Shows
Transit Unplugged“We’re Ready Now.” – Jay Fox on the 2034 Olympics and Utah’s Big Transit MomentIn this week’s episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with Jay Fox, Executive Director of the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) — one of the fastest-growing, highest-performing transit agencies in the United States and APTA’s 2025 Transit System of the Year.Jay brings a remarkable background across FAA, FTA, Amtrak, and SEPTA — and now leads the agency serving one of the most dynamic, youthful, and transit-hungry regions in America.Together, Paul and Jay dive into:Preparing for the 2034 Winter OlympicsJay shares why UTA told the IOC: “We’re read...
2025-12-1028 min
Parking Live"You Have to Experience Every Part of the Job.”Send us a textIn this powerful episode of Parking Live, hosts Matt Darst and Jade Neville sit down with one of the most influential voices in UK parking and curbside management: Richard Walker — Head of Strategic Parking, Recycling, Refuse & Fleet; Chair of the BPA Board of Directors; and Past President of the British Parking Association.Richard has been a driving force behind Beyond the Uniform, a campaign rewriting public perception of civil enforcement officers and directly reducing abuse against frontline teams. What began as a...
2025-12-0923 minTransit UnpluggedStadler U.S. CEO Martin Ritter on Hydrogen Trains, U.S. Manufacturing & the Future of RailThis Week on Transit UnpluggedPaul Comfort sits down with Martin Ritter, CEO of Stadler U.S., one of the most innovative and fastest-growing train manufacturers in North America. From a modest foothold in the early 2000s to a nearly 600,000 sq. ft. factory in Utah, Stadler is reshaping how America thinks about rolling stock — and redefining what’s possible in U.S.-based manufacturing.In this conversation, Martin pulls back the curtain on:How Stadler grew from an 18-person Swiss workshop to a 17,500-person global rail powerhouse Why agencies love their FLIRT multiple-unit trains — and how...
2025-12-0334 minParking LiveInside ParkIndy’s 40% Reduction in Negative InteractionsSend us a textParking enforcement is safety work — and in Indianapolis, that truth has reshaped how officers are trained, supported, and protected. In this episode, Jade and Matt sit down with Adam Isen, Director of ParkIndy, for a deep look at one of the most structured and technology-enabled enforcement models in the U.S.Adam shares how ParkIndy built a system that prioritizes deescalation, officer wellbeing, repeatable protocols, and real accountability — including:The ACT Model (Assess, Connect, Transition) designed for fast, non-law-enforcement deescalation How body-worn cameras led t...
2025-12-0222 minTransit UnpluggedThis 150-Year-Old “Railway” System Is Betting Big on Compressed Natural GasOn this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with Nancy Purser, Acting Director of the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). After 15 years with the agency, Nancy now leads one of Ontario’s most historic and ambitious transit systems — one that’s preparing for transformative growth.Nancy shares how HSR is executing HSR Next: Moving Hamilton Forward, a seven-year network redesign that will expand service by 50%, add new routes and on-demand zones, and better connect residents — especially those in equity-deserving and suburban communities — to jobs, education, and opportunity.She also discusses HSR’s shift to a 100% CNG f...
2025-11-2622 minTransit Unplugged“More People on My Buses, More Space on the Road for You”On this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with Maureen Cosyn Heath, Director of Transit for the City of Mississauga and the leader of MiWay, the third-largest municipal transit agency in Ontario.Mississauga has grown rapidly to more than 775,000 residents, and MiWay is evolving right alongside the city—operating 500 buses, supporting 1,700+ employees, and preparing for major system updates including a hydrogen bus pilot, a battery-electric fleet project, and the upcoming Hazel McCallion LRT (Light Rail Transit) line.Maureen shares insights on:Why ridership should be me...
