Transit Unplugged Transit Unplugged Network

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...

Plus policing on the subway and upcoming transit conferences. Last week, New York Governor Kathy Hochul abruptly put a stop to New York City's planned congestion charges due to come into effect June 30th. This announcement took nearly everyone by surprise, critics and supporters alike, and this week we have Matthew Daus return as our guest to talk about this sudden change, what it means for the New York MTA's budget, and if congestion pricing will return to the city.
We've talked about congestion pricing many times on the show before, from Matthew a year ago to the outgoing head of MTA Rich Davey and just recently Transport for London's Andy Lord. It's a hot topic with strong opinions on both sides of the issue. With congestion charging in NYC seen as a test bed for cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, its fate is now uncertain in the U.S.
Matthew and Paul continue the discussion on another hot topic right now: transit safety and policing. Recently the U.S. National Guard was deployed in the New York Subway to fight rash of violent incidents. Matthew and Paul talk about safety in transit and how it affects returning ridership.
Paul and Matthew wrap up their conversation with a discussion of the International Association of Transportation Regulators upcoming conference in October and their new collaboration with the CoMotion conference.
Next week, Erick Leishman CEO of WeDriveU (formerly National Express), talks with Paul about the state of contracting in the U.S. and its essential role in delivering innovative transit solutions.
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 and Breaking News
00:51 Expert Guest Introduction: Matthew Daus
02:33 Discussion on Congestion Charging
11:10 Crime and Safety on the New York Subway
15:56 Matthew Daus' Professional Roles and Upcoming Conference
20:18 Collaboration with CoMotion
21:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
22:29 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,...

While in Halifax, Canada filming Transit Unplugged TV, Paul sat down with Dave Reage, Executive Director of Halifax Transit and First Vice Chair of the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) to talk about his transit system, testing their new electric buses, and building new ferry terminals for an electric ferry fleet (a first in Canada). Dave shares insights into Halifax's rapid growth, his background, and the challenges and innovations facing the industry in Canada. Dave talks about how critical CUTA is in molding future leaders. Before heading over to Dartmouth on the ferry for some seafood, Dave shows Paul around the future Mill Cove Ferry Terminal and talks about their new electric ferries. Dave details plans for a bus rapid transit network and the adoption of new fare technologies like open payment systems.
"I've been telling my team to keep in mind, the last time we had a transition this significant, we were actually going from trolley buses to diesel buses, so it's all kind of coming full circle now. And the testing piece is so crucial because we need to learn everything we can and make sure we know how it's going to work, make sure it's going to work, before we ever put it out into public service. Although the bus itself is very similar to the untrained eye, so many systems are different, new, modern. From safety to reliability, we need to make sure we've tested everything out very thoroughly and we're comfortable with." - Dave Reage
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 by Paul Comfort
03:19 Welcome to the show
03:31 Overview of Halifax Transit
04:03 Electric and Alternative Fuel Buses
06:25 Funding and Structure of Halifax Transit
09:58 Ferry System Expansion
17:49 CUTA and career development
21:24 What's coming up for Halifax Transit
22:43 Bus Manufacturing Issues
24:08 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...

This week Paul chats with Faye DiMassimo, CEO and Executive Director of Chatham Area Transit Authority (CAT) in Savannah, and soon to be Chief of Planning and Economic Development for the City of Savannah. Paul and Faye discuss the recent APTA Public Transit CEO Conference, Faye's career path (including recent promotion), and the innovations at CAT, including hybrid ferries, an electric microtransit pilot, and their long-term fiscal plan.
They get into how CAT is preparing for the fiscal cliff as COVID federal relief runs out and challenges getting grants based on local matches. Faye reflects on how transit CEOs support each other in good times, and bad. Paul and Faye close with a special coda about new role in the City of Savannah, continuing her mission to improve public mobility for everyone in Savannah. The episode highlights the importance of community, equity, and sustainability in public transit.
Next week we have repeat guest Dave Reage giving Paul a tour of Halifax by land and sea!
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 Welcome to Transit Unplugged
01:10 Interview with Faye DiMassimo
01:56 Hosting the APTA CEO Summit in Savannah
02:34 Challenges and Opportunities for Transit CEOs
06:46 The Evolution of Faye's Career in Transit
09:35 Inside Savannah's Transit System: CAT
13:38 Savannah's Charm and History
15:55 Innovations in Transit: Electric Microtransit and More
17:41 Master Planning for the Future of Transit in Savannah
19:48 Preparing for the Fiscal Cliff and Closing Thoughts
24:56 Update to this interview
28:04 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.

