“We all learn from each other; that’s one of the powerful things… about this industry. We don’t compete. It’s how you share practices to help leverage the circumstances that we each face that are common, and some that are not common. That’s one of the secret sauces and the powers of this industry.” Doug Kelsey, CEO and General Manager of TriMet, joins Transit Unplugged to provide an outlook on his career, experiences (including a leading role supporting public transportation for the Olympics), a...
Jul 01, 2020•39 min•Season 3Ep. 36
"My purpose is not to be biased [one] way or the other. My purpose is just to use real evidence to help us get through this." As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we're proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today's episode, we hear from Professor Graham Currie, Professor of Public Transit at Monash University, in Melbourne, Australia. Professor Currey started his career in transit as a Transit Planner for Tra...
Jun 24, 2020•30 min•Season 3Ep. 35
“The 21st century is about mass transit innovation. If it was shipping in the 19th and automotive in the 20th, it is transit and fast mobility in the 21st.” In this special innovation episode, Josipa Petrunic, Executive Director and CEO of the Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC), joins Transit Unplugged to discuss the innovative projects CUTRIC is focusing on now and into the future. The idea for CUTRIC arose at the Canadian Urban Transit Association, as CUTA Mem...
Jun 15, 2020•36 min•Season 3Ep. 34
"Public transportation has a future and we will carve out the future. We will work together with the communities to make sure our values are demonstrated and that everyone can have mobility to improve the quality of life here." In today's episode, hear from Chris O'Claire, Mobility Division Director at King County Metro Transit, as she shares how, along with MV, King County has adapted their mobility services to support the Washington State community during COVID-19. At the start of the pandemic...
Jun 10, 2020•34 min•Season 3Ep. 33
"With any project, you've got to plan it out." India Birdsong started her career in Community Development before entering the Public Transit Industry with CTA (Chicago Transit Authority). During her ten years at CTA, India held multiple roles within the Planning and Operations departments. After CTA, India joined WeGo Public Transit (formerly Nashville MTA) as their Chief Operating Officer. Now the General Manager and CEO of GCRTA (Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority), India, joins Tran...
May 29, 2020•26 min•Season 3Ep. 32
"Eventually, as the world returns to normal, whatever that new normal is going to be... people are going to want to return to public transit." As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we're proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today's episode, Paul shares headline news, including last week's uptake in ridership experienced by TriMet, in Portland, Oregon, as we experience a slow return to normal. We then hear fro...
May 21, 2020•47 min•Season 3Ep. 31
"We have been entrusted with such an important responsibility." Innovation evangelist, mobility game-changer, and transit leader Nuria Fernandez shares her remarkable journey to where she is now - GM and CEO of Santa Clara's Valley Transportation Authority. Born and raised in Panama, she ended up studying civil engineering in the United States, in the "land of caterpillars" state of Illinois. After graduating, her first foray into transit began when she worked at the Panama Canal for one year, b...
May 15, 2020•34 min•Season 3Ep. 30
“Our job is to … innovate and design technologies that can solve the pandemic issue, address the pandemic issue, or better prepare us for a future that’s even worse.” As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we’re proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today’s episode, Paul talks about public transit’s advanced cleaning measures to protect employees and riders. Then, hear Josipa Petrunic, Executive Director & ...
May 06, 2020•27 min•Season 3Ep. 29
“Our economy is built on those frontline folks, and transit is moving those frontline folks, which makes us the foundation of the foundation.” One of the industry’s top and most respected leaders joins the podcast today – Phil Washington, CEO of LA Metro. He discusses the impact of the coronavirus pandemic – how it has affected Measure M, and he talks about the money received through the federal stimulus package. He also shares some recovery ideas, and questions if some of the changes implemente...
May 01, 2020•31 min•Season 3Ep. 28
“I use public transit, so I need it to be there.” As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we’re proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged, led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today's episode, we discuss how transit helps to keep essential workers moving. We then hear from Mike Bismeyer for “Mike’s Minute,” where he challenges us to pay kindness forward. Paul then talks with Pierre Racz, CEO of Genetec, about the potential drawbacks of utilizing therma...
