Stop Requested
Stop Requested is a podcast hosted by Christian Londono and Levi McCollum, where they explore all things transit—from public transportation trends and innovations to the daily experiences of riders and transit professionals. Join them for insightful discussions, industry interviews, and a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and successes shaping the future of mobility. Whether you're a transit enthusiast, professional, or curious commuter, Stop Requested is your stop for all things transit!
Episodes
Matching Transit Service to Real Needs with Hunter Abel
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
Leading Rail Safety Through Collaboration with Jolene Molitoris
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 s
Building Transit Technology and Trust with John Maglio (Replay)
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 c
Turning Data and Field Work into Better Transit with Christy Wegener
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 leader
Designing for the Human Side of Transit with Mark Hughes
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 explore
Turning Around the Culture at ABQ RIDE with Leslie Keener
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 le
How ABQ RIDE is Delivering Better Customer Experience with Robert Romero
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 an
Leading with Compassion at ABQ RIDE with Bobby Sisneros
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 re
Redesigning ABQ RIDE's Network from the Ground Up with Andrew De Garmo
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 ex
Paul Comfort on Leadership, Communication, and Finding Your X Factor
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 con
Why Good Transit Planning Starts with Observation at SacRT with James Drake
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
Developing the Next Generation of Transit Leaders with Christina Villarreal
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 con
Steering CDTA’s Next Chapter with CEO Frank Annicaro
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 transitio
Leading a Transit Agency with Passion with TARTA's CEO Laura Koprowski
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 imp
From Bus Operator to General Superintendent with Miami-Dade's Schneider St. Preux
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
Bridging Transit Planning and Operations in Miami-Dade with Linda Morris
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 s
Mass Transit Magazine Editor-in-Chief, Megan Perrero, on the Power of Transit Storytelling (Replay)
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 t
Designing Safer Streets for Walking, Biking, and Transit with Dr. Nick Ferenchak
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 Tr
From Transit Advocacy to Real-World Action with Carter Lavin
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 en
Solving Pass-Ups at the Bus Stop with Nirit Glazer
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 con
Turning Initiative into Influence with the Transit Guy, Hayden Clarkin
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 sys
Building Transit Technology and Trust with John Maglio
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
Looking Back on 2025 Through 40 Conversations Advancing Transit
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
Building Transit Networks That Reflect Community Values with Ricky Angueira, Principal at Jarrett Walker & Associates (Replay)
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, t
Behind NYC Ferry’s Recent Route Changes with Nina Verzosa
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
AI and the Future of Public Transit with Stephen Kuban
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 focu
Navigating New Routes and Elevating Leaders with Dr. Liliane Finke
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 ta
How PSTA’s CEO Brad Miller Is Redefining Transit for a Changing Florida
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 C
Shaping Accessible Transit Systems with ADA Leader David Rishel
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,
Engineering a Regional Transit Ecosystem in South Florida with WSP’s Shriram Ramaratnam
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 beyon
Harnessing the Power of Information with Houston METRO’s Jorge Espinoza
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.
Reflecting on the Leadership and Legacy of Clinton B. Forbes (Replay)
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 s
CapMetro’s Road to Electrification with Zero Emissions Director, David Carr (Replay)
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 o
How Cincinnati Metro Turned Crisis into Comeback with Steve Anderson, Sr. Director of Development and Innovation (Replay)
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, Sen
Decarbonizing Fast Ferries with Artemis Co-Founder David Tyler
From Belfast to the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Artemis Technologies is scaling zero-emission, high-speed ferries. David Tyler joins Levi and Christian to explain how hydrofoils slash drag and energy use, why 150-passenger boats are the near-term sweet spot, how agencies might fund/lease fleets, and why charging and maintenance look more like EVs than marine diesels. Plus: batteries, safety certifications
Fighting to Win Better Transit with Author & Advocate Carter Lavin
Transportation advocate and author Carter Lavin joins Levi McCollum and Christian Londono to unpack why "being right isn't enough" in transit and how to actually win. We explore how to shift what's possible, organize riders where they are, and build coalitions that move from local fights to statewide wins.
