Shows
Transit UnpluggedWhat San Antonio Needs from Transit Right Now — with VIA’s Jon Gary HerreraSan Antonio is growing—and fast. In this Super September episode, host Paul Comfort sits down with Jon Gary Herrera, the newly appointed President and CEO of VIA Metropolitan Transit, to talk about how one of America’s fastest-growing cities is reimagining transit.From expanding regional collaboration to centering equity in system planning, Jon Gary brings a thoughtful and bold vision to VIA’s next chapter. He shares what he’s learned from nearly two decades in public service—including his time at LA Metro, Capitol Hill, and the private sector—and why he believes public transit is essential...
2025-09-2431 minTransit UnpluggedLIVE EPISODE: “The ADA is the floor, not the ceiling.” — Dignity & Choice in ParatransitLIVE from the American Public Transportation Association's TRANSform conference, host Paul Comfort moderates a live panel on one of the most mission-critical—but often overlooked—parts of the transit ecosystem: paratransit.Presented in partnership with UZURV – The Adaptive Transportation Network Company (TNC), this candid and high-energy conversation features leaders from across the country who are redefining what’s possible when innovation meets accessibility.Guests:Mark Aesch, CEO, TransPro Consulting Eileen Collins Turvey, Director of Paratransit, TriMet (Portland, OR)Kevin Hernandez, Chief Operating Officer, GRTC (Richmond, VA) Ned Freeman, CEO, UZURV Together, they discuss:...
2025-09-1631 minTransit UnpluggedThe Unmatched Power of Transit: A Conversation with Nora LeerhsenIn this Super September episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort heads to Chicago to sit down with Nora Leerhsen, Acting President of the Chicago Transit Authority—America’s second-largest public transit system.With more than 11,000 employees, a million daily riders, and an expanding footprint, the CTA plays a massive role in the life of the Windy City—and Nora is at the helm during a pivotal time. A lawyer and former educator who rose through the ranks from compliance officer to chief of staff and now acting president, Nora shares her deep belief in transit's power to upl...
2025-09-1028 minTransit UnpluggedInside the MTA with Demetrius Crichlow: Leading the Largest Transit System in AmericaWe’re kicking off Super September with a heavy-hitter: Demetrius Crichlow, President of New York City Transit.In this powerful episode, Crichlow sits down with Paul Comfort to reflect on his 20+ year rise through the MTA—from climbing signal poles at Long Island Rail Road to overseeing the nation’s largest transit system.Crichlow doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges. He opens up about leading through a crisis of public trust, tackling rising crime, modernizing aging infrastructure, and navigating tough conversations about race, fairness, and opportunity inside large institutions. Highlights include:How fare evasion...
2025-09-0329 minTransit UnpluggedThe Human Side of Transit: AI, Creativity, and Kindness with Elea Carey and Mike BismeyerWe’re getting the band back together.In this special episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul catches up with longtime contributors Mike Bismeyer (a.k.a. the King of Kindness) and Elea Carey, marketing strategist and founder of Transit Happy. These two familiar voices helped shape the podcast during the pandemic—and now they’re shaping the industry.Mike shares how kindness has become a key leadership trait, and how mentorship continues to change his career and others'. Elea gets into what works—and doesn’t—with marketing in 2025, and how social media and AI are shifting the...
2025-08-2731 minTransit Unplugged98% On-Time & 50 Minutes Saved — Justin Vonashek on Metro-North’s Super-Express EraOn the heels of his February appointment, Metro-North Railroad President Justin Vonashek sits down with Paul Comfort to break down a banner year for the MTA’s northern commuter powerhouse. From 98 percent on-time performance to new “Super-Express” trains that shave up to 50 minutes a day off the New Haven run, Justin walks through the big wins, bigger capital program, and the three metrics he believes define rail’s future in North America: reliability, frequency, and trip time.In This EpisodeThe 98% standard — how Metro-North elevated on-time performance across 230k daily tripsSuper-Express strategy — six AM/PM trains, revamped sig...
