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].

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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.

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.

Join Paul Comfort we kick off Season 8 of Transit Unplugged! This special episode features a live CEO roundtable from the APTA TRANSform and EXPO packed with five of transit's biggest leaders. The panel features:

• Andy Lord from Transport for London
• Dottie Watkins from CapMetro in Austin
• Dwight Ferrell from SMART in Detroit
• Shawn Donaghy from North County Transit District
• Adam Leishman CEO of Ascendal Group in Hong Kong

They discuss their unique transit projects, the impact of the pandemic, the future of AI in transportation, the importance of risk-taking, mentorship in leadership, and the role of transit in the economic development of cities worldwide. Don't miss this compelling--and passionate--discussion on the intersection of technology, society, and the future of public transportation.

Next week on the show we have Stephen Tu, Deputy Executive Officer of Station Experience at LA Metro, talking about improving the transit journey for everyone. Improving safety, cleanliness, the perception of safety, and discouraging inappropriate activities starting at a few stations and now expanding across the network.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Anniversary

08:43 Andy Lord on London's Transit System

12:41 Dottie Watkins on Austin's Transit Expansion

15:25 Dwight Ferrell on Detroit's SMARTer Mobility

18:01 Shawn Donaghy on Workforce Development in San Diego

20:36 Public Transport Success in Hong Kong

21:29 Rethinking Urban Planning

21:56 King's Cross Transformation

23:15 Economic Impact of Transport Infrastructure

25:32 Transition from Aviation to Public Transport

27:32 Leveraging AI and Technology in Public Transport

29:51 Leadership Lessons in Public Transport

34:45 Final Thoughts and Industry Appreciation

37:21 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

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

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.

Accessibility is an essential and important topic in transit--and one that Transit Unplugged has deep connections to. From Paul's first job in transit to his work at WMATA and Baltimore MTA, he has championed ensuring transit connects everyone to all of life's opportunities. Tris' father was a pioneer in helping veterans in wheelchairs live independently on their own.

So when we say, we're committed to accessibility in all its forms--we mean it.

But when it comes to accessibility, sometimes people don't know where to start. And this is where our guests this week come in. Ron Brooks and Kristen Joyner talk with Paul about their new book, All Aboard: Conducting Accessible Community Involvement for Public Transit which gives real, practical strategies to improve accessibility in transit, at conferences, in meetings, and the wider world.

Ron and Kristen share how sometimes simple things make a tremendous difference in making something accessible, and often with spending little or no money. And how when as we make the world more accessible, we're making the world a better place for all of us.

Coming up next week we kick off Season 8 of Transit Unplugged with a special CEO Roundtable recorded live at APTA TRANSform. Make sure you don't miss this episode with guests:

• Andy Lord Commissioner of Transport for London
• Dottie Watkins CEO of CapMetro, Austin
• Dwight A. Ferrell CEO of Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation, Detroit
• Shawn M. Donaghy CEO North County Transit District, San Diego
• Adam Leishman CEO of Ascendal Group, Hong Kong

As they talk about the big plans in their systems and some truly inspiring visions of the future.

00:00 The Inspiring Journey of Ron Brooks

00:38 Introducing 'All Aboard': A Guide to Accessible Transit

02:08 The Motivation Behind the Book

04:44 Practical Guidance for Transit Agencies

06:39 Broadening the Audience for Accessibility

10:22 Subscribe to the newsletter

11:07 Community outreach

13:28 Making Meetings Inclusive for All

17:24 The Importance of Comprehensive Engagement

20:15 Contributors and Final Thoughts

23:20 Coming new week on Transit Unplugged

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

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.

From an interview with Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works CEO Eulois Cleckley and Paul Comfort originally aired in February, 2023.

Eulois talks with Paul about his vision and approach to leadership with his REPPS model and how it's helped his team perform better and exceed what they thought they could accomplish.

Link to original interview: https://transitunplugged.com/transit-unplugged-podcast/stacey-matlen-and-eulois-cleckley/

One of his top executives, Schneider St. Preux, was recently on the podcast and cited Eulois' leadership as a critical factor in his career. Listen to that episode here: https://transitunplugged.com/transit-unplugged-podcast/schneider-st-preux/

00:00 Introduction to Transit Unplugged Deep Cuts

00:44 Meet Eulois Cleckley: Leadership Insights

01:02 The Importance of Strong Leadership

02:29 Principles of Effective Leadership: The REPPS Acronym

02:56 Focusing on Results

04:32 Setting High Expectations

05:39 Setting High Expectations for Success

06:33 Focusing on People: The Key to Leadership

08:02 Empowering Staff for Maximum Potential

08:46 The Importance of Data-Driven Decisions

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

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 Paul is talking with someone we could call a Transit Unplugged superfan—Schneider St. Preux—who says he's listened to every podcast episode and credits Transit Unplugged with helping him in his upward career trajectory. 

