Success in Public Transit
“How do we maximize the full scope of services that best serve the community? That comes from the standpoint of environment…social equity…mobility. Those big picture goals are going to be critical as we move into this post-COVID phase.” In today’s Comfort’s Corner episode, we hear from Doran Barnes, Executive Director at Foothill Transit in Los Angeles, a messaging minute from Elea Carey on how to improve your agency’s press relations with local journalists/reporters, and a new Mike’s Minute on
A Global Look at The Future of Public Transportation
“The important thing about transit…It is the engine for economics and economic development.”In this special edition of Transit Unplugged, you’ll hear a global view on what is happening around the world in the public transit industry, resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Today’s episode is a two-part feature from a recent live webinar with global panelists. In the first half, our host, Paul Comfort, shares an overview of how to future-proof your agency – and what tools and technologies can
Comfort’s Corner: Focus on Community Projects
“We may see some short-term pain, but in the long run, I think it's going to stabilize itself…and public transportation is going to be a big piece of that. On our first BRT, we saw almost 100-150 million dollars in economic development as a result of us putting a BRT line on our major corridor." As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we're proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today's episode, we hear from Shaw
Doug Kelsey – TriMet
“We all learn from each other; that’s one of the powerful things… about this industry. We don’t compete. It’s how you share practices to help leverage the circumstances that we each face that are common, and some that are not common. That’s one of the secret sauces and the powers of this industry.” Doug Kelsey, CEO and General Manager of TriMet, joins Transit Unplugged to provide an outlook on his career, experiences (including a leading role supporting public transportation for the Olympic
Comfort’s Corner: Learning from Past Disruptions
"My purpose is not to be biased [one] way or the other. My purpose is just to use real evidence to help us get through this." As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we're proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today's episode, we hear from Professor Graham Currie, Professor of Public Transit at Monash University, in Melbourne, Australia.Professor Currey started his career in transit as a Transit Planner for Tran
Mobility Innovations – ZEBs & AVs with CUTRIC
“The 21st century is about mass transit innovation. If it was shipping in the 19th and automotive in the 20th, it is transit and fast mobility in the 21st.” In this special innovation episode, Josipa Petrunic, Executive Director and CEO of the Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC), joins Transit Unplugged to discuss the innovative projects CUTRIC is focusing on now and into the future. The idea for CUTRIC arose at the Canadian Urban Transit Association, as CUTA Mem
Comfort’s Corner: Adapting Mobility Services to Support COVID-19
"Public transportation has a future and we will carve out the future. We will work together with the communities to make sure our values are demonstrated and that everyone can have mobility to improve the quality of life here."In today's episode, hear from Chris O'Claire, Mobility Division Director at King County Metro Transit, as she shares how, along with MV, King County has adapted their mobility services to support the Washington State community during COVID-19. At the start of the pandemic,
India Birdsong – Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
"With any project, you've got to plan it out." India Birdsong started her career in Community Development before entering the Public Transit Industry with CTA (Chicago Transit Authority). During her ten years at CTA, India held multiple roles within the Planning and Operations departments. After CTA, India joined WeGo Public Transit (formerly Nashville MTA) as their Chief Operating Officer. Now the General Manager and CEO of GCRTA (Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority), India,
Comfort's Corner: Recovery from COVID-19
"Eventually, as the world returns to normal, whatever that new normal is going to be... people are going to want to return to public transit." As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we're proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today's episode, Paul shares headline news, including last week's uptake in ridership experienced by TriMet, in Portland, Oregon, as we experience a slow return to normal. We then hear fr
Nuria Fernandez – Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
"We have been entrusted with such an important responsibility." Innovation evangelist, mobility game-changer, and transit leader Nuria Fernandez shares her remarkable journey to where she is now - GM and CEO of Santa Clara's Valley Transportation Authority. Born and raised in Panama, she ended up studying civil engineering in the United States, in the "land of caterpillars" state of Illinois. After graduating, her first foray into transit began when she worked at the Panama Canal for o
Comfort’s Corner: Designing Technology for Pandemics
“Our job is to … innovate and design technologies that can solve the pandemic issue, address the pandemic issue, or better prepare us for a future that’s even worse.”As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we’re proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today’s episode, Paul talks about public transit’s advanced cleaning measures to protect employees and riders. Then, hear Josipa Petrunic, Executive Director & C
Phil Washington – LA Metro
“Our economy is built on those frontline folks, and transit is moving those frontline folks, which makes us the foundation of the foundation.” One of the industry’s top and most respected leaders joins the podcast today – Phil Washington, CEO of LA Metro. He discusses the impact of the coronavirus pandemic – how it has affected Measure M, and he talks about the money received through the federal stimulus package. He also shares some recovery ideas, and questions if some of the changes implemente
Comfort’s Corner: Utilizing Technology During COVID-19
“I use public transit, so I need it to be there.”As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we’re proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged, led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today's episode, we discuss how transit helps to keep essential workers moving. We then hear from Mike Bismeyer for “Mike’s Minute,” where he challenges us to pay kindness forward. Paul then talks with Pierre Racz, CEO of Genetec, about the potential drawbacks of utilizing thermal
CEO Roundtable: Preparing For Beyond COVID-19
“I no longer want to go back to normal. I’m ready for something new.” As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we’re proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today’s episode, join us for an exclusive Executive Roundtable featuring Lauren Skiver (SunLine Transit), Peter Stark (Whatcom Transportation Authority), Elea Carey, and Sam Sargent (Capital Metro). Learn what they're doing to move forward on transit projects d
Comfort's Corner: The Impact of COVID-19 on MaaS
“We need public transportation to come back because we need our cities to come back, and we need our economy to come back.” As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we’re proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today's episode, we discuss how COVID-19 may lead to the death of the farebox. We then hear from David Zipper, a Visiting Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School's Taubman Center for State and Local Government,
Comfort’s Corner: Financial Implications of COVID-19
“We know this too shall pass, and once it does, we have to come out of it prepared to conduct business in a good fiscal manner.”As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we’re proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today's episode, we discuss how agencies are using technology to manage their transit systems during COVID-19. We then hear from Mike Bismeyer for “Mike’s Monday Minute,” where he encourages us to stay s
CEO Roundtable: Managing Through COVID-19
“This pandemic has really given the public transit industry a gut punch.”As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we’re proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today’s episode, join us for an exclusive CEO Roundtable featuring Inez Evans (IndyGo), Scott Bogren (CTAA), Wade Coombs (Strathcona County Transit), Julie Timm (GRTC), Kevin Quinn (MTA Baltimore), and Bill Carpenter (RGRTA). Learn how their agencies are man
Comfort’s Corner: A New Normal After COVID-19
“We have to be extremely focused on what the customers’ needs are, and I think that’s the only way we’re going to get back up to pre COVID-19 ridership levels.”As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we’re proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today's episode, we discuss how transit agencies are partnering with charitable organizations to help their local communities. We then hear from Erinn Pinkerton, CEO of B.