2025-08-1322 minTransit Unplugged50 Years of MV Transportation: Harry Wilson on Culture, AI, and What’s NextMV Transportation just hit a milestone few transit firms reach—its 50th anniversary.To mark the occasion, host Paul Comfort interviews Harry Wilson, the firm’s Executive Chairman, about:A 50‑Year Origin Story —How Alex and Feysan Lodde's single van in San Francisco grew into the largest American‑owned transit contractor in North America.“The New MV” Culture —Why Wilson and COO Kevin Klika rebuilt training from scratch (six‑week GM bootcamp), added performance incentives, and created hundreds of employee‑shareholders.Contracting in 2025 —Cost pressure, fiscal cliffs, ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicles) transitions, AI pilots: why Wilson believes outsourcing will expand as ag...
2025-08-0525 minTransit UnpluggedBeyond Ridership – Part 2: Innovation & Smart Procurement with Rikesh ShahLast week, Mark Aesch and Alvin McBorrough unpacked a striking statistic: only 4 % of Americans ride transit, yet 84 % of people say they value it. This week we keep that conversation going with Rikesh Shah, former Chief Innovation Officer at Transport for London. Together with host Paul Comfort, Rikesh explores how customer‑focused metrics, open data, and smarter procurement can turn that 84 % of “transit supporters” into satisfied users—and why leadership has to set the stage for risk‑taking and co‑creation. From Volume to Value —Why ridership shouldn’t be the sole north‑star KPI, and how London’s open‑data program shifted...
2025-07-3027 minTransit UnpluggedAre Transit KPI’s Broken? Value, AI, and Why We Need to Stop Chasing RidershipOnly 4% of Americans ride transit—but 84% of people in communities with transit say they value it.In this episode, Paul Comfort digs into the details with Mark Aesch (CEO, TransPro Consulting) and Alvin McBorrough (CEO, OGx Consulting). Together they unpack two big levers for agency performance: measuring what actually matters and using AI to deliver it more efficiently. Featuring: Mark Aesch – CEO, TransPro ConsultingWhy ridership is a misleading primary metric; shifting from volume to value; what the 84% really care about (jobs access, service for older adults/people with disab...
2025-07-2332 min
Dream Chasers: Where Hustle Meets House MusicDream Chasers: Inside Beatport – Alex Branson on Dance Music, AI & Artist GrowthIn this engaging conversation, General Moses speaks with Alex Branson, SVP of Beatport, about his journey in the music industry, the evolution of Beatport, and the importance of community engagement in the dance music scene. They discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, the significance of curation and discovery for artists and labels, and share personal insights on balancing work and life in the music scene. Alex offers valuable advice for emerging artists, emphasizing the importance of nurturing relationships within the industry.Follow General Moses on Instagram Listen to General Moses's MusicVisit...
2025-07-1451 minTransit UnpluggedTransit Unplugged INSIDER: Paul Comfort Answers 2025’s Biggest Industry QuestionsWhat’s really going on behind the scenes of U.S. public transportation policy? In this special edition of Transit Unplugged Insider, Executive Producer Julie Gates turns the mic on our usual host, Paul Comfort, for a revealing look at the shifting political and funding landscape in Washington—and what every transit executive needs to know right now.From what’s actually happening with FTA leadership to surprising details about the Trump administration’s transit funding priorities, Paul breaks down the top three issues impacting the future of public transportation. This is the intel your grant writer, governme...
2025-07-0929 minTransit UnpluggedNo Uber, No Lyft, No Taxis—So They Built Their Own Transit SystemHow do you rebuild a public transportation system from the ground up? In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with Mallory Avis, Director of Public Transit for the City of Battle Creek, Michigan, to talk about one of the most ambitious overhauls of a small-city transit system in the U.S. today. Recorded live at the CTAA Expo in San Diego, this conversation captures the energy and complexity behind Battle Creek’s transformation from a traditional city department to a newly established transit authority—Ride Calhoun. From a successful countywide vote to fund...
2025-07-0217 minTransit UnpluggedGlobal Lessons, Local Gains: What Can Public US Transit Systems Learn From Private Operators in UK And Asia?In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul talks with Samuel Ribeiro, Managing Director of Tower Transit in the UK, part of global transport powerhouse Kelsian Group. With operations spanning Liverpool and the Channel Islands, Samuel shares how lessons from bus systems across four continents—from Australia to Singapore, Brazil to London—are helping Tower Transit improve public transport service in the UK.They dive into:The nuances of operating in franchised models like in the UK's London and Jersey systemsHow global innovation is shared across Kelsian's operationsSamuel’s unusual path from international banking into public transportThe strate...
