Stop Requested

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Kristin Taylor, Senior Director of UX at the MBTA and Chief Experience Officer for TransitOPS. Kristin shares how UX research, service design, and civic technology can help transit agencies build tools that work for riders, frontline teams, and agency staff. The conversation explores why trip planning depends on more than an app, how accurate data and real-time communication shape rider trust, and why agencies should define the problem before buying or building technology. Kristin also discusses GTFS, service alerts, open-source tools, cross-functional ownership, and the practical work...

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Coree Cuff Lonergan, CEO and General Manager of Broward County Transit. Coree shares how Broward is building on its bus network through TransitFORWARD 2040 and PREMO, the county’s long-term effort to create a more connected, multimodal transit system. The conversation explores Broward County’s plans for bus rapid transit, commuter rail, light rail, high-frequency bus service, and stronger connections between the airport, seaport, convention center, and surrounding communities. Coree also discusses community engagement, listening sessions, program delivery, eliminating transit deserts, and BCT’s role in supporting regional travel...

In this episode of Stop Requested, I sit down with Doug Bermudez, Chief of the Easy Card Fare Programs and Customer Experience division at Miami-Dade County Transportation. As we wrap up our Miami-Dade series, Doug shares insights from his journey in public transit, emphasizing the importance of a seamless rider experience. We discuss how technological advancements, such as the Easy Card system, are set to enhance payment methods and accessibility. Doug highlights the upcoming challenges and preparations for events like the FIFA World Cup, focusing on improving customer interactions and communication strategies. Join us as we explore how Doug and...

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Dottie Watkins, President and CEO of CapMetro in Austin, Texas. Dottie began at CapMetro as a part-time bus operator more than three decades ago and now leads the agency through a period of service expansion and long-term investment. The conversation explores how changing travel patterns are reshaping Austin’s transit network, from more local and crosstown service to new Rapid bus routes. Dottie also discusses Transit Plan 2035, Project Connect, supporting frontline employees, and balancing today’s service with the work of building a stronger regional transit system for...

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Jarice Rodriguez, Chief of Paratransit Operations and Services for Miami-Dade County. As part of the ongoing Miami-Dade series, Jarice shares how her team is rethinking accessibility across one of the nation’s largest ADA paratransit programs. The conversation explores universal design, accessible journeys, and why accessibility must extend beyond the vehicle to every part of a rider’s trip. Jarice also discusses Miami-Dade’s work to modernize paratransit through integrated technology, real-time information, and NaviLens wayfinding tools that can help riders navigate complex transit facilities more independently.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Laura Moeini, Senior Director of the Performance Analysis Unit in Subways at New York City MTA. Laura shares how her path through consulting, WMATA, and MTA shaped the way she thinks about performance management, data storytelling, and continuous improvement. The conversation explores how agencies can move beyond reporting numbers and use data to drive action. Laura also discusses building useful KPIs, designing dashboards people actually use, connecting metrics to frontline needs, and turning complex transit data into clearer decisions for operations, managers, and executives.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Hunter Abel, Project Manager and Transit Lead at Modern Mobility Partners. Hunter shares how his experience at LeeTran, MARTA, and now in consulting has shaped the way he approaches transit planning and project delivery. The conversation explores why plans often stall between planning and implementation, how agencies can define clearer goals, and why public input should focus on how people actually travel rather than which mode looks most appealing. Hunter also discusses data, tradeoffs, post-COVID service changes, and the value consultants can bring when agencies need additional...

In this episode of Stop Requested, John Maglio, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Jolene Molitoris, former Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration and former Director of the Ohio Department of Transportation. As the first woman to lead the FRA, Jolene shares how her career grew from Ohio rail advocacy to national transportation leadership. The conversation explores rail safety, collaborative rulemaking, the creation of the Railroad Safety Advisory Committee, and why lasting progress in transportation depends on teamwork across government, labor, industry, and the private sector.

In this replay episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with John Maglio, Founder and CEO of ETA Transit, about building transit technology and trust over the long term. John explains how disciplined growth, reliability, and focus shape effective CAD/AVL systems, and why trust is earned through follow-through rather than features. The conversation covers leadership and company culture, what separates vendors from true partners, how agencies can approach RFPs more clearly, and why long-term thinking leads to better outcomes for riders, agencies, and technology providers alike.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Christy Wegener, Executive Director of the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority, also known as LAVTA. Christy shares how she found her way into transit from social work and public policy, and how her career across multiple agencies shaped the way she thinks about planning, operations, customer service, and leadership. The conversation explores why planning and operations need to understand each other, how politics shapes service decisions, and why agencies need better market research before making major changes. Christy also discusses the tradeoffs behind service redesigns, the role...

