Transit Unplugged

In our final regular episode of Transit Unplugged for 2023 we have Paul Skoutelas, President & CEO of APTA, and Petra Mollet, VP of Strategic International Programs at APTA talking with Paul about the year that was in 2023 and what we should be looking forward to in 2024.

The boost in infrastructure funding was, of course, the big news of the year, but it's somewhat overshadowed by ongoing funding issues at many agencies across North America.

But it's not all bad, because Taylor Swift's Eras Tour introduced a whole new audience to transit this year. In city after city, the Eras Tour triggered massive transit use to get to the concerts.

Heading into 2024, everyone is optimistic that we're finally shaking off the focus on ridership numbers and moving towards what is the service we're offering, and are we serving everyone we should?

Before we completely close out the year, we have a very special episode. We've traded episodes with the Talking Headways podcast and bringing you a special episode on the philosophy of planning our cities to be more accessible and inclusive. Learn more at https://theoverheadwire.com/.

We kick off the New Year with Rep. Earl Blumeneaur talking about his over fifty years of public service and his life-long advocacy for better transit.

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

0:00 Year end wrap up with Paul Skoutelas and Petra Mollet

00:02 Introduction and Guest Overview

00:50 Reflecting on the Success of Transit Unplugged in 2023

03:00 Discussion with APTA Leaders: Reflecting on 2023 and Looking Ahead to 2024

03:52 Insights from Paul Skoutelas on APTA and Public Transit

05:47 Discussion on Public and Private Sector Collaboration

07:26 Challenges and Successes in Public Transit in 2023

15:06 International Perspectives on Public Transit

15:17 Insights from International Study Missions

19:50 Looking Ahead: Trends and Predictions for 2024

26:53 Closing Remarks

27:51 Coming up next on Transit Unplugged

Welcome to the penultimate episode of Transit Unplugged for 2023! This week we wrap our series recorded at the CUTA conference in Edmonton with an interview with Arthur Nicolet, CEO of Transdev Canada (https://www.transdev.ca/en/).

Paul and Arthur not only talk about contracting in Canada, but pairing with the episode featuring Transdev US CEO Laura Hendricks, talk about the role of contracting around the world. Contracting seems to naturally pair with public-private partnerships (P3s) and Arthur talks about the benefits for all sides when agencies and private contractors are free to find the best solution to solve the problem at hand, not the solution people initially thought would be the right one.

Paul and Arthur wrap the conversation with a look at ahead to 2024 and the role of AI in transit--one of our favorite topics here on Transit Unplugged.

Next week in the final episode of 2023, we have Paul Skoutelas and Petra Mollet of APTA looking back at the year and ahead to what's to come.

And we're going to have a special bonus episode coming out December 29th, so stay tuned for that.

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

00:00 Introduction to this episode by Paul Comfort

01:48 Introduction and Background of Transdev Canada

04:37 Understanding Public-Private Partnerships

09:58 The Role of Contractors in Public Transit

15:50 Future Trends in Public Transit

23:19 The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Public Transit

26:01 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

Will battery electric buses work in the northern-most large city in North America? This week on Transit Unplugged, we continue our series from the CUTA conference in Edmonton, AB. Edmonton has been leading the way in transit for 20 years. The first city in Canada to have LRT and now the first city to have a hydrogen fuel cell bus in active service. So what's next?

Deputy City Manager--and former head of the Edmonton Transit System--Eddie Robar talks about plans to make oil-rich Alberta the hydrogen capital of Canada. Then we get a tour of Canada's largest electric bus garage with current head of Edmonton Transit (https://www.edmonton.ca/edmonton-transit-system-ets), Carrie Hotton-MacDonald. Carrie takes Paul for a tour of the Kathleen Andrews bus garage with modern amenities for drivers and advanced charging for their battery electric fleet.

And if you liked this audio tour, you'll love Transit Unplugged TV this month featuring Edmonton! The episode premiers December 14.

Coming up next week, we have a special chat with Arthur Nicolet CEO of Transdev Canada to talk about contracting in Canada and what the biggest trends in transit are.

Speaking of transit trends, our final episode of the year airs December 27th featuring Paul Skoutelas, CEO of APTA and Petra Mollet VP of Strategy and International Programs at APTA looking back at transit in 2023 and ahead to what will shape transit in 2024.