2025-06-2534 minTransit UnpluggedFrom Amtrak to Annapolis: Markus Moore’s Lifetime Career in TransitMarkus Moore, Director of Transportation for the City of Annapolis, joins Paul Comfort from the rooftop of the Hillman Garage during Naval Academy Commissioning Week for a wide-ranging conversation about his remarkable journey through transit. From helping launch high-speed rail in North America as part of the Acela project at Amtrak, to managing local bus and on-demand service in Maryland’s historic capital city, Markus brings decades of cross-modal experience and leadership to the mic.This interview is a companion episode to an upcoming Transit Unplugged TV episode focused on Maryland’s transit ecosystem, featuring Annapolis, Howard Coun...
2025-06-0421 min
Next Play: The Business of Sports powered by Playfly SportsPlaymakers by Playfly Sports feat. Chad Copher, SVP GM of Playfly MediaIn Episode 3 of Playmakers, titled "Certainty in the Uncertain," Playfly Sports CEO Craig Sloan sits down with Chad Copher, SVP General Manager of Playfly Media, for a candid conversation about how brands can find clarity amid today's fragmented media landscape. Chad shares his perspective on why local sports fans represent a powerful yet underleveraged opportunity for national advertisers, how live sports continues to serve as one of the last true reach vehicles, and the evolving role of streaming in media strategy. The episode also explores how Playfly Media is driving measurable impact through integrated campaigns and what brands need...
2025-05-3024 minTransit UnpluggedOzzy Gibson’s Unconventional Road to Transit LeadershipHow does a career in law enforcement, animal services, and civic leadership prepare you to run a transit agency? In this week’s Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort sits down with Ozzy Gibson, Executive Director of Louisville’s Transit Authority of River City (TARC), for a candid and compelling conversation about public service, accountability, and what it takes to lead through uncertainty. Ozzy shares lessons from his time as a police officer, deputy mayor, and head of animal services—and how those experiences shaped his approach to running TARC. From confronting a $30 mi...
2025-05-2823 minTransit UnpluggedOn the Bus with Coree Cuff Lonergan: Building Broward’s $4B Transit FutureWhat does it take to launch a $4.3 billion, multi-modal transit expansion? For Coree Cuff Lonergan, CEO of Broward County Transit, it takes vision, momentum—and a bit of patience. This week on Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort hops aboard with Coree for a rolling bus interview through Broward County, Florida. They talk big-picture leadership, boots-on-the-ground transit planning, and why Broward’s “PREMO” program is setting a new standard for regional mobility. From LEED Gold-Certified transit centers to special-event service for international cricket matches, to AI-powered community engagement—this episode shows what happens wh...
2025-05-2120 minTransit UnpluggedLeading Transit on Three Continents: Graeme Legh on Growth, Innovation, and Kelsian’s FutureIn this episode of Transit Unplugged Podcast, Paul Comfort talks with Graeme Legh, the new CEO of Kelsian Group, one of the world’s leading transit and mobility operators. From ferries off the coast of Australia to motorcoach operations across the U.S., Graeme shares how Kelsian is tackling growth, innovation, and sustainability across three continents.They discuss:Lessons from leading major transit companies around the worldHow Kelsian balances local brands with global strategyInnovations like electric fleets and multimodal operationsWhy public-private partnerships could define the next era of mobilityGraeme’s leadership mindset—and why simple, great servic...
2025-04-3026 minTransit UnpluggedFrom Operator to Officer: Dwight Ferrell on Leading SMART Transit Across Southeast MichiganFrom driving a bus in Dallas to leading one of the largest transit systems in the Midwest, Dwight Ferrell’s story is the blueprint for leadership rooted in experience. In this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort rides along with Dwight, General Manager of the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART), for a candid look at how he’s transforming transit across Southeast Michigan.With Modaxo Portfolio Leader Rod Jones on board, this episode covers:How Dwight’s career from bus operator to CEO informs his leadership styleThe explosive growth of SMART’s Flex microtra...
