Episodes

  • Achieving accessibility – Ron Brooks and Kristen Joyner on how to get us there
    Oct 30 2024

    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...

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    24 mins
  • Transit Unplugged Deep Cuts – Eulois Cleckley
    Oct 25 2024

    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.

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    11 mins
  • Driven to Succeed: Schneider St. Preux on climbing the transit career ladder
    Oct 23 2024

    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

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    21 mins
  • From the Eye of the Storm: A Transit Unplugged Special Episode
    Oct 16 2024

    The back-to-back hurricanes that swept through the Southeastern U.S. brought unimaginable destruction to the region. Many places are far from recovered, with tens of thousands of people still without power in some areas.

    But behind the scenes, transportation networks need to keep running. People need to be evacuated to safety. Supplies have to get through. Emergency workers need to get to where they are needed.

    This week we pull back the curtain with a special episode focused on how our transportation networks prepare for and recover from disasters like Hurricanes Helene and Milton. On this special episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort connected with six transportation leaders in Florida about the preparations, their Emergency Operations Centers, and what happens now to recover.

    We hear from:

    • Brad Miller, CEO of Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority
    • Coree Cuff Lonergan, CEO of Broward County Transit (BCT)
    • Dave Dech, Executive Director of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority/Tri-Rail
    • Ivan Maldonado, Executive Director of Palm Tran
    • Tiffany Homler Hawkins, CEO of Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (LYNX)
    • Greg Slater, CEO/Executive Director of the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority

    This is a unique episode that only Transit Unplugged can bring you! Make sure you tune in and share with your transit colleagues.

    Next week on the show, we have Mass Transit Magazine 40 Under 40 winner Schneider St. Preux talking about his 12 year transit career trajectory from bus operator to General Superintendent of Bus Operations for the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works. Schneider tells Paul what it took to build his career and his advice for other up and coming leaders in the industry.

    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 Introduction to the Eye of the Storm

    00:45 Brad Miller: Riding Out the Storm

    01:17 Coree Cuff Lonergan: Tornadoes and Transit

    01:33 Ivan Moldanado: Coordination and Preparation

    01:54 Tiffany Homler Hawkins: Orlando's Response

    02:22 Dave Dech: TriRail's Role in the Crisis

    02:44 Greg Slater: Road Networks and Disaster Management

    03:43Brad Miller: Firsthand Hurricane Experience

    11:03 Brad Miller: Evacuation and Recovery Efforts

    21:19 Dave Dech: TriRail's Hurricane Preparedness

    32:11 Coree Cuff Lonergan on Broward County's Hurricane Response

    36:03 Ivan Maldonado Discusses PalmTran's...

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Rolling Through Rural Minnesota: Arrowhead Transit Connects Communities Together
    Oct 9 2024

    This week on Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort interviews Brandon Nurmi, Director of Arrowhead Transit in Minnesota. Paul and Brandon discuss the unique challenges of operating a public transportation system across a vast, sparsely populated rural area. Brandon shares his journey in the transit sector, the geographical and logistical hurdles his team faces, the role of volunteer-driven programs, and the technological advancements aiding rural transit systems.

    As Arrowhead Transit celebrates its 50th anniversary, Brandon highlights how essential public transit is in rural areas for accessing jobs, healthcare, and reducing social isolation. Tune in to learn about the vital role of rural transit in community development and the collaborations that bolster these efforts.

    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 Introduction to Rural Public Transportation

    00:57 Challenges of Rural Transit Systems

    01:23 Interview with Brandon Nurmi: Director of Arrowhead Transit

    02:39 Celebrating 50 Years of Arrowhead Transit

    03:25 Geographical and Operational Challenges

    06:11 The Role of Technology and Volunteer Programs

    09:17 Funding and Community Development

    12:59 Social Connectivity and Partnerships

    14:37 Future Expansion Plans

    16:00 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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    17 mins
  • Reimagining Paratransit: TNC Collaboration
    Oct 2 2024

    In this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort chats with paratransit thought leaders:

    • Andre Colaiace from LA Access Services
    • Chris Pangilinan from New York MTA
    • Eileen Collins Turvey from Portland's TriMet

    They dive into how Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) are shaking up paratransit, making everything smoother for riders and more affordable for agencies. We get a rundown of their systems, highlighting how they're tackling daily challenges and boosting efficiency.

    Sponsored by Uber Transit, this episode also looks at how public-private partnerships are changing the game for public transportation. It’s a deep dive into the practical steps being taken to improve and modernize paratransit services.