We'll have a special bonus holiday episode we think you'll really enjoy from another transit podcast. Stay tuned for that!

Questions? Email: [email protected]

0:00 Is the great hydrogen pivot coming to transit in 2024?

00:00 Introduction to Edmonton's Transit Innovations

01:39 Edmonton's Transition to Alternate Fuels

02:38 Edmonton's Electrification Journey

05:24 Inside Edmonton's Hydrogen Powered Buses

09:11 Career Pathways in Public Transportation

11:33 ThinkTransit Registration is open!

13:05 Interview with Carrie Hotton-MacDonald, Head of Edmonton Transit

13:16 In the Kathleen Andrews Bus Garage

14:32 Dispatch area

14:56 Operator Lounge

15:24 In the garage--charging infrastructure

16:13 How buses are charged

17:28 Inside an electric bus

19:12 Dealing with the cold and scale of the garage

23:15 Edmonton's New LRT Line and Future Plans

25:18 Outside the bus garage

This week we have the first of three episodes recorded during the CUTA (Canadian Urban Transit Association) Annual Fall Conference. In this first episode, Paul first sits down with the President and CEO of CUTA, Marco D’Angelo talking about housing policy, and later with regular contributor Mike Bismeyer, talking about how Mike started his life-long kindness advocacy.

Paul and Marco talk about CUTA’s recent report on the housing affordability crisis in Canada https://cutaactu.ca/cuta-report-highlight-how-public-transit-can-help-tackle-canadas-housing-crisis/. Marco talks about some of the recommendations in the report, but more importantly, he advocates for evolving the role of transit in planning and housing to be more active and collaborative at all levels of government.

In the second half of the show, Mike Bismeyer and Paul talk about how Mike’s experience being bullied as a kid turned into his life-long advocacy for kindness and mentorship.

Next week on the show, we learn about Edmonton Transit’s new hydrogen-powered bus with Eddie Robar and Carrie Hotten MacDonald.

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

00:00 Introduction

01:28 Discussion on the CUTA Conference and Housing in Canada

04:07 Insights on the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA)

04:32 Exploring the Housing Affordability Crisis in Canada

08:29 Recommendations from the Housing Study

15:51 Interview with Mike Bismeyer on Kindness and Mentorship

21:21 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

This week we’re staying in Phoenix and picking up where we left off last week. Paul talks with current Valley Metro (https://www.valleymetro.org/) CEO Jessica Mefford-Miller about the light rail expansion, but more than that, Jessica talks about how Valley Metro keeps its cool in the scorching summer heat.

You would not believe the amount of air conditioning needed for each light rail train. Small hint, it’s more than a house or two.

While riding the LRT and streetcars Paul and Jessica talk about how Valley Metro is helping businesses deal with construction and how Artsline brings art to the community while taking transit.

As a special feature, Paul talks with Ryan Johnson, CEO of Culdesac, about this car-free planned community outside of Tempe—with its own light rail stop!

Valley Metro and Phoenix will be the stars of the show on Transit Unplugged TV in January. Make sure you subscribe on YouTube you so don’t miss this smokin’ hot episode. https://www.youtube.com/@transitunplugged

Next week on the show we have Marco D’Angelo President and CEO of CUTA (Canadian Urban Transit Association) and regular contributor Mike Bismeyer with interviews recorded at the recent CUTA conference held in Edmonton, AB.

Question or comment? Email us at [email protected].

0:00 Beating the heat at Valley Metro

01:26 Introduction to Valley Metro Light Rail

02:01 Addressing Construction Impact on Local Businesses

03:00 Exploring the Valley Metro System and its Expansion

04:15 Adapting to Post-Pandemic Ridership Patterns and Heat Challenges

11:57 Exploring Culdesac: A Car-Free Neighborhood

18:03 New LRT trains at Valley Metro and the growth of LRT

18:51 Artsline: community art across Valley Metro stops and stations

20:29 The Future of Valley Metro and Transit in Phoenix

22:22 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

Usually when people vote on ballot measures about transit, the transit agency and supporters want the measure to pass.

Not in Phoenix in 2019.

That ballot measure would have literally derailed bringing light rail--any rail--to Phoenix forever. Then Valley Metro CEO Scott Smith rallied support throughout Maricopa County and discovered there was overwhelming support for transit and light rail. So much support that the ballot measure was defeated by a landslide.