2025-11-1932 minParking Live"It’s Not About Ticketing Cars, It’s About Solving Problems.”Send us a textIn this episode of Parking Live, co-hosts Jade Neville and Matt Darst sit down with Julie Dixon, a longtime leader in curbside strategy, enforcement innovation, and public engagement.With decades of experience in public-private partnerships, municipal program development, and community outreach, Julie brings a holistic view of what truly drives better parking systems. From data-informed decision-making to the human side of enforcement, she unpacks the realities of curbside management—and why it’s never just about tickets.Along the way, Julie opens up abou...
2025-11-1842 minTransit Unplugged“ Rural Public Transportation Really is a Lifeline.”On this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with Ginny Smith, Executive Director of the Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority. Ginny shares how rural transit systems provide essential access to jobs, healthcare, education, and independence for the people they serve. From vanpools that connect workers to regional employers, to a new university transit partnership, to technology investments that improve safety and rider experience, Cape Girardeau is a powerful example of how small systems innovate with limited resources.In This Conversation, You’ll Learn:Why transit in rural communities is truly a lifeline, especially for se...
2025-11-1223 minParking Live"Drones Can See What Staff on the Ground Cannot” – with Peter Richards of ParkalyticsSend us a textIn this episode of Parking Live, hosts Jade Neville and Matt Darst sit down with Peter Richards, CEO of Parkalytics and longtime curb management innovator, to explore how aerial data collection and smart analysis are reshaping what’s possible in parking operations.Peter shares real-world case studies—from massive shopping centers to bustling market districts—where drone-based surveys are helping cities, agencies, and private operators make smarter, safer decisions. It’s not just about space counts. It’s about patterns, pressure points, and turning enforcement from a blunt tool into a targeted s...
2025-11-0417 min
Mobility RedefinedDr. Kaan Yildizgoz on a Year of Mobility Redefined and the Road AheadAs Mobility Redefined marks its first anniversary, host Dr. Kaan Yildizgoz takes a moment to reflect on the journey so far — from thought-provoking conversations with leaders across continents to growing a community passionate about the future of transport.Kaan reviews the highlights from the past year, including global CEO roundtables, interviews with authorities from Dubai and Singapore, and the podcast’s growing audience around the world. He also discusses the mobility sector’s most pressing trends — from decarbonisation and workforce transformation to digitalisation and governance.Looking ahead, Kaan shares what’s next for the podcast and the se...
2025-11-0317 minTransit UnpluggedTracking KPI's in a Visualization RoomThis week on Transit Unplugged, we’re bringing you an international perspective. Paul Comfort sits down with Laurence Broseta, International CEO of Keolis Group, for a front-row look at how one of the world’s largest operators is reimagining public transit.With operations in 13 countries, Keolis is doing more than running trains and buses—they’re building tools like visualization rooms to improve ops in real-time, championing revolutionary technology, and leading major projects like Grand Paris Express and Canada’s high-speed ALTO corridor.Laurence shares what it’s like adapting the European subcontractor model to North Americ...
2025-10-2929 minTransit Unplugged"I Need Some Fatherly Advice." - A Transit Leadership Transition StoryPassing the Torch at GRITS:In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort speaks live from the Kentucky Transit Association Trade Show with Dan Lanham and Michael Hughes of GRITS transit service. As Dan prepares to retire after nearly two decades and Michael steps up from Assistant Director to take over, they discuss the smooth leadership transition process. Dan reflects on his tenure and plans for retirement while Michael outlines his vision and priorities for the future, emphasizing the importance of hiring the right people and maintaining employee retention. The conversation also highlights the multi-month preparation and...
2025-10-2222 minParking Live"We have artificial intelligence. We don't have artificial emotion." - AI, Safety + ParkingSend us a textIn this episode of Parking Live, hosts Jade Neville and Matt Darst explore how AI and smart video technology are redefining what a car park can be.From streamlining traffic flow to identifying safety risks in real-time, today's parking infrastructure isn't just concrete and signage—it's becoming a dynamic, data-driven environment. Our guest, Jonathan Marshall from March Networks, breaks down what AI really means in a parking context, shares practical examples from across the sector, and offers clear-eyed insights about balancing innovation with pr...
