Transit Unplugged Transit Unplugged Network

Today, Paul Comfort, Transit Evangelist and SVP/Chief Customer Officer at Modaxo, and Davey Kim SVP/Principal, National Transportation Policy and Multimodal Strategy, at WSP USA, join METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman.
Topics include:
Paul’s “The New Future of Public Transportation” book.The Federal Government’s Role in Funding Public Transit.Political Will to Replace Both the Federal and State Gas Taxes.Identifying Tomorrow’s Forward-Thinking Leaders.
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Original show notes from: https://www.metro-magazine.com/10224317/books-and-new-transit-funding-with-paul-comfort-and-davey-kim
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In this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort interviews Dwight Ferrell, General Manager of SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) in Southeastern Michigan. Dwight shares lessons from his lengthy career in public transportation, from a bus operator in Dallas to leading multiple transit agencies across the U.S. The discussion covers SMART's innovative service for the NFL draft in Detroit, how to do the same thing for other events, addressing the changing face of ridership, and bus operator staffing challenges.
Dwight delves into lessons in leadership, the future of transit technology, and adapting services to meet the evolving needs of younger generations. The episode also highlights SMART's efforts to improve employee engagement and attract a diverse workforce. Which is already reaping rewards with the fewest number of operative vacancies in years.
Coming up next week, we have a feed drop from an appearance Paul made on another podcast. This time it's METRO Magazine's METRspectives hosted by Executive Editor Alex Roman. Paul is joined as a guest by Davey Kim, SVP/Principal, National Transportation Policy and Multimodal Strategy, at WSP USA. In this interview Alex, Paul, and Davey talk about several hot transit topics including federal funding for transit and weaning ourselves off gas taxes as we drive fewer and fewer fossil fuel vehicles.
Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo https://www.modaxo.com
Host: Paul ComfortProducer: Paul ComfortEditor and Writer: Tris HusseyExecutive Producer: Julie Gates
Special thanks to:
Brand design: Tina OlagundoyeSocial Media: Tatyana MechkarovaMarketing content, Transit Unplugged Newsletter, & transit puns: Tris Hussey
If you have a question or comment, email us at info@transitunplugged.com.
Follow us on social media: LinkedIn - Twitter - Threads- Instagram - Facebook
Sign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter
0:00 Dwight Ferrell
00:05 Introduction and welcome to Transit Unplugged
01:32 NFL Draft and Shuttle Service
02:25 Challenges and Solutions in Transit
04:52 Technology and Future Plans
06:37 Generational Shifts and Public Transit
09:56 Leadership and Industry Insights
11:55 Employee Engagement and HR Initiatives
14:41 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell
21:08 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

Join Transit Unplugged host Paul Comfort as he dives into the critical issue of boosting post-pandemic transit ridership with Ron Kilcoyne. Ron is a seasoned transit professional with over 40 years in the industry, leading several transit agencies, and now a transit researcher and consultant.
Ron and Paul explore some innovative solutions to increase ridership, emphasizing a 'three-legged stool' of service design, marketing, and operations.
This conversation combines both practical advice and strategic insights into rebuilding public transportation systems to meet current and future demands. Ron dives into his research into understanding how service design and ridership intertwine and showing it's not always the urban agencies that take the ridership crown.
Don't miss Ron's expert analysis and actionable recommendations to help your agency thrive in the new era of transit.
Next week on the show we have GM of SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) outside of Detroit, Dwight Ferrell talking about supporting the NFL Draft with transit and some critical leadership advice for everyone looking to move up in the industry.
Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo https://www.modaxo.com
Host: Paul ComfortProducer: Paul ComfortEditor and Writer: Tris HusseyExecutive Producer: Julie Gates
Special thanks to:
Brand design: Tina OlagundoyeSocial Media: Tatyana MechkarovaMarketing content, Transit Unplugged Newsletter, & transit puns: Tris Hussey
If you have a question or comment, email us at info@transitunplugged.com.
Follow us on social media: LinkedIn - Twitter - Threads- Instagram - Facebook
Sign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter
00:05 Introduction to Transit Unplugged
00:15 Challenges in Post-Pandemic Ridership
01:54 Interview with Ron Kilcoyne
01:57 Ron Kilcoyne's Background and Experience
03:53 The Three-Legged Stool of Transit Ridership
04:44 Marketing and Operations in Transit
07:14 Improving Transit Service and Accessibility
12:48 Case Studies and Research Findings
16:34 Recommendations for Transit Agencies
22:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
22:26 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.

