Transit Unplugged

Join Paul for a very special Transit Unplugged episode. This look back at 2022 and ahead to 2023 features four amazing transportation leaders:

• Mohamed Mezghani, Secretary General, UITP
• Jeremy Yap, Deputy Chief Executive, LTA, Vice President, UITP Executive Board
• Julie Timm, CEO, Sound Transit
• Rod Jones, Portfolio Leader, Head of Americas, Modaxo

In this wide-ranging, three-part conversation, you'll hear what each of these leaders thinks about the current state and future of transportation around the world. A few topics they cover are:

• Attracting new riders
• Public transport and climate change
• Technology innovations in 2023
• Hardening infrastructure for extreme weather
• Investing in the right solutions for entire communities
• Looking at righting past development wrong to create a more equitable--and welcoming--transit system.

Finally, Paul and Rod Jones talk about Modaxo, its role in global transportation, and what 2023 is looking like for the company.

This is a must-listen and inspiring episode sure to set the scene for a great 2023.

Next week on Transit Unplugged we have Jim Derwinski, CEO of Metra Commuter Rail on the show talking about Chicago's changing commuter landscape.

If you have a question, comment, or want to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected].

Enriched by Vizzy

(00:00) Introduction (02:29) Part 1: Interview with Mohamed Mezghani, Jeremy Yap, and Rod Jones (33:09) Part 2: Interview with Julie Timm with Rod Jones and Paul Comfort (52:00) Part 3: Conversation about Modaxo with Rod Jones

Chapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

This week we bring you something a little different. Usually, when we talk about rail we're talking about commuters or inter-city rail, but in this episode, we're talking about rail tourism. Dave McKenna, CEO of the Rocky Mountaineer talks with Paul about delivering an unparalleled rail experience traveling through some of the most amazing scenery in North America. With routes in British Columbia, Alberta, and now Colorado-Utah, the Rocky Mountaineer, traveling at "the speed of Kodak" lets people unwind watching scenery go by combined with world-class food and accommodations.

Dave and Paul talk about the logistics of offering rail excursions, going above and beyond with hospitality, and how he doesn't settle for "good enough" in keeping the Rocky Mountaineer safe. 

This focus on the customer, sometimes offering things before a passenger even knows they need it, could be an example for commuter rail in North America bringing a customer-centric approach to commuting.

Next week we have an especially amazing episode to close out the year. Join Paul in conversation with:

• Mohamed Mezghani, Secretary General, UITP
• Jeremy Yap, Deputy Chief Executive, LTA, Vice President, UITP Executive Board
• Julie Timm, CEO, Sound Transit
• Rod Jones, Portfolio Leader, Head of Americas, Modaxo

This special hour-long episode is not to be missed! This look back at 2022 and ahead 2023 with some of transportation's most important thought leaders will inspire you as we head into 2023.

From everyone at Transit Unplugged and Modaxo, we wish all of our listeners Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.

If you have a question, comment, or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected].

We're winding down the year with another trip across the pond to London. Paul talks with Mike Bagshaw, COO MTR UK, about running the Elizabeth Line (and completing all the remaining connections), the technology needed to run it on time, and how MTR uses property development to fund transit operations in cities like Hong Kong. Mike talks about how MTR UK used digital twin tech to test, refine, and configure the Elizabeth Line schedules to be reliable even when things don't always go to plan.

Also this week:

Paul covers some of the latest transit news including Washington DC going fare-free and two high-profile retirements

Elea Carey talks about how to communicate service changes

Mike Bismeyer talks about being thankful this season and showing gratitude.

Next week we have Dave McKenna, CEO of the Rocky Mountaineer, on the show talking about rail tourism.

If you have a question or would like to be on the show, email [email protected]

We wrap up our Mass Transit Magazine 40 Under 40 series with interviews with three more amazing transit leaders:

• Carlos Cruz-Casas, Chief Innovation Officer, Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works
• Roman Steichen, Director of Transit Services, Frederick County, MD
• Sophia Maletz Franklyn, Director of Fare Revenue & Administrative Services, TriMet

In conversation with Paul and Mischa Wanek-Libman, Editor in Chief of Mass Transit Magazine we learn how each of them apply their leadership skills, ingenuity, and vision for public transit to solving challenges and innovating at their agencies. This week there is a strong focus on innovation and creating systems that help everyone have a better, a more dignified experience, as Roman put it, taking transit. From new seamless payment solutions at TriMet, steering the agency through the COVID-19 pandemic in Maryland, or connecting city and county transportation systems in Miami-Dade, each of these leaders tell us their stories and demonstrate why they are part of this prestigious group of transit leaders.

