Transit Unplugged

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 places like Singapore are focusing on making public transport accessible for everyone, and how agencies will attract new, non-work trip riders to their systems.Together these two CEO Roundtables give a complete view of the challenges--and opportunities--facing transit today around the world. Sustainability, funding, new ridership patterns, and accessibility, all sewn together with a renewed spirit of innovation. Around the world, as highlighted at the UITP Global Summit, agencies are buoyed with this new sense of purpose. If you haven't listened to Part One, check it out and give it a listen.Next week on the show, we have William (John) Slot, Chief Innovation Officer at LYNX in Florida, and in our leadership segment, we have Rudy Vidal of Vidal Consulting Group.Please take a moment while you're listening to Transit Unplugged to leave a rating and review of the show. This helps other people find the show can become part of the Transit Unplugged community.If you have a question or comment, you can email us at [email protected].

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 funded roads, bridges, and public transit. It's a good system for paying for critical infrastructure, but as we switch to EVs--therefore buying less and less fuel--that money will dry up. David and Paul talk about some of the pilots and models being tested to move to a "pay-as-you-drive" model for funding.Paul and David then pivot to talking about the challenges facing the transition to EVs and the costs associated with the transition. Sure agencies have to buy new buses, but they also have to upgrade or build new facilities to support EVs and have to train a whole new workforce to drive and manage these high tech vehicles.We also have the second leadership segment from Keith Scott and Rebecca Klein Scott of TALLsmall Productions. This week Keith and Rebecca tell us how to defeat negative self-talk. It's more than just a nagging little voice that chides us, negative self-talk can become a self-fulfilling prophecy and damage your work, your career, and your mental health. Keith and Rebecca give you real, practical tools to silence that negative voice and turn it into your inner cheerleader.Elea Carey joins us this week to talk about how to communicate big projects--like the transition to EVs--by focusing on where the money has really come from and the benefits to the community.Coming up next week we have the second CEO Roundtable recorded at the UITP Global Summit featuring Carla Purcell CEO of Yarra Trams, Jeremy Yap Deputy Chief Executive of LTA in Singapore, Paul Skoutelas, President of APTA, and Dorval Carter, President of CTA in Chicago.This roundtable has a focus on public transport in Asia-Pacific and North America. While every region and agency is different--if you've seen one transit agency, you've seen one transit agency--many of the challenges in changing ridership patterns, workforce development, transition to zero emissions, and accessibility are universal.Our listener survey is still open! This is your chance to let us know how we're doing and what you'd like to hear on future shows. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PN3WLZPIf you have a question, comment, or would like to be a guest on the show email us at [email protected] by Vizzy(00:00) David S. Kim - TALLsmall Part 2(00:26) Interview with David S. Kim(22:15) Messaging Minute with Elea Carey(24:22) Continuing with Keith Scott and Rebecca Klein Scott on stopping negative self talk(38:30) Coming up next week on Transit UnpluggedChapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

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 the future of transit holds. You're only going to find guests like these on Transit Unplugged!The second CEO Roundtable featuring Carla Purcell, CEO of Yarra Trams, Jeremy Yap Deputy Chief Executive of LTA in Singapore, Paul Skoutelas, President of APTA, and Dorval Carter, President of CTA in Chicago, airs in two weeks on August 2nd.But next week, we have another great transit leader: 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, in conversation with Paul. We also bring you the second leadership segment from Keith Scott and Rebecca Klein Scott of TALLsmall Productions. This week Keith and Rebecca tell us how to defeat negative self-talk.While you're here, we have a favor to ask...Please take a couple minutes to take our listener survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PN3WLZP. We'd like to know you like, and don't, about Transit Unplugged and how we can make it even better for future episodes.If you have a question, comment, or would like to be a guest on Transit Unplugged, email us at [email protected] Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo. At Modaxo, we're passionate about moving the world's people, and at Transit Unplugged, we're passionate about telling those stories.Enriched by Vizzy(00:00) CEO Roundtable Part 1 from UITP Global Summit 2023(09:19) Theirry Mallet on challenges(11:58) Ruben Leonor Spain(13:46) Anjes Tjarks on cities(15:28) Laura Shoaf on passenger comfort(17:16) Anjes Tjarks on comfort continued(18:58) Theirry Mallet on convenience(23:08) Anjes Tjarks on fares(25:58) Ruben Leonor on rail(27:33) Laura Shoaf on funding(28:54) Theirry Mallet on funding(32:43) Laura Shoaf on AI(34:20) Ruben Leonor on Technology(35:45) Anjes Tjarks on technology(37:53) Theirry Mallet on electrification(42:00) Laura Shoaf on electrification and equity(44:44) Ruben Leonor on electrification(46:07) Anjes Tjarks on zero emissions(47:31) Theirry Mallet on zero emissions(49:21) Wrap up: Best things right now(52:34) Coming up next week on Transit UnpluggedChapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

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 people can use a taxi to get to and from transit hubs in their cities. Cities like Dubai are at the forefront of broadly integrated transport models where taxis are even managed by the public transit authority.In their conversation, Paul and Kaan also talk about the essential role UITP plays in delivering transit around the world as well as the biggest trends facing transit today. From training to best practices, studies to advocacy, UITP is at the center of transit.In the second half of the show our leadership segment is back. In the first part of a two-part conversation, Paul learns from Keith Scott and Rebecca Klein Scott of TALLsmall Productions, how the words we choose, our tone, and our body language convey more than we realize to people. Keith and Rebecca give some great tips and lessons on how to come across more professionally and confidently by getting rid of weak language and filler words. Keith and Rebecca continue their conversation with Paul focusing on self talk in our July 26th episode.Mike Bismeyer reflects on how important transit is to society and encourages all of us to ride transit this summer, if nothing else to say thank you.Next week on the show we have the first of two special CEO Roundtables recorded live at UITP in Barcelona. This first special episode features Thierry Mallet, CEO of Transdev, Anjes Tjarks, Minister of Transport in Hamburg, Laura Shoaf, CEO West Midlands Combined Authority in the UK, and Ruben Leonor, Strategy & Quality Director at Renfe in Spain. You won't want to miss this episode so make sure you follow/subscribe Transit Unplugged wherever you listen to podcasts.If you have a question, comment, or would like to be a guest on Transit Unplugged email us at [email protected] by Vizzy(00:00) Transit Unplugged News and Views(00:03) Kaan Yildizgoz UITP plus Keith Scott and Rebecca Klein Scott TALLsmall Productions(00:20) Interview with Kaan Yildizgoz, Senior Director of Membership and Global Operations, UITP(18:42) Mike's Minute with Mike Bismeyer(20:11) Leadership Segment with Keith Scott and Rebecca Klein Scott, TALLsmall Productions(38:17) Coming up next week on Transit UnpluggedChapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

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. Finally, we have Brad Cameron, CEO of BusPas, talking about using bus stops as data anchor points for smart cities.We end the show with a special roundtable led by Transit Unplugged producer Tris Hussey in conversation with contributors Mike Bismeyer and Elea Carey reflecting on the past two episodes and how to communicate tech innovations to your customers.Next week on the show, we have Kaan Yildizgöz, Head of Global Membership and Operations at UITP, talking with Paul about the new models for mobility that use taxis as an integral part of the transport system.Then our leadership segments return with a two-part series from continues Keith Scott and Rebecca Klein Scott of TALLsmall Productions. In this first part, Keith and Rebecca dive into how language--and weak language--can hurt your career and success.Don't forget to subscribe/follow Transit Unplugged wherever you listen to podcasts and leave us a review if you enjoy the show. You can always reach us at [email protected]; we'd love to hear from you.Enriched by Vizzy(00:00) Canadian Transit Tech Innovation Part 2: Safety(00:03) Introduction by Paul Comfort(01:00) Interview with Margaret Cullen, Jean-Pierre Baracat, and Tim Bigwood(01:20) Introduction from Margaret Cullen(05:22) Jean-Pierre Baracat on emerging cybersecurity threats(11:41) Tim Bigwood on the need for integrating safety data systems(17:13) Brad Cameron BusPas Interview(24:49) Series roundup with Tris Hussey, Mike Bismeyer, and Elea Carey(40:03) Coming up next week on Transit UnpluggedChapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

