Transit Unplugged

The bus manufacturing crisis has been looming for years as more and more OEMs dropped out. But the final straw was when Proterra filed for bankruptcy protection and REV Group said it was closing its ENC facility to focus on the Canadian market. In the blink of an eye the U.S. was down to two major bus manufacturers: GILLIG and New Flyer. This put the entire public transit industry into crisis mode. Delivery times for new buses went from 12-18 months to 18-24 months--and longer.

How did we get this point?

It's not an easy answer, but a combination of contract terms, the pandemic, supply chain issues, and the transition to zero-emissions buses all factored in. But this week Paul dives into it with former FTA Administrator and Managing Partner at Cardinal Infrastructure Sherry Little, along with Jennifer McNeill (Vice President of Public Sector Sales and Marketing) and Stephanie Laubenstein (Director of Sales and Business Development) from New Flyer.

They talk about all the causes and how the industry came together to find real, tangible solutions that will help the OEM bus industry get back on its feet and come back stronger for the future.

Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged we have Philip Gerhardt head of Transport for London's Head Bus Performance to talk with Paul about optimizing the over 650 bus routes across London that serve millions of riders each day.

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 [email protected].

Follow us on social media: LinkedIn - Twitter - Threads- Instagram - Facebook

Sign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter

00:00 Resolving the Bus Manufacturing Crisis: Challenges, Changes, and the Path Ahead

00:05 Paul buying his first bus and an intro to the episode

03:09 Introduction and Guest Welcome

03:41 Current State of the Bus Manufacturing Industry

04:41 Challenges and Advocacy Efforts

06:59 Legislative and Policy Changes

11:09 Impact of the Pandemic on Bus Manufacturing

14:13 Recovery and Future Outlook

15:34 Customization and Standardization in Bus Manufacturing

25:45 Transition to Zero Emission Buses

31:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

34:48 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.

Join Paul Comfort as he takes you behind the scenes of Vienna's renowned public transit system, Wiener Linien. Discover the secrets behind the network, from seamless mobility chains to their innovative climate ticket. CEO Alexandra Reinagl shares insights on the city's strong commitment to public transport, decarbonizing the bus fleet, and the collaborative efforts in urban planning that make Vienna the world's most livable city. Enjoy a virtual tour of Vienna's transit infrastructure, cultural highlights, and future mobility visions in this captivating episode.

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 [email protected].

Follow us on social media: LinkedIn - Twitter - Threads- Instagram - Facebook

Sign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter

00:00 Welcome to Transit Unplugged

00:38 Exploring Vienna's Transit System

02:12 Interview with CEO Alexandra Reinagl

02:42 Vienna's Commitment to Public Transport

04:07 Innovative Mobility Solutions

04:43 Annual Pass and Climate Ticket

07:07 Construction and Communication Strategies

10:14 Wiener Linien's Organizational Structure

16:35 Decarbonizing the Bus Fleet

18:47 Vision for the Future of Mobility

20:48 Conclusion and Farewell

20:56 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.

Around the world agencies are switching to low or no carbon buses and with that change comes an even bigger challenge: infrastructure. Battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell, even CNG buses, all require new and different refueling/recharging systems, different maintenance set ups, and sometimes even completely different spaces.

This week you'll get to hear about a bus garage that is the first-of-its-kind in the U.S, a state-of-the-are facility designed to house, charge, and repair 100, 60 foot battery electric articulated buses. These buses will be a core part of a new 20 mile, all electric Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line in Miami.

Eulois Cleckley, CEO of Miami-Dade Dept. of Public Works and Transportation gives host Paul Comfort all the details why this facility is crucial for fast-growing Miami and then WSP SVP Angel Andre Chavarria tell us how they overcame huge challenges in planning and construction to make it possible and break ground.

Next week on the show we head to Austria to learn all about Vienna's amazing multi-modal transit system with Wiener Linien CEO Alexandra Rienagl.

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 [email protected].

Follow us on social media: LinkedIn - Twitter - Threads- Instagram - Facebook

Sign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter

0:00 Miami's First-in-the-Nation All-Electric Transit Operations Center with Eulois Cleckley and Angel Andre Chavarria

00:04 Introduction from host Paul Comfort

00:21 Miami Dade's New Transit Operations Center

00:51 Meet the Guests: Eulois Cleckley and Angel Andre Chavarria

02:19 Innovative Features of the New Facility

04:33 Groundbreaking Ceremony and Construction Details

08:04 Funding this massive and critical project

09:43 Challenging construction, innovative solutions

16:08 Additional Support and Community Benefits

18:43 Future of Miami's Public Transportation

22:28 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.