Comfort’s Corner: Impact of COVID-19 on Business Operations
“This has had a tremendous impact on our bus systems and paratransit systems.”As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we’re proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today's episode, we discuss how rural communities are dealing with COVID-19, and if there is a federal transit stimulus coming for Canada. We then hear from J. Roger Morton, President and GM of Oahu Transit Services, about the impact COVID-19 is having
Eddie Robar – Edmonton Transit Service
“We can truly put our hand on our heart and say we built a system for Edmontonians.” Eddie Robar has a degree in psychology and HR. But he got into the transit world after completing school. It didn’t help him at first, but his schooling is handy as the Branch Manager for Edmonton Transit Services (ETS). Robar talks about ETS’s network redesign, where 40,000 residents participated in feedback – ultimately, changing its original transit plan by ~20% to match community response. He shares how ETS’
Comfort’s Corner: Protecting Your Workforce During COVID-19
“This pandemic is like the entire nation is having a hurricane that just won’t go away.”As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we’re proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today's episode, we discuss some of the unintended consequences agencies are dealing with after removing fares. We then hear from Mike Bismeyer for “Mike’s Monday Minute,” where he encourages us to stay safe and pay it forward to those in need
Comfort's Corner: Changing The Public Narrative During COVID-19
“I think the moment that public transit has right now is to really change the narrative in the COVID-19 environment.” As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we’re proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today's episode, we discuss the guidelines released by the CDC for both transit drivers and passengers. We then hear from Elea Carey, who shares why she believes now is public transit’s time to shine, and Paul tal
Comfort’s Corner: How Agencies Can Recover From COVID-19
“I do think that when we get out of this COVID-19 world, transit will go back to where it was before.”As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we’re proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today's episode, we discuss some of the ways transit agencies are using this service downtime productively. We then hear from Peter Varga, APTA Board Member and former CEO of The Rapid transit system, about his thoughts on how ag
Comfort’s Corner: Operating Paratransit Services During COVID-19
“Over the years, we have seen a lot of change in the paratransit industry, but certainly nothing quite like what we’re going through now.”As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we’re proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today's episode, we discuss some of the ways transit agencies are adapting due to COVID-19, including partnering with food banks and delivering groceries. We then hear from Mike Bismeyer for “M
Comfort’s Corner: Implementing A Zero-Fare System During COVID-19
“We will try and use the resources and funding we have to keep everyone fully employed, socially distanced, and safe.”As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we’re proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today's episode, we discuss the release of U.S. federal funds for transit agencies, and what that will mean for your agency. We then hear from Julie Timm, CEO of the Greater Richmond Transit Company, about GRTC’s
Comfort's Corner: Managing an Essential Business During COVID-19
“We’re going to get through this crisis like everyone else, we’re going to come out the other side of this, and I think the industry will be even healthier.” As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we’re proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today's episode, we discuss how the newest changes in the public transport industry, including layoffs and social distancing procedures. We then hear from John Walsh, Senior
Wade Coombs – Strathcona County Transit
“My goal is to make every operator the best operator they can be.”Wade Coombs started his transit career washing buses for Saskatoon Transit. Shortly after, he became an operator and eventually worked his way into management. Now he’s Director of Transit for Strathcona County Transit.In this episode, Coombs discusses regionalization and what it is like working with seven other transit operators within the Edmonton Metro area, and how they are working on a single, Smart Fare system. Coombs also s
Comfort’s Corner: The Latest COVID-19 Impacts on Transit
“Our ridership is way down, revenues aren’t coming in, but transit operators are still continuing to provide lifeline services.”On today's episode, we discuss how Washington D.C.’s stimulus package will affect the transit industry, and then hear from Mike for "Mike's Monday Minute," a selection of feel-good stories and highlights. We then have a Newsmaker interview with Marco D’Angelo, CEO of the Canadian Urban Transit Association, on what's been happening with Canadian legislation, and some big
Managing Public Transit Through COVID-19
“It’s easier to manage the hecticness when you have a plan in place."Community safety is a paramount concern during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether it’s your riders or employees, it’s essential to understand what you can do to help limit the spread of the novel coronavirus.While things are changing rapidly, six guests talk about how they are handling COVID-19. As they develop plans for different scenarios, all of them have increased cleaning and sanitation measures. You’ll hear from transit leade
Carter Pate – LogistiCare Solutions
“Don’t ever lose sight of the importance of the people in your organization.”Non-emergency medical transportation is a fundamental transportation option for those going to see a healthcare professional. Carter Pate, Interim CEO of LogistiCare, joins Transit Unplugged to talk about some of the nuances of this part of the transportation world and the importance of efficiency in Medicare and Medicaid scenarios.Pate also has numerous leadership roles (PwC, MV Transportation), and shares his advice o
Mobility Innovations – Alternative Fuels
“Electric technology should be part of the strategy of every transit agency.” – Ryan PoppleRecently, there’s a great emphasis on lowering emissions and using clean energy. In the past, public transit did that with hybrid-electric vehicles. While many agencies primarily still operate diesel fleets, with a smattering of electric in the mix, new fuels and propulsion systems are rapidly entering the market, pushing transit toward zero-emission buses. In this special mobility innovations episode
Stephen Bland – WeGo Public Transit
“I don’t look at anything as a failure. I look at it as a learning experience.”When the best-laid plans go a bit awry, what do you do? Stephen Bland, CEO of WeGo Public Transit, learns, reassesses, and keeps moving forward.Stephen has spent his career in public transit. He’s run small agencies that have as few as eight buses. And now he is running the show in Nashville, Tennessee, where they carry 35,000 passengers each weekday. Nashville’s infrastructure was built around the personal automobile
Jeffrey Parker – Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority
“While we have to think about the future, we also have to think about the here and now and making sure that we’re improving the customer experience.”Atlanta and the surrounding area is the third fastest-growing region in the U.S. That means more people and more traffic, so public transit is essential to help boost the economic vitality and development of the region along with reducing congestion.Jeffrey Parker, GM and CEO of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), joins Transit
Shelby County, Tennessee
“We've got to move people around our region and get them more access to jobs.” – Lee Harris, Mayor of Shelby CountyFunding for public transportation is a concern for every transit executive. Gary Rosenfeld, CEO of the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA), and Lee Harris, Mayor of Shelby County, are working hard to secure a $10 million increase in funding for MATA and the Shelby County area. For this to work, they need the county to invest in public transit for the first time.MATA is in an inter
Butch McDuffie and Ron Kilcoyne – Athens Transit and Transportation Management & Design Inc.
“No one is going to use transit unless they feel it meets their needs” – Ron KilcoyneThere are two guests this week on Transit Unplugged – Butch McDuffie, Director of Athens Transit, and Ron Kilcoyne, Senior Manager at Transportation Management & Design Inc. (TMD Inc.).Butch discusses Athens’ bus art shelter program, what it was like building a transit facility with zero federal dollars, and the unique qualities of running transit in a major college town. Ron shares his three-legged stool st
David Franks – Keolis Downer
“Passenger railway does a good job [in Australia] moving big numbers of people into city centers.”Bidding 2019 goodbye, Paul Comfort breaks down the top three trends from interviewing transit’s top leaders over the past year. He highlights autonomous vehicles, mobility as a service, and strategies to increase ridership.Additionally, we end 2019 with an interview from David Franks, CEO of Keolis Downer. Having spent time in UK, Irish, and Australian rail systems, Franks shares some of the differe
Dinero Washington – SporTran
“Anything we can do to make the people’s vision, the people’s goal, and the people’s plan is part of what we’re trying to produce.”Culture is a big proponent of how Dinero Washington tries to run SporTran. As CEO, Dinero understands that culture facilitates a good working environment and is a way for employees to buy-in to your transit agency. “Sometimes, you forget your employees are who truly make the agency successful.”But it isn’t just the agency staff that helps drive the direction of SporT
CUTA Live
“We measure economic, environmental, and social benefits and try to drive to that bottom line.” – Doug Morgan, Director at Calgary Transit“As transit people, we have to figure out how we add value to people's lives.” – Phil Verster, President and CEO at Metrolinx“I did it really wrong before I learned how to do it right.” – Eddie Robar, Branch Manager at Edmonton Transit Service“What is the role of all transit agencies? And how is our role changing in the entire industry?” – Erinn Pinkerton, Pre
Mobility Innovations – Robert Puentes
“You can choose what you want the future to look like.”One-hundred years ago, Mr. William P. Eno started a transportation specific think tank. The Eno Center of Transportation (Eno) provides government and industry leaders with timely research and pragmatic fact-based voices on policy issues. It publishes rigorous, objective analysis of critical and emergent issues facing the transportation arena.Today, Robert Puentes, President and CEO of Eno, joins Transit Unplugged and shares with us the thre
Phil Verster – Metrolinx
“In transit, we sometimes err on the side of the known rather than on the side of the innovative.”On the second anniversary of Transit Unplugged, Paul sits down with Phil Verster, President and CEO of Metrolinx. Metrolinx is a Crown corporation (state-owned enterprise) of the Ontario government, in Canada, and is the planning organization for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).Metrolinx operates commuter bus and rail, and the Union Pearson Express (an airport express running between Un
Debbie Dalle Vedove – Hamilton Street Railway
“The best thing that probably happened to the transit industry was some healthy competition.”Debbie Dalle Vedove started her transit career as an operator. She moved up the ladder and transitioned to a few different agencies before finally landing the top spot at Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Debbie, now the Director of Transit for HSR, uses her experience as a frontline worker to transform HSR into a customer-centric organization.The transit world is changing quickly, and competition means tha
Kevin Desmond – TransLink
“We're all here for one reason, to provide service to a customer.” TransLink is the recipient of APTA’s 2019 Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award. TransLink’s CEO, Kevin Desmond, discusses their impressive 18% growth in ridership from 2016-2018, and how their customer-centric mindset was paramount in winning this prestigious award. Desmond also talks about their open innovation call and some recent innovations they’ve
Erinn Pinkerton – BC Transit