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Mark Hughes, founder and Principal Transit Experience Lead at Transit Experience Group and Chief Design Officer at Mark Hughes Creative. With a background in product design, digital experience, and customer experience, Mark brings a private sector design perspective into the transit industry. The conversation explores how riders experience transit through human interaction, why frontline employees shape trust in the system, and how training can better prepare operators for real world conditions. Mark also discusses wayfinding, communication during disruptions, rider confusion, and why customer experience is not separate...

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Leslie Keener, Transit Director at ABQ RIDE, wrapping up a four part series on transit in Albuquerque. Leslie leads a multimodal system that includes fixed route service, the ART BRT line, Sun Van paratransit, and ABQ RIDE Connect microtransit. The conversation explores Leslie’s path from freight rail into transit leadership and what it was like stepping into an agency facing missed service, staffing shortages, safety concerns, and internal silos. Leslie shares how ABQ RIDE focused on culture, frontline engagement, and team alignment to begin rebuilding the or...

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Robert Romero, Transit Manager at ABQ RIDE, as part of a four part series on transit in Albuquerque. Robert oversees Sun Van paratransit service and ABQ RIDE Connect, bringing a customer experience driven approach to operations. The conversation explores how ABQ RIDE transformed its call center from a reservations and complaints function into a reservations and education center, using feedback from riders to drive operational changes. Robert also shares how his background in the private sector shaped improvements in wait times, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement. The...

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Bobby Sisneros, Deputy Director at ABQ RIDE, in the second of a four part series on transit in Albuquerque. Bobby oversees planning, IT, marketing, safety and security, and communications, bringing a cross departmental perspective to how transit systems operate day to day. The conversation explores how ABQ RIDE is rethinking safety, from applying the broken window theory to improve system conditions to building a transit safety officer program centered on compassion and de escalation. Bobby also shares how his experience across city departments shaped a more holistic...

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Andrew De Garmo, Principal Planner at ABQ RIDE, as part of a four-part series on transit in Albuquerque. With over 20 years at one agency, Andrew shares how his role spans service planning, scheduling, and capital projects, and how those pieces come together to shape transit service on the street. The conversation explores Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART), including how the corridor was planned, the challenges of taking lanes from cars, and what it takes to operate and refine a full BRT system over time. Andrew also discusses the...

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Paul Comfort, Chief Customer Officer at Modaxo, former CEO of MTA Maryland, and host of Transit Unplugged. With nearly four decades in public transit and government, Paul shares how his career evolved from a local transportation coordinator role into leading one of the largest transit agencies in the country. The conversation explores how communication became his edge as a leader, how strong teams are built inside complex organizations, and why leadership ultimately determines whether agencies succeed or stall. Paul also discusses his perspective on developing talent, aligning...

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with James Drake, Senior Manager of Service Planning at Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT). With over 20 years at one agency, James shares how transit service actually comes together, from data and analysis to the service riders experience every day. The conversation explores how planners think about networks instead of individual routes, how service changes are developed and implemented, and why balancing ridership and coverage isn’t as simple as it seems. James also discusses the role of data, the importance of observation and operator input, and how microtransit fits in...

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Christina Villarreal, Executive Director of LIT, a national nonprofit focused on workforce development, mentorship and leadership in the transit industry. Christina shares her path from the nonprofit sector into transit and how LIT has evolved to support a broader and more inclusive pipeline of professionals. The conversation explores mentorship, leadership development, and the importance of making training and career opportunities more accessible across the industry. They also discuss common misconceptions about careers in transit, how agencies can better support employee growth, and why building a strong workforce...

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Cristian Londono talk with Frank Annicaro, CEO of the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA). Frank shares his journey into transit, starting as a diesel mechanic and working his way through leadership roles at New York City Transit before stepping into the CEO role in New York’s Capital Region. The conversation explores the transition from the largest bus system in North America to a high-performing regional agency, the importance of culture and workforce development, and how training and employee engagement are shaping CDTA’s future. Frank also discusses funding stability, mobility on d...

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Laura Koprowski, CEO of the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA). Laura shares her path into the transit industry, from communications and government relations to leading a regional transit system serving communities across northwest Ohio. The conversation covers leadership in public transportation, the importance of mentorship and professional development, and how passion for the work can shape a career in transit. Laura also discusses TARTA’s system redesign, expansion of microtransit service, and how data and technology are helping guide decisions as the agency works to improve mo...

