In the first of three special Transit Unplugged episodes, we bring you the keynote from Day One of Virtual ThinkTransit (VTT).

 Robbie Makinen's (CEO of the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority) keynote was an inspiration to the entire audience. Robbie is well known as an inspiring speaker and he did not disappoint today. He lost his sight about eight years ago and related a story about sitting in the car with his son and how it was a turning point for him.

Everyone is dealt a bad hand sometimes, Robbie says, the question is how do you deal with it. Will you be a sail or an anchor? Will you push on or drag down?

Robbie chose to sail.

Robbie believes transit agencies need to be woven into the fabric of society. Transit is essential for millions of people. He talks about going fare-free and how that it's not a loss in revenue, but an investment in people. People take the money they would have spent on transit in the community. The money doesn't disappear, it goes back into the community.

"Transit agencies shouldn't be off on an island. Stop thinking of yourself as just a transit agency. Think about weaving yourself into the community." --Robbie Makinen

Robbie's challenge to all of us is ask ourselves why we do what we do. Why do we work at our jobs? For many of us, that answer is helping people in their daily lives. And Robbie's inspirational words remind us all of that.