Carter shares lessons from the Bay Bridge bus-lane campaign, explains why every bench, bulb
Advancing Transit Safety with TSI Video’s Harry White
In this episode of Stop Requested, hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono sit down with Harry White, Senior Strategic Sales Executive at TSI Video and board member of both the Florida and Georgia Transit Associations. Harry shares his journey from law enforcement technology into public transit, the critical role of onboard video surveillance in safety and accountability, and why partnerships an
Supporting the Mental Health of Frontline Transit Workers with Foursquare ITP's VP, Sandy Brennan
Sandy Brennan, Vice President at Foursquare Integrated Transportation Planning and Mass Transit Magazine's 40 Under 40 awardee, joins hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono to discuss her TCRP Report 245 on transit worker mental health.
Content Warning: This episode discusses mental health challenges, workplace trauma, and violence that some listeners may find distressing.
Sandy reveals that
Joel Rey, Benesch’s Transit Services Director, Reveals the People, Projects, and Purpose Fueling His Success (Replay)
In this episode of Stop Requested, hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono sit down with Joel Rey, Director of Transit Services and Principal Associate at Benesch, to explore his 36-year journey in transit planning and consulting. Joel shares how a single university course sparked his passion for transit, leading to a career that has shaped mobility across Florida and beyond. From launching new
Exploring the Human Side of Transit Data with CUTR's Dr. Victoria Perk, Transit Research Program Director
What happens when an economics student looking to make some extra money accidentally discovers a lifelong passion for transit research? In this episode, hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono sit down with Dr. Victoria Perk, Transit Research Program Director at the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at the University of South Florida, to explore her remarkable three-decade journey
Transit Innovation in a University Town with Planning Manager, Shelley Strimaitis (Replay)
As universities gear up for the fall semester, we revisit episode from April featuring Levi McCollum and Christian Londono's conversation with Shelley Strimaitis, Planning and Special Projects Manager at Bloomington Transit. Shelley shares her journey from experiencing Singapore's transit system to leading innovative projects in a vibrant university town. Shelley provides her insights on the tran
Managing America's Largest Paratransit Contract with Lou Ferri, General Manager at Transdev for RTC Las Vegas
In this episode of Stop Requested, hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono speak with Lou Ferri, General Manager at Transdev leading paratransit operations for RTC Las Vegas, about his remarkable 25-year journey in paratransit services.
Lou shares how he transitioned from working at a gym to discovering his passion for paratransit through a chance encounter with Palm Tran's executive director.
Mass Transit Magazine Editor-in-Chief, Megan Perrero, on the Power of Transit Storytelling
In this episode of Stop Requested, hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono speak with Megan Perrero, Editor-in-Chief at Mass Transit Magazine, about her unique journey from transit-dependent Chicago resident to leading voice in transit journalism.
Megan shares how her decade of car-free living in Chicago shaped her perspective on transit coverage and her path from yearbook enthusiast to B2B jou
Former CUTR Sr. Research Associate & Industry Pioneer, Dr. Xuehao Chu, Reveals How He Transformed Transit Data Collection
In this episode of Stop Requested, hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono speak with Dr. Xuehao Chu, former CUTR Senior Research Associate, about how he revolutionized National Transit Database reporting and potentially saved transit agencies millions.
Dr. Chu explains how he discovered critical flaws in FTA's universal sampling plans that forced agencies to over-sample while others remained s
Inside MARTA's 1,000 Amenity Program That Transforms Bus Stops for Everyone with Corentin Auguin, Manager of Special Projects and Analysis
In this episode of Stop Requested, hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono speak with Corentin Auguin, Manager of Special Projects and Analysis at MARTA, about the complexities of managing 8,600 bus stops across three counties and ensuring ADA compliance 35 years after the landmark legislation.
Corentin shares his journey from France to Georgia Tech to becoming MARTA's bus stop expert, and brea
Turning Transit Wifi Into Agency Revenue Streams with Kajeet’s Ben Turner, Sr. Business Development Executive
In this episode of Stop Requested, I chat with Ben Turner, a senior business development executive at Kajeet, live from the Transport Ticketing North America 2025 conference. We delve into the innovative solutions Kajeet offers for public transit agencies, focusing on secure IoT connectivity and enhanced rider engagement. Ben shares insights from his extensive telecommunications background and dis
How Modern Fare Technology Improves the Rider Experience with Masabi's Jeff Nullmeyer, Sr. Business Development Manager
In this episode recorded live from Transport Ticketing North America 2025, hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Jeff Nullmeyer, Senior Business Development Manager at Masabi, about how modern fare technology is improving transit for both riders and agencies.
Jeff explains Masabi's platform approach to fare collection, giving riders multiple payment options—mobile ticketing, contact
Building Transit Networks That Reflect Community Values with Ricky Angueira, Principal at Jarrett Walker & Associates
In this episode of Stop Requested, hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono sit down with Ricky Angueira, Principal at Jarrett Walker & Associates, to discuss the ridership versus coverage framework that's changing how cities think about transit planning. From his background studying civil engineering in Puerto Rico to urban planning in Spain, Ricky shares his approach to full network redesigns i
Modernizing TARTA’s Legacy Systems with Lucas Boehm, IT Director
In this episode of Stop Requested we sit down with Lucas Boehm, IT Director at the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA). Lucas shares his journey from subcontractor to IT Director and offers a behind-the-scenes look at TARTA’s digital transformation over the past five years.
Lucas emphasizes the importance of purposeful technology deployment, cross-departmental collaboration, and involv
Understanding the Real Economics of Transit with Tri-Rail Finance Director, Jeremy Baker
Join hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono as they sit down with Jeremy Baker, Director of Finance at the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA), for an eye-opening conversation about the financial realities facing public transit today.
Recorded live from Transport Ticketing North America 2025 in Chicago, Jeremy breaks down the key funding mechanisms that keep transit systems
Overcoming Transit's Information Silos with Walter Jenkins, Transit Chat Founder
What happens when the person who's worked at your transit agency for 20 years retires—and takes decades of institutional knowledge with them? Walter Jenkins, founder of Transit Chat, knows this problem all too well.
In this episode, we dive deep into the communication breakdowns plaguing transit agencies of all sizes. From managers drowning in 65 emails by noon to critical information getting los
Proven Public Transit Marketing Strategies with Evan Henderson, Sr. Account Manager at Garth Solutions
How do you market public transit in a world where everyone defaults to driving? Our guest, Evan Henderson, has the answers.
In this episode, we sit down with Evan to discuss battle-tested strategies from his time at Palm Tran, where he worked as Marketing Manager and later Senior Public Relations Manager, and his current role as Sr. Account Manager at Garth Solutions. From launching viral campaig
How Cincinnati Metro Turned Crisis into Comeback with Steve Anderson, Sr. Director of Development and Innovation
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 episode of Stop Requested, hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono sit down with Steve Anderson, Sen
Countdown to Transport Ticketing North America 2025 with Portfolio Director, Stuart Barker
Join hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono for a special episode of Stop Requested as they welcome their first overseas guest, Stuart Barker, Portfolio Director at Clarion Events, the world’s third-largest event organizer. Dive into the story behind the Transport Ticketing Global event in London and its fast-growing North American counterpart, both of which have become essential hubs for trans
Joel Rey, Benesch’s Transit Services Director, Reveals the People, Projects, and Purpose Fueling His Success
In this episode of Stop Requested, hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono sit down with Joel Rey, Director of Transit Services and Principal Associate at Benesch, to explore his 36-year journey in transit planning and consulting. Joel shares how a single university course sparked his passion for transit, leading to a career that has shaped mobility across Florida and beyond. From launching new
Passion Drives Progress at PSTA with Planning Manager, Jacob Labutka
What happens when a childhood love for maps and city-building games grows into a career transforming public transit? In this episode of Stop Requested, hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono sit down with Jacob Labutka, Planning Manager at the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA). Jacob shares his journey from sketching imaginary cities as a kid to leading one of Florida’s most ambitious
CapMetro’s Road to Electrification with Zero Emissions Director, David Carr
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 o
Insights from the NCPTA State Conference Amid Federal Transit Funding Uncertainty
