Transit Unplugged

Latest Episodes:

Ts Mazli Mustaffa — Sarawak Metro Feb 15, 2023

Show notes

This week we give you the first of three podcast episodes from Paul's recent Pacific tour that took him from Hawaii to Malaysia to Singapore. We kick things off with the CEO of Sarawak Metro, Ts Mazli Mustaffa. Sarawak Metro is in a unique position where they are tasked with building and expanding public transit in their region--a challenge that always fosters innovation. As you'll hear in Paul's conversation with Mr. Mustaffa, they have a tremendous innovation running in Sarawak: an autonomous, green hydrogen-powered trackless tram that works like light rail, but on wheels. This gives them the ability to flexibly manage the service without needing to worry about tracks or railways.

The autonomous rapid transit solution has also had a side benefit as a way to create jobs and technology innovation in the region. From generating green hydrogen to power the fleet to the technology that makes the buses autonomous the Sarawak region is at the cutting edge of these two key technologies.

Also in this episode, Mike Bismeyer brings us Mike's Minute reflecting on last week's guest Eulois Cleckley's leadership segment focusing on people and mentoring.

Next week we have transit consultant Christian Kent chatting with Paul about recruitment and retention and then we have Shawn Moon of FranklinCovey talking about leadership. Shawn will also be a speaker at the Executive Summit during ThinkTransit.

We're very excited to announce our March 1st show will be entirely dedicated to leadership with our very special guest Stephen M R Covey author of Trust and Inspire and Smart Trust. Stay tuned for more about Stephen M R Covey's upcoming episode.

Stay tuned for more about Stephen M R Covey's upcoming episode.

If you have a question or would like to be a guest on Transit Unplugged, you can email us at info@transitunplugged.com.

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(00:00) Ts Mazli Mustaffa, CEO Sarawak Metro (00:30) Interview with Mazli Mustaffa, CEO Sarawak Metro (15:56) Mike's Minute with Mike Bismeyer (18:39) Interview with Ts Mazli Mustaffa, part 2 (25:29) Coming up next week Christian Kent and Shawn Moon (26:14) Attend the Executive Summit at ThinkTransit Learn more at https://www.trapezegroup.com/thinktransit/executive-summit Only $149 and includes access to the entire ThinkTransit conference. https://vzyfm.co/3Kctetr

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Stacey Matlen and Eulois Cleckley Feb 08, 2023

Show notes

One of the hardest things about transit is getting new technology into production. Something that sounds great, but is just a little on the cutting edge is hard for agencies to practically test and trial. This is where The Partnership for New York City and The Transit Tech Lab come in. Stacey Matlen, VP of Innovation at the Partnership for NYC, talks with Paul about how she's helping technology companies and the region's transit agencies test out new ideas and bring the best into production. Right now they have two competitions going for operational efficiency and human capital and you can learn more about these competitions in the show and on the Transit Tech Lab website.

We continue our new leadership series with Eulois Cleckley, Director and CEO of the Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works, talking about his formula for helping build leaders and being a leader in his agency. Eulois has been on the show before talking about his vision for transit, now we see how that vision for transit is reflected in his leadership vision.

"...Leadership really is about people and it's about the people you serve. And it's also about the staff that comes, works very hard for you every single day. And so if you're not focused on making sure you're preparing and protecting your staff, and you're leading your staff and you're setting a sound vision for them; you're really putting a department in a bad position to not be as effective as what it could be. And then for those employees that are highly talented and could go on to do great things, you're suppressing their ability to do so."

Also on the show:

Paul tells about the retirement of an industry legend, and three new CEOs taking the helms' of their agencies this month.
Elea gives us some ideas for swag that won't just end up being thrown away.

Next week on Transit Unplugged we have the first of several interviews from Paul's recent Pacific tour. Listen to Paul in conversation with Ts Mazli Mustaffa, CEO of Sarawak Metro in Malaysia, as they talk about the metro system and their green hydrogen efforts.

If you have a question or would like to be a guest on the show, you can email us at info@transitunplugged.com.

Enriched by Vizzy

(00:00) Stacey Matlen and Eulois Cleckley (00:04) Opening and Transit News of the Week (05:58) Interview with Stacey Matlen , VP Innovation, Partnership for NYC (16:32) Messaging Minute with Elea Carey (18:19) Leadership segment with Eulois Cleckley (28:43) Coming up next week Ts Mazli Mustaffa (29:24) Check out Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube!

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Kate Mattice — Northern Virginia Transportation Commission Feb 01, 2023

Show notes

This week Paul chats with Kate Mattice, Executive Director of the Northern Virginia Transit Commission, about managing and advising transit agencies and the Virginia Rail Express in one of the most complex and connected regions in the United States. From zero emissions to zero fare, Kate Mattice is tackling the big issues facing transit in Northern Virginia and the U.S. Capitol Region. It's not enough to get people from A to B; you need to plan for C, D, and E as well. In today's new transit environment with zero emissions, zero fare, and infrastructure investments, Kate has a pragmatic vision for getting it done.