In this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort continues his Alaska adventure with Fairbanks, as part of his California and Alaska series. Paul starts with sharing his 12-hour train journey from Anchorage to Fairbanks through Denali National Park--which was nearly cancelled because of wildfires!

In Fairbanks, he chats with Fairbanks transit leaders Michelle Denton, Corey DiRutigliano, and Dey Johnson about the unique challenges of running a transit system in Fairbanks' extreme weather conditions.

Together with Paul, explore the history of Fairbanks, the impact of its discontinuous permafrost tundra on infrastructure, and the exciting new improvements with a brand-new transit facility. Tune in for a blend of history, adventure, and insights into making transit work in one of America's most fascinating and rugged landscapes.

Coming up next week we head to the opposite corner of the U.S. and Miami! We're going to highlight the new Miami-Dade electric bus depot with Eulois Cleckley and Angel Andre Chavarria and how this first-in-the-nation project is going to put Miami at the forefront of battery electric transit.

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 [email protected].

Follow us on social media: LinkedIn - Twitter - Threads- Instagram - Facebook

Sign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter

00:00 Fairbanks Transit: Harnessing Extreme Weather for Extreme Innovation

00:26 Journey Through Alaska: From Anchorage to Fairbanks

01:56 Exploring Fairbanks: History and Modern Day

06:14 Fairbanks' Unique Environment and Challenges

11:07 Fairbanks Transit System: Innovations and Operations

19:27 Future of Fairbanks Transit and Final Thoughts

21:48 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

Imagine running a transit system where moose crossing the road in town is just your average day. Where winters are long, dark and cold, but summer is hot and has 22 hours of daylight.

That's transit in Alaska.

In this first of two episodes from Alaska, Paul Comfort takes us to Anchorage. This week you'll hear from Jamie Acton, Executive Director of Public Transportation, and Bart Rudolph, Transit Planning & Communications Manager for the Municipality of Anchorage talking about the system and what it's like to be Alaskans.

Paul delves into what makes Anchorage's transit system unique, and the challenges they face with lowering emissions and alternative fuel sources. They also discuss Anchorage's active lifestyle, the U-Pass program for employers, and the communal spirit of Alaskans. Paul shares his reflections on the remarkable natural beauty and historic significance of Alaska, providing listeners with a gritty, on-the-scene experience.

Next week, we'll bring you part 2 from Fairbanks, the most Northern large city in the U.S., where the temperatures go from -60F in the winter to +95F in the summer.

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 [email protected].

Follow us on social media: LinkedIn - Twitter - Threads- Instagram - Facebook

Sign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter

0:00 Anchorage: Transit on the edge of the wilderness

00:05 Introduction to Transit Unplugged

01:24 Road Trip Series Overview

02:13 Personal Reflections on Alaska

03:37 History of Alaska: Seward's Folly

05:12 Anchorage Transit Insights

09:39 Challenges and Innovations in Anchorage Transit

13:06 Unique Aspects of Living in Alaska

18:02 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

18:53 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.

Get ready for a packed episode as we welcome Henry Li, CEO of the Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT), to the show. Henry takes us behind the scenes of SacRT, sharing insights into the major initiatives currently shaping the future of transit in the region like students ride free program and transit oriented development (TOD).

We'll dive into how transit-oriented development is transforming Sacramento, the innovative approaches SacRT is taking to ensure rider safety, and the challenges and successes they faced along the way.

Henry's impressive career in the transit industry brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion. From his start in Atlanta at MARTA to leading one of the nation's most dynamic transit systems, Henry's journey is nothing short of inspiring.

Coming up next week we start a two-part series from Paul's trip to Alaska. First up is Alaska's largest city, Anchorage, where you're never more than 15 minutes from wilderness and the transit system is built for outdoor adventure.

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 [email protected].

Follow us on social media: LinkedIn - Twitter - Threads- Instagram - Facebook

Sign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter

0:00 Inside Sacramento's transit system: TOD Initiatives and Safety Innovations with CEO Henry Li

00:13 Road Trip to Sacramento and Alaska

00:40 Sacramento Heatwave and SacRT Introduction

01:04 Interview with Henry Li: Challenges and Achievements

05:40 Innovative Safety and Security Measures

10:17 Systematic Project Management at SacRT

15:10 Transit Oriented Development Initiatives

17:55 Transition to Zero Emissions

19:52 Henry Li's Career Highlights and Community Impact

22:25 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.