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 proactive in pushing innovation. Colin's focus is on using AI to figure out where EV chargers should be placed around a city and community--and placed with equity and inclusion as key facets of the plan. Niklas, as the head of TransLink's innovation program, is focused on testing new ideas for mobility and making it easier for companies with great ideas to work with TransLink. TransLink's open call for innovation proposals just opened; take a look and your company could be part of the next innovations at TransLink. Last year's winner is to see if the excess energy from braking can be used to power and charge electric vehicles. Read more about that on TransLink's Buzzer BlogComing up next week we continue our focus on Canadian Tech with Margaret Cullen returning along with Tim Bigwood, General Manager of Trapeze Workforce Management, Jean-Pierre Baracat, Partner and VP at Cysca Technologies, and Brad Cameron, President and CEO of BusPas. Part 2 moves the focus onto safety and how to improve transit systems by tapping into data from bus stops.We'll wrap up Part 2 with a special roundtable discussion with our producer Tris Hussey and regular contributors Mike Bismeyer and Elea Carey talking about tech, innovation, and communicating pilots to your audience.If you have a question, comment, or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected] by Vizzy(00:00) Canadian Technology Focus Part 1 (00:27) Interview with Margaret Cullen, Niklas Kviseilus, and Colin Lavery (00:49) Margaret Cullen, Trade Commissioner, Canadian Consulate (01:27) Interview Continues... (04:41) Niklas Kviselius (10:17) Colin Lavery (11:35) Margaret Cullen on investment (12:59) Niklas Kviselius on electrification (16:28) Colin Lavery on equity and inclusion (19:02) Niklas Kviselius on innovation (22:06) Colin Lavery on preparing for clean fuels (26:49) Niklas Kviselius on future proofing your agency (28:50) Wrap up with our guests (29:46) Coming up next week on Transit UnpluggedChapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

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.

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 Ottawa, which isn't just your regular city, it's the capital city of Canada. Known for it's history, beauty, and canals, it also has famously harsh winters. OC Transpo has the difficult enough job of keeping a city moving, but also helps keep the wheels of government going by making sure government workers get to their jobs as well.On the road to zero emissions, Renée talks with Paul about the electric bus trials in the city that have been very successful thus far. She's also responsible for the multi-billion dollar light rail expansion to create more transit options for people in the city of Ottawa.Renée is an example of the new generation of leaders who are transforming and re-energizing public transit. As the new President of UITP, Renée wants to build bridges across agencies, countries, and continents to help all transit systems meet the challenges we all face in the 21st century.Also on the show Mike Bismeyer talks about his recent visit to a school to talk with kids about careers in transit as part of CUTA's Mentorship Program. If you'd like to have Mike visit your school, reach out to him on LinkedIn.Coming up we have a special two-part series on Canadian technology innovation with experts on planning, cybersecurity, safety management, and more. Technology is crucial to transit, get an inside look into some of the newest innovation and how agencies like TransLink are piloting them.If you have a question or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected] Unplugged is presented by Modaxo. At Modaxo we're passionate about moving the world's people, and Transit Unplugged is passionate about telling those stories.Enriched by Vizzy(00:00) Renée Amilcar, President UITP (00:17) Interview with Renée Amilcar, GM of OC Transpo, Ottawa, ON (25:29) Mike's Minute with Mike Bismeyer (26:14) Mike in the classroom (26:56) Mike in class talking (27:42) Coming up next week on Transit UnpluggedChapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

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 40 foot bus somewhere, doesn't mean those people don't need transit. On demand transit can fill the first mile-last mile gaps and provide service where buses--even small ones--don't make practical sense. Circuit's approach to on demand transit is focusing on short trips. Trips just long enough someone might drive their car, but too short for a bus. Partnering with cities and businesses Circuit provides free or low cost on demand, shared transit to get cars off the road, people where they need to go, and fill buses with people.Interestingly, and a direct connection to our second guest, this passion project was born from Alex and his friend looking for a better parking solution around their hometown on Long Island.In our leadership segment, Marinma Dorado talks about one of the most critical parts of managing your life and career--making sure you focus on doing what you love. A lot of us can do things, and do them well, but they also tend to pull us away from the things we love. And according to Marinma and her own experience, focusing on the things you're passionate about, the things you love to do, makes you more successful in the long run.Also on the show, Elea Carey talks about what transit agencies should think about when picking which community events to attend.Coming up next week we have a very special interview with Renée Amilcar, GM of OC Transpo in Ottawa, ON and the new president of UITP. Renée is the first woman, and first North American, to hold the office. Paul recorded the interview with her while at the UTIP Global Summit the day before she took office. Her passion for transit and global cooperation cross-agencies and cross continents should make her two-year term very exciting!Enriched by Vizzy(00:00) Transit Unplugged News and Views with Alex Esposito and Marinma Dorado(00:23) Interview with Alex Esposito. Co-founder and CEO of Circuit(16:56) Marketing Minute with Elea Carey(19:07) Interview with Marinma Dorado(33:37) Coming up next week on Transit UnpluggedChapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

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 Metro's pragmatic approach to zero emissions. You can't go all in on one type of solution; diversity is essential to a well-rounded zero emissions fleet.LA Metro is no stranger to the challenges of crime, homelessness, and drug use on its system. Knowing you can't police your way out of the problem, LA Metro's approach has focused on ways to discourage unwanted behaviors like lightening and controlling access to parts of stations.Finally, Paul and Conan get into managing the over 10,000 people who are part of the operations workforce. From his experience working with communities as a transit planner, Conan visits all of his 10 divisions to learn exactly what his people need and want. To ensure he has enough staff, LA Metro has started one day hiring fairs where someone can apply for a job in the morning and leave with a preliminary offer in the afternoon. These hiring blitzes have been so successful at getting new employees, they have to slow down so they can catch up with people finishing their training.Also on the show, Mike Bismeyer talks about a recent leadership conference where leaders shared the things they do outside of work to help the community. From volunteering at animal shelters to helping veterans, mentoring young to people to just being part of the community, these leaders showed that not only is kindness cool, sharing these acts of kindness helps build a stronger team.Next week on the show, we have Alex Esposito, Co-founder and CEO of Circuit, talking about targeted microtransit to get people out of cars and onto public transport and Marinma Dorado on matching what you love to do with the work you choose to do.If you have a question, comment, or want to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected] Unplugged is presented by Modaxo. Modaxo is passionate about moving the world's people, and we're passionate about telling the stories of the people who make it happen.Enriched by Vizzy(00:00) Conan Cheung COO LA Metrohttps://vzyfm.co/42wGQ81(00:39) Interview with Conan Cheung, COO of LA Metrohttps://vzyfm.co/3qsUsUE(30:40) Mike's Minute with Mike Bismeyerhttps://vzyfm.co/3tAj8Zy(32:10) Coming up next week on Transit UnpluggedNext week Alex Esposito, Co-founder and CEO of Circuit, and Marinma Dorado, Founder of Mindset Results.Chapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

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 how Angelenos think about community and their streets. Seleta also talks about her own career journey from intern to GM at LADOT and now her dual role at LA Metro. Seleta is passionate about transit but also passionate about finding new ways to make our streets livable and useful.In our leadership segment, Paul dives into career journeys with Josh Cohen, CEO of Mobility Leadership Advisors, about building a career that's based on your strengths and values, not other peoples'--or your own--expectations of what the "right" career path is supposed to be. You can sign up for Josh's weekly newsletter and get his insights delivered straight to your inbox. In Josh's segment, you can hear many of the themes Seleta Reynolds talked about in her career journey--matching your career with your passions and your values.Also on the show, Elea Carey connects the dots between Josh's and Seleta's interviews with some advice for marketers in how to be successful--and healthy--in their careers.Next week, we continue with our LA Metro series with Conan Cheung, COO of LA Metro, talking about safety and connecting with the over 10 thousand LA Metro employees who keep that city moving.If you have a question, comment, or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected] Unplugged is powered by Modaxo. Modaxo is passionate about moving the world's people, and Transit Unplugged is here to tell their stories.Enriched by Vizzy(00:00) Seleta Reynolds - Josh Cohen(00:29) Interview with Seleta Reynolds(19:52) Messaging Minute with Elea Carey(21:28) Josh Cohen Leadership Segment(32:32) Coming up next weekChapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