We're so pleased to be part of Schneiders' career journey. As he says in this interview—listening and engaging in our podcast community, along with hard work, determination, and willingness to invest in himself, has taken Schneider from bus operator to General Superintendent of Bus Operations at Miami-Dade.

Schneider is also one of this year's Mass Transit Magazine's 40 Under 40 winners—a fitting acknowledgment of the accomplishments in his career thus far.

He also talks about the critical role of practical experience and the value of continuous education—Schneider says education gets you to the door and your hard work gets you through it.

Highlighting both the challenges and triumphs, Schneider offers valuable insights and advice for aspiring transit professionals, emphasizing self-belief, goal-setting, and the importance of investing in people. Paul and Schneider also talk about the importance of training new leaders, especially those who have been "doers" in what true leadership really means.

Coming up next week, we focus on a topic close to the hearts of everyone at Transit Unplugged—accessibility. Paul talks with Ron Brooks and Kristen Joyner about their new book which serves as and both a guidebook and inspiration for how to make transit, and the wider world, more accessible for everyone.

00:00 Introduction: A Unique Fan Story

00:42 Crazy Work Stories: The L from Hell

04:24 Meet Schneider St. Preux: A Rising Star in Transit

05:19 Career Journey: From Bus Operator to Superintendent

09:13 Catch Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube

10:09 Spending a year at Broward County Transit

12:44 The Importance of Education and Self-Investment

14:33 Leadership Insights: From Frontline to Management

18:00 Future of Public Transportation: Challenges and Innovations

18:00 Advice for Aspiring Transit Leaders

19:27 Conclusion: Bright Future Ahead

19:40 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

The back-to-back hurricanes that swept through the Southeastern U.S. brought unimaginable destruction to the region. Many places are far from recovered, with tens of thousands of people still without power in some areas.

But behind the scenes, transportation networks need to keep running. People need to be evacuated to safety. Supplies have to get through. Emergency workers need to get to where they are needed.

This week we pull back the curtain with a special episode focused on how our transportation networks prepare for and recover from disasters like Hurricanes Helene and Milton. On this special episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort connected with six transportation leaders in Florida about the preparations, their Emergency Operations Centers, and what happens now to recover.

We hear from:

• Brad Miller, CEO of Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority
• Coree Cuff Lonergan, CEO of Broward County Transit (BCT)
• Dave Dech, Executive Director of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority/Tri-Rail
• Ivan Maldonado, Executive Director of Palm Tran
• Tiffany Homler Hawkins, CEO of Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (LYNX)
• Greg Slater, CEO/Executive Director of the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority

This is a unique episode that only Transit Unplugged can bring you! Make sure you tune in and share with your transit colleagues.

Next week on the show, we have Mass Transit Magazine 40 Under 40 winner Schneider St. Preux talking about his 12 year transit career trajectory from bus operator to General Superintendent of Bus Operations for the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works. Schneider tells Paul what it took to build his career and his advice for other up and coming leaders 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

00:00 Introduction to the Eye of the Storm

00:45 Brad Miller: Riding Out the Storm

01:17 Coree Cuff Lonergan: Tornadoes and Transit

01:33 Ivan Moldanado: Coordination and Preparation

01:54 Tiffany Homler Hawkins: Orlando's Response

02:22 Dave Dech: TriRail's Role in the Crisis

02:44 Greg Slater: Road Networks and Disaster Management

03:43Brad Miller: Firsthand Hurricane Experience

11:03 Brad Miller: Evacuation and Recovery Efforts

21:19 Dave Dech: TriRail's Hurricane Preparedness

32:11 Coree Cuff Lonergan on Broward County's Hurricane Response

36:03 Ivan Maldonado Discusses PalmTran's Challenges

44:10 Tiffany Homler Hawkins on LYNX's Hurricane Preparedness

52:54 Greg Slater on Tampa's Expressway and Hurricane Resilience

01:01:22 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.

This week on Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort interviews Brandon Nurmi, Director of Arrowhead Transit in Minnesota. Paul and Brandon discuss the unique challenges of operating a public transportation system across a vast, sparsely populated rural area. Brandon shares his journey in the transit sector, the geographical and logistical hurdles his team faces, the role of volunteer-driven programs, and the technological advancements aiding rural transit systems.

As Arrowhead Transit celebrates its 50th anniversary, Brandon highlights how essential public transit is in rural areas for accessing jobs, healthcare, and reducing social isolation. Tune in to learn about the vital role of rural transit in community development and the collaborations that bolster these efforts.

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 Introduction to Rural Public Transportation

00:57 Challenges of Rural Transit Systems

01:23 Interview with Brandon Nurmi: Director of Arrowhead Transit

02:39 Celebrating 50 Years of Arrowhead Transit

03:25 Geographical and Operational Challenges

06:11 The Role of Technology and Volunteer Programs

09:17 Funding and Community Development

12:59 Social Connectivity and Partnerships

14:37 Future Expansion Plans

16:00 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.