Transit Unplugged

50 Years of MV Transportation: Harry Wilson on Culture, AI, and What’s Next


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MV Transportation just hit a milestone few transit firms reach—its 50th anniversary.

To mark the occasion, host Paul Comfort interviews Harry Wilson, the firm’s Executive Chairman, about:

  • A 50‑Year Origin Story —How Alex and Feysan Lodde's single van in San Francisco grew into the largest American‑owned transit contractor in North America.
  • “The New MV” Culture —Why Wilson and COO Kevin Klika rebuilt training from scratch (six‑week GM bootcamp), added performance incentives, and created hundreds of employee‑shareholders.
  • Contracting in 2025 —Cost pressure, fiscal cliffs, ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicles) transitions, AI pilots: why Wilson believes outsourcing will expand as agencies chase flexibility and innovation.
  • AI on the Front Line —Predictive tools that have cut operator turnover nearly in half and the 30+ workstreams MV is piloting right now.
  • Boardroom to Depot —Former FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez joins MV’s board; founder Feysan Lodde inducted into the APTA Hall of Fame.
  • Looking Ahead —Why Wilson thinks the next 5–10 years will bring more change than the last 50—and how MV plans to help agencies navigate it.


  • Resources & Links
  • MV Transportation 50‑Year Timeline https://www.mvtransit.com/about-us/mv-story
  • Transit Unplugged interview with Nuria Fernandez https://transitunplugged.com/transit-unplugged-podcast/nuria-fernandez-santa-clara-valley-transportation-authority/
  • Subscribe to the newsletter at TransitUnplugged.com

Podcast Credits

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo

  • Creator, Host, + Producer: Paul Comfort
  • Executive Producer: Julie Gates
  • Producer + Newsletter Editor: Chris O’Keeffe
  • Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin
  • Podcast Intern: Desmond Gates

Special thanks to:


Brand Design — Tina Olagundoye

Social Media — Tatyana Mechkarova

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. This production belongs to Modaxo and may contain information 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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Transit UnpluggedBy Paul Comfort, SVP Modaxo

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