“Our motto is, ‘We’ll do whatever it takes to get it done.’” BC Transit has a service area of 944,000 square kilometers (360,000 square miles – which is about 40% larger than Texas) and encompasses 130 communities with ~1200 buses and 81 different transit systems. It’s quite the job, and Erinn Pinkerton, President and CEO at BC Transit, is up to the challenge. Pinkerton discusses BC Transit’s unique structure and how they leverage their partnerships (purchasing power, building and contract exper
Rocky Donahue – Pace Suburban Bus
“I like to hear what we do well, but I really want to hear what we can do better.”Rocky Donahue started his career at Pace Suburban Bus (Pace) as a financial analyst. Thirty-seven years later, he is still at Pace and is now the Executive Director. Pace operates suburban bus, ADA paratransit, on-demand services, and vanpool in one of the largest service areas in the US.As ridership and congestion issues plague North America, Donahue does a deep dive into their new arterial rapid transit (ART) sys
Simon Reed – Transport for London
“We’re responsible for keeping London moving.”Transport for London (TfL) hauls six million passengers every day on their buses alone. That’s intense. And it makes Simon Reed’s job crucial to the mobility of Londoners.Reed, Head of Technology and Data, Surface Transport at TfL, does a deep dive into congestion charging – its history, how it works in London, and how it helps fund TfL. He gives Paul an update on their contactless card system and lets us in on how and why TfL has gone completely cas
Lewis Brencher – Transport for Wales
“Our opportunity in Transport for Wales is to sync up all of these different modes and pull them together into a way that makes it as seamless and as easy to access for consumers as possible.”Transport for Wales (TfW) is a non-profit agency that was created by the Welsh government three years ago to help deliver customer-focused services, expert advice to government, and infrastructure investment. It’s exciting to have Lewis Brencher, Communications Director of TfW, join Transit Unplugged and ta
Mobility Innovations – Leila Frances
“What I love about transport [is] you’re changing people’s lives. You’re changing cities.”What do India, Qatar, and Australia have in common? It’s where our next guest of Transit Unplugged oversees some of the most innovative public transport operations in the world. Transit Unplugged is lucky to have Leila Frances, President Middle East and Hyderabad of Keolis and Chairman of Keolis Downer, as our guest this week.Frances discusses the automated metro services in India and Qatar, which makes Keo
Gordon Maclennan – Strathclyde Partnership for Transport
“If we don’t need to do it, dump it. If we do need to do it, we’ll make it a lot better.”Transit Unplugged continues its journey through the United Kingdom. On this episode, Paul is in Glasgow, Scotland to visit the third oldest subway system in the world, dating back to 1896. While there he chats with Gordon Maclennan, Chief Executive of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT). Having the third oldest subway in the world means major modernizations are taking place. Maclennan dives into the
Giles Fearnley – First Bus
“Anywhere in the world, running quality, high-frequency service draws people in, giving people great service at a value that they cannot beat.”Giles Fearnley, Managing Director for First Bus, is a great ambassador and evangelist for the transportation industry. First Bus runs about 19% of buses operating within the UK, but like many places, bus ridership is on the decline at ~2% per year.Fearnley discusses how congestion issues and the economy are predominant factors in declining ridership. His
Paul Cox – Tower Transit
“We’re nothing without [our] people.”The role of a public transport provider has unique challenges depending on authority, city, or region. Our guest today, Paul Cox, has been in the transport business for 25 years and experienced transport’s role in Australia, Europe, and Asia. Currently, Cox is the CFO at Tower Transit, a privately-owned operator, and he is presently focused on operations within London and Singapore.In this episode, Cox talks about the unique aspects of how London often contra
Dave Pearson – West Yorkshire Combined Authority
“We’re beginning to see … a massive change in the way in which people buy mobility.” Transit Unplugged ventures across the pond for a six-part series that highlights public transport in the United Kingdom. In this first episode, our guest is Dave Pearson, Director, Transport Services at West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Pearson explains how public transport operates within a deregulated market. Except for London, ~80% of bus service in the UK runs on a commercial basis, while the transport auth
UITP Live (Part 2 of 2)
“Let’s not sit still. Let’s not think what we do today is adequate for the future. Let’s find new ways to better serve our customers and better serve our communities.” – Paul Skoutelas, President and CEO of APTA“You can’t develop your transportation system, particularly your public transit services in a vacuum from land use and vice versa.” – Kevin Desmond, CEO of TransLink“We know what we want. We know what the end is. It’s how we get there that is the hard part.” – Brad Thomas, President of Fi
UITP Live (Part 1 of 2)
“People want reliable services. And if you can’t deliver what you promise to the customer, it doesn’t matter how good the rest of the technology is.” – Ian Dobbs, Deputy President of UITP “I finally have figured out the solution … we should be running it all.” – Nat Ford, CEO of Jacksonville Transportation Authority“I think assets are probably one of the most important things in our industry.” – Nicolas Gindt, CEO of Keolis Downer Victoria - Yarra Trams “As we continue to try and put o
Jorge Cruz-Aedo – Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority
“I like to challenge our employees to keep moving forward and keep doing good things for the community.”Before making his way into the transit industry, Jorge Cruz-Aedo spent 27 years in local government and a little bit of time in the private sector before joining the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (CCRTA). He spent 5 years as CCRTA’s CFO and is now the CEO. On this episode, Jorge discusses the autonomous vehicle project CCRTA is working on with Texas A&M, Corpus Christi,
Steve Butcher – John Holland