Apr 29, 2020•34 min•Season 3Ep. 27
“I no longer want to go back to normal. I’m ready for something new.” As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we’re proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today’s episode, join us for an exclusive Executive Roundtable featuring Lauren Skiver (SunLine Transit), Peter Stark (Whatcom Transportation Authority), Elea Carey, and Sam Sargent (Capital Metro). Learn what they're doing to move forward on transit projects d...
Apr 27, 2020•1 hr 29 min•Season 3Ep. 26
“We need public transportation to come back because we need our cities to come back, and we need our economy to come back.” As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we’re proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today's episode, we discuss how COVID-19 may lead to the death of the farebox. We then hear from David Zipper, a Visiting Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School's Taubman Center for State and Local Government,...
Apr 24, 2020•37 min•Season 3Ep. 25
“We know this too shall pass, and once it does, we have to come out of it prepared to conduct business in a good fiscal manner.” As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we’re proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today's episode, we discuss how agencies are using technology to manage their transit systems during COVID-19. We then hear from Mike Bismeyer for “Mike’s Monday Minute,” where he encourages us to stay ...
Apr 22, 2020•32 min•Season 3Ep. 24
“This pandemic has really given the public transit industry a gut punch.” As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we’re proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today’s episode, join us for an exclusive CEO Roundtable featuring Inez Evans (IndyGo), Scott Bogren (CTAA), Wade Coombs (Strathcona County Transit), Julie Timm (GRTC), Kevin Quinn (MTA Baltimore), and Bill Carpenter (RGRTA). Learn how their agencies are ma...
Apr 20, 2020•1 hr 29 min•Season 3Ep. 23
“We have to be extremely focused on what the customers’ needs are, and I think that’s the only way we’re going to get back up to pre COVID-19 ridership levels.” As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we’re proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today's episode, we discuss how transit agencies are partnering with charitable organizations to help their local communities. We then hear from Erinn Pinkerton, CEO of B...
Apr 18, 2020•39 min•Season 3Ep. 22
“This has had a tremendous impact on our bus systems and paratransit systems.” As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we’re proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today's episode, we discuss how rural communities are dealing with COVID-19, and if there is a federal transit stimulus coming for Canada. We then hear from J. Roger Morton, President and GM of Oahu Transit Services, about the impact COVID-19 is having...
Apr 15, 2020•29 min•Season 3Ep. 21
“We can truly put our hand on our heart and say we built a system for Edmontonians.” Eddie Robar has a degree in psychology and HR. But he got into the transit world after completing school. It didn’t help him at first, but his schooling is handy as the Branch Manager for Edmonton Transit Services (ETS). Robar talks about ETS’s network redesign, where 40,000 residents participated in feedback – ultimately, changing its original transit plan by ~20% to match community response. He shares how ETS’...
Apr 15, 2020•33 min•Season 3Ep. 20
“This pandemic is like the entire nation is having a hurricane that just won’t go away.” As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we’re proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today's episode, we discuss some of the unintended consequences agencies are dealing with after removing fares. We then hear from Mike Bismeyer for “Mike’s Monday Minute,” where he encourages us to stay safe and pay it forward to those in nee...
Apr 14, 2020•36 min•Season 3Ep. 19
“I think the moment that public transit has right now is to really change the narrative in the COVID-19 environment.” As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we’re proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today's episode, we discuss the guidelines released by the CDC for both transit drivers and passengers. We then hear from Elea Carey, who shares why she believes now is public transit’s time to shine, and Paul tal...
Apr 10, 2020•28 min•Season 3Ep. 18
“I do think that when we get out of this COVID-19 world, transit will go back to where it was before.” As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we’re proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today's episode, we discuss some of the ways transit agencies are using this service downtime productively. We then hear from Peter Varga, APTA Board Member and former CEO of The Rapid transit system, about his thoughts on how a...
Apr 08, 2020•33 min•Season 3Ep. 17
“Over the years, we have seen a lot of change in the paratransit industry, but certainly nothing quite like what we’re going through now.” As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we’re proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today's episode, we discuss some of the ways transit agencies are adapting due to COVID-19, including partnering with food banks and delivering groceries. We then hear from Mike Bismeyer for “...
