Transit Resources

GTFS has a rich history that reflects the evolution of public transportation data sharing. It emerged as a response to the challenges posed by fragmented and proprietary data formats, aiming to create a standardized way for transit agencies to share their information with developers and users.

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 campaigns that reach millions to converting skeptical elected officials into transit champions, Evan reveals the unique challenges of marketing public transportation—and exactly how to overcome them. You’ll discover the inside story of Palm Tran’s “Let’s Get on the Bus Challenge” campaign that helped push ridership past pre-COVID levels, why consistency beats perfection in community outreach, and how to turn everyday riders into your most powerful advocates. Whether you’re a one-person marketing team or leading a larger effort, this episode delivers actionable strategies for building trust, changing perceptions, and getting butts in bus seats.

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 episode explores strategies like operator barriers, panic alarms, and public awareness campaigns, along with new federal directives aimed at improving safety. Join us as we reflect on how agencies, unions, and communities can work together to protect the people who keep public transit running.

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.

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.

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 transformative power of live vehicle tracking and how Bloomington Transit is using microtransit to fill service gaps while prioritizing fixed-route services. Discover how thoughtful transit planning is reshaping public transportation for university communities.

Boca Raton, FL. May 19, 2026. Island Transit has selected ETA as its automated passenger counting (APC) partner, awarding a five-year contract in April 2026. Installation across the agency’s 54-vehicle fleet is scheduled to begin in early June.

See if this sounds like you… You work at a transit agency, and you wear a lot of hats. And not only are you overworked, but your staff is too. Most days, success is defined by just keeping your buses moving smoothly. You desperately need an upgrade to your Intelligent Transit System (or perhaps you just NEED an ITS), and after years of lobbying and cajoling your agency’s administrators you finally have both the approval and funding needed to begin the procurement process. But there’s a catch (there’s always a catch) … YOU must be the one to write the RFP.

Boca Raton, FL. June 17, 2024. Indiana University (IU) has partnered with ETAs, a leader in innovative transit solutions, to enhance its campus shuttle bus service. This collaboration strengthens IU’s commitment to providing a diverse range of sustainable transportation options for students and staff. IU selected ETA after a rigorous evaluation process involving eight vendors. ETA impressed with: Exceptional Customer Satisfaction: ETA boasts a 97% customer renewal rate, reflecting their dedication to long-term client success. Durable Hardware: With 20 years of experience in transit-grade hardware, ETA offers robust technology built to endure daily use. Feature-Rich User Interface: ETA’s proposal stood out with the most features presented in a user-friendly format. Previously, IU relied on tablet-based MDTs (Mobile Data Terminals) that experienced reliability issues. This new system, implemented ahead of schedule in May 2024, features a core CAD/AVL (Computer- Aided Dispatch/Automatic Vehicle Location) platform with significant benefits: Improved Rider Awareness: Automatic onboard announcements keep passengers informed of upcoming stops. Enhanced Ridership Data: Real-time automatic passenger counting provides valuable data for service optimization. Seamless Trip Planning: GTFS (General Transit Feed Specification) and GTFS real-time data integration allows riders to plan trips efficiently. Elevated User Experience: A variety of passenger information systems improve the overall transit experience. “We are excited to partner with Indiana University on this project,” said ETA project manager Joshua Adler. “By implementing innovative technology, we are confident we can significantly improve service efficiency and the user experience. This collaboration exemplifies how advancements in public transportation technology can benefit everyone.”

Boca Raton, FL. October 3, 2024. ETA, a leading provider of advanced transit technology solutions, is thrilled to announce that it has deployed a digital signage project with Hampton Roads Transit (HRT). The system includes ETA’s content management system to drive real-time passenger information, infotainment content, and rider alerts to digital LCD displays strategically placed at multiple transit centers. “HRT’s selection of ETAs to provide its infotainment system highlights how standards such as GTFS/GTFS-RT allow agencies to deploy cutting-edge technologies such as ETA’s content management system using their existing CAD/AVL system,” says ETA’s Director of Business Development, Jariel Adler. HRT awarded this project to ETA in May 2023. The infotainment system has been deployed across 12 LCD screens at 4 transit centers. ETA’s digital signage system is web-based, full-featured, easy-to-use, and uses hybrid cloud strategy with single sign-on capabilities. About Hampton Roads Transit Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) serves the Hampton Roads region of Southeastern Virginia with transportation solutions that are reliable, safe, efficient and sustainable. Last year HRT boarded nearly 8.6 million passengers in the six cities it serves with local and express bus routes, the Tide light rail, Elizabeth River Ferry, VB Wave trolley and paratransit services. 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. Facebook: @ETATransit Twitter: @ETATransit LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/etatransit #ETA #MeetSPOT

In this episode of Stop Requested, Christian shares insights from the APTA Transform conference in Anaheim, giving Levi a peek into the highlights and energy of the event. From packed expo halls to exclusive sessions on customer experience, Christian recounts key moments, including ETA’s sponsorship of a session featuring top transit leaders and a conversation on prioritizing the customer experience at every level. Tune in as they explore the value of networking, the unique perspectives gained on the vendor and agency sides, and the experiences that make conferences essential in the transit industry.

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.