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 for hotel guests or people arriving by tour bus, Roam Transit is pretty special in a lot of other ways--and all focused on preserving the natural beauty around them.Roam Transit wraps their buses with pictures of the local wildlife taken by local nature photographers. From deer to elk to bears to martins (a kind of weasel) Roam Transit gives you a taste of what animals are roaming around--some of which you could even run into while in downtown Banff.Because they are in the middle of one of the most beautiful places in the world, environmental stewardship is a big part of how they do things. Their operations facility doesn't have a furnace, but runs off waste wood burned as part of a community heating system. They have over 680 solar panels on the roof that generate enough power to charge up three battery electric buses plus the whole building. There's getting power from a sustainable grid and then there's getting your power from your own solar power grid.Tune in to hear all about these topics plus how Roam Transit works with Parks Canada, trains new drivers, and helps the community leave cars behind to help the environment and congestion.Also on the show:Mike's Minute with Mike Bismeyer, and his special connection to Roam TransitTransit Unplugged TV videographer and director Jaime Cuadra talks about filming the special episode coming up in June on the Rocky Mountaineer excursion train.Check out the Transit Unplugged TV episode from Vancouver, the first stop on Paul's look at transportation in Western Canada.Next week we have Seleta Reynolds, Chief Innovation Officer and Interim Chief People Officer at LA Metro, talking about getting ready for the 2028 Summer Olympics. And Josh Cohen of Mobility Leadership Advisors on finding the right fit in your career growth.If you have a comment or want to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected] by Vizzy(00:00) Martin Bean Roam Transit Bow Valley Regional Transit Services(18:30) Mike's Minute with Mike Bismyer(20:12) About future Transit Unplugged TV episodes(25:49) Coming up next week on Transit UnpluggedChapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

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 agencies. As Paul notes in the interview, according to APTA, customer experience-customer service is the number one KPI agencies are tracking. It makes sense; you can’t grow ridership and attract new riders if the experience of using transit isn’t enjoyable. Aaron outlines the steps for creating a customer experience program and how journey mapping helps you figure out where your rough spots are--and then fix them.We move from CX to innovation and manufacturing with Brandon. Edison Manufacturing helps companies produce things at small scale to test and trial. Or things that companies will only need a few of.Why is this important to innovation? Because right now, as we test and trial new zero and low emissions vehicles or new autonomous vehicles, we need to prove the model before large scale manufacturing is worth the risk. How does this connect with CX? As Brandon talks about with Paul, the coolest scooters, e-bikes, autonomous vehicles, or microtransit options won’t make a difference to mobility or access to transit if the entire experience is connected and seamless throughout the entire journey. Shiny, new innovations won’t get the results people are looking for unless integrated payment solutions, and convenient pickup/drop off options are part of the picture too.We also hear from Elea Carey with her Messaging Minute, talking about playing the long-game in transit marketing messaging.Next week on Transit Unplugged we hear from Martin Bean, CEO of Roam Transit in Banff, Alberta. Martin talks about how he’s providing transit solutions not just for his community, but the millions of tourists who come to Banff every year. Paul’s chat with Martin was all part of his tour of Western Canada in April. Want to get a peek? Check out the Transit Unplugged TV episode from Vancouver.Enriched by Vizzy(00:00) Transit Customer Experience with Aaron Weinstein and Innovation with Brandon Bartneck (01:50) Aaron Weinstein on improving customer experience in transit (15:09) Messaging Minute with Elea Carey (17:21) Interview with Brandon Bartneck host of Future of Mobility and GM of Edison Manufacturing and Engineering (35:27) Coming up next week on Transit UnpluggedChapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

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 of the larger cities between the Canadian border and Seattle and is part of Snohomish County--learn more about that transit system from Ric Ilgenfritz--which means Tom needs to help his community not only get around the city but also connect with Community Transit, Sound Transit, and King County Transit. Like all transit systems, Tom is transitioning to a zero-emissions fleet. Everett Transit is using grid-powered battery electric buses for the backbone of his green fleet. Unlike larger systems (like Community Transit surrounding his service area), he doesn't have long runs to manage. He doesn't have to work about range as much as being able to charge buses throughout the day.Tom is opting for inductive charging below the buses at key transit hubs so buses can run all day and just switch out drivers. This is a big transition for Everett Transit which has traditionally operated with drivers assigned to a bus rather than a route. So the driver returns to the depot at the end of their shift, and another bus goes out. As Everett Transit moves to zero emissions buses, this will move to the more typical model of drivers switching buses mid-route.But the biggest thing on Tom's mind is growth. Pressed for space, Tom and his team are looking at how or if they could merge with Community Transit to fund growth and grow the network overall. There are a lot of moving pieces, and Tom explains all of them in his conversation with Paul.Also on the show...Paul's newest book Comfort Food is out and available on Amazon! Paul talks about how this cookbook came to be--thanks to contributor Mike Bismeyer--and just a few of the recipes from all-star public transportation celebrities from around the world. Paul will be signing his books at conferences all over North America. We'll let you know where he'll be on the show.We hear from Mike Bismeyer talking about Tom's dedication to doing more than just moving people, but how he works within the larger community and government to make it all happen.Next week we have two great guests. Aaron Weinstein from Transit CX talks about improving your customer experience (CX) by building a customer experience mindset in your agency. Then Brandon Bartneck talks about how small-scale manufacturing is essential to the experiments and innovation we need in transit today.If you have a question or would like to be a guest on Transit Unplugged, email us at [email protected] by Vizzy(00:00) Tom Hingson and Comfort Food Cookbook (00:21) Interview with Tom Hingson, Director of Everett Transit (21:36) Mike's Minute with Mike Bismeyer (23:20) Announcing Comfort Food (30:25) Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged News and Views (32:00) Subscribe to Transit Unplugged TV on YouTubeChapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

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. Together they talk about the challenges and benefits, of electric buses powered by fuel cells.As both say, battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell have strengths and weaknesses--and there will be a place for both solutions in the future. What's essential is for agencies to talk, plan, coordinate, and share with each other. There isn't going to be a single way or perfect solution that works for everyone, but by working together, we'll reach our zero emissions goals.In the leadership segment, MV Transportation CIO Jim Haring tells us about two leadership books that have helped him as he's grown as a leader. Radical Candor and the Oz Principle give leaders tools to help care deeply but challenge directly and re-frame what it means to be accountable. In Radical Candor, Jim cites the way to help grow a team isn't just leading with empathy but using that empathy to help people grow and challenging them when they need it. If people aren't challenged and feel safe to dig deeper--even if it means failing--they won't grow. And a team with people who aren't growing will inevitably stagnate.Which ties right into the Oz Principle. In the book a central tenet is re-framing accountability as what will you do to step up and do what's needed to get the results you want. Is it enough to try, but when circumstances beyond our control get in the way, give up, or do you push that little bit more to get there. Everyone has moments when they look at a situation and say "this just isn't going to work because...", but then if you're accountable, you dust off and think, "fine, well what can I do to get where I need to go..."Together these books are a powerful way to rethink and reframe how we approach work and leadership.Also on the show, Elea Carey talks about how to help your message get more attention in her Messaging Minute.Next week, we come back out to the Pacific Northwest with Tom Hingson Director of Everett Transit and how he's planning for the future of transit in his city.If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected] by Vizzy(00:00) Hydrogen Fuel Cell Fleets and Leadership Lessons (01:18) Feature interview with Doran Barnes and Karl Gnadt on hydrogen fuel cell technology in public transit (23:02) Messaging Minute with Elea Carey (24:35) Business Book Review with Jim Haring CIO of MV Transportation (37:37) Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged (38:47) Subscribe to Transit Unplugged TV on YouTubeChapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