Join hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono on Stop Requested as they unpack the biggest takeaways from the North Carolina Public Transportation Association conference. From expert insights on the shifting landscape of federal funding and policy to the latest innovations in training and technology, this episode dives deep into the challenges and opportunities facing transit agencies today. Chri
How APTA’s 2025 Mobility Conference Spotlights Training, Tech, and Talent
In this episode of Stop Requested, hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono break down their top takeaways from the 2025 APTA Mobility Conference in Austin. Christian shares how the increased need for more hands-on training technology is giving agencies a competitive edge, especially as electric buses and new systems become the norm. The conversation highlights the debut of a 100% battery-electri
How Palm Tran Drives Ridership Growth with Planning Director, Yash Nagal (Replay)
We're bringing back one of our most insightful episodes of Stop Requested! Hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono sit down with their very first guest, Yash Nagal, Director of Transit Planning at Palm Tran. In this conversation, we explore the nationwide rise in transit ridership, dive into innovative approaches like Palm Tran's Buslink program, and discuss how service frequency and sys
Transit Innovation in a University Town with Planning Manager, Shelley Strimaitis
In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono speak with Shelley Strimaitis, Planning and Special Projects Manager at Bloomington Transit, about her journey from experiencing Singapore’s transit system to leading innovative projects in a vibrant university town. Shelley shares insights on the transformative power of live vehicle tracking and how Bloomington Transit is usin
Reimagining the Bus Stop as a Transit Gateway
In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono discuss the significance of bus stop amenities in enhancing the transit experience. They explore how features like shelters, seating, and real-time displays impact rider comfort, perceived wait times, and overall satisfaction. Learn how transit planners prioritize amenities based on demand, right-of-way considerations, and cost
Modernizing Fare Collection to Meet the Needs of Today’s Transit Riders
In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono discuss the evolution of fare collection systems and their impact on transit agencies. From traditional cash-based methods to modern cashless technologies, they explore the challenges of legacy systems and the benefits of upgrading. Learn how improved farebox technology can reduce dwell times, streamline operations, enhance rid
Safeguarding Transit Workers and Strengthening Public Transportation (Replay)
We’re bringing back an important conversation in this re-run episode of Stop Requested. Christian and Levi address the pressing issue of assaults on transit workers, highlighting alarming trends that show a rise in incidents over the past 15 years. They discuss the lasting effects on bus operators from PTSD to workforce shortages and examine the societal factors driving these challenges. The episo
Top Moments from the 2025 TTA State Conference and Expo
In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi and Christian recap the Texas Transit Association Conference, Expo, and Rodeo held in McAllen, Texas. Christian shares firsthand insights on the event’s highlights, from industry-leading sessions and vendor showcases to the competitive energy of the roadeo. They also discuss the role of APC certification in 2025, the power of networking at transit conference
Ace Your Transit Agency's 2025 APC Recertification with Tally (Replay)
In this special replay episode of Stop Requested, Levi and Christian revisit an essential conversation about Automatic Passenger Counting (APC) technology and its impact on public transit agencies. With the 2025 APC recertification deadline set by the FTA fast approaching, they break down why agencies need to act now and the operational benefits of certification. They also highlight ETA Transit’s
Artificial Intelligence is Reshaping Public Transit as We Know It
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing public transit, bringing smarter service, safer rides, and a better passenger experience. In this episode of Stop Requested, hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono explore how AI is streamlining operations—from predictive maintenance and real-time scheduling to intelligent chatbots and fare enforcement. Discover how agencies are using AI to improve eff
What We Learned at the 2025 Transit Bus Summit
In this episode of Stop Requested, hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono explore the unique experience of the Transit Bus Summit, an event that goes beyond traditional transit conferences by fostering direct, meaningful connections between agencies and vendors. Christian shares key takeaways from this year’s summit, including discussions on integration challenges, open data standards, and the
How Manteca Transit Champions Community Involvement with Public Works Manager - Transit, Juan Portillo
On this episode of Stop Requested, we interview Juan Portillo, Public Works Manager - Transit at the City of Manteca. Dive into the heart of community-focused transit planning as Juan shares his journey from military service to becoming a pivotal figure in public transportation. Discover how Manteca Transit has transformed its services to better cater to its residents, particularly the youth and s
Why ‘On Time’ Isn’t Always on Target
Levi and Christian unpack the complexities behind on-time performance, exploring why being early can be worse than being late, how operators juggle impossible schedules, and the hidden challenges agencies face in defining and maintaining punctuality. They break down how this simple-sounding stat can be surprisingly complicated—and why it matters to both riders and agencies.