Next week we head over to the UK where Paul interviewed Mike Bagshaw, COO of MTR UK about rail and rail travel.

Don't forget to sign up for the Transit Unplugged newsletter and if you have a question email us at [email protected]

This week we have the first of two special Mass Transit 40 Under 40 shows. This week Paul Comfort and Mischa Wanek-Libman, Editor in Chief of Mass Transit Magazine talk with two of the honorees: Kayleigh Cleek, Transit Planning Manager, Greenville Transit Authority, and Sapna Shah, Superintendent, NY MTA talk about their careers, what they do at their agencies, and their visions for the future of transit.

These are two extraordinary women who are already making their mark on the transit world. And next week we continue the series with Carlos Cruz-Casas, Chief Innovation Officer, Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works, Roman Steichen, Director of Transit Services, Frederick County, and Sophia Maletz Franklyn, Director of Fare Revenue & Administrative Services at TriMet talking with Paul and Mischa.

Also on the show we have:

Transit infrastructure news

Elea Carey's Messaging Minute

Mike's Minute with Mike Bismeyer.

Don't forget to sign up for the email newsletter so you're always in the loop. If you have a question, comment, or want to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected]

This week we head out east to Halifax, Nova Scotia and hear from Dave Reage, Executive Director of Halifax Transit about his uniquely Canadian transit system. In conversation with Paul, Dave talks about the balance of being a center of government, the Atlantic home of the Canadian Navy, serving rural communities, and running a commuter ferry service across Halifax Harbor. As a trivia note, Halifax and Vancouver are the only transit systems in Canada that integrate ferries into the transit system.

Dave has spent 15 years working at Halifax Transit and is overseeing its transition to zero emission transit as part of the HalifACT climate action plan. Halifax Transit is looking at both battery electric and hydrogen to power its buses so he can make sure his system is disaster ready.

Next week on Transit Unplugged we have the first of two shows with recipients of Mass Transit's 40 Under 40 awards and Mass Transit Editor-in-Chief Mischa Wanak-Libman.

If you have a question, comment, or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected]. And don't forget to sign up for the newsletter to stay in the loop with everything going on with the show.

Welcome to part two of Paul's interview with Jarrett Walker of Jarret Walker & Associates. In this part of the interview, Paul and Jarrett talk about two of the hottest topics in public transport: equity and the demise of rush hour.

Jarrett discusses the tension and balance between focusing on ridership versus coverage when looking at transit equality. As he talked about in part one, too far to one side or another leads to very different transit systems. He gives an example from his homebase of Portland, OR where there is a proposal to cut routes from some areas of the city to give disadvantaged areas of the city better coverage. Listen to his perspective on the topic.

Then Jarrett goes into how if agencies are freed from needing to offer peak rush hour service--which is both inefficient and expensive--they can use those funds to offer better all-day coverage for routes in the system. This is something we've heard a lot about before, but Jarrett brings in the perspective of riders who think it's great to have rapid rush hour service, not realizing it's a cost to the whole system.

You can also read more about Jarrett's work and check out his book at HumanTransit.org.

Also on this week's show:

In transit news of the week, Paul talks about the successful ballot measures in the U.S. that will support better transit in many cities and states.

Elea Carey--while fighting a cold--talks about how to make sure health and safety messaging gets across to your riders. Feel better Elea!

Mike Bismeyer talks about World Kindness day

Paul wraps up the show talking about the Intelligent Transport conference he attended in London, CoMotion in LA this week, and a few of the people who will be on upcoming shows and Transit Unplugged TV.

Next week we have Dave Reage of Halifax Transit on the show and back to our usual programming. Until our end of the year specials, of course.

If you have a question, comment, or want to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected].

Show notes timeline. Enriched by Vizzy

(00:00) Introduction and Transit News Transit news of the week. 80% of transit ballot measures passed in U.S. elections this week. Showing continued support for transit! (08:02) Interview with Jarrett Walker, Part 2 The interview with Jarrett Walker continues with discussions on equity and rush hour service https://vzyfm.co/3EAoUkl (18:52) Watch Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube! Part 2 of Paul's visit to Denver with a special chat with Phil Washington, CEO of the Denver Airport. https://vzyfm.co/3g6dtY8 (19:38) Messaging Minute with Elea Carey Elea has a cold, so she's thinking about how to keep health messages fresh for riders. https://vzyfm.co/3EhVMyh (21:23) Mike's Minute with Mike Bismeyer It was World Kindness Day this past Sunday. What did you do to be kind in the world? https://vzyfm.co/3tAj8Zy (23:00) Future of Public Transit Paul wraps things up with where he'll be speaking over the next several months.

Chapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

We continue our special kick-off to Season 6 with a special two-part Transit Unplugged News and Views with Jarrett Walker of Jarrett Walker & Associates talking about what it takes to rebuild and replan a transit network. Jarrett and his team are the minds behind the Houston Model transit system. The Houston Model brought focus on providing fast, efficient, frequent service with minimal transfers and away from ridership as the main driver, or indicator, of success. In part one we set the stage for why Houston needed this major change and the results. In part 2, Paul and Jarrett talk about the "why" of transit in the post-pandemic era. Make sure you tune into both parts of this great interview!

Also in this episode:

Paul gives you the transit news of the week including big changes at MBTA

Elea Carey talks about when, and how, to talk to the media

Mike Bismeyer reflects on APTATRANSform and CUTA conferences

Paul wraps the show with an excerpt from his latest book and an update where he'll be speaking over the next couple months.

Don't forget to subscribe to the newsletter on TransitUnplugged.com and if you have a question or comment you can email us at [email protected].

Enriched by Vizzy

(00:00) Transit News of the Week (07:09) Interview with Jarrett Walker Learn more about Jarrett and his work on his website. Including his book Human Transit https://vzyfm.co/3DPiE6z (21:59) Watch Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube Watch Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube! This week is part 2 of our two-part show from Denver, CO https://vzyfm.co/3NMmF0k (22:45) Elea Carey Marketing Minute Elea Carey is a marketing consultant who works with transit agencies. This week she talks about when to talk with the media. https://vzyfm.co/3EhVMyh (24:19) Mike's Minute with Mike Bismeyer Mike's Minute on leadership and mentorship. This week Mike talks about attending the recent APTA and CUTA conferences. https://vzyfm.co/3Eh06Oj (25:55) Future of Transit Paul talks about his upcoming speaking appearances and reads an excerpt from his book. https://vzyfm.co/3EfUsMd (29:19) Closing and next week Next week we continue with part 2 of Paul's interview with Jarrett Walker. Don't forget to visit TransitUnplugged.com and sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://vzyfm.co/3EbUSmJ

Chapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

Welcome to a very special episode of Transit Unplugged In-Depth! This episode marks our fifth anniversary, the start of Season 6, and it also happens to be our 225th show! To celebrate these milestones we have an interview with Rich Davey, President New York City Transit, NY MTA as our guest.

Paul interviewed Rich live from the APTATRANSform show in the Vontas booth in October after Paul's very successful book signing event.

Rich and Paul dive into what it's like to run North America's largest public transit system. From post-pandemic changes to faring, to how Rich plans to make the entire MTA system better for everyone. Rich's plans for more accessible subway stations and restructuring bus routes across the city are just two ways Rich plans to keep the Big Apple moving all day, every day.

Next week on Transit Unplugged News and Views we have part one of a special two-part series with transit consultant and planner Jarrett Walker. Paul and Jarrett start off talking about how public transit is changing and the Houston model Jarrett championed before the pandemic. In part two Paul and Jarrett talk about the new role and future of public transit in the post-pandemic era.

We hope you join us and enjoy this special three-episode celebration of Season 6 of Transit Unplugged.

If you have a question, comment, or want to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected].

With decades of transportation experience in Virginia, Jennifer DeBruhl knows the value of connecting people with reliable transit. From successful rural microtransit projects to Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) to invigorated North-South and East-West rail connections, Jennifer is creating the infrastructure for growth in the Commonwealth.

In this week's Transit Unplugged In-Depth, Paul talks with Jennifer about her career journey, her plans across the state to connect Virginia to neighboring regions, and breaking records for passenger rail in the state. Jennifer also gives Paul an update on innovations in rural microtransit--so successful she's looking at expanding to other parts of Virginia--and her Transportation Navigator GTFS system for the entire state.

Next week is a very special episode of Transit Unplugged! Next week we kick off Season 6--and the fifth anniversary and the 225th episode--with a very special guest interview recorded live from APTAtransform in Seattle.

Want to know who it is? You'll have to listen to the end of the show to find out!

If you have a question, comment, or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected].