In this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort chats with paratransit thought leaders:

• Andre Colaiace from LA Access Services
• Chris Pangilinan from New York MTA
• Eileen Collins Turvey from Portland's TriMet

They dive into how Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) are shaking up paratransit, making everything smoother for riders and more affordable for agencies. We get a rundown of their systems, highlighting how they're tackling daily challenges and boosting efficiency.

Sponsored by Uber Transit, this episode also looks at how public-private partnerships are changing the game for public transportation. It’s a deep dive into the practical steps being taken to improve and modernize paratransit services.

Uber recently published Transit Horizons 2.0: The Mobility Evolution. This industry perspective paper explores how public-private partnerships have and can enhance public transportation. It’s available for download at uber.com/transithorizons.

Coming up next week we talk about the essential role transit plays in rural communities. Our guest is Brandon Nurmi, Director of Arrowhead Transit in Eastern Minnesota. We often forget that in many rural communities there are few alternatives to transit. There aren't many TNCs and often people have to travel long distances for things like doctors and school. Thanks to transit, and a legion of volunteer drivers, people in rural areas can get where they need to go.

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

00:00 Uber Paratransit with intro

00:53 Evolution of Paratransit Services

01:11 Meet the Leaders of Paratransit Systems

03:34 Discussion with Chris Pangilinan - New York City

04:01 Discussion with Andre Colaiace - Los Angeles

05:16 Discussion with Eileen Collins Turvey - Portland

06:43 Challenges and Innovations in Paratransit

07:41 Utilizing TNCs and Taxis for Paratransit

13:46 Technology Integration in Paratransit

18:31 Future of Paratransit Services

22:39 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...

On this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort sits down with Ryan Coholan, the Chief Operating Officer of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA or The T) in Boston.

Ever heard of a COO who drives his own train to work? Ryan is one of a few (only?) COOs who has kept up his Locomotive Engineer's License and regularly drives the train from his home in the suburbs into Boston. Ryan likes to stay connected with the work he's responsible for, not to mention when the COO calls and says there's an issue on a stretch of track, it gets fixed.

With nearly 30 years of transit experience, Ryan talks about running one of America's largest transit systems and shares stories of MBTA's recent wins, like ending speed restrictions on rail lines, introducing contactless fares, and even getting chatbot support. Paul and Ryan also dive into some serious business – like getting agreements in place with all their labor unions for the first time in 15 years.

Paul and Ryan wrap up their conversation with some electrifying news (literally) about The T's move towards battery electric trains. Ryan's got big plans to make it all happen and leveraging as much existing infrastructure as possible. This is a ride you won't want to miss!

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

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:24 Ryan's Journey to Work

02:22 Overview of MBTA and Its Unique Structure

06:51 Role and Responsibilities of the COO

09:25 Financial Health and Strategic Investments

12:22 Speed Restrictions and Infrastructure Improvements

20:05 Innovations in Customer Experience

23:38 Labor Agreements and Workforce Relations

25:23 Commuter Rail Developments and Electrification

30:45 Conclusion and Vision for the Future

31:57 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...

This week we bring you a special episode sponsored by Uber Transit. Across the U.S., Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) are filling important gaps in transit networks. From giving rides to late night shift workers to helping elderly and disabled riders access the world around them, TNCs make sure "transit deserts" aren't "mobility deserts."

Recently, Paul sat down with Bonnie Epstein of Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), Carlos Cruz-Casas of Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works, and Robert Betts from Marin Transit to talk about the different ways TNCs, have not only transformed their transit networks, but their communities as well. PSTA was the first agency in the U.S. to work with Uber Transit to help late night shift workers get to and from work when regular transit wasn't running.

Since its start in 2016, PSTA has helped thousands of people get to work, break into the workforce, and grow their careers. Now this model is being used in Miami-Dade to re-connect riders with the larger transit system after their system reorganization, and in Marin County on-demand transit is letting their aging population age in place and still stay active in their community.

This episode is sponsored by Uber Transit, who recently published Transit Horizons 2.0: The Mobility Evolution. This industry perspective paper explores how public-private partnerships have and can enhance public transportation. It’s available for download at uber.com/transithorizons.

Coming up next week we learn about all the improvements being made in Boston by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority in an interview with MBTA COO Ryan Coholan.

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

00:00 Expanding Your Reach: Leveraging TNCs in Transit

01:07 Episode Overview and Sponsorship

01:57 Guest Introductions

04:36 Marin Transit: Catch A Ride Program

05:38 PSTA: TD Late Shift Program

08:24 Miami-Dade: Better Bus Network Solutions

11:32 Discussion on Transit Innovations

17:21 Marin County

17:21 Personal Stories and Impact

24:32 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...