Transit Unplugged

How does a career in law enforcement, animal services, and civic leadership prepare you to run a transit agency?

In this week’s Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort sits down with Ozzy Gibson, Executive Director of Louisville’s Transit Authority of River City (TARC), for a candid and compelling conversation about public service, accountability, and what it takes to lead through uncertainty.

Ozzy shares lessons from his time as a police officer, deputy mayor, and head of animal services—and how those experiences shaped his approach to running TARC. From confronting a $30 million budget gap to streamlining a legacy network, Ozzy is focused on doing more than keeping the buses running—he’s rebuilding trust, efficiency, and purpose across the organization.

• How a lifelong public servant transitioned into transit leadership
• TARC’s financial reset and plans for long-term sustainability
• Paratransit policy changes and community collaboration
• The value of mission-driven leadership across sectors

• Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo
• Creator, Host, + Producer: Paul Comfort
• Executive Producer: Julie Gates
• Producer + Newsletter Editor: Chris O’Keeffe
• Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Special thanks to:

Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

Got a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]

Subscribe to the Transit Unplugged Newsletter: transitunplugged.com/subscribe-to-the-transit-unplugged-newsletter

Follow us on social media:

YouTube: @transit-unplugged

X (Twitter): @TransitUnplug

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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.

What does it take to launch a $4.3 billion, multi-modal transit expansion? For Coree Cuff Lonergan, CEO of Broward County Transit, it takes vision, momentum—and a bit of patience.

This week on Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort hops aboard with Coree for a rolling bus interview through Broward County, Florida. They talk big-picture leadership, boots-on-the-ground transit planning, and why Broward’s “PREMO” program is setting a new standard for regional mobility.

From LEED Gold-Certified transit centers to special-event service for international cricket matches, to AI-powered community engagement—this episode shows what happens when local government, smart investment, and public trust align for real impact.

Plus: Coree reveals her most unexpected leadership tool… a cookbook.

This episode covers:

Broward’s $4.3 billion PREMO capital expansion program

Adding three new modes of transit: commuter rail, BRT, and light rail

The importance of workforce investment and operational facilities

How AI and VR might transform the rider experience

Why cooking helps her lead better

Podcast Credits

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo

Creator, Host, + Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer + Newsletter Editor: Chris O'Keeffe

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Special thanks to:

Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

Got a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]

Subscribe to the Transit Unplugged Newsletter: transitunplugged.com/subscribe-to-the-transit-unplugged-newsletter

Follow us on social media:

YouTube: @transit-unplugged

X (Twitter): @TransitUnplug

Threads: @transitunplugged

Instagram: @transitunplugged

LinkedIn: Transit Unplugged on LinkedIn

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.

Michele Stiehler knows paratransit inside and out. After 35 years at New Jersey Transit, she brought her deep operational experience to Boston’s MBTA, where she now oversees one of the largest and most complex paratransit systems in the country.

In this episode, Paul Comfort talks with Michele about her leadership philosophy, the importance of frontline experience (hint: everyone on her team is expected to ride The RIDE), and how MBTA is investing in staff and technology to build a smarter, more responsive system. From wage increases and morale-building to a future-facing mobility center, Michele is focused on modernizing paratransit—without losing its human heart.

This episode covers:

Leadership lessons from decades in the field

Post-pandemic service recovery and staffing challenges

Technology upgrades and on-demand flexibility

What the future of accessible transportation might look like

Tune in for a grounded, thoughtful conversation about moving people—and an entire industry—forward.

What happens when a millennial with a higher ed background takes the wheel of a legacy transit agency? You get 207 new bus stops, a real-time tracking app, and a fresh vision for Western Kentucky mobility.

In this episode of Transit Unplugged Podcast, Paul Comfort talks with Jeremi Bumpus, Executive Director of Paducah Transit Authority, about leading change in a small but mighty system. Jeremi shares how he transitioned from higher education into transit, what it means for Paducah to move from rural to small urban funding, and how he and his team replaced an outdated “wave your hand” bus system with a structured, tech-enabled network. Topics include:

• Modernizing a hail-based system with 207 fixed bus stops
• Launching a real-time rider app and 24/7 info kiosk
• Balancing new technology with legacy organization culture
• Navigating the shift from state funding to FTA direct funding

If you’re into small agency innovation, smart leadership, or just want to know what goes into transforming transit at the ground level—this one’s a must-listen.

Credits:

Host & Producer: Paul Comfort 

Podcast Manager & Newsletter Guy: Chris O'Keeffe 

Executive Producer: Julie Gates Special thanks to: 

Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye 

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova 

Got a question or comment? Email us at

inf[email protected]

Subscribe to the Transit Unplugged Newsletter: transitunplugged.com/subscribe-to-the-transit-unplugged-newsletter 

Follow us on social media:

 / transit-unplugged  

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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.