“We don’t build railways just for the sake of building a railway. We do it because we are going to transform people’s lives.”Steve Butcher started his career 38 years ago with British Rail by sweeping platforms. Now, he is the Executive General Manager at John Holland. In this episode, Butcher discusses the design, build, operate, and maintain model, and what it’s like to be part of billion-dollar projects within the rail space.He also goes into how important detail is for these massive projects
Howard Collins – Sydney Trains and New South Wales TrainLink
“I’m a railwayman. I dream about railways. I probably have for 59 and three-quarter years.”The Australian adventure continues with Howard Collins, CEO of Sydney Trains and New South Wales (NSW) TrainLink. Collins started his career at London Transport eventually working his way to the role of COO of the London Underground before making the jump to the land Down Under. On this episode, he discusses rebuilding a system while trying to increase capacity. He also elaborates on the importance of acco
Emma Thomas – Transport Canberra
“Our whole mission is about making the city attractive, safe, and easy to move around.”We continue with part five of our seven-part series of Transit Unplugged in the land Down Under. This week we are joined by Emma Thomas, former Director-General at Transport Canberra. Thomas started her career as an aeronautical engineer and joined the Air Force. She discusses how Transport Canberra “puts the livability in Canberra.” Thomas also talks how public transit plays into our well-being (mental health
James Pinder – V/Line
“Railways are very, very complicated systems, and they require thousands of things to happen in order each day for them to work effectively.”Continuing our adventure Down Under, our guest has spent his entire career in the rail industry. James Pinder started as an engineer in the U.K. before eventually becoming the CEO of V/Line, the regional rail operator for the state of Victoria, Australia. Pinder discusses the challenge of trying to modernize the whole system while V/Line’s service is growin
Raymond O’Flaherty –Metro Trains Melbourne
“The mission of this organization is to be the most respected and the best railway in Australia.” Our adventure continues in the land Down Under with CEO of Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM), Raymond O’Flaherty. On this episode, O’Flaherty discusses why MTM focuses on passenger experience as a measurement of success in addition to your standard reliability of service KPIs. He also elaborates on the importance of interchanges between systems and modes, the investment into MTM, his focus on teamwork, a
Nicolas Gindt – Keolis Downer and Yarra Trams
“What makes a fantastic difference for Yarra Trams, is its brand and its incredible value in every Melburnian’s heart. And I realized that every time I’m meeting new people.” Transit Unplugged continues its adventure in Australia with Nicolas Gindt, CEO of Keolis Downer Victoria and operator of Yarra Trams. Yarra Trams is the largest tram network in the world. It has a diverse fleet of ~480 trams with 250 kilometers of track (times two as Nicolas likes to say), with 2300 employees. On th
Jeroen Weimar – Public Transport Victoria
“For the very first time, handheld technology has allowed us to say to people, ‘Your value of time has suddenly shifted.’”Transit Unplugged has left North America and traveled to Australia. Our first guest on this seven-part series in the land Down Under, Jeroen Weimar, CEO of Public Transport Victoria (PTV), was one of the people that helped set up Transport for London and jumped around the industry a bit before landing at PTV.With Melbourne being one of the fastest growing developed cities in
Randy Clarke – Capital Metro
“I love what we do as an industry. What we do really matters.”Today's guest originally hails from the neighbor to the North in the province of Nova Scotia. But after making his way to the USA, he spent some time at MBTA before settling in at Capital Metro (CapMetro) in Austin, Texas. Randy Clarke, President and CEO of CapMetro, joins Transit Unplugged to discuss CapMetro’s Project Connect plan which is set to transform the future of transit for Central Texas. He also goes int
Jeffrey Arndt – VIA Metropolitan Transit
“If real-estate is location, location, location, transit is frequency, frequency, frequency.”Jeffrey Arndt started his career as a traffic engineer and had a long stint at Houston Metro before making his way to VIA Metropolitan Transit in San Antonio. Now President and CEO of VIA, Arndt highlights the importance of frequency to transit service. Additionally, he discusses VIA’s new bus shelters, plans for a new advance rapid transit service, and mobility on demand. Plus, you’ll learn about some o
Transit Unplugged Live
“I wanted to spend my time doing something to make where I was better.” – Katharine Kelleman “Don’t run away from the people that need you every day.” – Robbie Makinen “There is no sense in running what people aren’t riding.” – Lauren Skiver It’s exciting to introduce the first ever Transit Unplugged Live. Held as one of the keynotes during the 2019 ThinkTransit Conference, five of transit’s top CEOs were up on stage talking about the scope of their a
Bacarra Mauldin – ClasTran
“Who says, just because you are a small agency, you have to do stuff that’s in this little box marked small operations?” Bacarra Mauldin got her start in the transit industry as a board member on the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority. Since then, she has been an active and passionate member in the industry – having been part of many American Public Transportation Association committees and making a move to the ClasTran board. Now, Executive Director of C
Gary Thomas – Dallas Area Rapid Transit
“We think, from a customer service standpoint, letting the customer decide what they want is pretty cool.” The definition of mobility is changing, so what does mean to be a public transit agency? In the eyes of Gary Thomas, President and Executive Director at Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), it means becoming the mobility manager and integrator for the Dallas region. One of the ways they can do this is via their GoPass app. The app offers mobility as a service&nbs
Mobility Innovations – FlexDanmark
“2 + 2 = 5” What does mobility innovations mean to you? Some might say autonomous vehicles or even the Hyperloop. But what about a nationwide demand response service? Now that sounds innovative. In this bonus episode of Transit Unplugged, focussed on mobility innovations, Per Bo Christensen, CEO of FlexDanmark and Thomas Øster, Managing Director of one of the local transit systems, join Paul Comfort to discuss how a nationwide demand response service works in Denmark. Approximately ten years ago
