Transit Resources

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, 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 overcame decades of underinvestment, leveraged new funding, and launched ambitious initiatives like Metro Rapid, a cutting-edge Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system designed for speed, comfort, and local character. Hear how the agency is rethinking station design, collaborating with neighborhoods, and making data-driven decisions to deliver a rider-first experience. Learn how Cincinnati Metro is building a future-focused transit system that’s reshaping mobility and revitalizing the city for the next generation.

In the past, deploying a new Computer-Aided Dispatch/Automatic Vehicle Location (CAD/AVL) system could take many months or even years. Today, however, modern technologies and advanced implementation techniques have dramatically shortened deployment times, allowing for faster and more efficient system installations.

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 pipeline is critical to the future of public transportation.

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.

Space Coast Area Transit achieved automated FTA-compliant ridership reporting, streamlining operations and unlocking new funding opportunities with Tally.

Boise, ID October 9, 2024 – ETA is proud to announce the successful implementation of a custom-built CAD/AVL system for Boise State University. Boise State University operates without a traditional dispatcher, necessitating a self-dispatching capability within the CAD/AVL system. Recognizing this unique requirement, ETA quickly developed a live mapping module that empowers bus operators to efficiently manage their routes by visualizing the locations of other buses in real-time, enabling them to better serve riders by making more informed travel decisions. “We are thrilled with the outcome of this partnership,” said Gabe Finkelstein, Assistant Director of Transportation at Boise State University. “ETA’s ability to quickly adapt to our specific needs and deliver a solution that exceeds our expectations is commendable. The live mapping module has significantly improved our bus operations and contributed to a smooth start to the school year.” ETA is committed to providing tailored transportation solutions that address the unique challenges faced by its clients. The successful implementation at Boise State University exemplifies the company’s dedication to customer satisfaction and technological innovation. “I vividly remember my initial conversation with Boise State University,” said John Maglio, President of ETAs. “It was clear that their needs were atypical, and we would need to devise a solution to meet the university’s needs before the start of the fall semester. I assured them that we would develop a solution that would completely transform their operations. This project is a testament to our team’s ingenuity and our commitment to exceeding customer expectations.” About ETA ETA is a leading provider of innovative transit solutions, committed to revolutionizing public transportation for agencies and passengers alike. Our state-of-the-art technology is designed to enhance efficiency, safety, and the overall transit experience. ETA specializes in CAD/AVL technology to include automatic passenger counting (APC), GTFS and GTFS-RT, traveler information systems, and digital display systems for public transit agencies, universities, and other shuttle bus operations across the United States. For more information, visit etatransit.com, email sales@etatransit.com, or call (800) 382-0917. About Boise State University Boise State University is a public research university located in Boise, Idaho. Founded in 1932, it has grown from its beginnings as a junior college to a comprehensive university offering bachelor's and master's degrees, as well as some doctoral programs. With a focus on student success and innovation, Boise State has a large student body and is known for its vibrant campus life. Facebook: @ETATransit Twitter: @ETATransit LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/etatransit #ETATransit #MeetSPOT  

In this episode of Stop Requested, hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono welcome Juan Portillo, Public Works Manager Transit at the City of Manteca, to share his inspiring journey and reveal the human side of public transportation. Discover how on‑time performance, innovative route planning, and genuine community engagement transform transit from a mere service into a lifeline that connects seniors, youth, and families while paving the way for a brighter future. Tune in for a fresh perspective on building a transit system that truly serves its community.

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 global manufacturers, and the environmental implications of electric vehicle batteries. Don't miss this insightful continuation of their series on zero-emission vehicles!

The City of Yorktown operates a trolley service at the intersection of public transit and tourism. Visitors rely on the trolley to move between designated parking areas and Yorktown's historic waterfront district, making dependability and real-time communication essential, not optional.

Boca Raton, FL – 1/8/2024 — Auburn University recently made a substantial upgrade to its Tiger Transit campus transportation technology. Its competitive bid award to ETA for its SPOT™ intelligent transit system (ITS) brings a slew of new features to riders designed to improve communication and vehicle arrival information to help students plan their travel to and from campus. The new Tiger Transit system includes features that improve a student's journey, including real-time GTFS alerts, trip planning, detour management, real-time crowding, onboard  announcements, and a new smartphone app for tracking bus status. “Auburn University is a perfect example of how adept our SPOT ™ system is at delivering a right-sized solution for university transportation systems,” says CEO Nicole Castonguay. “Tiger Transit and its riders are going to love the SPOT™ system’s ease of use and reliability. ETA has a stellar track record for serving campus and education markets. Discover more about SPOT and our campus solution at www.etatransit.com/campus. Facebook: @ETATransit Twitter: @ETATransit LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/etatransit #ETATransit #MeetSPOT #WhatDrivesYou #TigerTransit ### About ETA ETA specializes in intelligent transit tracking technology, integrated passenger counting, traveler information systems, and rich media displays for public transit agencies, airport parking operations, railways, universities, and private shuttle operations across the United States. For more information, visit etatransit.com, email sales@etatransit.com, or call (800) 382-0917.

Boca Raton, Florida – March 26, 2025 – ETAs, a leading provider of innovative transit technology solutions, proudly announces the successful deployment of a CAD/AVL project in collaboration with Stony Brook University. Awarded in January 2025, the project was implemented just one month from the kickoff call, ensuring a seamless transition after the university’s previous vendor discontinued service at the end of 2024.

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 transit systems from the ground up to navigating mergers and fostering a culture of mentorship, Joel offers candid insights into the challenges and triumphs of the industry. The conversation unfolds as Joel reflects on the evolution of transit planning, describing how his early hands-on research experiences grew into leading large-scale projects. He recounts key lessons from implementing transformative transit services such as LakeXpress and the SunRunner BRT, highlighting the importance of balancing community aspirations with financial realities and the critical role of stakeholder education. The discussion then turns to the impact of emerging technologies like microtransit, autonomous vehicles, and AI, and how these innovations are poised to disrupt and enhance the future of public transportation. Joel also shares practical advice for young professionals entering the field, emphasizing the value of soft skills, mentorship, and perseverance, and underscores that meaningful impact in transit often takes time and a willingness to engage with a broad range of projects and people.