Apr 06, 2020•31 min•Season 3Ep. 16
“We will try and use the resources and funding we have to keep everyone fully employed, socially distanced, and safe.” As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we’re proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today's episode, we discuss the release of U.S. federal funds for transit agencies, and what that will mean for your agency. We then hear from Julie Timm, CEO of the Greater Richmond Transit Company, about GRTC’s...
Apr 03, 2020•30 min•Season 3Ep. 15
“We’re going to get through this crisis like everyone else, we’re going to come out the other side of this, and I think the industry will be even healthier.” As COVID-19 affects public transit dramatically, we’re proud to present a special edition of Transit Unplugged led by transit evangelist and Trapeze VP Paul Comfort. In today's episode, we discuss how the newest changes in the public transport industry, including layoffs and social distancing procedures. We then hear from John Walsh, Senior...
Apr 01, 2020•30 min•Season 3Ep. 14
“My goal is to make every operator the best operator they can be.” Wade Coombs started his transit career washing buses for Saskatoon Transit. Shortly after, he became an operator and eventually worked his way into management. Now he’s Director of Transit for Strathcona County Transit. In this episode, Coombs discusses regionalization and what it is like working with seven other transit operators within the Edmonton Metro area, and how they are working on a single, Smart Fare system. Coombs also...
Mar 31, 2020•32 min•Season 3Ep. 13
“Our ridership is way down, revenues aren’t coming in, but transit operators are still continuing to provide lifeline services.” On today's episode, we discuss how Washington D.C.’s stimulus package will affect the transit industry, and then hear from Mike for "Mike's Monday Minute," a selection of feel-good stories and highlights. We then have a Newsmaker interview with Marco D’Angelo, CEO of the Canadian Urban Transit Association, on what's been happening with Canadian legislation, and some bi...
Mar 30, 2020•30 min•Season 3Ep. 12
“It’s easier to manage the hecticness when you have a plan in place." Community safety is a paramount concern during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether it’s your riders or employees, it’s essential to understand what you can do to help limit the spread of the novel coronavirus. While things are changing rapidly, six guests talk about how they are handling COVID-19. As they develop plans for different scenarios, all of them have increased cleaning and sanitation measures. You’ll hear from transit lea...
Mar 18, 2020•59 min•Season 3Ep. 11
“Don’t ever lose sight of the importance of the people in your organization.” Non-emergency medical transportation is a fundamental transportation option for those going to see a healthcare professional. Carter Pate, Interim CEO of LogistiCare, joins Transit Unplugged to talk about some of the nuances of this part of the transportation world and the importance of efficiency in Medicare and Medicaid scenarios. Pate also has numerous leadership roles (PwC, MV Transportation), and shares his advice...
Mar 16, 2020•31 min•Season 3Ep. 10
“Electric technology should be part of the strategy of every transit agency.” – Ryan Popple Recently, there’s a great emphasis on lowering emissions and using clean energy. In the past, public transit did that with hybrid-electric vehicles. While many agencies primarily still operate diesel fleets, with a smattering of electric in the mix, new fuels and propulsion systems are rapidly entering the market, pushing transit toward zero-emission buses. In this special mobility innovations episode, yo...
Mar 11, 2020•37 min•Season 3Ep. 9
“I don’t look at anything as a failure. I look at it as a learning experience.” When the best-laid plans go a bit awry, what do you do? Stephen Bland, CEO of WeGo Public Transit, learns, reassesses, and keeps moving forward. Stephen has spent his career in public transit. He’s run small agencies that have as few as eight buses. And now he is running the show in Nashville, Tennessee, where they carry 35,000 passengers each weekday. Nashville’s infrastructure was built around the personal automobi...
Feb 28, 2020•41 min•Season 3Ep. 8
“While we have to think about the future, we also have to think about the here and now and making sure that we’re improving the customer experience.” Atlanta and the surrounding area is the third fastest-growing region in the U.S. That means more people and more traffic, so public transit is essential to help boost the economic vitality and development of the region along with reducing congestion. Jeffrey Parker, GM and CEO of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), joins Trans...
Feb 14, 2020•31 min•Season 3Ep. 7
