Accessibility is an essential and important topic in transit--and one that Transit Unplugged has deep connections to. From Paul's first job in transit to his work at WMATA and Baltimore MTA, he has championed ensuring transit connects everyone to all of life's opportunities. Tris' father was a pioneer in helping veterans in wheelchairs live independently on their own.

So when we say, we're committed to accessibility in all its forms--we mean it.

But when it comes to accessibility, sometimes people don't know where to start. And this is where our guests this week come in. Ron Brooks and Kristen Joyner talk with Paul about their new book, All Aboard: Conducting Accessible Community Involvement for Public Transit which gives real, practical strategies to improve accessibility in transit, at conferences, in meetings, and the wider world.

Ron and Kristen share how sometimes simple things make a tremendous difference in making something accessible, and often with spending little or no money. And how when as we make the world more accessible, we're making the world a better place for all of us.

Coming up next week we kick off Season 8 of Transit Unplugged with a special CEO Roundtable recorded live at APTA TRANSform. Make sure you don't miss this episode with guests:

• Andy Lord Commissioner of Transport for London
• Dottie Watkins CEO of CapMetro, Austin
• Dwight A. Ferrell CEO of Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation, Detroit
• Shawn M. Donaghy CEO North County Transit District, San Diego
• Adam Leishman CEO of Ascendal Group, Hong Kong

As they talk about the big plans in their systems and some truly inspiring visions of the future.

00:00 The Inspiring Journey of Ron Brooks

00:38 Introducing 'All Aboard': A Guide to Accessible Transit

02:08 The Motivation Behind the Book

04:44 Practical Guidance for Transit Agencies

06:39 Broadening the Audience for Accessibility

10:22 Subscribe to the newsletter

11:07 Community outreach

13:28 Making Meetings Inclusive for All

17:24 The Importance of Comprehensive Engagement

20:15 Contributors and Final Thoughts

23:20 Coming new week on Transit Unplugged

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo https://www.modaxo.com

• Host: Paul Comfort
• Producer: Paul Comfort
• Editor and Writer: Tris Hussey
• Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Special thanks to:

• Brand design: Tina Olagundoye
• Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova
• Marketing content, Transit Unplugged Newsletter, & transit puns: Tris Hussey

If you have a question or comment, email us at info@transitunplugged.com.

Follow us on social media: LinkedIn - Twitter - Threads- Instagram - Facebook

Sign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo, and may contain information that may be subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information, and should not...

From an interview with Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works CEO Eulois Cleckley and Paul Comfort originally aired in February, 2023.

Eulois talks with Paul about his vision and approach to leadership with his REPPS model and how it's helped his team perform better and exceed what they thought they could accomplish.

Link to original interview: https://transitunplugged.com/transit-unplugged-podcast/stacey-matlen-and-eulois-cleckley/

One of his top executives, Schneider St. Preux, was recently on the podcast and cited Eulois' leadership as a critical factor in his career. Listen to that episode here: https://transitunplugged.com/transit-unplugged-podcast/schneider-st-preux/

00:00 Introduction to Transit Unplugged Deep Cuts

00:44 Meet Eulois Cleckley: Leadership Insights

01:02 The Importance of Strong Leadership

02:29 Principles of Effective Leadership: The REPPS Acronym

02:56 Focusing on Results

04:32 Setting High Expectations

05:39 Setting High Expectations for Success

06:33 Focusing on People: The Key to Leadership

08:02 Empowering Staff for Maximum Potential

08:46 The Importance of Data-Driven Decisions

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo https://www.modaxo.com

• Host: Paul Comfort
• Producer: Paul Comfort
• Editor and Writer: Tris Hussey
• Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Special thanks to:

• Brand design: Tina Olagundoye
• Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova
• Marketing content, Transit Unplugged Newsletter, & transit puns: Tris Hussey

If you have a question or comment, email us at info@transitunplugged.com.

Follow us on social media: LinkedIn - Twitter - Threads- Instagram - Facebook

Sign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo, and may contain information that may be subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information, and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.

This week Paul is talking with someone we could call a Transit Unplugged superfan—Schneider St. Preux—who says he's listened to every podcast episode and credits Transit Unplugged with helping him in his upward career trajectory.

We're so pleased to be part of Schneiders' career journey. As he says in this interview—listening and engaging in our podcast community, along with hard work, determination, and willingness to invest in himself, has taken Schneider from bus operator to General Superintendent of Bus Operations at Miami-Dade.

Schneider is also one of this year's Mass Transit Magazine's 40 Under 40 winners—a fitting acknowledgment of the accomplishments in his career thus far.

He also talks about the critical role of practical experience and the value of continuous education—Schneider says education gets you to the door and your hard work gets you through it.

Highlighting both the challenges and triumphs, Schneider offers valuable insights and advice for aspiring transit professionals, emphasizing self-belief, goal-setting, and the importance of investing in people. Paul and Schneider also talk about the importance of training new leaders, especially those who have been "doers" in what true leadership really means.

Coming up next week, we focus on a topic close to the hearts of everyone at Transit Unplugged—accessibility. Paul talks with Ron Brooks and Kristen Joyner about their new book which serves as and both a guidebook and inspiration for how to make transit, and the wider world, more accessible for everyone.

00:00 Introduction: A Unique Fan Story

00:42 Crazy Work Stories: The L from Hell

04:24 Meet Schneider St. Preux: A Rising Star in Transit

05:19 Career Journey: From Bus Operator to Superintendent

09:13 Catch Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube

10:09 Spending a year at Broward County Transit

12:44 The Importance of Education and Self-Investment

14:33 Leadership Insights: From Frontline to Management

18:00 Future of Public Transportation: Challenges and Innovations

18:00 Advice for Aspiring Transit Leaders

19:27 Conclusion: Bright Future Ahead

19:40 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged