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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 info@transitunplugged.com.

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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. 

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. 

Feedback Wanted! 

Help shape the future of Transit Unplugged by sharing your thoughts in our anonymous listener survey: transitunplugged.com/survey. Your insights help us deliver the content you love. 

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.

In this special episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort welcomes Dr. Kaan Yildizgöz, host of Mobility Redefined, the new sister podcast of Transit Unplugged. Dr. Yildizögz, a leading global expert in public transportation and former senior director at UITP, shares his personal journey into transportation, driven by childhood memories in his father's bus workshop, and his academic expertise in ride-hailing and mobility.

Paul and Kaan dive into global mobility trends, exploring key issues such as decarbonization of bus fleets, resilience in transit governance and funding, digitalization, and workforce challenges across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. Discover how transportation leaders worldwide tackle these universal challenges with innovative solutions and best practices.

Also in this episode, communication experts Rebecca Klein and Keith Scott offer practical strategies for navigating change management, emphasizing the power of active listening and consistent messaging to guide teams effectively through transitions.

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

Host: Paul Comfort 

Producer: Paul Comfort 

Producer: Chris O'Keeffe

Media Support: Cyndi Raskin

Executive Producer: Julie Gates 

Special Thanks To

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova 

Transit Unplugged Newsletter & Media Support: Cyndi Raskin 

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.

Take a behind-the-scenes look at Tucson, Arizona’s SunTran transit system with General Manager Mikel Oglesby. Host Paul Comfort and Mikel explore the city’s transit modes, budget, and future projects, including the innovative Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) plans. Discover Mikel's unique journey in public transit, from his childhood riding buses with his father to becoming a leader in the industry. The episode also features insightful discussions on alternative fuel technologies, fare-free systems, and the nuances of managing a large transit agency. Plus, get tips on career resilience and effective communication from experts Rebecca Klein and Keith Scott. Don’t miss this enriching episode filmed on location during the Southwest Transit Association Conference 2025. Listen now! 

00:00:00 - Introduction 

00:02:00 - Exploring Tucson's Transit System 

00:04:00 - Fare-Free Transit and Future Plans 

00:08:00 - Innovative Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project 

00:14:00 - Career Resilience and Communication Tips 

00:19:00 - Introduction to Mikel Oglesby 

00:20:00 - Mikel's Early Career in Transit 

00:23:00 - Achievements at Sunline Transit Agency 

00:25:00 - Transition to TriRail and Detroit 

00:29:00 - Current Role and Future Plans in Tucson 

00:31:00 - Impact of FTA Changes and Industry Predictions 

00:33:00 - Southwest Transit Association Conference 

Credits: 

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

Host: Paul Comfort  

Producer: Paul Comfort  

Writer: Cyndi Raskin 

Executive Producer: Julie Gates  

Special thanks to:  

Brand design: Tina Olagundoye  

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova  

Transit Unplugged Newsletter & Media Support: Cyndi Raskin  

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, host Paul Comfort interviews Stephen Gardner, CEO of Amtrak, at their Washington, DC headquarters. They discuss Amtrak's record ridership of 32.8 million passengers in the past year, recent capital investments totaling $4.5 billion, and the introduction of new Acela trains. Gardner shares insights into Amtrak's strategy to double ridership by 2040, high-speed rail initiatives, and the unique structure of Amtrak as a federally-owned yet commercially-operated entity. Key projects such as the Frederick Douglass Tunnel in Baltimore and the upcoming Gulf Coast service are also highlighted, along with Amtrak's approach to modernizing and expanding its network. The episode concludes with a look into the future of rail travel and the importance of strategic partnerships. 

00:00 Welcome to Transit Unplugged 

00:05 Introduction to today's episode from host Paul Comfort 

01:24 Interview with Stephen Gardner 

01:34 Stephen Gardner's Background and Role at Amtrak 

03:03 Understanding Amtrak's Unique Structure 

07:42 Amtrak's Business Model and Operations 

13:23 Challenges and Opportunities in Rail Expansion 

23:02 High-Speed Rail and Future Projects 

27:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Next week on Transit Unplugged, Paul chats with Mikel Oglesby, General Manager of SunTran, SunRail, and SunLink, in Tucson, AZ. 