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 want to go quickly and conveniently. Ric uses stable funding from sales taxes to not only increase operational service levels in the community but also fund capital improvements to better serve the community in the future.Snohomish County, north of Seattle, has a service area of 1300 square miles, including urban, suburban, and rural areas and Ric serves commuters heading south, plus a large and diverse community of 650,000 people. He accomplishes this with commuter coach buses, BRT, regular bus service, and paratransit running throughout the county. Because his community is so closely tied to the universities and businesses to the south, Ric works closely with his colleagues at Sound Transit, King County Metro, and Everitt Transit to make sure all the systems are coordinated together, including the expansion of the Sound Transit Light Rail project into Snohomish County. As light rail reaches his service area, Ric will be able to curtail service to Seattle and redeploy those assets to improve frequency and service levels in the rest of the county.Listen to the whole story and how his experience working in Washington D.C. helps him serve his community now.All this plus Mike's Minute with Mike Bismeyer.Next week on Transit Unplugged, we continue our discussion of the transition to zero emissions transit with Doran Barnes, CEO of Foothill Transit, and Karl Gnadt, Managing Director of the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District, with more on hydrogen fuel cells. We also get book recommendations from Jim Haring, CIO of MV Transportation in our leadership segment.If you have a question or want to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected] by Vizzy(00:00) Ric Ilgenfrtiz CEO Community Transit (00:02) Interview with Ric Ilgenfritz - CEO of Community Transit Learn more about Community Transit on their website https://vzyfm.co/3mK9FPD (27:55) Mike's Minute with Mike Bismeyer https://vzyfm.co/3tAj8Zy (29:29) Coming up next week Doran Barnes, Karl Gnadt, and Jim Haring (30:27) Subscribe to Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube https://vzyfm.co/3SB9Bx3Chapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

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 TransitMonica Backmon, CEO of the Northern Virginia Transportation AuthorityErinn Pinkerton, CEO of BC TransitBilly Terry, Executive Director of the National Transit InstituteIn the episode, you'll hear Doran and Erinn talk about their pragmatic approaches to zero emissions and reducing carbon emissions with real solutions any agency can explore. Including diesel options you might not have considered before. There are a lot of diesel buses out there, and that isn't going to change anytime soon, so maybe fueling them with renewable diesel that produces less CO2 is the "yes, and..." in the transition to zero emissions.Monica dives into how she works with a disparate set of stakeholders, balancing the needs of one group versus those of the larger region. Monica also reflects on how important it was to have a mentor when she started as CEO at NVTA; now, she's giving back as a WTS mentor, helping others climb the career ladder.Finally, Billy talks about leadership development and training. NTI provides essential training to transit professionals across North America. While the pandemic forced all of the classes online, this now has become an opportunity for NTI to continue to offer those classes online so they can reach people who aren't able to travel or have an NTI session come to their agency.We'll be hearing more from Doran about hydrogen fuel cell buses on an upcoming episode of Transit Unplugged, as well as leadership segments and, as always, insights from transit leaders on solving today's transit challenges.Next week we have Ric Ilgenfritz, CEO of Community Transit, talking with Paul about serving a diverse community north of Seattle, WA. Ric talks about helping commuters get to Seattle and helping people in his community get around a region with urban, suburban, and rural routes.If you have a question, comment, or want to be a guest on Transit Unplugged, email us at [email protected]. Enriched by Vizzy(00:00) Transit Unplugged CEO Roundtable Live at ThinkTransit 2023 (00:10) Welcome and introductions (03:14) Doran Barnes career history and Foothill Transit https://vzyfm.co/43L0M90 (07:32) Monica Backmon on her career and NVTA https://vzyfm.co/3GVk1TP (13:35) Erinn Pinkerton her career and BC Transit https://vzyfm.co/43KQxBC (20:08) Billy Terry and NTI https://vzyfm.co/41kRTkY (25:58) Monica Backmon on working with boards (29:37) Doran Barnes on his customers and zero emissions (35:23) Erinn Pinkerton on low carbon versus zero emissions (39:43) Billy Terry on training leaders (44:07) Round table what's the favorite thing from the past week (51:58) Roundtable future of transit and the industry (55:16) Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged Ric Ilgenfritz, CEO of Community Transit, will be Paul's guest next week. https://vzyfm.co/3mK9FPD (56:09) Subscribe to Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube https://vzyfm.co/3SB9Bx3Chapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

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 accessible and inclusive. From small placards people without visible disabilities can show to get a seat (a Go-Ahead innovation) to digital wayfinding, Singapore's transport system could be one of the most accessible systems in the world.Andy also talks about his career journey across continents before landing in Singapore to manage Go-Ahead there. This interview gives you a taste of what transit is all about in this island city-state. If you'd like to learn more about Singapore, watch the recent Transit Unplugged TV episode.Also on the show, Mike Bismeyer talks about the recent TripSpark Ignite conference...and the act of kindness that came from the trip.Next week we'll have the live CEO roundtable from ThinkTransit that happened just last week. It's a great conversation from the main stage, unplugged and in-depth.If you have a question, comment, or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected] by Vizzy(00:00) Promoting Inclusive Public Transport in Singapore (00:20) Interivew with Andy Thompson, Go-Ahead Singapore (31:10) Mike's Minute with Mike Bismeyer (32:47) Coming up next week the Transit Unplugged Live CEO Roundtable (33:45) Subscribe to Transit Unplugged TV on YouTubeChapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

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 problem head on, was to get everyone together--all the stakeholders--and created a new project management office. This office tackled the thorny problems of who would do what and who would have the final say on which decisions. It was the holistic view of the challenge that ensured departmental silos would be broken down and everyone who needed a say--from workforce to facilities, operations to maintenance--had a seat at the table.But some of Craig's best lessons from his conversation with Paul had to do with how he actively managed his career. He took advantage of opportunities. He sought out new things to learn. He got out of the office and into the field to learn more about the entire operation at the MTA. This active approach helped him climb the ladder at the MTA from mechanical engineer to eventually COO.His career advice is a must-listen no matter where you are in your career or what part of transit your work in (or even in transit at all).Also on the show:Paul talks about Andy Byford joining Amtrak and what that means for rail in the U.S.Elea Carey talks about building, protecting, and enhancing your agency's brandPaul reads from his first book Full Throttle on putting people first.Next week on the show, we have Andy Thompson of Go-Ahead Singapore on that city-state's integrated and accessible transit system. If you want to learn more about Singapore and its transit system, watch the episode on Transit Unplugged TV.If you have a question, comment, or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected]

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 essential link for people depending on transit to get to work, school, the store, and health care.Kendra also talks about her PICK Transportation pilot that connects people in the region with a more flexible on-demand service than a traditional call-ahead and book system. And while the pilot has been very successful so far, it hasn't been without its challenges. As Kendra relates, in the first few days of the pilot launch, a driver was assaulted, and their brand-new van was stolen. While everything turned out okay, it was a wake-up call for her. After that incident Pelivan added cameras, panic buttons, training, and other safety measures to ensure her drivers--and the community--would feel and be safe on her buses.You can hear Kendra tell the whole story in the episode, and it highlights that the problem of driver assaults in transit isn't a big city problem but a nationwide problem. Kendra was also a guest--like previous guest Noah Berger--on the Preventing Driver Assaults podcast (hosted by Paul and Kristen Joiner) and we encourage you to listen to her episode (episode six) as well as the other episodes in the series.Also on the show, Mike Bismeyer relates his special connection to Oklahoma to his career in transit and how it has shaped his mentorship and kindness journeyNext week, Paul, Tris, and many past guests will be at ThinkTransit in Nashville, TN. If you'd like to join us, there's still time to register. Get all the details on the ThinkTransit website.If you have a question, comment, or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected] by Vizzy(00:00) Kendra McGeady - Pelivan Transit (16:59) Mike's Minute with Mike Bismeyer (19:01) Interview with Kendra McGeady, part 2 (25:44) Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged (26:24) Subscribe to Transit Unplugged TV on YouTubeChapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

