Transit Unplugged

In a Transit Unplugged exclusive, Paul talks with Veronica Vanterpool, Acting Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) about the inner workings of the FTA, how the Regional Administrators help set priorities and connect agencies with funding, the transformative developments in public transportation over the past four years, and Veronica’s vision for transit in 2025.

In the U.S., the FTA is responsible for large-scale oversight, rule-making, and, most importantly, funding for transit agencies across the country. The historic $15.5 billion in funding for transit has helped jumpstart and complete projects across the U.S., but as the Trump Administration enters the White House, what will happen with future funding tranches, especially for low-no emissions programs?

Find out this week on Transit Unplugged.

Next week on the show we have Ned Freeman, CEO of UZURV, talking about how his company is changing lives, one ride at a time.

00:00 Introduction to the show and Veronica Vanterpool

01:03 Introduction and Welcome

01:14 Challenges and Achievements in Public Transportation

02:08 Role of Public Transportation in Crisis

04:09 Federal Transit Administration's Mission and Structure

06:00 Funding and Support for Transit Projects

07:42 Congestion Pricing and Capital Investments

11:03 Accessibility and Inclusivity in Public Transit

13:36 Low and No Emission Grants

15:40 Support for Tribal and Rural Transit

19:08 Structure and Role of the FTA

25:15 Veronica Vanterpool's Background and Career

29:04 Conclusion and Future Outlook

31:18 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected].

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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.

This week we are proud and excited to share an interview with a true public transit legend: Howard Collins, OBE. Howard's remarkable 47 year career has taken him from London's Tube and Sydney's trains to leading transit for the state of New South Wales in Australia. Howard sat down with Paul to talk and reflect on not just where transit has been, but where it's going with workforce development, funding, and making transit just better for everyone.

This is a don't-miss interview you can draw insight and inspiration from no matter where in the world you are.

Speaking of don't-miss interviews, next week we have Acting FTA Administrator Veronica Vanterpool talking with Paul about the changes in transit over the past four years and what the future could hold in the years ahead. Make sure you subscribe or follow Transit Unplugged wherever you listen so you don't miss an episode.

00:05 Welcome to Transit Unplugged and introducing our guest, Howard Collins OBE

00:45 Howard Collins' Career Journey

01:54 Current Role and Responsibilities

03:53 Innovations and Workforce Diversity

06:53 Public Transport Challenges and Solutions

10:30 Future of Transport in Australia

14:55 Career Advice for Mid-Level Managers

17:50 Advice for Senior Leaders and CEOs

19:57 Local Manufacturing and Future Projects

22:36 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected].

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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.

In this special New Year's Eve episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul is joined by transportation expert and futurist Rudy Salo to discuss what's going to shape the entire transportation sector in 2025. From robotaxis and EVs to autonomous vehicles, Rudy shares his thoughts on transportation in Los Angeles even before the Olympics start. Rudy also explains how a little-known facet of municipal bonds could threaten transit projects across the U.S.

We kick off 2025 with the second of Paul's episodes from Australia and a true transportation legend Howard Collins, OBE. Howard talks with Paul about everything he's learned in his 47 year career, the things he's most excited about now, and what Australia needs to do to boost transit use.

More about Rudy...

• The Commute: https://thecommute.substack.com/
• Forbes.com: https://www.forbes.com/sites/rudysalo/
• Good Is In The Details Podcast:  https://open.spotify.com/show/01sSTIkORzkvRLW3DW6lZJ?si=cc0325a14fd74acd

The views expressed in this podcast are personal opinions and do not represent the views or policies of Nixon Peabody LLP. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice.

00:00 Welcome to the New Year's Eve Special

00:23 Exciting Future of Transportation in 2025

01:10 Robo Taxis and Electric Vehicles

02:45 LA Metro and Olympic Preparations

05:11 Challenges and Innovations in LA Transit

11:27 Autonomous Vehicles and Public Transit

16:33 The Importance of Municipal Bonds

21:13 Entertainment and Transportation

27:27 The Future of Public Transit: Fueling, Funding, and Faring

36:34 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected].

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.

We're turning the tables on host Paul Comfort this week with guest host and Transit Unplugged Executive Producer Julie Gates interviewing Paul on the best of 2024 from Transit Unplugged, what to watch for in 2025, and what they are thankful for. This is also our first video podcast on the podcast! You can watch the video version on YouTube and Spotify, and listen to the audio version everywhere else (the audio-only version will also be on YouTube). Let us know what you think of this new format in the comments on YouTube and Spotify.

We're going to close out 2024 on New Year's Eve with transit futurist Rudy Salo giving Paul his thoughts on the big trends that will influence transit next year and beyond.