You might remember last season's episode with Monica Backmon and her similar task in the region, these two episodes highlight the critical need to cross-agency collaboration in regions like Northern Virginia.

Also this week Mike Bismeyer comments on mentoring and mentorship in Mike's Minute. Mike recently share his work with a new mentee and how the value you get from being a mentor goes both ways.

Next week on Transit Unplugged we have Stacey Matlen, VP of Innovation at Partnership for New York City, and Eulois Cleckley, CEO of the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works.

If you have a question or want to be a guest on the show, email us at info@transitunplugged.com.

Enriched by Vizzy

(00:00) Kate Mattice, Executive Director, Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (00:26) Interview with Kate Mattice, Part 1 (19:49) Mike's Minute with Mike Bismeyer (21:39) Interview with Kate Mattice, Part 2 (26:51) Coming up next week: Stacey Matlen and Eulois Cleckley (27:47) Subscribe to Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube!

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Rikesh Shah and Larnzell Harper Jan 25, 2023

Show notes

Great leaders foster great innovation. Rikesh Shah is driving innovation at Transport for London (TfL), and Larnzell Harper helps level up transit leaders. Learn about both sides of the equation in two dynamic interviews.

People think innovation is all about new shiny things, but it's really about finding new ways to solve problems. Rikesh Shah, Head of Open Innovation at TfL dives into some of the innovations he's led--and some of them have less to do with moving people than understanding everything about the environment of moving them. We continue with our leadership series with Larnzell Harper, Manager of Training and Development at VIA Metropolitan Transit helping people level up as leaders with pragmatic advice on decision-making and creating a toolbox of leadership tools you can leverage across jobs and situations.

Innovation and leadership are so closely aligned. Building a culture of innovation requires leaders who are okay with false starts and mistakes. Leaders who look at how everyone else has done it and ask, "Can we do this better? Is this really working?" Larnzell and Rikesh typify leaders who make it safe to ask questions, try new things, and push us--and our agencies--to be better.

Also on the show, Paul has the transit news of the week, including a historic grant award for Chicago's Metra, and Elea Carey reminds us that a postcard in the mail could be just the thing to get your message across.

Next week on Transit Unplugged we have Kate Mattice, Executive Director of the Northern Virginia Transit Commission.

If you have questions or comments, email us at info@transitunplugged.com.

Enriched by Vizzy

(00:00) Rikesh Shah and Larnzell Harper--Innovation and Leadership (00:31) Transit News of the Week (05:36) Interview with Rikesh Shah, Head of Open Innovation, Transport for London (26:15) Messaging Minute with Elea Carey (27:58) Subscribe to Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube (28:45) Interview with Larnzell Harper Manager of Training and Development, VIA Metropolitan Transit Authority (39:20) Coming up next week Kate Mattice of the Northern Virginia Transit Commission

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Catherine Rinaldi — Metro-North and Long Island Rail Roads Jan 18, 2023

Show notes

Join Paul in conversation with Catherine Rinaldi, President of Metro-North Railroad and Interim President of Long Island Rail Road in New York. As Catherine says in her chat with Paul, New York wouldn't be New York without transit. Getting from A to B efficiently makes buses, subways, and trains.

These two critical rail lines provide commuters with critical connections throughout the New York Metropolitan Area, and the new stations--like Grand Central Madison--will make connections even smoother. Learn about all the plans for connecting New York, her career, and her look ahead at how rail fits into the larger transportation picture in this week's Transit Unplugged In-Depth.

Also in this episode, Mike Bismeyer gives his leadership insight in Mike's Minute--now airing on In-Depth shows!

If you have a question or comment, email us at info@transitunplugged.com or sign up for the newsletter so you're always in the loop with what's going on with the show.

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(00:00) Catherine Rinaldi Full Show (00:13) Interview with Cathy Rinaldi, Part 1h (20:34) Mike's Minute with Mike Bismeyer (22:18) Interview with Cathy Rinaldi, part 2 (29:24) Subscribe to Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube (30:16) Closing and coming up next week

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Matthew Daus and Dale Walls Jan 11, 2023

Show notes

This week we kick off something new on Transit Unplugged. Every other week, in addition to our newsmaker interview, Paul will talk with a leadership expert on developing and improving your leadership skills. No matter what level you're at in your organization, these segments are essential to your career. As this week's guest Dale Walls, founder of Lions Guide, says: "You're always the leader of yourself."

Paul kicks off the show with Matthew Daus, Partner and Chair of Transportation Practice Group Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf, LLP, talking about combatting congestion and some of the things to look out for this year. We hear from Elea Carey on how to communicate personnel changes at your agency--and get your announcements noticed. Finally, Paul chats with Dale Walls about leveling up your skills with courage, clarity, and leadership.

Next week on Transit Unplugged, we have Catherine Rinaldi, President of Metro North Railroad and Interim President of the Long Island Railroad for New York MTA.

If you have a question, comment, or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at info@transitunplugged.com. And don't forget to subscribe to the newsletter so you're always in the loop with what's going on with the show.

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(00:00) Introduction and News (06:22) Interview with Matthew Daus (16:57) Elea Carey's Messaging Minute (18:33) Interview with Dale Walls on leadership (33:36) Subscribe to Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube (34:23) Coming up next week on the show...