Across North America there are four fundamental issues facing transit agencies:
Getting enough busesGetting enough people to fix and drive the busesGetting enough funding to keep running the busesGetting (cyber)secure
The bus manufacturing crisis is forcing many transit agencies to get creative at keeping buses running longer. Workforce shortages mean agencies are getting creative at finding and hiring enough people. With a fiscal cliff looming for many agencies, finding ways to save money and still offer the same level of service means finding some new ways to connect people on something other than a 40 foot bus. And every week someone makes the news for getting hacked, so keeping systems secure is a lot harder than it used to be.
Joining Paul on stage for a transit leaders roundtable at TripSpark Ignite are:
Pam Shepherd, Executive Director, Federated Transportation Services of the Blue GrassRyan Landers, General Manager Lawton Area TransitRandy Anderson, Operations IT Systems Administrator CityBus – Greater Lafayette Public TransitMatt Maier, Director of Operations Lake Tran
What makes this roundtable unique isn't that they are talking about these issues, but that they've found creative and innovative ways to address them. Learn how:
Simple ads on buses are getting more applicationsCreating flexible schedules has brought in a whole new group of driversMaking sure every usable part of a bus at the end of its life is used to extend the service life of the rest of the fleetAuditing your system is the first step to actively preventing hacks on your systems
Sit back and enjoy a fun, interesting, and informative discussion about the top issues facing our industry and how four agencies are meeting them head on.
Next week on the show we have an interview with Faye DiMassimo. When Paul interviewed her, she was leading Chatham Area Transit in Savannah, Georgia, but since then she has a new job with the City of Savannah. Her job still involves connecting people, but has a much bigger and more interesting mandate than transit alone. It's not often we have an interview where we get to talk with someone before and after a career transition. Make sure you tune in for this one!
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
00:04 Introduction from Tris Hussey, Editor Transit Unplugged
01:11 Transit Leader Roundtable at TripSpark Ignite
01:51...

Transport for London (TfL) covers every transport means possible from the iconic red double-deck buses to The Tube to trains and even ferries. Which means the person in charge of it all has a lot going on at any given moment. Andy Lord, Commissioner for TfL spent over 25 years in aviation before coming to transit in 2019 to run The Tube with then Commissioner Andy Byford. Sitting down with Paul, Andy about his career and the enormity of the job of managing nearly 30,000 people moving millions of people a day.
Andy tells Paul how the mix of contracting, direct operation, and concessions keeps everything moving across the entirety of London and beyond.
But most of all Andy sees himself as a steward for the future of TfL. You'll hear about his plans to hit zero emissions and keep a system that still has Victorian-era infrastructure up-to-date, safe, and efficient.
Next week on the show we have a transit leaders roundtable recorded live at TripSpark Ignite. This episode hits on the biggest issues facing transit today: budgets, the bus manufacturing crisis, hiring enough people, and cyber security.
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 Transit Unplugged Featuring Andy Lord, Commissioner of Transport for London
00:11 Introducing Andy Lord: London's Top Transport Official
00:27 A Year of Leadership: Andy Lord's Journey and Achievements
03:02 Inside TfL's Successes: From Surplus to the Superloop
05:16 The Scale of TfL: Operations, Fleet, and Staff
07:06 Funding and Structure: How TfL Operates Within London's Government
08:38 From Airlines to Underground: Andy Lord's Career Path
16:07 Innovations and Challenges: Moving Towards a Zero Emission Fleet
18:35 Congestion Charging and ULEZ: London's Approach to Traffic and Emissions
23:44 Looking Ahead: Technology, Accessibility, and Learning from Others
29:12 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.