2025-10-2131 minTransit UnpluggedTransit Unplugged Insider: Exclusive Intel on Shutdowns, Safety, and AIIn this exclusive edition of Transit Unplugged Insider, host Paul Comfort sits down with executive producer Julie Gates to unpack the biggest developments across the public transportation world—things you won’t hear anywhere else.Inside this episode:What the federal shutdown really means for transit funding—and which programs are frozen Why some agencies are pulling back from electric busesHow safety is taking a front seat and what the current Administration is using to measure itThe rise of AI, cybersecurity, and automation inside transit opsWhat we’re hearing about operator shortages, microtransit expansion, and system redesigns...
2025-10-1531 minParking Live“A Little Intervention Can Save a Life”: Parking Safety in the Built EnvironmentSend us a textShow Notes:In this episode of Parking Live, hosts Jade Neville and Matt Darst sit down with Russell Simmons—one of the most respected voices in car park/garage design and construction. As founder of Stripe Consulting and CEO of Ballast Nedam UK, Russell has spent his career improving safety and raising standards across the built environment.From mitigating fire risks in aging structures to designing around opportunities for self-harm, Russell shares how thoughtful engineering and operational measures can literally save lives. He also discusses the challenges of...
2025-10-0734 minMobility RedefinedPioneering African Public Transport: A Conversation with Edwins Mukabanah of Kenya Bus ServicePublic transport in Africa faces unique challenges and opportunities. From the dominance of informal systems like matatus to the emerging role of electrification and BRT, cities are seeking sustainable models that work for both passengers and operators.In this episode, Dr. Kaan Yildizgoz speaks with Edwins Mukabanah, Managing Director of Kenya Bus Service Management Limited, who brings over four decades of experience across Africa and the UK. He shares the evolution of Kenya’s bus sector, the franchising model that helped organise paratransit operators, and the importance of capacity building and technology adoption.Listeners will ga...
2025-10-0626 minTransit Unplugged7.5M DAILY riders for a population of 5M? Winston Toh on Singapore’s Miraculous Transit ModelThis week on Transit Unplugged:We head to Singapore, where public transit covers every inch of the island—and carries an astonishing 7.5 million riders daily.Host Paul Comfort sits down with Winston Toh, Managing Director of Tower Transit Singapore, one of four operators under the Land Transport Authority (LTA). With 800 buses across 60 routes, Tower Transit is at the center of a system designed with precision—and powered by centralized planning.Winston shares:Why bus ridership (3.8M daily) surpasses rail (3.4M) in Singapore How LTA ensures full national coverage and low fares (as littl...
2025-10-0129 minTransit 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 minParking LiveThe Goal is Compliance, NOT Enforcement.Send us a textWhat does safety really mean for those on the frontline of parking enforcement?In this second part of our deep dive into frontline safety, Captain Nick Nicholas—an IACP 40 Under 40 award recipient and longtime law enforcement leader—reflects on the risks parking professionals face every day and what it will take to create a true culture of safety.With clarity and candor, Captain Nick traces the surprising parallels between parking enforcement and policing, making a strong case for better training, smarter systems, and support that lasts beyond the workday.
2025-09-2331 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 minParking LiveS1 E1: "Every Officer Deserves to Get Home Safe"Send us a textShow Notes:Episode 1: Frontline Safety, Part IFeaturing Charles “Chuck” Billows, Deputy Director, Department of Finance, City of ChicagoWhat does it take to protect the people who enforce the curb? In this first episode of Parking Live, co-hosts Jade Neville and Matt Darst sit down with Chuck Billows, Deputy Director for the City of Chicago’s Department of Finance, to talk about frontline officer safety—and why it’s become a top civic priority.Chuck brin...