00:00 Introduction to Transit Unplugged from Paul Comfort

00:15 Julie Gates Interviews Paul Comfort

01:06 Lessons from Running for Public Office

02:46 Highlights of 2024

06:18 Insights from Washington, D.C.

11:53 The Three Fs of Transit

14:13 End of Year Reflections and Gratitude

18:13 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected].

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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.

We're kicking off the first of five podcast episodes from Paul's 10-day trip to Australia. First up, we have John Storms of Transit Systems Victoria and Mark Peters of Transit Systems Australia giving us an overview of transit in Australia and their plans for the future. Much like North America, Australia has cities surrounded by sprawling, low-density suburbs that are challenging for any public transit system to serve. In their separate interviews with Paul, John and Mark talk frankly about these challenges and what needs to be done to address them.

Coming up next week we have the first of two holiday specials on Transit Unplugged. First, we're turning the tables on Paul with our own award-winning radio journalist, Julie Gates, interviewing him for a change. Paul talks about the highlights from 2024 and what's ahead for 2025. Because Christmas falls on a Wednesday this year, we're releasing the episode a day early on Tuesday (Christmas Eve). We'll do the same the following week, with an episode coming out on New Year's Eve instead of New Year's Day.

00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Australian Trip

00:20 Exploring Melbourne and Hobart

00:38 Brisbane and Upcoming Podcasts

02:50 Interview with John Storms

02:58 Focus on People and Accessibility Initiatives

06:58 Hydrogen and Electric Bus Innovations

08:11 John Storms' Background and Melbourne's Growth

11:05 Interview with Mark Peters: Transit Trends and Zero Emissions

11:16 Interview with Mark Peters

19:01 Technology and Innovation in Transit

20:39 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected].

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.

Sometimes the difference between winning and losing is your bench. The people you can call on to step up and win the game, finish the project, or get it done when your usual players can't. That's a strong bench. People you know who can step into the shoes of current leaders and be the next ones.

By 2030 all baby boomers will be 65 or older and preparing to retire. So who is going to replace them? According to this week's guest, Matt Booterbaugh, CEO of RATP Dev USA, we don't have a strong bench to step in when current leaders step down, and Matt has some ideas how to fix it.

Paul and Matt also talk about the general state of transit, funding challenges, progress towards zero emission buses, and Matt's thoughts on coming from outside transit.

Next week on the show, we have the first in a series of interviews from Paul's 10-day tour of Australia. First up, we have John Storms, Managing Director at Transit Systems in the State of Victoria, and Mark Peters, Executive General Manager, E Mobility and Fleet Innovation at Transit Systems for all of Australia. They'll be talking about transit in Australia overall, their strides in expanding their workforce, accessibility, and the transition to zero emissions buses.

Don't forget, our year end wrap up shows are coming up! First, on Christmas Eve, we have Paul and Transit Unplugged News Minute's Julie Gates, with a look back and a look ahead in transit. And then, on New Year's Eve, we have Rudy Salo, transit futurist and attorney talking with Paul about the year ahead and beyond for transit and mobility.

00:05 Introduction from host, Paul Comfort

01:21 Interview with Matt Booterbaugh, CEO of RATP Dev USA

01:33 Current Trends in Public Transportation

02:58 Global Experience and Local Impact

03:23 Company Background and Growth

05:07 Matt's Personal Journey

07:18 Public vs. Private Sector Jobs

09:02 Industry Challenges and Future Outlook

12:44 Leadership in Transit

16:05 New Year's Resolutions

16:58 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected].

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.

In this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort sits down with Ben Limmer, Chief of Public Transportation for the Connecticut Department of Transportation. They talk about what it takes to run a massive statewide transit agency with a billion-dollar budget that is a critical part of the Northeast Corridor from Boston to Washington D.C. Paul and Ben talk about Ben's career journey--like many of us, he fell into transit accidentally--and how several important mentors shaped his career. Ben talks about Connecticut's major transportation projects, including investments in infrastructure, electrification programs, and bus network revamps.

Ben and Paul wrap the conversation with a discussion about what's going to be important to transit in the next few years. Tune in for this insightful chat about the present and future of transit in Connecticut.

Coming up next week on the show we have Matt Booterbaugh, CEO of transit contractor RAPT Dev USA. Talking about the role of contracting in transit and his secret to fill the bench with future transit leaders.

00:00 Introduction from host Paul Comfort

00:17 Meet Ben Limmer: Chief of Public Transportation

02:13 Big Projects and Responsibilities at CTDOT

06:38 Career Journey and Mentorship

14:56 Referendums and Public Support

16:35 Future of Public Transportation

18:52 Conclusion and Future Plans

19:15 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected].