2025-04-2326 minTransit UnpluggedMoving the Masses: M.J. Maynard on the Power of Las Vegas Transit’s One-of-a-Kind Agency ModelThis week on Transit Unplugged, Paul visits Las Vegas to talk with M.J. Maynard, CEO of the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC). From managing traffic for massive events like the Las Vegas Marathon and Formula 1, to running one of the busiest bus-only transit systems in the U.S., M.J. gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what makes RTC truly unique.Unlike most transit agencies, RTC operates as a centralized hub for mobility—housing the region’s public transit provider, the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), traffic management, roadway funding agency, and even bike share oper...
2025-04-1631 min
Next Gen BuildersLaunching Startups from Within featuring Edik Mitelman, SVP & General Manager of AppsFlyer Privacy CloudToday on Next Gen Builders, Francois speaks with Edik Mitelman, SVP & General Manager of AppsFlyer Privacy Cloud, the trusted open platform for ecosystem collaboration and innovation with a clear mission: Enhancing end-users experience, while preserving their privacy.Their conversation covers the challenges and strategies for building a startup within a larger organization, and why you would even do it in the first place. Edik highlights how a smaller, resource-limited team can align themselves much closer with their users, ensuring each line of code they produce serves a clear purpose. Francois & Edik also touch on the r...
2025-04-1539 min
Bitcoin.com News InterviewsJohann Kerbrat, SVP & GM of Robinhood Crypto | “Crypto Has Always Been Important at Robinhood” | Expanding Retail Access, Wallet Innovation & the Future of Web3 | Bitcoin.com News PodcastJohann Kerbrat, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Robinhood Crypto, joins David Sencil on the Bitcoin.com News Podcast to discuss how Robinhood is deepening its commitment to cryptocurrency innovation and retail investor access — proving that, as Johann says, “Crypto has always been important at Robinhood.”With years of experience leading Robinhood’s crypto business strategy, Johann shares insights into the company’s mission to simplify crypto access for millions of users. He discusses the evolution of Robinhood’s crypto offerings, the development of the Robinhood Wallet, and the launch of Robinhood Connect, which allows seamless onramps into...
2025-04-1415 minTransit UnpluggedTexas Transit Trends: Live from the Texas Transit Association Conference in McAllenPlease subscribe to our newsletter! This week on Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort hosts a special episode recorded live at the 2025 Texas Transit Association Conference in McAllen, Texas. In this roundtable, Paul speaks with five accomplished Texas transit leaders about the realities of running transit systems across Texas—from expansive rural regions to fast-growing cities. They share how they’re serving students, seniors, tourists, and workers alike—while facing challenges like extreme heat, limited funding, and changing rider expectations. Featured Panelists: Serena Stevenson – General Manager, Waco Transit System; Chair, Texas Transit Association Mario Delgado – Tran...
2025-04-0236 minTransit UnpluggedMobility Redefined: Exploring Global Transit Trends with Dr. Kaan YildizgözIn this special episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort welcomes Dr. Kaan Yildizgöz, host of Mobility Redefined, the new sister podcast of Transit Unplugged. Dr. Yildizögz, a leading global expert in public transportation and former senior director at UITP, shares his personal journey into transportation, driven by childhood memories in his father's bus workshop, and his academic expertise in ride-hailing and mobility. Paul and Kaan dive into global mobility trends, exploring key issues such as decarbonization of bus fleets, resilience in transit governance and funding, digitalization, and workforce challenges across Europe, Asia, Africa, and...
2025-03-1936 minTransit UnpluggedExploring Tucson's Transit Future with Mikel OglesbyTake a behind-the-scenes look at Tucson, Arizona’s SunTran transit system with General Manager Mikel Oglesby. Host Paul Comfort and Mikel explore the city’s transit modes, budget, and future projects, including the innovative Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) plans. Discover Mikel's unique journey in public transit, from his childhood riding buses with his father to becoming a leader in the industry. The episode also features insightful discussions on alternative fuel technologies, fare-free systems, and the nuances of managing a large transit agency. Plus, get tips on career resilience and effective communication from experts Rebecca Klein and Keith Scott. Don’t miss...