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

Host: Paul Comfort 

Producer: Paul Comfort 

Writer: Cyndi Raskin

Executive Producer: Julie Gates 

Special thanks to: 

Brand design: Tina Olagundoye 

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova 

Transit Unplugged Newsletter & Media Support: Cyndi Raskin 

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.

After decades at transit agencies across the U.S., Tom Drozt decided at 56 to retire, spend time with his family, work on his yard, and find some new passions to put his energy into. Turns out transit is his passion, so before long he was out of retirement and at MARTA in Atlanta running bus operations. Now the CEO of Ben Franklin Transit in Southern Washington State, Tom is leading the agency with his people-first leadership style and helping people choose transit over cars.

Coming up next week we have Stephen Gardner, CEO of Amtrak, talking with Paul about the historic investments Amtrak is making to bring rail travel to the fore in the U.S.

And don’t forget to have your say in our Transit Unplugged listener survey. Just visit https://transitunplugged.com/survey/ to complete the short survey.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:05 Interview with Tom Drozt, CEO of Ben Franklin Transit

00:23 Tom's Background and Early Career

03:13 Career Challenges and Transitions

07:50 Joining Ben Franklin Transit

17:20 Current Initiatives and Projects

21:43 Leadership Philosophy and Future Vision

24:52 Conclusion and thank you

25:07 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

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

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 interviews Ryan Murphy, the Chair of the City Council's Transportation Committee in Brisbane, while riding one of Brisbane’s famous CityCat ferries to talk about the vibrant and evolving transit system in this river city.

Episode Highlights:

• CityCat Ferries: Discover the unique CityCat ferry service that operates along the Brisbane River, connecting 22 stations and carrying about 5 million passengers annually. Ryan shares how this service has become a beloved part of the city's tourism and commuter landscape.
• Innovative Metro Project: Learn about the groundbreaking Brisbane Metro project, featuring double articulated electric buses designed to alleviate congestion and enhance the capacity of the city's busway system. Ryan discusses the integration of these high-tech vehicles and their role in transforming Brisbane's public transport.
• Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): Ryan explains how Brisbane's extensive bus network, supported by dedicated busways, serves as the backbone of the city's transit system. He highlights the city's efforts to improve bus-to-rail connections and the significant reforms underway ahead of the 2032 Olympics.
• Historical and Future Growth: From its origins as a port city to its current status as a bustling metropolis, Brisbane's transit system has continually evolved. Ryan provides insights into the city's plans for future growth, including the Cross River Rail project and the ambitious goals set for the upcoming Olympics.

And don’t forget to catch Ryan, the city of Brisbane, and all the projects he talked about in the latest episode of Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube: https://youtu.be/M04d9d-xpzk

Have your say in the Transit Unplugged listener survey! It only takes a few minutes and we greatly appreciate your help and feedback. https://transitunplugged.com/survey/

00:00 Introduction to Ryan Murphy and Brisbane's Transport

00:38 Exploring Brisbane's Ferry System

05:14 Brisbane's Bus Network and BRT System

07:38 Personal Message from Paul...

08:17 Brisbane Metro: The Future of Public Transport

12:12 Rail Developments and the 2032 Olympics

15:06 Ryan Murphy's Background and Vision

16:21 Australia's Public Transport Priorities

17:59 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

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

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.

This is a special episode of Transit Unplugged from our sister podcast, Mobility Redefined. Learn more about this great new show on their website: https://mobilityredefined.com/. Below are the original show notes for the episode:

In this episode of Mobility Redefined, host Dr. Kaan Yildizgoz speaks with Juan Carlos Muñoz, Chile’s Minister of Transport and Telecommunications, about the nation’s journey to sustainable mobility. They discuss Chile’s ambitious 2050 carbon neutrality goal, the electrification of Santiago’s world-leading bus fleet, and efforts to expand these innovations nationwide.

Minister Muñoz shares insights on integrating sustainable urban planning with initiatives like “15-minute cities” and highlights the transformative impact of electric buses on accessibility, user experience, and emissions reduction. The conversation also explores strategies for tackling fare evasion, the importance of governance in transport systems, and the role of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in creating efficient, flexible networks.