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Jim Derwinski — CEO Metra Commuter Rail Chicago Jan 04, 2023

Show notes

Paul kicks off 2023 talking with Jim Derwinski CEO of Metra Commuter Rail in Chicago. The changing face and role of commuter rail in connecting suburbs to cities was a big topic in 2022 and will certainly continue throughout 2023. As we see Tuesday-Thursday cities and flattening the peak across North America and the world, we're seeing commuter rail becoming less about "get me to work on time" and more "get me into the city for fun without my car."

But what does this mean for the future of rail properties? How will they adapt to the changing passenger needs? Jim Derwinski talks about what Metra Commuter Rail is doing as part of Chicago's larger transportation system. Jim's vision is for people to be able to jump on any mode of transport and get to where they are going quickly, seamlessly, and cheaply. As Mohamed Mezgahni said in the 2022 year-end wrap-up (listen now if you haven't had a chance), public transport in all its forms will be essential to fighting climate change and making our cities more liveable places in the future.

Next week on the show, we have Matthew Daus, Partner and Chair of the Transportation Practice Group at Windels Marx talking about moving people in the Big Apple.

If you have a question, comment, or want to be a guest on the show, email us at info@transitunplugged.com and don't forget to sign up for the newsletter so you're always in the look with what's going on with the show.

End of the year wrap up for 2022 Dec 28, 2022

Show notes

Join Paul for a very special Transit Unplugged episode. This look back at 2022 and ahead to 2023 features four amazing transportation leaders:

Mohamed Mezghani, Secretary General, UITP
Jeremy Yap, Deputy Chief Executive, LTA, Vice President, UITP Executive Board
Julie Timm, CEO, Sound Transit
Rod Jones, Portfolio Leader, Head of Americas, Modaxo

In this wide-ranging, three-part conversation, you'll hear what each of these leaders thinks about the current state and future of transportation around the world. A few topics they cover are:

Attracting new riders
Public transport and climate change
Technology innovations in 2023
Hardening infrastructure for extreme weather
Investing in the right solutions for entire communities
Looking at righting past development wrong to create a more equitable--and welcoming--transit system.

Finally, Paul and Rod Jones talk about Modaxo, its role in global transportation, and what 2023 is looking like for the company.

This is a must-listen and inspiring episode sure to set the scene for a great 2023.

Next week on Transit Unplugged we have Jim Derwinski, CEO of Metra Commuter Rail on the show talking about Chicago's changing commuter landscape.

If you have a question, comment, or want to be a guest on the show, email us at info@transitunplugged.com.

Enriched by Vizzy

(00:00) Introduction (02:29) Part 1: Interview with Mohamed Mezghani, Jeremy Yap, and Rod Jones (33:09) Part 2: Interview with Julie Timm with Rod Jones and Paul Comfort (52:00) Part 3: Conversation about Modaxo with Rod Jones

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Dave McKenna — Rocky Mountaineer Dec 21, 2022

Show notes

This week we bring you something a little different. Usually, when we talk about rail we're talking about commuters or inter-city rail, but in this episode, we're talking about rail tourism. Dave McKenna, CEO of the Rocky Mountaineer talks with Paul about delivering an unparalleled rail experience traveling through some of the most amazing scenery in North America. With routes in British Columbia, Alberta, and now Colorado-Utah, the Rocky Mountaineer, traveling at "the speed of Kodak" lets people unwind watching scenery go by combined with world-class food and accommodations.

Dave and Paul talk about the logistics of offering rail excursions, going above and beyond with hospitality, and how he doesn't settle for "good enough" in keeping the Rocky Mountaineer safe.

This focus on the customer, sometimes offering things before a passenger even knows they need it, could be an example for commuter rail in North America bringing a customer-centric approach to commuting.

Next week we have an especially amazing episode to close out the year. Join Paul in conversation with:

Mohamed Mezghani, Secretary General, UITP
Jeremy Yap, Deputy Chief Executive, LTA, Vice President, UITP Executive Board
Julie Timm, CEO, Sound Transit
Rod Jones, Portfolio Leader, Head of Americas, Modaxo

This special hour-long episode is not to be missed! This look back at 2022 and ahead 2023 with some of transportation's most important thought leaders will inspire you as we head into 2023.

From everyone at Transit Unplugged and Modaxo, we wish all of our listeners Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.

If you have a question, comment, or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at info@transitunplugged.com.

Mike Bagshaw – MTR UK Dec 14, 2022

Show notes

We're winding down the year with another trip across the pond to London. Paul talks with Mike Bagshaw, COO MTR UK, about running the Elizabeth Line (and completing all the remaining connections), the technology needed to run it on time, and how MTR uses property development to fund transit operations in cities like Hong Kong. Mike talks about how MTR UK used digital twin tech to test, refine, and configure the Elizabeth Line schedules to be reliable even when things don't always go to plan.

Also this week:

Paul covers some of the latest transit news including Washington DC going fare-free and two high-profile retirements

Elea Carey talks about how to communicate service changes