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 Shair Burgess of UTA. This is another great leadership development segment that will get you thinking about how you approach emotions and feelings at work.This episode highlights the depth and breadth of what we talk about here on Transit Unplugged. Going from the latest news that affects transit, technologies that will shape the future of the industry, and how to become a better leader inside and outside of work. There's nowhere else you'll find experts like these!Also on this episode, Elea Carey asks, how well do you really know your market? Regular market research and assessments are critical to your agency staying in tune with your community.Coming up next week, Kendra McGeady of Pelivan Transit will be Paul's guest on Transit Unplugged In-Depth.If you have a question, comment, or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected]. Resources mentioned in Kirt Conrad's episode:National Renewable Energy LaboratoryCALSTARTZero Emissions Bus Resource, AllianceCenter for Transportation and the EnvironmentEnriched by Vizzy(00:00) What the financial crisis means for your agency, hydrogen fuel cells, and EQ (00:18) What's on the show this week (02:15) Interivew with David Leininger founder of Leininger Analytics (13:17) Interview with Kirt Conrad CEO of SARTA (31:56) Elea Cary's Messaging Minute (33:30) Interview with Shari Burgess (53:47) Coming up next week Kendra McGeady (54:28) Subscribe to Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube!Chapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

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 strollers, people with groceries, and that person who doesn't need a lift, but appreciates having only one step to get on the bus.Noah believes transit needs to be a part of the community, really a part of it. MEVA embraces the people and cultures of his region. He's creating hubs for people to gather and small businesses get attention. He's worked with arts groups to give homes to custom-painted pianos and benches. He's ensuring everything about MEVA is made to get people where they need to go. From route numbers that make sense to route planning that get people to and from the places efficiently Noah is always thinking about his customers.Noah will be part of a first-of-its-kind debate at the Executive Summit during ThinkTransit on zero fares vs fare enforcement. Given his experience and results, it's going to be a good debate. It's not too late to register for the Executive Summit or ThinkTransit. We have all the registration information on the ThinkTransit website.Next week we have Kirt Conrad of STARK talking about hydrogen fuel buses and Shari Burgess in our leadership segment.If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected] the episode page on TransitUnplugged.com to see the pianos, bench, and minibus.Enriched by Vizzy(00:00) Noah Berger Administrator, Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority (00:18) Interview with Noah Berger, Administrator of the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority Link to MVRTA below https://vzyfm.co/3kRfqdx (01:10) Preventing Driver Assaults from CTAA Preventing Driver Assaults podcast with Paul Comfort, Noah Berger, Niorka Mendez, and Kristen Joiner https://vzyfm.co/3JCSMPs (13:01) MeVa Paratransit bus (14:25) Mike's Minute with Mike Bismeyer Connect with Mike on LinkedIn! https://vzyfm.co/3tAj8Zy (16:05) Interview with Noah Berger Continues (16:53) Piano 1 (16:59) Piano 2 (17:13) Piano 3 (17:30) Custom bench (34:28) Coming up next week Kirt Conrad and Shari Burgess (35:31) Subscribe to Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube https://vzyfm.co/3SB9Bx3Chapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

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 pineapples and food, Jon also reflects with Paul on their spirit of innovation as a crossroads of cultures in the middle of the Pacific. More than pretty beaches and volcanoes, Hawaii and its people are creating transit solutions that are uniquely theirs.We continue with retired Navy Command Master Chief and co-founder of Lions Guide, Keith "Flip" Griffin, with leadership lessons especially for people in the crucial middle-management layer. Middle managers are the glue that keeps organizations coordinated and connected, and Flip gives advice for managing up to the executives, down to their people, but also out and ahead to what lies on the horizon. This, and the rest of his advice, is crucial for anyone who wants to move up the ladder, and then what to do once you get there.Also on the show, Elea Carey talks about translating your agency materials into other languages. Google Translate might work okay, but native speakers will give you the edge when trying to really convey your meaning.Next week on Transit Unplugged In-Depth, we have Noah Berger, Administrator at the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority, talking about his agency, and some really cool pianos.Tune into Transit Unplugged News and Views wherever you get podcasts, including now YouTube!If you have a question or want to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected] by Vizzy(00:00) Jon Nouchi and Keith Griffin (01:12) Interview with Jon Nouchi on the Number 8 Bus https://vzyfm.co/3F3wxQf (13:41) Elea Carey's Messaging Minute https://vzyfm.co/3EhVMyh (15:41) Interivew with Kieth "Flip" Griffin on Leadership https://vzyfm.co/3kXxSkD (29:10) Coming up next week Noah Berger https://vzyfm.co/3kRfqdx (29:46) Subscribe to Transit Unplugged on YouTube https://vzyfm.co/3SB9Bx3Chapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

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 working together and building a new company.And as Stephen tells it, things were not going well.As he studied the problem, Stephen realized the root cause was a lack of trust. Stephen figured out how to help build trust within the company and how that changed everything for the better and turned things around.Inspired by this experience, Stephen wrote the best-selling book Speed of Trust. Then based on that book's success, Stephen wrote Trust & Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others, which was named the #1 Leadership Book of the Year by the Outstanding Work of Literature Awards.As Paul and Stephen explore the connections between trust, inspiration, and how we lead people, Stephen talks about how we should change our mindset to leading people and managing things. As Stephen says, people want to be led, not managed. They want to feel trusted in their job and then be able to extend that trust back to the company and its leaders.We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did and share it with others.If you'd like to learn more about Stephen Covey and the Global Trust Practice at FranklinCovey, visit https://www.speedoftrust.com/. And as an extra bonus...you can now find the Transit Unplugged podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@transitunpluggedpodcast!Also on the show, Mike Bismeyer connects Stephen's message of trust and inspiration with kindness and mentorship.Next week our newsmaker interview is with Jon Nouchi, Deputy Director of Transportation Services for the City and County of Honolulu and our leadership segment features Keith Griffin of Lions Guide.If you have a question, comment, or want to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected] by Vizzy(00:00) Stephen M. R. Covey This week we have a special episode focused on leadership with world-renowned expert and best-selling author Stephen M. R. Covey. Transit Unplugged is now on YouTube! Subscribe today! https://www.youtube.com/@transitunpluggedpodcast https://vzyfm.co/3Zv8Yr0 (00:22) Interview with Stephen M. R. Covey Learn more about Stephen's work at Speed of Trust https://www.speedoftrust.com/ and FranklinCovey https://www.franklincovey.com/ https://vzyfm.co/3y1ZYOK (13:57) Mike's Minute with Mike Bismeyer Learn more about Mike Bismeyer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kindnessiscoolbythebiz/ https://vzyfm.co/3tAj8Zy (15:42) Interview with Stephen M. R. Covey, continued https://vzyfm.co/3y1ZYOK (30:16) Coming up next week Jon Nouchi and Keith Griffin Subscribe to the newsletter to stay in the loop at TransitUnplugged.com https://vzyfm.co/3EbUSmJ (31:06) Subscribe to Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube! Subscribe on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@transitunplugged https://vzyfm.co/3SB9Bx3Chapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

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 rules. He believes there are better, faster, and more sustainable ways to deliver paratransit by looking beyond "typical" paratransit solutions and towards solutions like TNC (transportation network companies) and fully accessible transit. Christian then segues into hiring the disabled. We are in critical need of workers, and the unemployment rate among the disabled is still around 70%, but are our hiring practices inclusive? Do disabled applicants feel welcome to apply? Something we all should ask ourselves when it comes to hiring.We then move on to another powerful leadership segment with Shawn Moon, Senior Consultant with FranklinCovey. Shawn is the co-author of Leading Loyalty: Cracking the Code to Customer Devotion and talks with Paul about the four critical facets of leadership and building an engaged team. Shawn continues with the three critical pillars of building loyalty with customers and the people you work with. Leadership and loyalty are intertwined together with what Stephen M. R. Covey will be talking about next week with a special Transit Unplugged In-Depth: leadership and trust.Also in this episode:Paul talks more about the Executive Summit during ThinkTransit and one of the burning issues facing the transit industry: fares. You can read more about the Executive Summit on the Trapeze blog.Elea Carey talks about how to spread the word that a career in transit isn't just all about driving. There are hundreds of careers in public transit from mechanics to marketing, plumbing to planning and more.As mentioned above, our special guest next week is Stephen M. R. Covey co-founder of the Global Trust Practice at FranklinCovey. This powerful episode will have you captivated from the first minute and keep you enthralled for the entire show.If you have a question or want to be a guest on Transit Unplugged email us at [email protected] by Vizzy(00:00) Christian Kent and Shawn Moon Transit Unplugged News and Views (00:24) Transit News of the Week with Paul Comfort (10:20) Interview with Christian Kent (33:08) Messaging Minute with Elea Carey (34:59) Interview with Shawn Moon (49:37) Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged (50:33) Subscribe to Transit Unplugged TV on YouTubeChapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

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, green hydrogen-powered trackless tram that works like light rail, but on wheels. This gives them the ability to flexibly manage the service without needing to worry about tracks or railways.The autonomous rapid transit solution has also had a side benefit as a way to create jobs and technology innovation in the region. From generating green hydrogen to power the fleet to the technology that makes the buses autonomous the Sarawak region is at the cutting edge of these two key technologies.Also in this episode, Mike Bismeyer brings us Mike's Minute reflecting on last week's guest Eulois Cleckley's leadership segment focusing on people and mentoring.Next week we have transit consultant Christian Kent chatting with Paul about recruitment and retention and then we have Shawn Moon of FranklinCovey talking about leadership. Shawn will also be a speaker at the Executive Summit during ThinkTransit.We're very excited to announce our March 1st show will be entirely dedicated to leadership with our very special guest Stephen M R Covey author of Trust and Inspire and Smart Trust. Stay tuned for more about Stephen M R Covey's upcoming episode.Stay tuned for more about Stephen M R Covey's upcoming episode.If you have a question or would like to be a guest on Transit Unplugged, you can email us at [email protected] by Vizzy(00:00) Ts Mazli Mustaffa, CEO Sarawak Metro (00:30) Interview with Mazli Mustaffa, CEO Sarawak Metro (15:56) Mike's Minute with Mike Bismeyer (18:39) Interview with Ts Mazli Mustaffa, part 2 (25:29) Coming up next week Christian Kent and Shawn Moon (26:14) Attend the Executive Summit at ThinkTransit Learn more at https://www.trapezegroup.com/thinktransit/executive-summit Only $149 and includes access to the entire ThinkTransit conference. https://vzyfm.co/3KctetrChapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

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. Right now they have two competitions going for operational efficiency and human capital and you can learn more about these competitions in the show and on the Transit Tech Lab website.We continue our new leadership series with Eulois Cleckley, Director and CEO of the Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works, talking about his formula for helping build leaders and being a leader in his agency. Eulois has been on the show before talking about his vision for transit, now we see how that vision for transit is reflected in his leadership vision. "...Leadership really is about people and it's about the people you serve. And it's also about the staff that comes, works very hard for you every single day. And so if you're not focused on making sure you're preparing and protecting your staff, and you're leading your staff and you're setting a sound vision for them; you're really putting a department in a bad position to not be as effective as what it could be. And then for those employees that are highly talented and could go on to do great things, you're suppressing their ability to do so."Also on the show:Paul tells about the retirement of an industry legend, and three new CEOs taking the helms' of their agencies this month.Elea gives us some ideas for swag that won't just end up being thrown away.Next week on Transit Unplugged we have the first of several interviews from Paul's recent Pacific tour. Listen to Paul in conversation with Ts Mazli Mustaffa, CEO of Sarawak Metro in Malaysia, as they talk about the metro system and their green hydrogen efforts.If you have a question or would like to be a guest on the show, you can email us at [email protected] by Vizzy(00:00) Stacey Matlen and Eulois Cleckley (00:04) Opening and Transit News of the Week (05:58) Interview with Stacey Matlen , VP Innovation, Partnership for NYC (16:32) Messaging Minute with Elea Carey (18:19) Leadership segment with Eulois Cleckley (28:43) Coming up next week Ts Mazli Mustaffa (29:24) Check out Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube!Chapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

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 transit environment with zero emissions, zero fare, and infrastructure investments, Kate has a pragmatic vision for getting it done.You might remember last season's episode with Monica Backmon and her similar task in the region, these two episodes highlight the critical need to cross-agency collaboration in regions like Northern Virginia.Also this week Mike Bismeyer comments on mentoring and mentorship in Mike's Minute. Mike recently share his work with a new mentee and how the value you get from being a mentor goes both ways.Next week on Transit Unplugged we have Stacey Matlen, VP of Innovation at Partnership for New York City, and Eulois Cleckley, CEO of the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works.If you have a question or want to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected] by Vizzy(00:00) Kate Mattice, Executive Director, Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (00:26) Interview with Kate Mattice, Part 1 (19:49) Mike's Minute with Mike Bismeyer (21:39) Interview with Kate Mattice, Part 2 (26:51) Coming up next week: Stacey Matlen and Eulois Cleckley (27:47) Subscribe to Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube!Chapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

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 everything about the environment of moving them. We continue with our leadership series with Larnzell Harper, Manager of Training and Development at VIA Metropolitan Transit helping people level up as leaders with pragmatic advice on decision-making and creating a toolbox of leadership tools you can leverage across jobs and situations.Innovation and leadership are so closely aligned. Building a culture of innovation requires leaders who are okay with false starts and mistakes. Leaders who look at how everyone else has done it and ask, "Can we do this better? Is this really working?" Larnzell and Rikesh typify leaders who make it safe to ask questions, try new things, and push us--and our agencies--to be better.Also on the show, Paul has the transit news of the week, including a historic grant award for Chicago's Metra, and Elea Carey reminds us that a postcard in the mail could be just the thing to get your message across.Next week on Transit Unplugged we have Kate Mattice, Executive Director of the Northern Virginia Transit Commission.If you have questions or comments, email us at [email protected] by Vizzy(00:00) Rikesh Shah and Larnzell Harper--Innovation and Leadership (00:31) Transit News of the Week (05:36) Interview with Rikesh Shah, Head of Open Innovation, Transport for London (26:15) Messaging Minute with Elea Carey (27:58) Subscribe to Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube (28:45) Interview with Larnzell Harper Manager of Training and Development, VIA Metropolitan Transit Authority (39:20) Coming up next week Kate Mattice of the Northern Virginia Transit CommissionChapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

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. Learn about all the plans for connecting New York, her career, and her look ahead at how rail fits into the larger transportation picture in this week's Transit Unplugged In-Depth.Also in this episode, Mike Bismeyer gives his leadership insight in Mike's Minute--now airing on In-Depth shows!If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected] or sign up for the newsletter so you're always in the loop with what's going on with the show.Enriched by Vizzy(00:00) Catherine Rinaldi Full Show (00:13) Interview with Cathy Rinaldi, Part 1h (20:34) Mike's Minute with Mike Bismeyer (22:18) Interview with Cathy Rinaldi, part 2 (29:24) Subscribe to Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube (30:16) Closing and coming up next weekChapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