Chile’s global leadership in transport innovation offers valuable lessons for cities worldwide, from decarbonisation to inclusive urban design.

Episode Highlights:

• Chile’s Carbon Neutrality Goal: Minister Muñoz discusses Chile’s pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and the transport sector’s pivotal role.

• Electrification Success Story: Santiago boasts the largest electric bus fleet outside China, with plans for nationwide expansion.

• Buses as a Catalyst for Change: Electric buses improve service quality, reduce operational costs, and elevate user experience with features like air conditioning, USB ports, and Wi-Fi.

• Governance and Regulation: Insights into how effective policies ensure reliable and affordable transport, addressing funding challenges and fostering innovation.

• Tackling Fare Evasion: Multifaceted strategies, from turnstiles to digital payment options, are helping reduce fare evasion rates in Santiago.

• Urban Sustainability Vision: Beyond electrification, Minister Muñoz emphasises the importance of shorter trips, integrated systems, and 15-minute cities for a sustainable future.

• The Role of BRT Systems: Reflections on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) as a flexible and cost-effective solution complementing metro networks.

Key Takeaways:

• Transforming public transport not only improves urban mobility but also contributes to better health, safety, and equity.

• Strong governance, stakeholder collaboration, and citizen engagement are essential for sustainable mobility initiatives.

• Chile offers valuable lessons for global cities striving to enhance their public transport systems.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Mobility Redefined

00:25 Meet Minister Juan Carlos Muñoz

01:23 Chile’s Commitment to Carbon Neutrality

06:55 Challenges and Innovations in Public Transport

13:46 The Role of Governance and Funding

22:19 The Future of BRT Systems

27:29 Tackling Fare Evasion in Santiago

Connect with Us:

Website: https://mobilityredefined.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mobility-redefined/

Mobility Redefined is brought to you by Modaxo https://www.modaxo.com

Host: Dr. Kaan Yildizgoz

Producer: Mike Cartmel

Executive Producer: Darren Turpin

Special thanks to:

Brand design: Tina Olagundoye

Digital Media: Belén Iturrioz Campo

Marketing content and Mobility Redefined newsletter: Mike Cartmel

If you have a question or comment, email us at mike.cartmel@modaxo.com

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 special episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort and co-host Kelly Chapman highlight the inspiring stories of four remarkable women leaders in Australian public transport. This is the third of five episodes coming from Paul’s recent 10-day tour of Australia. Don’t forget to also check out Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube for the TV episodes as well.

First, we hear from Lauren Streifer, Executive Director of the Public Transport Association of Australia and New Zealand (PTAANZ). Lauren's infectious energy and passion for public transport shine through as she discusses her ambitious goals for the industry, including her efforts to promote sustainability.

Next, Jamie-Lee Owen, Chair of PTAANZ's Emerging Mobility Leaders, shares her dedication to championing young professionals in the industry, emphasizing the importance of diversity and mentorship in shaping the future of public transport.

Katie Cooper, CEO of Metro Tasmania, brings a wealth of experience from her background in aviation to her current role, where she is leading innovative zero-emission bus trials. Katie's commitment to integrating her aviation expertise into public transport operations is truly inspiring.

Finally, Michelle Batsas, Executive Director of Government and Stakeholder Relations at Yarra Trams, discusses her new role and her lifelong passion for trams. Michelle, who was recently awarded the Women in STEM award for mentoring, continues to advocate for female representation in the industry, highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion at all levels.

Tune in to hear these powerful stories and learn about the incredible work being done to promote women in public transport in Australia.

Coming up next week we have the final episode from Australian with a special tie-in to the current episode of Transit Unplugged TV from Brisbane. Brisbane City Councillor Ryan Murphy tells Paul all about Brisbane’s ferry system, light rail, and how his role as Chair of the Transportation Committee helps promote and support transit throughout the city.