Make sure you visit and subscribe to Lunch with Leon for great transit insights every week.
https://audioboom.com/channels/5028700-lunch-with-leon
Below are the original show notes:
This week, Leon is joined by transport evangelist Paul Comfort and technology expert Simon Reed to discuss Paul’s latest book, The New Future of Public Transportation. Listen now for a deep dive into the hot topics in the transit industry as well as insights from the book featuring expertise from 30 transport leaders worldwide.
Passenger Transport: www.passengertransport.co.uk 
Transit Unplugged podcast: https://transitunplugged.com/

Here's a stat you don't hear every day: over the course of his career (so far), Adam Leishman has helped move over 1.8 billion people. Billion. With a "b." I guess that's what happens when you've worked in three of the top transit cities in the world: London, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
In his conversation with host Paul Comfort, Adam talks about Hong Kong's transit model where transit companies operate as true commercial businesses that receive no support or subsidy from the government. Adam's experience working in transit from Australia to Europe to Asia has shown him the true value of transit to society, and one of the most important things we can do is just get people out of cars and onto buses and trains.
Paul and Adam also talk about:
How the Hong Kong system worksAdam's global transit careerAdam's media business started in the midst of the pandemic which is now the second largest advertising agency in Hong KongLiving car free for nearly 10 years
You'll also learn about Adam's approach to leadership and where he sees transit needs to go in the future if it wants to be successful over the long term. This is one of those interviews where just when you think someone couldn't say more profound things, they do. Make sure you listen all the way to the end for Adam's transit vision.
Next week we have a holiday week special! Paul appeared on the Lunch with Leon podcast recently so we're going to bring that episode to you next week. On that episode Paul talks about his book with the host and one of the book's contributors, Simon Reed.
Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo https://www.modaxo.com
Host: Paul ComfortProducer: Paul ComfortEditor and Writer: Tris HusseyExecutive Producer: Julie Gates
Special thanks to:
Brand design: Tina OlagundoyeSocial Media: Tatyana MechkarovaMarketing content, Transit Unplugged Newsletter, & transit puns: Tris Hussey
If you have a question or comment, email us at info@transitunplugged.com.
Follow us on social media: LinkedIn - Twitter - Threads- Instagram - Facebook
Sign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter
00:00 Introduction to Hong Kong's Unique Transit System
00:48 Meet Adam Leishman: CEO of Bravo Holdings
01:06 Hong Kong's Public Transit: A Deep Dive
03:12 Challenges and Innovations in Hong Kong's Transit
04:10 Understanding Hong Kong's Transit Operations
06:37 Revenue Models and Media Ventures
11:00 Global Transit Insights and Future Trends
13:50 Adam's Family Legacy in Public Transport
19:36 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks
24:26 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,...

In this episode Paul Comfort interviews Erick Van Wagenen, CEO of WeDriveU, formerly National Express. They discuss the transformation of National Express, the North American Transit Alliance, and the evolving role of contractors in public transportation. Additionally, Erick reflects on his 18-year career with WeDriveU, where he progressed from assistant general manager to CEO, and discusses the rebranding and strategic initiatives under his leadership.
Erick shares his insights on industry trends, including electrification, addressing labor shortages, and leveraging innovation to help operators drive more safely. Erick and Paul also discuss the impact of inflation on costs and how strong partnerships with agencies paves the way through the rough spots.
And we don't usually get into other forms of transit like on-campus shuttles, but these connections are fundamentally important to schools and the community. Erick talks about campus transportation systems, like at Princeton University, that connect students and the larger community together. Finally, Erick reflects on WeDriveU's approach to global operations, adapting to post-COVID challenges, and how contracting helps shape the future direction in the transit sector.
Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo https://www.modaxo.com
Host: Paul ComfortProducer: Paul ComfortEditor and Writer: Tris HusseyExecutive Producer: Julie Gates
Special thanks to:
Brand design: Tina OlagundoyeSocial Media: Tatyana MechkarovaMarketing content, Transit Unplugged Newsletter, & transit puns: Tris Hussey
If you have a question or comment, email us at info@transitunplugged.com.
Follow us on social media: LinkedIn - Twitter - Threads- Instagram - Facebook
Sign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter
00:00 Introduction to Transit Unplugged
02:02 Interview with Eric Van Wagenen Begins
02:25 National Express and WeDriveU Overview
03:00 Global Operations and Services
03:59 Entrepreneurial Spirit and Customer Success
06:57 Industry Trends and Challenges
08:55 Innovation in Transportation
12:19 Campus Transportation Focus
13:47 Future of Public Transportation
14:42 Impact of Inflation on Contracting
16:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
16:53 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...