This episode of Transit Unplugged, brought to you in conjunction with the South West Transit Association (SWTA), tackles a big question after the U.S. election: what does it mean for transit? Rich Sampson, Executive Director of SWTA, and Becca Green, their Legislative Committee Chair and Chief Communications Officer at Rock Region METRO, provide a comprehensive legislative update for listeners. Key topics discussed include:

• transit's success at the ballot box
• the reauthorization of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (IIJA)
• expected future federal transit funding
• regulatory relief efforts

Rich and Becca give practical strategies for effective advocacy with elected leaders, especially in light of new administration and Congressional dynamics. They emphasize building strong relationships with elected officials and underscore transit as a non-partisan issue benefiting all constituents.

Coming up next week we'll have Eileen Collins Turvey talking about her innovative programs in Portland, OR that could save millions of dollars and help people lead healthier lives.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:25 Legislative Update Overview

03:07 Transit Ballot Initiatives Success

06:05 Federal Transit Funding and Appropriations

13:25 Regulatory Relief and Workforce Development

18:00 Vehicle Supply and Cost Issues

28:49 Advocacy and Relationship Building

36:08 Q&A Session

49:02 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

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

• Host: Paul Comfort
• Producer: Paul Comfort
• Editor and Writer: Tris Hussey
• Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Special thanks to:

• Brand design: Tina Olagundoye
• Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova
• Marketing 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

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.

For people to want to ride transit, they need to feel safe. And feeling safe is more than just physical safety, it's a perception. A perception based on cleanliness, vandalism, anti-social behaviors, loitering, open drug use, fare jumping; things that create a feeling of disorder on top of actual physical safety.

This was a huge problem in LA overall, so they decided to do something about it.

On this episode Paul talks with Stephen Tu, the Deputy Executive Officer for Station Experience at LA Metro on how they did it first at one station and are now expanding the changes system-wide. Some of the programs they talk about are:

Tap-to-exit program on fare gates

Open elevator doors

Smart restrooms,

Ambient noise in parking garages and classical music in stations

Stephen talks about the results and the tremendous difference these efforts have made. The pilot tests were so successful that Stephen is in the process of rolling these tactics across the entire LA Metro subway system. But these tactics are only one side of the issue, Stephen also talks about LA Metro is helping people with reduced fares, community support workers, and other tangible things to address the root causes of these anti-social behaviors.

All within the context of planning for the 2028 Olympic Games.

Coming up next week we have a special episode brought to by the South West Transit Association (SWTA). We'll bring you the recording from their post-election update and discussion with members broadcast and recorded on November 12.

00:00 Creating a better experience at LA Metro Stations

00:05 Introduction and background

01:59 Welcome Stephen Tu

02:33 Overview of the Station Experience Program

03:48 Addressing Societal Challenges and Safety

05:33 Success Stories and Program Expansion

06:35 Innovative Fare Collection: Tap to Exit

10:39 Open Elevator Doors Initiative

13:21 Smart Restrooms for Riders

17:05 Music and Ambient Noise for Better Experience

21:04 Conclusion and Future Outlook

23:05 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

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

• Host: Paul Comfort
• Producer: Paul Comfort
• Editor and Writer: Tris Hussey
• Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Special thanks to:

• Brand design: Tina Olagundoye
• Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova
• Marketing 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

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the...

Join Paul Comfort we kick off Season 8 of Transit Unplugged! This special episode features a live CEO roundtable from the APTA TRANSform and EXPO packed with five of transit's biggest leaders. The panel features:

• Andy Lord from Transport for London
• Dottie Watkins from CapMetro in Austin
• Dwight Ferrell from SMART in Detroit
• Shawn Donaghy from North County Transit District
• Adam Leishman CEO of Ascendal Group in Hong Kong

They discuss their unique transit projects, the impact of the pandemic, the future of AI in transportation, the importance of risk-taking, mentorship in leadership, and the role of transit in the economic development of cities worldwide. Don't miss this compelling--and passionate--discussion on the intersection of technology, society, and the future of public transportation.

Next week on the show we have Stephen Tu, Deputy Executive Officer of Station Experience at LA Metro, talking about improving the transit journey for everyone. Improving safety, cleanliness, the perception of safety, and discouraging inappropriate activities starting at a few stations and now expanding across the network.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Anniversary

08:43 Andy Lord on London's Transit System

12:41 Dottie Watkins on Austin's Transit Expansion

15:25 Dwight Ferrell on Detroit's SMARTer Mobility

18:01 Shawn Donaghy on Workforce Development in San Diego

20:36 Public Transport Success in Hong Kong

21:29 Rethinking Urban Planning

21:56 King's Cross Transformation

23:15 Economic Impact of Transport Infrastructure

25:32 Transition from Aviation to Public Transport

27:32 Leveraging AI and Technology in Public Transport

29:51 Leadership Lessons in Public Transport

34:45 Final Thoughts and Industry Appreciation

37:21 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

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

• Host: Paul Comfort
• Producer: Paul Comfort
• Editor and Writer: Tris Hussey
• Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Special thanks to:

• Brand design: Tina Olagundoye
• Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova
• Marketing 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

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.