John Sisson – Delaware Transit Corporation
“You can start using information, using artificial intelligence, to start delivering better transportation to the masses.”John Sisson started at the Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC – at the time called the Delaware Transit Authority) as an intern in his junior year of school. Since then, he has spent a good majority of his career there – working through the facilities and performance management sides of the business before becoming CEO. During this episode of Transit Unplugged, Sisson shares D
Andre Colaiace – Access Services
“Can you do [same-day paratransit service] in a cost-effective fashion?” Joining Transit Unplugged is Andre Colaiace, Executive Director at Access Services in Los Angeles, California, one of the few standalone ADA paratransit agencies in the United States. In this episode, Andre highlights that paratransit is a civil right, how to balance the needs of your customers against the needs of your contractors, a quick lesson on transit funding, and shares his thoughts on the future of p
Tina Quigley – Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
“It’s important that we are connecting with the community constantly to share with them what we are up to and to figure out what it is they need from us.” Tina Quigley wanted to be a pilot when she grew up. When she realized that, unfortunately, that wasn’t an option she studied airport planning and business. After spending 15 years at McCarran Airport, she joined the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) as Deputy General Manager. Now General Manager, Tina is joined b
Tom Lambert – Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County
“We go into this together. We learn lessons together. And we apply the lessons for future opportunities together.”It’s an honor to have Tom Lambert, President and CEO of Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) and APTA’s Outstanding Public Transportation Manager for 2018, on Transit Unplugged. Lambert shares how METRO’s redesigned bus network increased ridership. He also discusses his underlying principles for transit, METRO’s upcoming autonomous vehicle pilot, and a story of peo
Kevin Jones – MV Transportation
“Our culture at MV Transportation is: Do whatever it takes for the passenger.” Happy New Year! Transit Unplugged kicks off 2019 with the CEO of MV Transportation, Kevin Jones. Kevin Jones spent his first 30 in technology services (EDS, HP, and Dell) before arriving at MV. In this episode, Jones discusses the potential reasons a public transit agency would contract out their service, MV’s three areas of focus, and the future of MV and public transit. If you want to know more about MV, you can che
Gary Rosenfeld – Memphis Area Transit Authority
“The mindset of the transit manager really has to balance the past with the present, with one eye looking toward the future.”Gary Rosenfeld, CEO at Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA), started his career as a bus driver. Now, he oversees a multimodal agency that has heritage trolley, fixed route, and demand response systems. In this episode, Rosenfeld elaborates on aligning MATA’s transit vision plan with the city’s new land-use area plan and why ‘a good transit authority must embrace mobility
Jeff Knueppel – Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority
“You’re caught between trying to do things for the public good – trying to create economic development – but you’re also trying to be a private business.” Jeff Knueppel is a structural engineer by trade. He worked at the frontlines of Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) tackling aging infrastructure before working his way up the ranks at SEPTA before finally becoming General Manager. In this episode, Knueppel discusses the exciting nature of running a transit system with
Autonomous Vehicles
“We see the future in transportation systems like this.” We take a break from our regularly scheduled program to talk to a few different people about a topic that has the industry buzzing with anticipation… Autonomous Vehicles. In this episode, Paul chats with Alexander Schulze (AmoTech), Marcel Seelhofer (the COO of VBSH in Schaffhausen), and Peter Schneck the man who started the project to get the first autonomous shuttle running in regular transit service. They discuss the challenge of licens
Dorval Carter – Chicago Transit Authority
“At the end of the day, public transportation can still carry more people from point A to point B, in the peak periods of travel, than any other option that is out there.”Dorval Carter started his career in the legal field and got his first job out of school with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). He bounced between the FTA, CTA, and the DTO before being asked by Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel, to come back to the agency and become the President of CTA. In this episode, Carter goes into the ch
Katharine Kelleman – Port Authority of Allegheny County
“We run the service, but the community owns it.”Our guest today took her first job right out of graduate school and has been part of five different transit agencies. Katharine Kelleman started her transit career as a transit planner for the City of San Angelo before moving to DART (Dallas), then MTA (Maryland), HART (Tampa), and most recently became the CEO of the Port Authority of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh.On this episode of Transit Unplugged, Katherine Kelleman talks about the unique prop
Robbie Makinen – Kansas City Area Transportation Authority
“This is that job where you can affect more people’s lives in a day than most people get to do in a lifetime.”The passion in this week’s Transit Unplugged guest is second to none. Robbie Makinen came from a social work background and brought that mentality into the public transportation picture. He also served on the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) Board of Commissioners and has been its chairman before transitioning to CEO of KCATA. Makinen lost his vision six years ago,
Rob Gannon – King County Metro
“How do we make sure that public transportation connects people to opportunity and that that transportation connection is not a barrier, but an enabler?”Congratulations to King County Metro for being named the best large transit system in North America by APTA. According to their General Manager and this episode’s guest, Rob Gannon, it’s vital to advance the importance of public transit and the services that fall under that umbrella. The challenge is to ‘broaden that umbrella and make sure custo
Brad Miller - Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority
“We were very proud to be the first transit system in the U.S. to have a contract with Uber on a first-mile, last-mile program.” Genetically born into the transit industry (his words, not ours), Brad Miller has a long history within public transit. Starting at Virginia Railway Express, Miller also was part of Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission, Charlotte Area Transit System, and Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority. Now, CEO of PSTA, Miller joins Transit Unplugged to elabor
Dave Genova – Regional Transportation District
“We’re on the cusp of a transportation transformation, and if we don’t lead it, we’re going to get left behind.” Dave Genova started in the oil and gas, and environmental industries before making it into public transit. What is a bit of a rarity, Genova has spent his entire transit career with a single agency. Now the General Manager and CEO of the Regional Transportation District (RTD), Genova joins Transit Unplugged to discuss RTD’s FasTracks program, how they use drones for maintenance, and t
Blaine Rigler – RATP Dev USA
“How do you utilize the collection of data to turn it into something positive?”RATP Dev was founded in Paris almost 120 years ago and now operates in 14 countries. On this episode of Transit Unplugged, Blaine Rigler, President of RATP Dev USA, shares his thoughts about learning from other industries, the importance of data to improve safety and maintenance, and how increasing ridership is all about ease. He also discusses how transit agencies or providers need to think about the interoperability
John Lewis – Charlotte Area Transit System
“We’ve got to be willing to take some risk in order to make this system the most effective that we can.”John Lewis is no stranger to the ins and outs of the transit industry, having worked for MTA, GRTC, and LYNX. Lewis, now the CEO at Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), joins Transit Unplugged to discuss the importance of folding the transit plans into the city’s development plans, CATS’ expanding rail system, first-last mile challenges, and why CATS needs to rethink the delivery of their bus
Edward Johnson – LYNX
“When you know what you want to do, and you understand how to have fun while you are doing it, you can accomplish anything that you want.”Edward Johnson, CEO of LYNX, joins Transit Unplugged to talk about why transit systems need to be mobility managers. Using this philosophy, LYNX has been able to increase their OTP and decrease costs for their paratransit service. He also discusses LYNX FORWARD (a study to define the transportation needs of the region), the importance of partnering with entiti
Lauren Skiver – SunLine Transit
“I think public transit operators can also become these dynamic, changing organizations if we are given that latitude to do it.”Having been part of small, medium, and large agencies, Lauren Skiver knows the rewards and challenges each face. Now CEO at SunLine Transit, she talks about the importance of making her staff part of creating SunLine’s future, and the common need for all agencies: money. Skiver also dives deep into the work SunLine is doing around alternative fuels and zero emissions –
Peter Varga – The Rapid
“How do we – in a disruptive world – adapt so that we actually succeed?” Peter Varga, an industry legend, started as a bus driver and worked his way through the industry to be CEO of The Rapid in Grand Rapid Michigan. In this episode, Varga discusses The Rapid’s new Bus Rapid Transit line and working with new payment options. He also goes into detail on his work as a past APTA Chair, and how transit has to be part of the larger mobility paradigm by serving the high-capacity corridors in urban ar
Michael Terry – IndyGo
“If [your employees] are not proud of what they’re doing and what they’re delivering and how they’re delivering it, then why would anyone else feel that way?” On this episode of Transit Unplugged, Michael Terry, President & CEO at IndyGo, discusses increasing the frequency of their bus service in high-density areas, the plan for three new Bus Rapid Transit lines, and what it means to be a good steward of public money. He also questions how to embrace alternatives as partners, and shares the impo
Paul Wiedefeld Part 2 (of 2) – Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
“It’s innovative because we are using data to [ask], ‘What does that do? How can we improve the system?’”Paul Wiedefeld, CEO of WMATA returns to Transit Unplugged to finish up his conversation with host Paul Comfort. In part 2 (of 2), Wiedefeld goes into the importance of using big data and analytics to make better business decisions. He also discusses the unique finance structure of WMATA, the innovations WMATA is bringing online, and gives updates on the purple and silver lines. Enjoy the conc
Paul Wiedefeld Part 1 (of 2) – Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
“What we’re about is safety. And safety trumps service.”One of the most famous names in the public transit industry, Paul Wiedefeld, joins Transit Unplugged. Having spent time in the public and private sector, Wiedefeld is currently the CEO of WMATA. The first in a two-part episode, Wiedefeld discusses the cultural shift from service first to safety first, the challenges of shutting down, their SafeTrack plan, and their Back2Good campaign. It’s an exciting one, so sit back and enjoy.If you want
Michael Allegra – Retired Transit CEO, Utah Transit Authority
“Cities are the engines of this nation. To have healthy and thriving cities, you need a good public transportation system. You need good mobility.”Michael Allegra, now retired, is the former CEO of the UTA. His public transit career is a bit of an oddity because he spent his entire 37-year career with a single agency. In this episode, Allegra discusses the big victories during his time at UTA (hosting the Winter Olympics and building 200km of transit in 14 years) and how partnerships were essent
Carolyn Flowers – AECOM
