In this episode of Stop Requested, hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono break down their top takeaways from the 2025 APTA Mobility Conference in Austin. Christian shares how the increased need for more hands-on training technology is giving agencies a competitive edge, especially as electric buses and new systems become the norm. The conversation highlights the debut of a 100% battery-electric bus rodeo, the growing impact of artificial intelligence and automation in public transit, and innovative workforce strategies like TARTA’s “Day in the Life” campaign. Discover how agencies of all sizes are using training, tech, and talent to shape the future of public transportation.

We're bringing back one of our most insightful episodes of Stop Requested! Hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono sit down with their very first guest, Yash Nagal, Director of Transit Planning at Palm Tran. In this conversation, we explore the nationwide rise in transit ridership, dive into innovative approaches like Palm Tran's Buslink program, and discuss how service frequency and system integration can reshape public transportation. Yash offers expert insights on aligning services with community needs, the impact of land use, and the power of storytelling in advocating for better transit.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono speak with Shelley Strimaitis, Planning and Special Projects Manager at Bloomington Transit, about her journey from experiencing Singapore’s transit system to leading innovative projects in a vibrant university town. Shelley shares insights on the transformative power of live vehicle tracking and how Bloomington Transit is using microtransit to fill service gaps while prioritizing fixed-route services. Discover how thoughtful transit planning is reshaping public transportation for university communities.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono discuss the significance of bus stop amenities in enhancing the transit experience. They explore how features like shelters, seating, and real-time displays impact rider comfort, perceived wait times, and overall satisfaction. Learn how transit planners prioritize amenities based on demand, right-of-way considerations, and cost-effectiveness. Whether you're a transit enthusiast or a transit professional, this episode provides key insights into transforming ordinary stops into appealing and functional parts of the transit network.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono discuss the evolution of fare collection systems and their impact on transit agencies. From traditional cash-based methods to modern cashless technologies, they explore the challenges of legacy systems and the benefits of upgrading. Learn how improved farebox technology can reduce dwell times, streamline operations, enhance rider satisfaction, and optimize revenue collection. Whether you're a transit professional or just curious about the future of public transportation, this episode offers valuable insights into how innovation is shaping the way we ride.

We’re bringing back an important conversation in this re-run episode of Stop Requested. Christian and Levi address the pressing issue of assaults on transit workers, highlighting alarming trends that show a rise in incidents over the past 15 years. They discuss the lasting effects on bus operators from PTSD to workforce shortages and examine the societal factors driving these challenges. The episode explores strategies like operator barriers, panic alarms, and public awareness campaigns, along with new federal directives aimed at improving safety. Join us as we reflect on how agencies, unions, and communities can work together to protect the people who keep public transit running.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi and Christian recap the Texas Transit Association Conference, Expo, and Rodeo held in McAllen, Texas. Christian shares firsthand insights on the event’s highlights, from industry-leading sessions and vendor showcases to the competitive energy of the roadeo. They also discuss the role of APC certification in 2025, the power of networking at transit conferences, and a surprising fact about McAllen that might just put it on your travel list. Tune in for a full breakdown of one of the year’s most engaging state transit conferences!

In this special replay episode of Stop Requested, Levi and Christian revisit an essential conversation about Automatic Passenger Counting (APC) technology and its impact on public transit agencies. With the 2025 APC recertification deadline set by the FTA fast approaching, they break down why agencies need to act now and the operational benefits of certification. They also highlight ETA Transit’s innovative tool, Tally, designed to streamline APC data collection, saving agencies time, reducing costs, and ensuring compliance with NTD reporting requirements. If you missed this episode the first time, now’s the perfect time to catch up!

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing public transit, bringing smarter service, safer rides, and a better passenger experience. In this episode of Stop Requested, hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono explore how AI is streamlining operations—from predictive maintenance and real-time scheduling to intelligent chatbots and fare enforcement. Discover how agencies are using AI to improve efficiency, enhance safety, and rethink the future of mobility.

In this episode of Stop Requested, hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono explore the unique experience of the Transit Bus Summit, an event that goes beyond traditional transit conferences by fostering direct, meaningful connections between agencies and vendors. Christian shares key takeaways from this year’s summit, including discussions on integration challenges, open data standards, and the growing demand for infotainment and hardware reliability. Hear firsthand how this tailored approach to networking and knowledge-sharing is shaping the future of transit technology—and why it’s a must-attend event for industry professionals.