00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Episode

01:03 Highlighting Women Leaders in Australian Transport

06:15 Lauren Streifer CEO, PTAANZ

07:20 Jamie-Lee Owen, Chair, PTAANZ Emerging Mobility Leaders

10:31 Katie Cooper CEO, Metro Tasmania

14:35 Michelle Batsas, Executive Director of Government and Stakeholder Relations, Yarra Trams

36:22 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

38:19 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

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

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 2016, Brad Miller, CEO of the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), had an idea. What if subsidized rides with Transportation Networking Companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft could help people in his community get where they needed to go. What if you could get a subsidized Uber ride at the end of your overnight shift when regular transit isn’t running and be able to get home safely? This revolution in public transit and was seen as a model for transit innovation and quickly spread across the country. The next logical question was then: could we do the same for paratransit and offer better service to those riders and even at a lower cost?

The answer was yes. And now across the U.S., paratransit riders can book a ride at the last minute—just like non-disabled people can—to get where they need to go. But all that could come crashing to a halt if proposed changes to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) rules about using TNCs in public transit come into effect. This episode features Brad and other experts talking about how TNCs have helped the disabled community and what the impact on people’s lives will be if transit agencies have to stop using Uber and Lyft for paratransit and other on-demand rides.

Featured Guests:

• Brad Miller: CEO of the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) in Florida. Brad shares his pioneering work in integrating TNCs into paratransit services, highlighting the significant benefits and cost savings achieved. He also discusses the looming threat posed by new Federal regulations that could disrupt these services.

• Dr. Judy Shanley: National Director of Transportation, Mobility, and Youth at the National Office of Easterseals. Judy brings her extensive experience in advocating for individuals with disabilities and emphasizes the importance of innovative paratransit solutions. She voices concerns about how the proposed regulations could limit transportation options for people with disabilities.

• Alex Elegudin: CEO of Wheeling Forward and former Accessibility Chief at the New York City MTA. Alex provides a legal and advocacy perspective, detailing his efforts to improve accessibility in transportation. He discusses his recent Newsweek article that highlights the challenges and potential setbacks of the proposed regulatory changes.

• Jen Shepherd: Head of Uber's Global Transit Business. Jen explains Uber's role in supporting transit agencies and the potential consequences of the new regulations on Uber's ability to provide paratransit services. She underscores the safety measures Uber has in place and the broader implications for mobility if these services are curtailed.

Link to the proposed rule changes on the U.S. Federal Register: https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FTA-2024-0020

Coming up next week, we have the fourth of five episodes Paul recorded while visiting Australia. This week we feature just a few of the amazing women leading public transit in Australia and joining Paul, special co-host Kelly Chapman.

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:25 Meet the Panelists

03:11 Brad Miller's Innovative Approach

06:08 Challenges and Threats to Paratransit Services

07:07 Judy Shanley on Easterseals' Role

09:29 Alex Elegudin's Perspective

20:12 Jen Shepherd on Uber's Involvement

30:52 Conclusion and Call to Action

32:12 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

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

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 week’s episode, host Paul Comfort sits down with Steve Butcher, Executive General Manager of Rail and Transport for John Holland. Paul and Steve caught up at the AusRail conference in Brisbane while Paul was on his 10-day tour of Australia. Steve shares his extensive career journey, starting at British Rail at age 16 all the way up to his current job at John Holland and dives into managing Yarra Trams, the Gold Coast Railway, and the Sydney Metro.

"Transforming lives through railways is what drives me every day." - Steve Butcher

Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged we have a special panel on Transportation Networking Companies (TNCs) and public transit with Dr. Judy L. Shanley, Ph.D. National Director, Transportation, Mobility, & Youth Transition at Easterseals; Alex Elegudin, CEO of Wheeling Forward; Jen Shepherd General Manager of Uber Transit; and Brad Miller CEO of Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority.

00:00 Introduction to Steve Butcher

00:26 Steve Butcher's Career Journey

00:53 John Holland Group's Major Projects

01:56 Gold Coast Light Railway and Yarra Trams

04:38 Sydney Metro and Tunnel Boring

07:26 Yarra Trams Joint Venture

11:57 Post-Pandemic Rail Trends

14:43 Australia's Investment in Public Transport

17:30 Steve Butcher's Personal Background

20:03 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

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

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.