Is Ridership the Gold Standard for Transit Success?
Ridership numbers often dominate transit discussions, but should they be the ultimate measure of success? Levi and Christian unpack the pros and cons, exploring how accessibility, service quality, and community impact factor in. Is a packed bus always a sign of a great system, or is there more to consider? Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on what truly makes public transit effective.
How Palm Tran Drives Ridership Growth with Planning Director, Yash Nagal
In this special episode of Stop Requested, hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono welcome their first-ever guest, Yash Nagal, Director of Transit Planning at Palm Tran. Together, they dive into the nationwide surge in transit ridership, explore innovative strategies like Palm Tran's Buslink program, and discuss how frequency and integration can transform public transportation. Yash shares k
Driving the Global Transition to Battery Electric Buses
In this episode of Stop Requested, Christian Londono and Levi McCollum explore the global landscape of battery electric bus adoption. From Shenzhen's fully electrified fleet to the ambitious goals in Latin America and Europe, they examine the challenges, successes, and trends shaping zero-emission transit worldwide. Tune in as they discuss the impact of policies like Buy America, the role of g
Leading the Charge to Zero-Emission Transit
What does it take to electrify a transit fleet? In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono explain the challenges and benefits of zero-emission buses. Learn about the key technologies — from battery-electric to hydrogen fuel cells — and why transit agencies are racing to secure funding and develop Zero Emission Transition Plans. They also cover practical tips for agenci
Reflecting on 2024’s Top Transit Stories
In this episode of Stop Requested, Christian Londono and Levi McCollum kick off 2025 by reflecting on the top 10 transit stories of 2024, as highlighted by Mass Transit magazine. From Penn Station’s capacity challenges to tackling wildcatting in San Diego, they explore major milestones, key trends, and what these stories mean for the future of public transportation. Plus, they give shoutouts to 20
Using Transit Swag to Build Brand Loyalty and Advocacy
In this episode of Stop Requested, Christian Londono and Levi McCollum explore how transit agencies are turning swag into powerful tools for branding, engagement, and creating community pride. They discuss the value of collectible transit merchandise, share their favorite swag stories, and uncover how these items build deeper connections with riders and fans alike.
Transit Traditions to Celebrate the Holidays
In this festive episode of Stop Requested, Levi and Christian explore the delightful tradition of transit buses taking center stage in holiday parades and celebrations. From historical roots in London and New York City to the behind-the-scenes efforts of transit agencies, they discuss how these rolling holiday displays strengthen community ties and promote public transit. They also share insights
Safeguarding Transit Workers and Strengthening Public Transportation
In this episode of Stop Requested, Christian and Levi tackle the urgent issue of assaults on transit workers, exploring alarming statistics that reveal a troubling rise in incidents over the past 15 years. They discuss the profound impact on bus operators, from PTSD to workforce shortages, and examine the societal factors contributing to these challenges. The conversation highlights strategies suc
Addressing Transit Insecurity and Its Impact on Communities
In this episode of Stop Requested, Christian and Levi focus on the issue of transit insecurity, examining how unreliable transportation impacts individuals and communities. Inspired by a recent Mass Transit Magazine article and national studies, they discuss challenges like poverty, access to opportunities, and the trade-offs between ridership and coverage. The conversation highlights innovative s
Cracking the Code to CDL Shortages in Transit Operations
In this episode of Stop Requested, Christian and Levi tackle the critical issue of CDL driver shortages in the transit industry. They explore the challenges agencies face, including workforce gaps exacerbated by macroeconomic conditions, and discuss innovative strategies such as in-house CDL training, vocational partnerships, and creative recruitment campaigns. With insights on the importance of t
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10 minutos con Jesús
