Transit Unplugged

By Paul Comfort, SVP ModaxoBusiness Government Careers

Transit Unplugged episodes

July 16, 2018 Edward Johnson - LYNX
“When you know what you want to do, and you understand how to have fun while you are doing it, you can accomplish anything that you want.”
Edward Johnson, CEO of LYNX, talks about why transit systems need to be mobility managers. Using this philosophy, LYNX has been able to improve their paratransit service. He also discusses LYNX FORWARD (a study to define the transportation needs of the region), the importance of partnering with entities within the community, and why agencies need to be creative.
33 min
June 29, 2018 Lauren Skiver – SunLine Transit
“I think public transit operators can also become these dynamic, changing organizations if we are given that latitude to do it.”
Having been part of small, medium, and large agencies, Lauren Skiver knows the rewards and challenges each face. Now CEO at SunLine Transit, she talks about the importance of making her staff part of creating SunLine’s future, and the common need for all agencies: money. Skiver also dives deep into the work SunLine is doing around alternative fuels and zero emissions – founding a Center of Excellence, operating with three different energy sources, and creating hydrogen fuel.
If you want to know more about SunLine, you can check out their website sunline.org.
Remember to check out transitunplugged.com to learn from top transit professionals and stay up to date to catch all the latest episodes.
29 min
June 29, 2018 Lauren Skiver – SunLine Transit
“I think public transit operators can also become these dynamic, changing organizations if we are given that latitude to do it.”
Having been part of small, medium, and large agencies, Lauren Skiver knows the rewards and challenges each face. Now CEO at SunLine Transit, she talks about the importance of making her staff part of creating SunLine’s future, the common need for all agencies, and dives deep into the work SunLine is doing around zero emissions and alternative fuels.
29 min
June 15, 2018 Peter Varga – The Rapid
“How do we – in a disruptive world – adapt so that we actually succeed?”
Peter Varga, an industry legend, started as a bus driver and worked his way through the industry to be CEO of The Rapid in Grand Rapid Michigan. In this episode, Varga discusses The Rapid’s new Bus Rapid Transit line and working with new payment options. He also goes into detail on his work as a past APTA Chair, and how transit has to be part of the larger mobility paradigm by serving the high-capacity corridors in urban areas.
If you want to know more about The Rapid, you can check out their website ridetherapid.org.
Remember to check out transitunplugged.com to learn from top transit professionals and stay up to date to catch all the latest episodes.
29 min
June 15, 2018 Peter Varga – The Rapid
“How do we – in a disruptive world – adapt so that we actually succeed?”
Peter Varga, an industry legend, started as a bus driver and worked his way through the industry to be CEO at The Rapid in Grand Rapid Michigan. In this episode, Varga discusses The Rapid’s new Bus Rapid Transit line and working with new payment options. He also goes into detail on his work as a past APTA Chair, and how transit has to be part of the larger mobility paradigm by serving the high-capacity corridors in urban a
29 min
May 31, 2018 Michael Terry – IndyGo
“If [your employees] are not proud of what they’re doing and what they’re delivering and how they’re delivering it, then why would anyone else feel that way?”
On this episode of Transit Unplugged, Michael Terry, President & CEO at IndyGo, discusses increasing the frequency of their bus service in high-density areas, the plan for three new Bus Rapid Transit lines, and what it means to be a good steward of public money. He also questions how to embrace alternatives as partners, and shares the importance of establishing a path for an organization to be prepared for scalable growth.
If you want to know more about IndyGo, you can check out their website indygo.net.
Remember to check out transitunplugged.com to learn from top transit professionals and stay up to date to catch all the latest episodes.
32 min
May 31, 2018 Michael Terry – IndyGo
“If [your employees] are not proud of what they’re doing and what they’re delivering and how they’re delivering it, then why would anyone else feel that way?”
Michael Terry, President & CEO at IndyGo, discusses increasing the frequency of their bus service in high-density areas, the plan for three new Bus Rapid Transit lines, and what it means to be a good steward of public money. He also shares the importance of establishing a path for an organization to be prepared for scalable growth.
32 min
May 15, 2018 Paul Wiedefeld Part 2 (of 2) – Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
“It’s innovative because we are using data to [ask], ‘What does that do? How can we improve the system?’”
Paul Wiedefeld, CEO of WMATA returns to Transit Unplugged to finish up his conversation with host Paul Comfort. In part 2 (of 2), Wiedefeld goes into the importance of using big data and analytics to make better business decisions. He also discusses the unique finance structure of WMATA, the innovations WMATA is bringing online, and gives updates on the purple and silver lines. Enjoy the conclusion of this fantastic conversation.
If you want to know more about WMATA, you can check out their website wmata.com.
Remember to check out transitunplugged.com to learn from top transit professionals and stay up to date to catch all the latest episodes.
27 min
May 15, 2018 Paul Wiedefeld Part 2 (of 2) – Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
“It’s innovative because we are using data to [ask], ‘What does that do? How can we improve the system?’”
Paul Wiedefeld, CEO of WMATA returns to Transit Unplugged. In part 2 (of 2), Wiedefeld goes into the importance of using big data and analytics to make better business decisions. He also discusses the unique finance structure of WMATA, the innovations WMATA is bringing online, and gives updates on the purple and silver lines. Enjoy the conclusion of this fantastic conversation.
27 min
April 30, 2018 Paul Wiedefeld Part 1 (of 2) – Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
“What we’re about is safety. And safety trumps service.”
One of the most famous names in the public transit industry, Paul Wiedefeld, joins Transit Unplugged. Having spent time in the public and private sector, Wiedefeld is currently the CEO of WMATA. The first in a two-part episode, Wiedefeld discusses the cultural shift from service first to safety first, the challenges of shutting down, their SafeTrack plan, and their Back2Good campaign. It’s an exciting one, so sit back and enjoy.
If you want to know more about WMATA, you can check out their website wmata.com.
Remember to check out transitunplugged.com to learn from top transit professionals and stay up to date to catch all the latest episodes.
29 min

About Transit Unplugged

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We share the stories, challenges, and successes of the top transit professionals from around the world. Learn how top transit leaders got to where they are with stories and insights from their careers. Get the inside story about public transit and transit trends from the people who run it. Transit Unplugged is hosted and produced by Paul Comfort and brought to you by Modaxo