But we start this episode with a somber anniversary, 60 years ago today John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. In a special segment, Paul and our guest Scott Smith reflect on JFK's legacy and call to service.

In our feature interview, Paul Comfort talks with the former CEO of Valley Metro (https://www.valleymetro.org/) Scott Smith about that ballot measure, as well as his time as Mayor of Mesa, AZ, President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and his run for Governor of Arizona.

Paul and Scott talk about the massive investment in light rail in Phoenix and how it ties into the rest of the transit system run by Valley Metro. Scott gives his vision for what LRT means to communities and how rising costs hamper transit projects across North America.

Next week we stay in Phoenix with an interview with the current CEO of Valley Metro, Jessica Mefford-Miller to bring us up to speed on the LRT project and a unique car-free community outside Tempe, AZ.

We wrap this episode with Elea Carey and our editor Tris Hussey talking about practical tips for agencies facing tough ballot measures in the future.

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

00:00 Introduction from host and producer Paul Comfort

00:54 Remembering JFK and the Call to Public Service

01:24 Reflecting on the legacy of John F. Kennedy and the call to public service

05:19 Interview with Scott Smith, former CEO of Valley Metro in Phoenix, AZ

05:19 Scott Smith's Journey into Public Service

08:37 The Challenges and Triumphs of Building Light Rail in Phoenix

13:34 The Referendum Battle and the Future of Light Rail

22:05 Reflections on the Transit Industry and Future Perspectives

26:02 Marketing minute with Elea Carey and Transit Unplugged Editor, Tris Hussey

30:42 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

In this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort interviews Adam Hill, Editor in Chief of ITS International Magazine. They discuss the challenges and prospects of high-speed rail in England and the US, including the various political and logistical issues. Adam explains London's new Ultra Low Emission Zone, designed to encourage public transit use and discusses the struggles with its introduction. They explore how public transit can be made popular, touching on how to capture public interest and cater to convenience for the users. Paul and Adam wrap up the episode discussing the impacts of congestion charging and low emissions zones in encouraging public transit use.

In Mike's Minute, Mike Bismeyer reports from the CUTA Meeting in Edmonton about the Youth Leadership Summit and his work mentoring future transit leaders.

Coming up next week we have Scott Smith, former CEO of Valley Metro reflecting on transit and leadership.

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

00:00 Introduction and Introducing Adam Hill

01:21 Adam Hill's Background and Role at ITS International Magazine

02:38 Challenges and Developments in High Speed Rail

17:03 Exploring the Impact of ULEZ in London

21:37 Political Implications of ULEZ and Public Transit

26:21 Mike's Minute with Mike Bismeyer

28:04 Coming up next week on the show

This week, we give you Part 2 of our special CEO roundtable recorded live at APTA TRANSform Conference and EXPO. The conversation picks up with host and producer Paul Comfort asking the panel what are the big projects they have going on. From Dave Dech's trash clearing to Coree Cuff Lonergan's just culture, each CEO highlights an essential aspect of public transit today.

The discussion continues with each CEO talking about the biggest trends facing the industry, including payments, apps, transit-oriented development, and providing a better experience for customers.

Make sure you listen to the whole episode with Dave Dech from TriRail, Coree Cuff Lonergan from Broward County Transit, Dottie Watkins from CapMetro in Austin, Tiffany Homler Hawkins from LYNX in Orlando, and Frank White from KCATA in Kansas City.

After the CEO Roundtable, Elea Carey has some concrete tips for connecting with employees to help towards what Coree would call a "just culture".

We're not done with Orlando yet! This week on Transit Unplugged TV we're featuring Orlando, LYNX, and Brightline Trains! Make sure you check us out on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@transitunplugged

Here is a direct link to the Orlando episode now out https://youtu.be/0E0rtccMjCw?si=wEN85Gn3L9g892Qw

Next week on the show we have Adam Hill, Editor-in-Chief of ITS International Magazine https://www.itsinternational.com/, talking with Paul about high speed rail and the complexities of lowering emissions from passenger vehicles.

If you have a question or comment email [email protected]

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo, Passionate About Moving the World's People.