In this episode of Transit Unplugged Podcast, Paul Comfort talks with Graeme Legh, the new CEO of Kelsian Group, one of the world’s leading transit and mobility operators. From ferries off the coast of Australia to motorcoach operations across the U.S., Graeme shares how Kelsian is tackling growth, innovation, and sustainability across three continents.

They discuss:

• Lessons from leading major transit companies around the world
• How Kelsian balances local brands with global strategy
• Innovations like electric fleets and multimodal operations
• Why public-private partnerships could define the next era of mobility
• Graeme’s leadership mindset—and why simple, great service always wins

Whether you're an executive, operator, or just curious about how global transit is evolving, this conversation delivers powerful insights.

From driving a bus in Dallas to leading one of the largest transit systems in the Midwest, Dwight Ferrell’s story is the blueprint for leadership rooted in experience. In this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort rides along with Dwight, General Manager of the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART), for a candid look at how he’s transforming transit across Southeast Michigan.

With Modaxo Portfolio Leader Rod Jones on board, this episode covers:

• How Dwight’s career from bus operator to CEO informs his leadership style
• The explosive growth of SMART’s Flex microtransit service
• Building a people-first culture through engagement (and literal gold stars)
• Strategic planning, smarter mobility, and the challenge of doing more with less
• And yes: a deep dive into Detroit-style pizza that gets a 6-star review

This episode is a companion to an upcoming Transit Unplugged TV episode featuring Detroit and its transit systems—premiering June 2025.

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo

Host & Producer: Paul Comfort

Podcast Manager & Newsletter Guy: Chris O'Keeffe

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Special thanks to:

Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

Got a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]

Subscribe to the Transit Unplugged Newsletter:

transitunplugged.com/subscribe-to-the-transit-unplugged-newsletter

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, Paul visits Las Vegas to talk with M.J. Maynard, CEO of the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC). From managing traffic for massive events like the Las Vegas Marathon and Formula 1, to running one of the busiest bus-only transit systems in the U.S., M.J. gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what makes RTC truly unique.

Unlike most transit agencies, RTC operates as a centralized hub for mobility—housing the region’s public transit provider, the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), traffic management, roadway funding agency, and even bike share operations all under one roof. That structure gives the team unmatched agility when responding to evolving transportation needs, especially in a region that’s booming with mega-events and economic growth.

Paul and M.J. ride the Deuce on the Strip, visit RTC’s award-winning Mobility Training Center, and explore how this consolidated model creates real-time solutions for residents and tourists alike. With a focus on equity, connectivity, and serving both locals and tourists, M.J. shows how Las Vegas moves the masses—and why other regions are taking notes.

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo

https://www.modaxo.com

Host & Producer: Paul Comfort

Podcast Editor & Newsletter Guy: Chris O'Keeffe

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Special thanks to:

Tina Olagundoye – Brand Design

Tatyana Mechkarova – Social Media

Got a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]

Subscribe to the Transit Unplugged Newsletter:

https://transitunplugged.com/subscribe-to-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.

In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with John Rossant, founder and CEO of CoMotion, to explore what’s next for cities, transit, and technology. From preparing for mega-events like the World Cup to pioneering hydrogen-powered aviation, John shares how CoMotion is helping shape the future of urban mobility—with a pasta recipe thrown in for good measure. 

They discuss: 

• The evolving role of public-private partnerships in transit 
• Why CoMotion Miami feels more like a tech summit than a transit conference 
• How cities can creatively finance sustainable mobility as federal funds tighten 
• And the global push toward hydrogen-powered transport—from Monaco to Miami 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

02:19 CoMotion: A Hub for Future Mobility

03:31 Comfort Food Cookbook and Personal Stories

05:19 Upcoming CoMotion Miami Conference

05:50 New Realities and Opportunities in Mobility

08:18 Public and Private Sector Collaboration

15:16 Mega Events and Transit Solutions

22:49 Hydrogen as the Future of Sustainable Mobility

28:32 Conclusion and Event Details

Want to experience the future of mobility firsthand? 

Learn more and get your tickets to CoMotion Miami at: comotionmiami.com 

Don’t miss this insightful conversation at the intersection of innovation, policy, and pasta. 

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo 

Host & Producer: Paul Comfort 

Podcast Editor & Newsletter Guy: Chris O'Keeffe 

Executive Producer: Julie Gates 

Special thanks to: 

Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye 

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova 

Got a question or comment? Email us at [email protected] 

Follow us: 

LinkedIn 

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Threads 

Instagram 

Subscribe to the Transit Unplugged Newsletter: 

transitunplugged.com/subscribe-to-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. 