    Uber recently published Transit Horizons 2.0: The Mobility Evolution. This industry perspective paper explores how public-private partnerships have and can enhance public transportation. It’s available for download at uber.com/transithorizons.

    Coming up next week we talk about the essential role transit plays in rural communities. Our guest is Brandon Nurmi, Director of Arrowhead Transit in Eastern Minnesota. We often forget that in many rural communities there are few alternatives to transit. There aren't many TNCs and often people have to travel long distances for things like doctors and school. Thanks to transit, and a legion of volunteer drivers, people in rural areas can get where they need to go.

    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 Uber Paratransit with intro

    00:53 Evolution of Paratransit Services

    01:11 Meet the Leaders of Paratransit Systems

    03:34 Discussion with Chris Pangilinan - New York City

    04:01 Discussion with Andre Colaiace - Los Angeles

    05:16 Discussion with Eileen Collins Turvey - Portland

    06:43 Challenges and Innovations in Paratransit

    07:41 Utilizing TNCs and Taxis for Paratransit

    13:46 Technology Integration in Paratransit

    18:31 Future of Paratransit Services

    22:39 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...

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    24 mins
  • Getting Boston’s Transit Down to a T: Conversation with MBTA’s COO Ryan Coholan
    Sep 25 2024

    On this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort sits down with Ryan Coholan, the Chief Operating Officer of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA or The T) in Boston.

    Ever heard of a COO who drives his own train to work? Ryan is one of a few (only?) COOs who has kept up his Locomotive Engineer's License and regularly drives the train from his home in the suburbs into Boston. Ryan likes to stay connected with the work he's responsible for, not to mention when the COO calls and says there's an issue on a stretch of track, it gets fixed.

    With nearly 30 years of transit experience, Ryan talks about running one of America's largest transit systems and shares stories of MBTA's recent wins, like ending speed restrictions on rail lines, introducing contactless fares, and even getting chatbot support. Paul and Ryan also dive into some serious business – like getting agreements in place with all their labor unions for the first time in 15 years.

    Paul and Ryan wrap up their conversation with some electrifying news (literally) about The T's move towards battery electric trains. Ryan's got big plans to make it all happen and leveraging as much existing infrastructure as possible. This is a ride you won't want to miss!

    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 Introduction and Guest Introduction

    01:24 Ryan's Journey to Work

    02:22 Overview of MBTA and Its Unique Structure

    06:51 Role and Responsibilities of the COO

    09:25 Financial Health and Strategic Investments

    12:22 Speed Restrictions and Infrastructure Improvements

    20:05 Innovations in Customer Experience

    23:38 Labor Agreements and Workforce Relations

    25:23 Commuter Rail Developments and Electrification

    30:45 Conclusion and Vision for the Future

    31:57 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...

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    33 mins
  • Expanding Your Reach: Leveraging TNCs in Transit
    Sep 18 2024

    This week we bring you a special episode sponsored by Uber Transit. Across the U.S., Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) are filling important gaps in transit networks. From giving rides to late night shift workers to helping elderly and disabled riders access the world around them, TNCs make sure "transit deserts" aren't "mobility deserts."

    Recently, Paul sat down with Bonnie Epstein of Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), Carlos Cruz-Casas of Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works, and Robert Betts from Marin Transit to talk about the different ways TNCs, have not only transformed their transit networks, but their communities as well. PSTA was the first agency in the U.S. to work with Uber Transit to help late night shift workers get to and from work when regular transit wasn't running.

    Since its start in 2016, PSTA has helped thousands of people get to work, break into the workforce, and grow their careers. Now this model is being used in Miami-Dade to re-connect riders with the larger transit system after their system reorganization, and in Marin County on-demand transit is letting their aging population age in place and still stay active in their community.

    This episode is sponsored by Uber Transit, who recently published Transit Horizons 2.0: The Mobility Evolution. This industry perspective paper explores how public-private partnerships have and can enhance public transportation. It’s available for download at uber.com/transithorizons.

    Coming up next week we learn about all the improvements being made in Boston by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority in an interview with MBTA COO Ryan Coholan.

    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 Expanding Your Reach: Leveraging TNCs in Transit

    01:07 Episode Overview and Sponsorship

    01:57 Guest Introductions

    04:36 Marin Transit: Catch A Ride Program

    05:38 PSTA: TD Late Shift Program

    08:24 Miami-Dade: Better Bus Network Solutions

    11:32 Discussion on Transit Innovations

    17:21 Marin County

    17:21 Personal Stories and Impact

    24:32 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...

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    26 mins