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 Group Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf, LLP, talking about combatting congestion and some of the things to look out for this year. We hear from Elea Carey on how to communicate personnel changes at your agency--and get your announcements noticed. Finally, Paul chats with Dale Walls about leveling up your skills with courage, clarity, and leadership.Next week on Transit Unplugged, we have Catherine Rinaldi, President of Metro North Railroad and Interim President of the Long Island Railroad for New York MTA.If you have a question, comment, or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected]. And don't forget to subscribe to the newsletter so you're always in the loop with what's going on with the show.Enriched by Vizzy(00:00) Introduction and News (06:22) Interview with Matthew Daus (16:57) Elea Carey's Messaging Minute (18:33) Interview with Dale Walls on leadership (33:36) Subscribe to Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube (34:23) Coming up next week on the show...Chapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

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 properties? How will they adapt to the changing passenger needs? Jim Derwinski talks about what Metra Commuter Rail is doing as part of Chicago's larger transportation system. Jim's vision is for people to be able to jump on any mode of transport and get to where they are going quickly, seamlessly, and cheaply. As Mohamed Mezgahni said in the 2022 year-end wrap-up (listen now if you haven't had a chance), public transport in all its forms will be essential to fighting climate change and making our cities more liveable places in the future.Next week on the show, we have Matthew Daus, Partner and Chair of the Transportation Practice Group at Windels Marx talking about moving people in the Big Apple.If you have a question, comment, or want to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected] and don't forget to sign up for the newsletter so you're always in the look with what's going on with the show.

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, UITPJeremy Yap, Deputy Chief Executive, LTA, Vice President, UITP Executive BoardJulie Timm, CEO, Sound TransitRod Jones, Portfolio Leader, Head of Americas, ModaxoIn this wide-ranging, three-part conversation, you'll hear what each of these leaders thinks about the current state and future of transportation around the world. A few topics they cover are:Attracting new ridersPublic transport and climate changeTechnology innovations in 2023Hardening infrastructure for extreme weatherInvesting in the right solutions for entire communitiesLooking at righting past development wrong to create a more equitable--and welcoming--transit system.Finally, Paul and Rod Jones talk about Modaxo, its role in global transportation, and what 2023 is looking like for the company.This is a must-listen and inspiring episode sure to set the scene for a great 2023.Next week on Transit Unplugged we have Jim Derwinski, CEO of Metra Commuter Rail on the show talking about Chicago's changing commuter landscape.If you have a question, comment, or want to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected] by Vizzy(00:00) Introduction (02:29) Part 1: Interview with Mohamed Mezghani, Jeremy Yap, and Rod Jones (33:09) Part 2: Interview with Julie Timm with Rod Jones and Paul Comfort (52:00) Part 3: Conversation about Modaxo with Rod JonesChapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

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 people unwind watching scenery go by combined with world-class food and accommodations.Dave and Paul talk about the logistics of offering rail excursions, going above and beyond with hospitality, and how he doesn't settle for "good enough" in keeping the Rocky Mountaineer safe. This focus on the customer, sometimes offering things before a passenger even knows they need it, could be an example for commuter rail in North America bringing a customer-centric approach to commuting.Next week we have an especially amazing episode to close out the year. Join Paul in conversation with:Mohamed Mezghani, Secretary General, UITPJeremy Yap, Deputy Chief Executive, LTA, Vice President, UITP Executive BoardJulie Timm, CEO, Sound TransitRod Jones, Portfolio Leader, Head of Americas, ModaxoThis special hour-long episode is not to be missed! This look back at 2022 and ahead 2023 with some of transportation's most important thought leaders will inspire you as we head into 2023.From everyone at Transit Unplugged and Modaxo, we wish all of our listeners Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.If you have a question, comment, or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected].

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 this week:Paul covers some of the latest transit news including Washington DC going fare-free and two high-profile retirementsElea Carey talks about how to communicate service changesMike Bismeyer talks about being thankful this season and showing gratitude.Next week we have Dave McKenna, CEO of the Rocky Mountaineer, on the show talking about rail tourism.If you have a question or would like to be on the show, email [email protected]

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 WorksRoman Steichen, Director of Transit Services, Frederick County, MDSophia Maletz Franklyn, Director of Fare Revenue & Administrative Services, TriMetIn conversation with Paul and Mischa Wanek-Libman, Editor in Chief of Mass Transit Magazine we learn how each of them apply their leadership skills, ingenuity, and vision for public transit to solving challenges and innovating at their agencies. This week there is a strong focus on innovation and creating systems that help everyone have a better, a more dignified experience, as Roman put it, taking transit. From new seamless payment solutions at TriMet, steering the agency through the COVID-19 pandemic in Maryland, or connecting city and county transportation systems in Miami-Dade, each of these leaders tell us their stories and demonstrate why they are part of this prestigious group of transit leaders.Next week we head over to the UK where Paul interviewed Mike Bagshaw, COO of MTR UK about rail and rail travel.Don't forget to sign up for the Transit Unplugged newsletter and if you have a question email us at [email protected]

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. And next week we continue the series with Carlos Cruz-Casas, Chief Innovation Officer, Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works, Roman Steichen, Director of Transit Services, Frederick County, and Sophia Maletz Franklyn, Director of Fare Revenue & Administrative Services at TriMet talking with Paul and Mischa.Also on the show we have:Transit infrastructure newsElea Carey's Messaging MinuteMike's Minute with Mike Bismeyer.Don't forget to sign up for the email newsletter so you're always in the loop. If you have a question, comment, or want to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected]

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.Dave has spent 15 years working at Halifax Transit and is overseeing its transition to zero emission transit as part of the HalifACT climate action plan. Halifax Transit is looking at both battery electric and hydrogen to power its buses so he can make sure his system is disaster ready.Next week on Transit Unplugged we have the first of two shows with recipients of Mass Transit's 40 Under 40 awards and Mass Transit Editor-in-Chief Mischa Wanak-Libman.If you have a question, comment, or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected]. And don't forget to sign up for the newsletter to stay in the loop with everything going on with the show.

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 Portland, OR where there is a proposal to cut routes from some areas of the city to give disadvantaged areas of the city better coverage. Listen to his perspective on the topic.Then Jarrett goes into how if agencies are freed from needing to offer peak rush hour service--which is both inefficient and expensive--they can use those funds to offer better all-day coverage for routes in the system. This is something we've heard a lot about before, but Jarrett brings in the perspective of riders who think it's great to have rapid rush hour service, not realizing it's a cost to the whole system.You can also read more about Jarrett's work and check out his book at HumanTransit.org.Also on this week's show:In transit news of the week, Paul talks about the successful ballot measures in the U.S. that will support better transit in many cities and states.Elea Carey--while fighting a cold--talks about how to make sure health and safety messaging gets across to your riders. Feel better Elea!Mike Bismeyer talks about World Kindness dayPaul wraps up the show talking about the Intelligent Transport conference he attended in London, CoMotion in LA this week, and a few of the people who will be on upcoming shows and Transit Unplugged TV.Next week we have Dave Reage of Halifax Transit on the show and back to our usual programming. Until our end of the year specials, of course.If you have a question, comment, or want to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected]. Show notes timeline. Enriched by Vizzy(00:00) Introduction and Transit News Transit news of the week. 80% of transit ballot measures passed in U.S. elections this week. Showing continued support for transit! (08:02) Interview with Jarrett Walker, Part 2 The interview with Jarrett Walker continues with discussions on equity and rush hour service https://vzyfm.co/3EAoUkl (18:52) Watch Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube! Part 2 of Paul's visit to Denver with a special chat with Phil Washington, CEO of the Denver Airport. https://vzyfm.co/3g6dtY8 (19:38) Messaging Minute with Elea Carey Elea has a cold, so she's thinking about how to keep health messages fresh for riders. https://vzyfm.co/3EhVMyh (21:23) Mike's Minute with Mike Bismeyer It was World Kindness Day this past Sunday. What did you do to be kind in the world? https://vzyfm.co/3tAj8Zy (23:00) Future of Public Transit Paul wraps things up with where he'll be speaking over the next several months.Chapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