Please subscribe to our newsletter! 

This week on Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort hosts a special episode recorded live at the 2025 Texas Transit Association Conference in McAllen, Texas. 

In this roundtable, Paul speaks with five accomplished Texas transit leaders about the realities of running transit systems across Texas—from expansive rural regions to fast-growing cities. They share how they’re serving students, seniors, tourists, and workers alike—while facing challenges like extreme heat, limited funding, and changing rider expectations. 

Featured Panelists: 

• Serena Stevenson – General Manager, Waco Transit System; Chair, Texas Transit Association 
• Mario Delgado – Transit and Downtown Services Director, Metro McAllen 
• Derrick Majchszak – CEO, Corpus Christi RTA 
• Vince Huerta – Director of Transportation, ETCOG GoBus 
• Allen Hunter – Executive Director, Texas Transit Association 

Highlights from the discussion: 

• “10,000 square miles of service” – Vince Huerta shares how GoBus operates across 14 rural counties and how they’re building in-house maintenance capacity to improve service reliability. 
• “From the islands to the military base” – Derrick Majchszak explains how Corpus Christi RTA connects barrier island workers, students, and military personnel across a sprawling service area. 
• “We’re the bridge between urban and rural” – Serena Stevenson talks about integrating Waco’s fixed routes, microtransit, and university service to close first/last mile gaps. 
• “We don’t feel like a small town” – Mariel Delgado details how Metro McAllen serves a growing cross-border population, offers university service to UTRGV (University of Texas Rio Grande Valley), and is planning for BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) and TOD (Transit-Oriented Development).  
• “Invest in transit today for the system you want tomorrow” – The panel emphasizes the need for proactive funding, community partnerships, and creative solutions to meet Texas’ evolving mobility needs. 

From bus stop design to funding advocacy, and from CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) fueling strategies to regional job access, this episode dives into what it takes to deliver safe, reliable, and rider-focused transit—Texas style. 

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo https://www.modaxo.com

Host: Paul Comfort

Producer: Paul Comfort

Editor: Chris O'Keeffe

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Special thanks to:

Brand design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

Marketing content, Transit Unplugged Newsletter, & transit puns: Cyndi Raskin

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

Follow us on social media:

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Sign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter: https://transitunplugged.com/subscribe-to-the-transit-unplugged-newsletter/

Thanks for tuning in to 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 on this episode of Transit Unplugged for an insightful conversation with Professor Niels van Oort, Associate Professor of Public Transport and Shared Mobility at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands and co-director of the Smart Public Transport Lab. Paul and Niels explore critical considerations in transit planning, including the effectiveness of light rail versus bus rapid transit (BRT), integration with cycling and micro-mobility, and global best practices for creating high-quality transit systems. 

Niels shares details about his innovative transportation planning game designed to help students and professionals balance various mobility modes and societal goals. He also discusses the benefits, challenges, and appropriate contexts for implementing light rail and BRT systems, emphasizing the importance of seamless integration with active transport modes like cycling. 

• Course—Planning Public Transport Services:   https://ppts-course.org/
• Serious game ‘Finding the optimal mix’: https://deoptimalemix.nl/en/
•  Light Rail Transit Systems; 61 Lessons in Sustainable Urban Development: https://shop.elsevier.com/books/light-rail-transit-systems/der-bijl/978-0-12-814784-9
•  Better buses: BRT and other bus modes:  https://www.ovmagazine.nl/boeken/betere-bus
•  Weblog public transport research output: https://nielsvanoort.weblog.tudelft.nl/
•  Smart Public Transport Lab: www.SmartPTLab.TUDelft.nl
• You can read more about Dr. Oort’s work here: https://www.tudelft.nl/en/ceg/about-faculty/departments/transport-planning/staff/personal-pages/oort-n-van 

Additionally, communication experts Rebecca Klein and Keith Scott from TALLsmall Productions (https://tallsmallproductions.org/) provide practical guidance on mentorship, highlighting strategies for effective mentor-mentee relationships, open communication, and meaningful feedback. 

Highlights: 

• Insights into the comparative advantages of Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). 
• Integration strategies for active mobility modes, particularly cycling. 
• Innovative educational tools for transit planning. 
• Special segment: Mentorship insights from communication specialists Rebecca Klein and Keith Scott. 

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo https://www.modaxo.com  

Host: Paul Comfort  

Producer: Paul Comfort  

Editor: Chris O'Keeffe 

Transit Unplugged Newsletter & Media Support: Cyndi Raskin 

Executive Producer: Julie Gates  

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova  

Don't miss this engaging episode packed with practical insights into creating efficient and effective transit systems. 

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Thanks for tuning in to 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.