00:00 Introduction and Transition to Projects

01:06 Dave's Project: Cleaning Up the Tracks

02:48 Dottie's Project: New Station Construction

06:24 Tiffany's Project: Contactless Fare Payment

08:50 Frank's Project: Transit-Oriented Developments

11:18 Coree's Project: Creating a Just Culture

14:15 Future Technology in Transit

22:27 Best Things Happening at Agencies

28:40 Marketing Minute with Elea Carey

28:40 What's coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

Welcome to our 6th anniversary and the start of season 7 of Transit Unplugged. Host Paul Comfort has a special opening reflecting on the past 270+ episodes so far and what lies ahead down the road. In our interview this week, we have Randy Clarke, GM and CEO of WMATA (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority) https://www.wmata.com/, chatting with Paul from his new LEED Platinum office building.

In his first year as CEO, Randy has:

• fixed safety issues with his trains
• improved frequency
• increased ridership
• reduced fare evasion
• worked to reduce crime on the system
• and begun an ambitious project to update the Metro bus routes

By any accounts, a successful first year on the job, but...

But WMATA faces a looming budget shortfall larger than many agencies' entire budget. Learn how he's approaching the crisis and what he's doing to protect service levels and his people.

After the interview, regular contributor Mike Bismeyer reflects on Randy's leadership and everything else he does across the transit industry.

Coming up next week we have part 2 of our special new CEO roundtable recorded live at APTA TRANSform Conference and EXPO. In part two you'll hear about the projects they have on the go, what new technologies they have their eyes on, and what they want to celebrate at their agency.

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

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo, Passionate About Moving the World's People.

Randy Clarke Has Boosted WMATA, But a Budget Crisis Looms

00:00 Introduction and Reflection on the Sixth Anniversary of the Transit Unplugged Podcast

01:09 Interview with Randy Clarke, GM of WMATA: Leading a Major Transit Agency and Facing Looming Challenges

02:07 Randy Clarke's Journey as CEO of WMATA

03:04 Challenges and Achievements at WMATA

05:58 Addressing the Fiscal Crisis in WMATA

10:09 Dealing with the Fiscal Cliff, Funding, and Budgets

17:09 Fighting Fare Evasion and Supporting Low Income Riders

19:21 Delivering a Bus Route Optimization Project in Only a Year

21:35 Efforts to Curb Crime in the Transit System

25:48 What Randy Enjoys Most About His Job

30:16 Mike's Minute with Mike Bismeyer: Reflection on Leadership and Mentorship

32:12 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

What's it like being the CEO of a transit agency? Paul Comfort asked a panel of five CEOs who've been on the job for about a year what it's been like, what's surprised them the most, and why they love working in transit.

Listen to this lively and engaging panel featuring Coree Cuff Lonergan, GM of Broward County Transit, Dave Dech, Executive Dir of Tri-Rail, Dottie Watkins, CEO of CapMetro, Frank White III, CEO of KCATA, and Tiffany Homler Hawkins, CEO of LYNX where they candidly share their experiences, surprises, and insights about leading a transit agency.

They discuss how their work impacts the lives of their customers and what it means to them personally. They touch on all the things CEOs have to think about, plus some things you might not have thought about. It's a fascinating roundtable that showcases the passion and dedication of these transit leaders.

Also on the show in Elea Carey's Marketing Minute, Elea gives you practical tips for improving internal communications at your agency.

Next week is our sixth anniversary and the start of season seven! We kick off season 7 episode 1 (and our 278th episode) with Randy Clarke, CEO of WMATA. Randy talks about his first year on the job, what's gone well, what hasn't, and what a looming fiscal cliff means for his agency, his people, and riders.

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

00:00 APTA CEO Roundtable Stories from New CEOs

00:00 Making an impact on people's lives

00:45 About this episode from your host Paul Comfort

01:33 Discussion with five new Transit CEOs recorded live at APTA TRANSform Conference and EXPO

32:41 Marketing Minute with Elea Carey

35:05 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

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Season 6 : Episode 52

Links for this show:

• American Public Transportation Association
• Tri Rail | South Florida Regional Transportation Authority
• LYNX Public Transportation in Orange, Seminole & Osceola
• CapMetro – Austin Public Transit
• Broward County Transit
• Kansas City Regional Transit RideKC

Copyright: Modaxo 2025