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 stage for why Houston needed this major change and the results. In part 2, Paul and Jarrett talk about the "why" of transit in the post-pandemic era. Make sure you tune into both parts of this great interview!Also in this episode:Paul gives you the transit news of the week including big changes at MBTAElea Carey talks about when, and how, to talk to the mediaMike Bismeyer reflects on APTATRANSform and CUTA conferencesPaul wraps the show with an excerpt from his latest book and an update where he'll be speaking over the next couple months.Don't forget to subscribe to the newsletter on TransitUnplugged.com and if you have a question or comment you can email us at [email protected] by Vizzy(00:00) Transit News of the Week (07:09) Interview with Jarrett Walker Learn more about Jarrett and his work on his website. Including his book Human Transit https://vzyfm.co/3DPiE6z (21:59) Watch Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube Watch Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube! This week is part 2 of our two-part show from Denver, CO https://vzyfm.co/3NMmF0k (22:45) Elea Carey Marketing Minute Elea Carey is a marketing consultant who works with transit agencies. This week she talks about when to talk with the media. https://vzyfm.co/3EhVMyh (24:19) Mike's Minute with Mike Bismeyer Mike's Minute on leadership and mentorship. This week Mike talks about attending the recent APTA and CUTA conferences. https://vzyfm.co/3Eh06Oj (25:55) Future of Transit Paul talks about his upcoming speaking appearances and reads an excerpt from his book. https://vzyfm.co/3EfUsMd (29:19) Closing and next week Next week we continue with part 2 of Paul's interview with Jarrett Walker. Don't forget to visit TransitUnplugged.com and sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://vzyfm.co/3EbUSmJChapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

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 public transit system. From post-pandemic changes to faring, to how Rich plans to make the entire MTA system better for everyone. Rich's plans for more accessible subway stations and restructuring bus routes across the city are just two ways Rich plans to keep the Big Apple moving all day, every day.Next week on Transit Unplugged News and Views we have part one of a special two-part series with transit consultant and planner Jarrett Walker. Paul and Jarrett start off talking about how public transit is changing and the Houston model Jarrett championed before the pandemic. In part two Paul and Jarrett talk about the new role and future of public transit in the post-pandemic era.We hope you join us and enjoy this special three-episode celebration of Season 6 of Transit Unplugged.If you have a question, comment, or want to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected].

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, and breaking records for passenger rail in the state. Jennifer also gives Paul an update on innovations in rural microtransit--so successful she's looking at expanding to other parts of Virginia--and her Transportation Navigator GTFS system for the entire state.Next week is a very special episode of Transit Unplugged! Next week we kick off Season 6--and the fifth anniversary and the 225th episode--with a very special guest interview recorded live from APTAtransform in Seattle.Want to know who it is? You'll have to listen to the end of the show to find out!If you have a question, comment, or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected].

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 system to service the expected million people and 850,000 new jobs coming into the area. With eyes on commuter rail and Transit Oriented Development (TOD), Charles has a vision for making sure people can get to work and play, and not have to use a car to do it.Also on the show this week:Paul's recap of APTAtransform and where he'll be speaking nextTransit news of the week, including some exciting new leadership at APTA and other agenciesElea Carey on marketing transit to our youngest ridersMike Bismeyer on the excitement he experienced at APTAtransform with all the other amazing transit leaders from across North America.Next week on Transit Unplugged we have Jennifer DeBruhl, Director of Rail and Public Transportation in Virginia.If you have a question, comment, or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected]

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 getting more people out of cars and use buses, scooters, bikes, and walking to get around the region.Join Vernon and Paul as they talk about the franchise model, how safety is crucial to ridership, Vernon's custom guitar, and the future of green transport in Manchester. This recent article in Intelligent Transport talks about the new electric buses coming to the Bee Network and all of TfGM's electrification plans.Next week on Transit Unplugged we head to North Carolina as Paul chats with Charles Lattuca of GoTriangle.And this Friday a new episode of Transit Unplugged TV drops coming from Denver! Make sure you subscribe so you know the moment it's live.If you have a question about the show, email us at [email protected].

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 been a total overhaul of Muni's customer information system. Lisa and her team replaced a 20-year-old plus system--a system you couldn't even get parts for anymore--with a state-of-the-art system that gives riders all the information they need to get where they are going. Her system goes well beyond "the next bus will be here in 5 minutes" information to capacity information and soon ways to adjust your trip based on real-time conditions.Listen to Lisa's interview with Paul and learn all about that and more about the technology that runs Muni.Also on Transit Unplugged News and Views this week:Transit news of the weekElea Carey on marketing to keep riders ridingMike Bismeyer tells the story of how one agency came together in a tragedy in the transit familyPaul talks about his newly released book and book launch at APTATransform next weekNext week on Transit Unplugged In-Depth we have Vernon Everitt, Transit Commissioner for the City of Manchester in the UK.If you have a question, comment, or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected].

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 Michelle says, a blessing and a curse. She needs to plan for a constant flow of people north and south, no matter what time of day.The pandemic has had its challenges for Caltrain, but Michelle and her team have adapted service throughout the day, nights, and weekends. Caltrain is coming back, but like all commuter rail lines, no one is quite sure what that's going to look like long term. One thing is for sure--electric trains! The first four trainsets have arrived ahead of full revenue service in 2024 and the trains look pretty amazing.Learn more in this week's Transit Unplugged In-Depth.Next week on Transit Unplugged News and Views Paul's guest will be Lisa Walton, CTO of SFMTA.Don't forget to sign up for the newsletter and if you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected].

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 Suhair in talking about safety including Suhair's plans that won awards and are a model for how to make repairs with the least amount of disruption possible. Also in this episode:Updates from Paul on upcoming eventsTransit news of the weekMike's Minute with Mike BismeyerAnd Julie Gates sitting in for Elea CareyTune in and enjoy.Next week we have Michelle Bouchard Acting Executive Director of CalTrain to talk about the seventh largest commuter rail line in the U.S.Don't forget to sign up for the newsletter and if you have a question, comment, or would like to be a guest on Transit Unplugged, email us at [email protected].

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 Orleans.Paul's book will be unveiled on October 10th in the Vontas booth at APTA TRANSform. At APTA Paul will be giving away and signing copies of the book. Several of the contributors to the book will also be on hand to sign your copy and chat. You'll be able to buy the book shortly thereafter from all the places you get books.Next week Paul chats with Suhair Al Khatib from Metro Rail in Washington D.C.If you have a question, comment, or would like to be a guest on Transit Unplugged, email us at [email protected].

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 riders always know where a bus is, and route changes are updated every day so your planned trips go as planned. It's these little things that have given VIA an off the charts NPS (Net Promoter Score) rating from its customers. Hear how Steve dug into the technology and data so his team could deliver these amazing results.Also this week on Transit Unplugged News and Views:This week's transit newsMessaging Minute with Elea CareyMike's Minute with Mike BismeyerUpdate from Paul on where he'll be over the next few months, including where you can get a copy of his new book coming out in October.And don't forget this Friday we'll have a special episode of Transit Unplugged TV from APTA Tech all about ... transit technology!Next week on Transit Unplugged In-Depth we have Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Manchester U.K. If you have a question, comment, or would like to be a guest on Transit Unplugged, email us at [email protected].

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 an important part of it, but accessibility is more than that to me; it's about what we can do to take away the mystique of every journey and make it again, as easy as possible for people to travel and encourage that travel."David leverages Keolis worldwide to both learn from other regions, but also help other regions learn from North American examples too. The Keolis KPI room is a key part of keeping sight of what's important to riders--safe, efficient journeys--and agencies--On Time Performance, budgets, and improving the transit system overall. The KPI room gives everyone at Keolis, regardless of where in the world they work, a north star for what they are working on.Next week on Transit Unplugged News and Views, Paul is talking with Steve Young, Chief Innovation Officer at VIA in San Antonio, and technology and innovation at his agency and beyond.If you have a question, comment, or would like to be a guest on Transit Unplugged, email us at [email protected].