2025-03-1237 minTransit UnpluggedInside Amtrak: Growth, Modernization, and High-Speed Rail with CEO Stephen GardnerIn this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort interviews Stephen Gardner, CEO of Amtrak, at their Washington, DC headquarters. They discuss Amtrak's record ridership of 32.8 million passengers in the past year, recent capital investments totaling $4.5 billion, and the introduction of new Acela trains. Gardner shares insights into Amtrak's strategy to double ridership by 2040, high-speed rail initiatives, and the unique structure of Amtrak as a federally-owned yet commercially-operated entity. Key projects such as the Frederick Douglass Tunnel in Baltimore and the upcoming Gulf Coast service are also highlighted, along with Amtrak's approach to modernizing and expanding its network. The...
2025-03-0535 min
Transit UnpluggedA Lifetime in the Business of Moving People with Tom DroztAfter decades at transit agencies across the U.S., Tom Drozt decided at 56 to retire, spend time with his family, work on his yard, and find some new passions to put his energy into. Turns out transit is his passion, so before long he was out of retirement and at MARTA in Atlanta running bus operations. Now the CEO of Ben Franklin Transit in Southern Washington State, Tom is leading the agency with his people-first leadership style and helping people choose transit over cars.Coming up next week we have Stephen Gardner, CEO of Amtrak, talking with...
2025-02-2626 min
Transit UnpluggedBrisbane’s Dynamic Transit System with City Councillor Ryan MurphyIn 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 become a beloved part of the city's tourism and commuter landscape.Innovative Metro Project: Learn about the groundbreaking Brisbane Metro project, featuring double ar...
2025-02-1918 min
Transit UnpluggedAustralian Women in Public TransportIn 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 infectious energy and passion for public transport shine through as she discusses her ambitious goals for the indu...
2025-02-1239 minTransit UnpluggedTransforming Australia’s Railways with Steve ButcherIn 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 what drives me every day." - Steve ButcherComing up ne...
2025-01-2921 minTransit UnpluggedNed Freeman and UZURV Helping Communities One Ride at a TimeNed 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 internal solution.You can learn more about UZURV on their website https://uzurv.com/Coming up next we...
2025-01-2229 minTransit UnpluggedHow the FTA Supports Transit Across the U.S. with Acting FTA Administrator Veronica VanterpoolIn 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 transit agencies across the country. The historic $15.5 billion in funding for transit has helped jumpstart and complete projects across the U.S., but as the Tr...
2025-01-1532 minTransit UnpluggedIn conversation with transit legend Howard CollinsThis 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 insight and inspiration from no matter where in the world you are.
2025-01-0823 minTransit UnpluggedTransportation Trends That Will Shape 2025 with Rudy SaloIn 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 from Australia and a true transportation legend Howard Collins, OBE. Howard talks with Paul about everything he's learned...
2024-12-3137 minTransit UnpluggedA Transit Unplugged Special: Looking back at 2024 and ahead to 2025We'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 in the comments on YouTube and Spotify.We're going to close...
2024-12-2418 minTransit UnpluggedPublic Transport in Australia: Turning Points, New Trends, and Big TransformationsWe'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 these challenges and what needs to be done to address them.Coming up next week we have...
2024-12-1821 minTransit UnpluggedAre 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 to step in when...
2024-12-1118 minTransit UnpluggedCrafting Connectivity: Ben Limmer’s Vision for Public TransportIn 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 talks about Connecticut's major transportation projects, including investments in infrastructure, electrification programs, and bus network revamps.Ben...
2024-12-0420 minTransit UnpluggedEileen Collins Turvey TriMet’s Innovation TrailblazerParatransit 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 giving paratransit customers Instacart Plus memberships.It costs about $150 round trip for someone to use...
2024-11-2720 minTransit UnpluggedPost-Election Impact Unplugged with SWTAThis 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 Infrastructure Law (IIJA)expected future federal transit fundingregulatory relief effortsRich and Becca give practical strategies for effective advocacy with elected leaders...
2024-11-2050 minTransit UnpluggedEnhancing the Transit Experience with Stephen Tu: Innovations at LA MetroFor 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 Metro on how they did it first at one station and...