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Schneider St. Preux, General Superintendent of Bus Operations at Miami-Dade County DTPW. Schneider began his career as a bus operator and now oversees one of the largest bus fleets in the United States. The conversation covers launching a fully electric BRT corridor from an operations perspective, training operators on new vehicle technology and double-sided boarding, bus rodeos, and Miami-Dade’s approach to electrification and safety innovation. Schneider also shares lessons from Leadership APTA and reflects on why frontline operators have one of the hardest jobs in transit.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Cristian Londono kick off a new series focused on Miami-Dade County with Linda Morris, Chief of Service Planning and Scheduling at Miami-Dade County. Linda oversees service planning across bus, rail, and Metromover in one of the most complex transit environments in the country. The conversation covers launching Metro Express BRT, coordinating service across dozens of municipalities, modernizing scheduling tools, and improving reliability in a large and growing region. Linda also reflects on her experience at AC Transit, including managing major capacity projects and implementing double decker buses, and how those lessons...

This week, Stop Requested replays our conversation with Megan Perrero, Editor-in-Chief of Mass Transit Magazine. Levi McCollum and Christian Londono revisit a discussion about how transit stories are reported and how coverage shapes agency credibility and rider understanding. Megan reflects on how her experience as a daily Chicago rider informed her journalism, the role of trade publications in the industry, and why transparency and clear communication matter for public buy-in. The episode also covers sector trends, the 40 Under 40 program, and advice for new journalists. If you missed it the first time, this episode offers a useful perspective on the connection...

In this episode of Stop Requested, I sit down with Dr. Nick Ferenchak, an expert in pedestrian and bicyclist safety, to explore innovative strategies for designing safer streets. We delve into the concept of latent demand, discussing how many dangerous corridors go unreported in crash statistics, and the importance of proactive safety measures. Dr. Ferenchak highlights the benefits of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) as a transformative intervention, emphasizing its role in reducing serious injuries and fatalities. We also examine the intersection of land use, infrastructure, and socioeconomic factors, all of which play crucial roles in shaping pedestrian and cyclist safety...

In this follow-up episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono welcome back Carter Lavin, author of If You Want to Win, You’ve Got to Fight. Carter reflects on the response to the book since its release and digs deeper into what effective transit advocacy really looks like in practice. The conversation covers inside and outside collaboration, common mistakes agencies make when engaging advocates, the importance of having a clear ask, and why advocacy is ultimately a team sport. It’s a practical discussion for transit professionals, advocates, and anyone trying to turn good ideas into real-world change. Pick...

In this episode of Stop Requested, Christian Londono and Levi McCollum talk with Nirit Glazer, co-founder and CEO of LookingBus, about one of the most persistent and overlooked problems in public transit: bus pass-ups. Nirit shares how real rider experiences, especially those of riders with disabilities, led her team to build technology that helps ensure buses stop when riders are waiting. The conversation explores reliability, accessibility, equity, and what it takes to introduce meaningful innovation inside complex transit systems, all with a focus on rebuilding rider trust and improving the everyday transit experience.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Hayden Clarkin, known online as the Transit Guy. Hayden explains how consistently sharing clear, digestible takes on transit led to TransitCon, consulting work, and a career built in public. The conversation covers using initiative to create opportunities, developing a credible online voice, and why making complex systems understandable can translate into real influence inside the industry.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with John Maglio, Founder and CEO of ETA Transit, about building transit technology and trust over the long term. John explains how disciplined growth, reliability, and focus shape effective CAD/AVL systems, and why trust is earned through follow-through rather than features. The conversation covers leadership and company culture, what separates vendors from true partners, how agencies can approach RFPs more clearly, and why long-term thinking leads to better outcomes for riders, agencies, and technology providers alike.

Join us for a reflective episode of Stop Requested, as we revisit our journey through 2025, our first full year as podcast hosts. Co-hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono delve into their favorite moments and standout guests, discussing over 40 captivating interviews that shaped the podcast. From conversations about community involvement in public transit to innovative technologies like zero-emission solutions and the significance of mental health for frontline workers, we explore the evolving landscape of the transit industry. As we set our sights on 2026, we share our goals for weekly episodes and exciting plans to record on transit vehicles. Tune in to...

This week on Stop Requested, we are revisiting a standout conversation from our archive with Ricky Angueira, Principal at Jarrett Walker & Associates. Hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono return to this episode to re-air their discussion on the ridership versus coverage framework that continues to shape how cities think about transit planning. Originally recorded earlier in the show’s run, this conversation traces Ricky’s path from studying civil engineering in Puerto Rico to urban planning in Spain, and into leading full network redesigns in cities ranging from Miami to Des Moines. Ricky explains why successful transit planning starts with comm...

