Join hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono for a special episode of Stop Requested as they welcome their first overseas guest, Stuart Barker, Portfolio Director at Clarion Events, the world’s third-largest event organizer. Dive into the story behind the Transport Ticketing Global event in London and its fast-growing North American counterpart, both of which have become essential hubs for transit professionals exploring the latest in fare collection and ticketing technology.

Stuart shares how these events evolved from a small gathering in a London hotel basement to international forums drawing attendees from over 65 countries, and why agencies at every stage of technology adoption, from cash-only to cutting-edge mobile payments, are finding value in attending. Get an inside look at what makes the North American event unique, with focused content tailored to the region’s diverse needs and opportunities for agencies to network and learn from both industry leaders and peers.

Exclusive Offer: Transport Ticketing North America in Chicago on June 24th and 25th is free to attend for transit operators, transit agencies, and government representatives. If you’re a vendor, be sure to listen for a special discount code just for our listeners.

Register now for Transport Ticketing North America

In this episode of Stop Requested, hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono sit down with Joel Rey, Director of Transit Services and Principal Associate at Benesch, to explore his 36-year journey in transit planning and consulting. Joel shares how a single university course sparked his passion for transit, leading to a career that has shaped mobility across Florida and beyond. From launching new transit systems from the ground up to navigating mergers and fostering a culture of mentorship, Joel offers candid insights into the challenges and triumphs of the industry.

The conversation unfolds as Joel reflects on the evolution of transit planning, describing how his early hands-on research experiences grew into leading large-scale projects. He recounts key lessons from implementing transformative transit services such as LakeXpress and the SunRunner BRT, highlighting the importance of balancing community aspirations with financial realities and the critical role of stakeholder education. The discussion then turns to the impact of emerging technologies like microtransit, autonomous vehicles, and AI, and how these innovations are poised to disrupt and enhance the future of public transportation. Joel also shares practical advice for young professionals entering the field, emphasizing the value of soft skills, mentorship, and perseverance, and underscores that meaningful impact in transit often takes time and a willingness to engage with a broad range of projects and people.

What happens when a childhood love for maps and city-building games grows into a career transforming public transit? In this episode of Stop Requested, hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono sit down with Jacob Labutka, Planning Manager at the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA). Jacob shares his journey from sketching imaginary cities as a kid to leading one of Florida’s most ambitious bus network redesigns.

Tune in as Jacob discusses the launch of PSTA’s Connected Community Bus Network, a comprehensive overhaul designed to make routes more direct, frequent, and accessible for all of Pinellas County. Learn how community engagement, data-driven planning, and a relentless passion for transit are fueling improvements like the SunRunner Bus Rapid Transit and PSTA’s pioneering work in fleet electrification. Jacob also reveals the keys to winning competitive grants and the inspiration that keeps him moving forward in the ever-evolving world of public transportation.

David Carr, Director of Zero Emissions Bus Programs at CapMetro, shares how Austin’s transit agency is driving toward a fully zero-emission fleet. Hear about the rollout of battery-electric buses, the groundbreaking solar-powered charging infrastructure, and the real-world challenges of electrifying public transit-from workforce training to integrating new technologies. Get an inside look at one of the nation’s most ambitious sustainable transit transformations and what it means for the future of Austin’s mobility.

Join hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono on Stop Requested as they unpack the biggest takeaways from the North Carolina Public Transportation Association conference. From expert insights on the shifting landscape of federal funding and policy to the latest innovations in training and technology, this episode dives deep into the challenges and opportunities facing transit agencies today. Christian shares firsthand experiences from the conference floor, highlighting the importance of advocacy, the impact of competitive and formula grants, and how agencies can prepare for the future as major infrastructure bills approach their sunset.