Transit Unplugged

By: Paul Comfort SVP Modaxo
  • Summary

  • We share the stories, challenges, and successes of the top transit professionals from around the world. Learn how top transit leaders got to where they are with stories and insights from their careers. Get the inside story about public transit and transit trends from the people who run it. Transit Unplugged is hosted and produced by Paul Comfort and brought to you by Modaxo Learn more at https://transitunplugged.com/
    Modaxo 2024
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Episodes
  • Connecting London: Philip Gerhardt Discusses TFL’s Transit Solutions
    Sep 11 2024

    In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul talks with Philip Gerhardt, the Head of Bus Performance at Transport for London (TfL). Philip talks about what it's like keeping the over 650 bus routes moving smoothly at one of the world's largest public transport networks.

    And Philip doesn't just have to worry about the iconic double-decker red buses, he needs to make sure all bus routes--including the express routes around London--connect with all the other modes from The Tube and light rail to the Elizabeth Line and ferries. Paul and Philip talk about the details of bus performance and how TfL works with its private operator partners to deliver world-class bus service. Philip also reflects on his career journey and the passion behind TFL's iconic red buses (like many of us he fell into his transit career).

    Coming up next week on the show, we have a special episode we've done in conjunction with Uber Transit. Paul will be talking with Bonnie Epstein of PSTA, Carlos Cruz Casas of Miami Dade County, and Robert Betts of Marin County, talking about how TNCs like Uber have helped them expand their service offerings with micro transit that help shift workers, the disabled, and the elderly.

    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

    00:00 Welcome to Transit Unplugged

    00:41 Meet Philip Gerhart: Head of Bus Performance at TfL

    01:35 The Role of TfL's Bus Operators

    02:04 Ensuring Reliability and Efficiency

    03:09 The Importance of London's Bus Network

    05:48 Night Bus Network and Women's Safety

    06:25 The Iconic Red Double Decker Buses

    08:16 Adapting to Passenger Needs

    11:48 Phil's Journey in the Transport Industry

    19:00 The Superloop: London's Express Bus Network

    23:25 Success Stories and Future Plans

    25:49 Conclusion and Farewell

    26:03 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

    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...

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    27 mins
  • Resolving the Bus Manufacturing Crisis: Challenges, Changes, and the Path Ahead
    Sep 4 2024

    The bus manufacturing crisis has been looming for years as more and more OEMs dropped out. But the final straw was when Proterra filed for bankruptcy protection and REV Group said it was closing its ENC facility to focus on the Canadian market. In the blink of an eye the U.S. was down to two major bus manufacturers: GILLIG and New Flyer. This put the entire public transit industry into crisis mode. Delivery times for new buses went from 12-18 months to 18-24 months--and longer.

    How did we get this point?

    It's not an easy answer, but a combination of contract terms, the pandemic, supply chain issues, and the transition to zero-emissions buses all factored in. But this week Paul dives into it with former FTA Administrator and Managing Partner at Cardinal Infrastructure Sherry Little, along with Jennifer McNeill (Vice President of Public Sector Sales and Marketing) and Stephanie Laubenstein (Director of Sales and Business Development) from New Flyer.

    They talk about all the causes and how the industry came together to find real, tangible solutions that will help the OEM bus industry get back on its feet and come back stronger for the future.

    Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged we have Philip Gerhardt head of Transport for London's Head Bus Performance to talk with Paul about optimizing the over 650 bus routes across London that serve millions of riders each day.

    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

    00:00 Resolving the Bus Manufacturing Crisis: Challenges, Changes, and the Path Ahead

    00:05 Paul buying his first bus and an intro to the episode

    03:09 Introduction and Guest Welcome

    03:41 Current State of the Bus Manufacturing Industry

    04:41 Challenges and Advocacy Efforts

    06:59 Legislative and Policy Changes

    11:09 Impact of the Pandemic on Bus Manufacturing

    14:13 Recovery and Future Outlook

    15:34 Customization and Standardization in Bus Manufacturing

    25:45 Transition to Zero Emission Buses

    31:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    34:48 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

    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...

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    36 mins
  • Exploring Vienna’s Multi-Modal Transit System with CEO Alexandra Reinagl
    Aug 28 2024

    Join Paul Comfort as he takes you behind the scenes of Vienna's renowned public transit system, Wiener Linien. Discover the secrets behind the network, from seamless mobility chains to their innovative climate ticket. CEO Alexandra Reinagl shares insights on the city's strong commitment to public transport, decarbonizing the bus fleet, and the collaborative efforts in urban planning that make Vienna the world's most livable city. Enjoy a virtual tour of Vienna's transit infrastructure, cultural highlights, and future mobility visions in this captivating episode.

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

    00:00 Welcome to Transit Unplugged

    00:38 Exploring Vienna's Transit System

    02:12 Interview with CEO Alexandra Reinagl

    02:42 Vienna's Commitment to Public Transport

    04:07 Innovative Mobility Solutions

    04:43 Annual Pass and Climate Ticket

    07:07 Construction and Communication Strategies

    10:14 Wiener Linien's Organizational Structure

    16:35 Decarbonizing the Bus Fleet

    18:47 Vision for the Future of Mobility

    20:48 Conclusion and Farewell

    20:56 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

    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.

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    22 mins

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