2024-11-1323 min
Transit UnpluggedDriving Transit Innovations - 5 Global Transit Leaders Share Their Visions of the FutureJoin 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 of AI in transportation, the importance of risk-taking, mentorship in leadership, and the role of transit in the economic...
2024-11-0638 min
WHERE BRAINS MEET BEAUTYEpisode 271 - Kelly Fanning - SVP & General Manager of Clinique North America - Beyond the Corporate Comfort Zone: Kelly Fanning's Path to Empowerment and Authentic LeadershipWhat happens when you realize the walls that have protected your success might also be limiting your potential? In this captivating episode of Where Brains Meet Beauty, Kelly Fanning, SVP and General Manager of Clinique North America, reveals the moment that changed everything – a simple lunch with friends that forced her to question whether her success was truly her own or simply a product of her environment.After fifteen years of climbing the corporate ladder at Johnson & Johnson, Kelly found herself at a crossroads during her maternity leave. While her peers had navigated multiple ca...
2024-11-0647 minTransit UnpluggedAchieving accessibility - Ron Brooks and Kristen Joyner on how to get us thereAccessibility 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 don't know where to start. And this is where our guests this week come in...
2024-10-3024 minTransit UnpluggedTransit Unplugged Deep Cuts - Eulois CleckleyFrom 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. Preux, was recently on the podcast and cited Eulois' leadership as a critical factor in his career. Listen to that episode here: https://transitunplugged...
2024-10-2511 minTransit UnpluggedDriven to Succeed: Schneider St. Preux on climbing the transit career ladderThis 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 Superintendent of Bus Operations at Miami-Dade.Schneider is also one of this year's Mass Transit Magazine's 40 Under 4...
2024-10-2320 min
Transit UnpluggedFrom the Eye of the Storm: A Transit Unplugged Special EpisodeThe 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 transportation networks prepare for and recover from disasters like Hurricanes Helene and Milton. On...
2024-10-161h 03Transit UnpluggedRolling Through Rural Minnesota: Arrowhead Transit Connects Communities TogetherThis 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 its 50th anniversary, Brandon highlights how essential public transit is in rural areas for accessing jobs, healthcare, and reducing social isolation. Tune in to learn about the...
2024-10-0916 minTransit UnpluggedGetting Boston's Transit Down to a T: Conversation with MBTA's COO Ryan CoholanOn 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 and says there's an issue on a stretch...
2024-09-2532 minTransit UnpluggedConnecting London: Philip Gerhardt Discusses TFL's Transit SolutionsIn this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul talks with Philip Gerhardt, the Head of Bus Performance 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 Elizabeth Line and ferries. Paul and Philip talk about the details of bus performance and...
2024-09-1127 minTransit UnpluggedResolving the Bus Manufacturing Crisis: Challenges, Changes, and the Path AheadThe 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 this point?It's not an...
2024-09-0436 minTransit UnpluggedExploring Vienna's Multi-Modal Transit System with CEO Alexandra ReinaglJoin 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 highlights, and future mobility visions in this captivating episode.Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo https://www.modaxo.comHost...
2024-08-2822 minTransit UnpluggedMiami's First-in-the-Nation All-Electric Transit Operations Center with Eulois Cleckley and Angel Andre ChavarriaMiami'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 first-of-its-kind in the U.S, a state-of-the-are facility designed to house, charge, and repair 100, 60 foot battery electric articulated buses. These buses...
2024-08-2123 minTransit UnpluggedAnchorage: Transit on the edge of the wildernessImagine 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 it's like to be Alaskans.Paul delves into what makes Anchorage's transit...
2024-08-0720 minTransit UnpluggedInside Sacramento's transit system: TOD Initiatives and Safety Innovations with CEO Henry LiGet 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 and successes they faced along the way.Henry's impressive career in the transit industry brings a wealth of...
2024-07-3123 minTransit UnpluggedSMART Moves: Dwight Ferrell on Public Transit Innovations in DetroitIn 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 ridership, and bus operator staffing challenges.Dwight delves into lessons in leadership, the future of transit technology, and adapting services to...
2024-07-1722 min