2025-09-0925 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 minMobility RedefinedInside Dubai’s Taxi Revolution with RTA's Adel ShakeriDubai’s taxi sector has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past three decades — evolving from unregulated, individually owned cars into a unified, technology-led system that is fully integrated with public transport. In this episode, Dr. Kaan Yildizgoz meets Adel Shakeri, Director of Strategy, Planning and Business Development at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai, to uncover the lessons behind this success.Adel shares how RTA transitioned to a franchise model, set clear KPIs, and integrated global ride-hailing platforms into the city’s operations. He explains why safety and customer satisfaction are top priorities, how real-t...
2025-09-0119 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 minMobility RedefinedSustainable Mobility in Barcelona: A Conversation with ABM’s Joan BigasIn this episode of Mobility Redefined, Dr Kaan Yildizgoz speaks with Joan Bigas, Director of Mobility for the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (AMB), about the city's bold and strategic approach to transforming urban mobility. Joan outlines Barcelona’s twin priorities of digitalisation and decarbonisation, highlighting successful initiatives such as low emission zones, electric and hydrogen buses, and the ongoing deployment of shared mobility services.The discussion offers valuable insights into the challenges of infrastructure, procurement, and regulation – especially when balancing innovation with public interest. Joan also explains how the AMB manages governance across 36 municipalities and supports both publ...
2025-08-0423 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 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 minMobility RedefinedThe Human Factor in the Digital Future - A Conversation with Andreas EkströmIn this episode, recorded live at the UITP Global Public Transport Summit in Hamburg, Kaan Yildizgoz is joined by acclaimed author and digital futurist Andreas Ekström. Together, they explore the profound role human judgment plays in a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence.Andreas shares why leadership, team-building, and social interaction cannot be replicated by AI — and why the human touch is essential to public transport, especially post-pandemic. He reflects on the hybrid nature of mobility as both a political and market-driven service and offers insights into how cities can remain socially alive in a digital-first era...
2025-07-0713 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 minMobility RedefinedCEO Roundtable: Integrating Emerging Developments to Overcome Contemporary Challenges Recorded Live @ UITP Summit, Hamburg 2025In this special bonus episode of Mobility Redefined, recorded live at the UITP Global Public Transport Summit in Hamburg 2025, host Kaan Yildizgöz moderates a roundtable with some of the sector’s most influential leaders. The discussion features Alexandra Reinagl (Wiener Linien, Vienna), Jonida Halili (Deputy Mayor, Tirana), Maria Albuquerque (Carris, Lisbon), and Andy Lord (Transport for London).Whether you're planning future infrastructure, rethinking your bus contract model, or looking to harness technology to improve operations, this episode delivers practical perspectives and proven ideas from cities leading the way.Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome
2025-06-2641 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 minMobility RedefinedCEO Roundtable: Redefining Sustainability in Mobility Recorded Live @ UITP Summit, Hamburg 2025In this Mobility Redefined bonus episode, recorded live at the UITP Global Public Transport Summit in Hamburg 2025, four public transport leaders share their experiences in advancing sustainability within their cities. Hosted by Dr Kaan Yildizgöz, the discussion moves beyond environmental concerns to cover funding resilience, workforce transformation, and inclusive mobility.Panellists:Dalene Campbell, Executive Director, City of Cape Town, South AfricaVesa Silfver, Executive Director, HSL Helsinki, FinlandTom Page, General Manager of DLR, Transport for London, UKUlf Middelberg, CEO, LVB, GermanyHost: Dr Kaan Y...
2025-06-2539 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 minMobility RedefinedTransforming Jeddah's Transportation Landscape with Hammam SaabIn this episode of Mobility Redefined, Dr. Kaan Yildizgoz speaks with Hammam Saab, Vice President for Technical Affairs at Jeddah Transport Company, about the large-scale transformation underway in Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city. As part of Vision 2030, Jeddah is redefining its mobility future with bold investments in electric buses, integrated transport networks, and user-centric services.Listeners will learn how Jeddah’s new bus network has grown from just six lines to 14, with modern Euro V and electric vehicles, supported by air-conditioned stations and plans for Demand Responsive Transport. Hammam also discusses Jeddah’s pioneering sea taxi service, upgrad...