What does it actually take to plan ferry service in New York City? In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi and Christian talk with Nina Verzosa, Assistant Vice President of NYC Ferry at NYCEDC, about how ferry routes are designed, evaluated, and changed over time. Nina explains how ferry planning compares to buses and rail, how customer feedback shapes decisions, and what the recent systemwide NYC Ferry route changes were designed to accomplish.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Stephen Kuban, President and CEO of Kuban Transit Solutions, about how AI is actively changing the way transit agencies plan, decide, and operate. Stephen explains why AI is more than automation, how it supports better strategic thinking, and how agencies can use it to do more with limited resources while staying focused on outcomes. Stephen also shares how he is working directly with transit agencies through hands-on AI workshops and advisory programs, helping leaders move from experimentation to real-world application. Listeners interested in learning more about his...

Dr. Liliane Finke, CEO of ExecuCoach 360, joins Christian and Levi to explore her 24-year journey in public transit and the lessons that shaped her approach to leadership, professional development, and organizational culture. They discuss how she rose from an entry-level marketing role to leading organizational development, why continuous learning matters at every stage of a career, and what it takes to drive meaningful change in regulated environments. Dr. Finke also reflects on her transition into executive coaching, the mindset shifts that unlock growth, and her guidance for anyone considering their next chapter inside or beyond public transit.

Levi and Christian sit down with Brad Miller, CEO of the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, to trace his journey from growing up around transit in Pennsylvania to shaping some of the most talked about projects in Florida. Brad shares how early lessons on Virginia Railway Express, Charlotte’s multimodal expansion, and a leap to Des Moines prepared him to lead PSTA through the SunRunner BRT, the Clearwater multimodal hub, a full network redesign, and one of the nation’s largest zero emission bus fleets. He explains how ferries, mobility on demand, and paratransit innovation all fit into a tourism heavy regi...

Levi and Christian are joined by David Rishel, former Executive Director of Pennsylvania’s CATA and Principal of Delta Services Group, to unpack a career spent shaping accessible transit from the ground up. David recounts launching New Jersey Transit’s statewide ADA paratransit network in the early 1990s, what it took to forecast demand and build eligibility systems when the rules were brand new, and how those decisions still echo today. The conversation dives into the real-world complexity of paratransit operations, the promise and pitfalls of co-mingling microtransit with ADA service, and why fixed-route accessibility and rider education must lead the...

Levi and Christian are joined by Shriram Ramaratnam, Vice President, Transit & Rail at WSP, to explore how Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties are piecing together a truly regional, multimodal transit network. Shriram shares what he’s learned from two decades of congestion modeling and BRT planning, why land use and sustainable funding are non-negotiables, and how agencies can think beyond fixed routes to serve the full door-to-door journey. They also dig into underrated technologies like real-time passenger information, the invisible challenges of maintenance and budgets, and Shriram’s advice for emerging planners learning to embrace incrementalism and compromise.

Levi and Christian sit down with Jorge Espinoza, Interim Scheduling Manager at Houston METRO and founder of the Cruzero trip-planning app, to talk about the power of information in transit. From building rider tools in Bolivia to optimizing schedules in Houston, Jorge shares how data, design, and empathy create better service for both riders and operators.

In this replay from last year, Christian and Levi reflect on the life and legacy of Clinton B. Forbes, marking one year since his passing. Now, two years later, we continue to honor and remember the profound impact he made on public transit and the people who worked alongside him. Through personal stories and shared memories, they recall Clinton’s charisma, his unwavering dedication to customer service, and his transformative leadership—from ambitious initiatives like the Route Performance Maximization plan to his deep commitment to community service through United Way. Join us once again in celebrating the enduring legacy of a le...

David Carr, Director of Zero Emissions Bus Programs at CapMetro, shares how Austin’s transit agency is driving toward a fully zero-emission fleet. Hear about the rollout of battery-electric buses, the groundbreaking solar-powered charging infrastructure, and the real-world challenges of electrifying public transit-from workforce training to integrating new technologies. Get an inside look at one of the nation’s most ambitious sustainable transit transformations and what it means for the future of Austin’s mobility.

After years of declining ridership, service cuts, and aging infrastructure, Cincinnati Metro found itself in a classic "death spiral." But thanks to bold leadership, a game-changing public vote, and a relentless focus on the rider experience, the agency has staged an inspiring turnaround. In this replay of Stop Requested, hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono sit down with Steve Anderson, Senior Director of Development and Innovation at SORTA, to unpack the story behind this remarkable comeback. Steve shares his personal journey—from sketching imaginary cities as a kid to leading transformative transit projects in Cincinnati and beyond. Discover how Metro ov...