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.

Paratransit is the most expensive mode transit agencies in North America provide, so finding ways to save money and better serve the community is paramount. One way to do that is offer a bare-bones, only-what's-mandated service; which saves money, but underserves a vulnerable population. The other way is to get smart, to get innovative.

And that's exactly what Eileen Collins Turvey of Portland's TriMet did, and it paid off because she won the 2024 APTA Innovation Award for her pilot program giving paratransit customers Instacart Plus memberships.

It costs about $150 round trip for someone to use paratransit to go to the store. And they have to book ahead of time and can only bring two bags back from the store. But what if people could just have their groceries delivered instead? In her pilot, Eileen gave $10/mo Instacart Plus memberships to paratransit customers to let them buy groceries and have them delivered whenever they need from over 55 stores.

How's it working?

TriMet is saving $1500 per month per person and if the program is expanded to just half of their paratransit customers they could save $9 million per year.

In her conversation with host Paul Comfort, Eileen also talks about her personal connection to paratransit and her vision for what paratransit could and should be. Tune in for this awesome interview with a true trailblazer.

And if you'd like to learn more about it, Eileen provided us with a link to all her information and materials about the program. (text link: https://nextcloud.trimet.org/index.php/s/nyTqwgzefiGbNTB)

Coming up next week we head to Connecticut and hear from Ben Limmer, Chief of Public Transportation at Connecticut Department of Transportation and learn about their revitalization programs.

00:00 Introduction

00:59 Our guest: Eileen Collins Turvey

02:35 Winning the APTA Innovation Award

04:39 The Instacart Program: Concept and Implementation

05:59 Challenges and Solutions

10:47 Program Impact and Future Prospects

13:18 The Broader Vision for Paratransit

18:26 Final Thoughts

19:44 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected].

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.

This episode of Transit Unplugged, brought to you in conjunction with the South West Transit Association (SWTA), tackles a big question after the U.S. election: what does it mean for transit? Rich Sampson, Executive Director of SWTA, and Becca Green, their Legislative Committee Chair and Chief Communications Officer at Rock Region METRO, provide a comprehensive legislative update for listeners. Key topics discussed include:

• transit's success at the ballot box
• the reauthorization of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (IIJA)
• expected future federal transit funding
• regulatory relief efforts

Rich and Becca give practical strategies for effective advocacy with elected leaders, especially in light of new administration and Congressional dynamics. They emphasize building strong relationships with elected officials and underscore transit as a non-partisan issue benefiting all constituents.

Coming up next week we'll have Eileen Collins Turvey talking about her innovative programs in Portland, OR that could save millions of dollars and help people lead healthier lives.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:25 Legislative Update Overview

03:07 Transit Ballot Initiatives Success

06:05 Federal Transit Funding and Appropriations

13:25 Regulatory Relief and Workforce Development

18:00 Vehicle Supply and Cost Issues

28:49 Advocacy and Relationship Building

36:08 Q&A Session

49:02 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected].

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.

For people to want to ride transit, they need to feel safe. And feeling safe is more than just physical safety, it's a perception. A perception based on cleanliness, vandalism, anti-social behaviors, loitering, open drug use, fare jumping; things that create a feeling of disorder on top of actual physical safety.

This was a huge problem in LA overall, so they decided to do something about it.

On this episode Paul talks with Stephen Tu, the Deputy Executive Officer for Station Experience at LA Metro on how they did it first at one station and are now expanding the changes system-wide. Some of the programs they talk about are:

Tap-to-exit program on fare gates

Open elevator doors

Smart restrooms,

Ambient noise in parking garages and classical music in stations

Stephen talks about the results and the tremendous difference these efforts have made. The pilot tests were so successful that Stephen is in the process of rolling these tactics across the entire LA Metro subway system. But these tactics are only one side of the issue, Stephen also talks about LA Metro is helping people with reduced fares, community support workers, and other tangible things to address the root causes of these anti-social behaviors.

All within the context of planning for the 2028 Olympic Games.

Coming up next week we have a special episode brought to by the South West Transit Association (SWTA). We'll bring you the recording from their post-election update and discussion with members broadcast and recorded on November 12.

00:00 Creating a better experience at LA Metro Stations

00:05 Introduction and background

01:59 Welcome Stephen Tu

02:33 Overview of the Station Experience Program

03:48 Addressing Societal Challenges and Safety

05:33 Success Stories and Program Expansion

06:35 Innovative Fare Collection: Tap to Exit

10:39 Open Elevator Doors Initiative

13:21 Smart Restrooms for Riders

17:05 Music and Ambient Noise for Better Experience

21:04 Conclusion and Future Outlook

23:05 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected].

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.