“You have to understand the state of your assets, what is the lifecycle and what is your replacement cycle, and how are you going to prioritize [your assets].”It is an absolute pleasure to have industry legend Carolyn Flowers on Transit Unplugged. She has held prominent roles in the industry, including COO of LA Metro, CEO of Charlotte Area Transit System, and Acting Administrator of the FTA. Now leading AECOM’s transit business in North America, Flowers gives an in-depth look at the FTA and dis
Nat Ford – Jacksonville Transportation Authority
“I think, when we talk public transit, we are limiting ourselves. We are mobility managers.” Nat Ford started his public transit career as a train conductor for New York MTA. He went on to work for the Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART), Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), and San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). Currently, he is the CEO of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) and Chairman of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA)
Paul Ballard – Fort Worth Transportation Authority
“Anything that gets people out of the single occupant vehicle…is good for transit. It’s good for everybody. It’s good for the communities.”Paul Ballard, CEO of Fort Worth Transportation Authority (FWTA), goes in-depth on FWTA’s new commuter service, TEXRail. Using the new Fast Light Innovative Regional Train (FLIRT), the service spans 27 miles. Ballard also talks about the T Master Plan, how bus service is like the limbs of a tree, and how they plan to expand bus service.If you want to know more
David Leininger – Dallas Area Rapid Transit
“We were going to do this in a way where it was multimodal, multijurisdictional, [and] multiproduct.” Are disruptive and displacement technologies an opportunity? Or an existential threat? Does public transit need to start acting more like the private sector – getting speed to market, while seeking cheaper options? Is the future really mobility as a service (MaaS)? David Leininger, CFO at Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), looks to answer all this (and more) on this episode of Transit Unplugged.
Dr. Robert Schneider – Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission
“Don’t think our customers don’t have answers.” Dr. Robert Schneider, Executive Director of Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC), joins this episode of Transit Unplugged to share the history of PRTC and how he got into the transportation industry. Additionally, he discusses how without PRTC there would be ~4000 cars added to Interstate 95. Finally, Dr. Schneider talks about four things to make transit relevant (plan it, track your vehicle, pay for it, and play). If you want
Phil Washington – Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
“The future is bright. There is a transportation revolution going on in LA and the country.” Phil Washington spent 24 years in the United States Army before moving into the transit industry. Now CEO of LA Metro, Washington has spent 18 years between two agencies (Denver and LA Metro). LA Metro is in charge of transit, highway, and regional planning for all of LA County (the largest county in the U.S.). He discusses the “financial lasagna” funding LA Metro’s major projects and what’s next for tra
Mark Joseph – Transdev North America
“Helping cities achieve their vision for mobility.” Mark Joseph, Global Chief Development Officer for Transdev, believes that “there’s never been a more exciting time to be in the transportation business.” This episode's discussion consists of Transdev’s three primary business operations (large transit, rail, and on-demand), the problems of cities (congestion, pollution, and navigation), and how the future of transit revolves around being a personalized, autonomous, connected, and electric exper
Brad Thomas - First Transit
“There’s no substitute for being on the road…out in the operations, out in the systems, out talking to the clients, talking to the riders, [and] talking to the employees.” Private contracting public transit is one of many options for agencies and cities. Brad Thomas, President of First Transit, elaborates on the expertise and knowledge private contractors can bring to the table. Also, find out the different waves of innovations for the American transit market and more on this episode of Transit
Clément Michel - Keolis NA
“We want to make a change in the communities we serve.” One of the coolest guys in transit, Clément Michel, discusses how, before becoming President & CEO of Keolis NA, he knew he wanted to make a difference in the community. Whether it is social responsibility or prioritizing safety, the focus is on serving riders. In this episode, Clément talks about Keolis’ work with MBTA, running the first open road circulation of autonomous shuttles in Las Vegas, and the priorities for transit agencies in t
Andy Byford – Toronto Transit Commission
“We’re dealing with a triple whammy…aging infrastructure, ever greater customer numbers on a finite budget.” Andy Byford, CEO of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), has had quite the transit journey – having held transit jobs in London, Sydney, and now Toronto. In this episode, he discusses the different governance style of the TTC and how a top-to-bottom modernization and a five-year plan led to TTC winning APTA’s Transit System of the Year award. If you want to know more about TTC you can c
J. Roger Morton – Oahu Transit Services, Inc.
“We’re developing the nation’s first driverless automated transit system.” In this episode, Paul Comfort travels to the wonderful islands of Hawaii to talk to J. Roger Morton, President and General Manager of Oahu Transit Services, Inc. Roger explains the importance of public transit to the people of Hawaii and some of the unique challenges that are specific to planning transit on an island. Additionally, he elaborates on plans for their new elevated rail system and other innovations and trends
Bill Carpenter – Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority
“We have more revenue coming in from our business partnerships than from our dollar fare.” Bill Carpenter, CEO of Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RTS), sits down with Paul Comfort to talk about the journey to his current position. Bill started in the private sector and transitioned into the public sector before finally ending up in public transit. Having been in the position for six years, Bill talks about what it means to be a good CEO and leader, RTS’s amazing 35% cost r