Today, Paul Comfort, Transit Evangelist and SVP/Chief Customer Officer at Modaxo, and Davey Kim SVP/Principal, National Transportation Policy and Multimodal Strategy, at WSP USA, join METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman.

Topics include:

• Paul’s “The New Future of Public Transportation” book.
• The Federal Government’s Role in Funding Public Transit.
• Political Will to Replace Both the Federal and State Gas Taxes.
• Identifying Tomorrow’s Forward-Thinking Leaders.

Make sure you're signed up for the METRO Express newsletter, so you don't miss another METROspectives.

Original show notes from: https://www.metro-magazine.com/10224317/books-and-new-transit-funding-with-paul-comfort-and-davey-kim

Sign up for the METRO Express newsletter.

Follow and connect with METRO Magazine on social media!

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Prefer to listen? Check out the METROspectives podcast!

Subscribe to METROspectives on Apple Podcasts.

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In this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort interviews Dwight Ferrell, General Manager of SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) in Southeastern Michigan. Dwight shares lessons from his lengthy career in public transportation, from a bus operator in Dallas to leading multiple transit agencies across the U.S. The discussion covers SMART's innovative service for the NFL draft in Detroit, how to do the same thing for other events, addressing the changing face of ridership, and bus operator staffing challenges.

Dwight delves into lessons in leadership, the future of transit technology, and adapting services to meet the evolving needs of younger generations. The episode also highlights SMART's efforts to improve employee engagement and attract a diverse workforce. Which is already reaping rewards with the fewest number of operative vacancies in years.

Coming up next week, we have a feed drop from an appearance Paul made on another podcast. This time it's METRO Magazine's METRspectives hosted by Executive Editor Alex Roman. Paul is joined as a guest by Davey Kim, SVP/Principal, National Transportation Policy and Multimodal Strategy, at WSP USA. In this interview Alex, Paul, and Davey talk about several hot transit topics including federal funding for transit and weaning ourselves off gas taxes as we drive fewer and fewer fossil fuel vehicles.

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 [email protected].

Follow us on social media: LinkedIn - Twitter - Threads- Instagram - Facebook

Sign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter

0:00 Dwight Ferrell

00:05 Introduction and welcome to Transit Unplugged

01:32 NFL Draft and Shuttle Service

02:25 Challenges and Solutions in Transit

04:52 Technology and Future Plans

06:37 Generational Shifts and Public Transit

09:56 Leadership and Industry Insights

11:55 Employee Engagement and HR Initiatives

14:41 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

21:08 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.

Join Transit Unplugged host Paul Comfort as he dives into the critical issue of boosting post-pandemic transit ridership with Ron Kilcoyne. Ron is a seasoned transit professional with over 40 years in the industry, leading several transit agencies, and now a transit researcher and consultant.

Ron and Paul explore some innovative solutions to increase ridership, emphasizing a 'three-legged stool' of service design, marketing, and operations.

This conversation combines both practical advice and strategic insights into rebuilding public transportation systems to meet current and future demands. Ron dives into his research into understanding how service design and ridership intertwine and showing it's not always the urban agencies that take the ridership crown.

Don't miss Ron's expert analysis and actionable recommendations to help your agency thrive in the new era of transit.

Next week on the show we have GM of SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) outside of Detroit, Dwight Ferrell talking about supporting the NFL Draft with transit and some critical leadership advice for everyone looking to move up 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 [email protected].

Follow us on social media: LinkedIn - Twitter - Threads- Instagram - Facebook

Sign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter

00:05 Introduction to Transit Unplugged

00:15 Challenges in Post-Pandemic Ridership

01:54 Interview with Ron Kilcoyne

01:57 Ron Kilcoyne's Background and Experience

03:53 The Three-Legged Stool of Transit Ridership

04:44 Marketing and Operations in Transit

07:14 Improving Transit Service and Accessibility

12:48 Case Studies and Research Findings

16:34 Recommendations for Transit Agencies

22:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

22:26 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.

Make sure you visit and subscribe to Lunch with Leon for great transit insights every week.

https://audioboom.com/channels/5028700-lunch-with-leon

Below are the original show notes:

This week, Leon is joined by transport evangelist Paul Comfort and technology expert Simon Reed to discuss Paul’s latest book, The New Future of Public Transportation. Listen now for a deep dive into the hot topics in the transit industry as well as insights from the book featuring expertise from 30 transport leaders worldwide.

Passenger Transport: www.passengertransport.co.uk 

Transit Unplugged podcast: https://transitunplugged.com/