2025-06-0220 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 UnpluggedFrom 0 to 200: Jeremi Bumpus on Building 207 New Bus Stops with Tech and TenacityWhat happens when a millennial with a higher ed background takes the wheel of a legacy transit agency? You get 207 new bus stops, a real-time tracking app, and a fresh vision for Western Kentucky mobility. In this episode of Transit Unplugged Podcast, Paul Comfort talks with Jeremi Bumpus, Executive Director of Paducah Transit Authority, about leading change in a small but mighty system. Jeremi shares how he transitioned from higher education into transit, what it means for Paducah to move from rural to small urban funding, and how he and his team replaced an outdated “wav...
2025-05-0729 minMobility RedefinedTransforming Urban Mobility in Lagos with LAMATA's Abimbola AkinajoIn this episode of Mobility Redefined, Dr. Kaan Yildizgoz speaks with Abimbola Akinajo, Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA). They explore how LAMATA has redefined urban mobility in Lagos, from sustainable governance and strategic transport planning to funding mechanisms that have ensured the Authority’s success for over 20 years.Abimbola provides insight into Lagos' shift from an informal to a formal transport system. With over 75,000 informal minibuses currently operating, the transition towards mass transit solutions—such as BRT, rail, and integrated ferry systems—is pivotal for the city’s future, addressing the needs of over...
2025-05-0530 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 minMobility RedefinedFrom Policy to Innovation: CEO Anna-Theresa Korbutt on HVV’s Role in Shaping MobilityIn Episode 8 of Mobility Redefined, host Dr. Kaan Yildizgoz is joined by Anna-Theresa Korbutt, CEO of Hamburg’s HVV, to explore how innovative leadership is transforming mobility in one of Europe’s most forward-thinking cities. From a uniquely complex governance model managing 28 transport companies to the game-changing Deutschland Ticket, Anna-Theresa reveals the intricacies of delivering seamless transport to millions.Listeners will learn about HVV’s pioneering work with the HVV Switch app and Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS), which now boasts over half a million users. The episode also dives into Hamburg’s integration of private carpooling, its safety-focused “Safe Travels” c...
2025-04-0726 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 minMobility RedefinedMedina’s Mobility Evolution with Dr. Mohammad Alghamdi: Sustainable Transport and Vision 2030In this episode of Mobility Redefined, host Dr. Kaan Yildizgoz welcomes Dr. Mohammad Alghamdi, Deputy Mayor for Strategy and Transformation of Medina Municipality. Dr. Alghamdi shares how Medina’s ambitious transport strategy aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, focusing on sustainability, public transport expansion, and smart mobility solutions.Key topics include the city’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, the Smart Medina initiative, and efforts to modernize taxis. Dr. Alghamdi also highlights Medina’s unique transport challenges during Hajj and the city’s shift towards low-carbon solutions, including electric mobility and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.Join us as we expl...
2025-03-0321 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 UnpluggedElectrifying Chile’s Transport: A Conversation with Transport Minister Juan Carlos MuñozThis 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 electrification of Santiago’s world-leading bus fleet, and efforts to expand these innovations nationwide.Minister Muñoz shares insights on integra...
2025-02-1438 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 minMobility RedefinedTransforming Brussels: Urban Mobility Insights with Brieuc de Meeùs of STIBBrussels is undergoing a transport revolution, with over 50% of households now car-free. In this episode, Dr. Kaan Yildizgoz speaks with Brieuc de Meeùs, CEO of STIB Brussels, about the city's ambitious journey towards sustainable mobility. They explore Brussels’ €6 billion investment in metro, tram, and electric bus infrastructure, as well as the pioneering Good Move plan that is reshaping urban life.The conversation highlights STIB’s approach to AI-driven predictive maintenance, the promise and challenges of hydrogen buses, and the development of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) to integrate transport options seamlessly. Additionally, Brieuc shares how STIB fosters...
2025-02-0319 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 min