Transit Resources

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 efficiency, enhance safety, and rethink the future of mobility.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi and Christian explore the dynamic world of transit technology and what sets innovative public transit agencies apart. They discuss key factors such as budget, risk, and system integration that influence whether agencies become early adopters of cutting-edge solutions. The episode also covers various technological advancements, from Automated Fare Collection to Fleet Management Systems, and the challenges agencies face in balancing innovation with practical constraints. Join the hosts as they kick off a conversation on the future of transit.

Every transit agency knows the drill. It’s 5:45 AM. Pull-out starts in fifteen minutes. A dispatcher is on the radio asking where Bus 412 is parked. A utility worker is walking the lot with a flashlight. Maintenance thinks it’s in the back row. Nobody’s sure.

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 region, and why investing in workforce development is central to PSTA’s culture of curiosity and innovation. Along the way, Brad offers candid advice on working with boards, navigating hurricanes and funding pressures, and saying yes to opportunities that can transform a career and a community.

The bond between agency and ITS vendor should last long after the sale. By Matt Schroeder Director of Marketing, ETAs What makes for a good partnership when it comes to vendor selection? I mean, you’re spending hundreds of thousands—maybe millions—of dollars on a new intelligent transit system. You have sales reps from at least a half dozen vendors whispering in your ear about what you should do, what you shouldn’t do, which competing vendor has a poor reputation for service, which provider has unreliable hardware … in the end, it’s a lot of noise that you have to sift through. What benchmarks and criteria do you set for your selection? Now, before we go too far into the woods on this topic, let’s get a few things out of the way first: Every vendor says they excel at customer service. Every vendor says they have next generation technology. Every vendor says they’ll have your back; that they’re in this for the relationship, not the sale. Every vendor says those things—and so does ETA for that matter. We mean it, and I have no doubt our competition means it as well. But in the end, all those promises, all those claims, merely add up to background noise easily forgotten among pages of technical details and product offerings. In the end, you know what agencies most often cite as the deciding factor? Price. And that’s a shame, because there are some truly substantive differences between transit technology providers; differences which can make for a ho-hum addition to your operations, and life-changing, supercharged ‘holy crap can life get any better than this’ miracles. We know this, because it’s our job to research our competition and know their systems and capabilities, just as well as they do. If you’re selecting on price, it’s because you haven’t really done your homework—or your prospective vendors haven’t done an adequate job differentiating their solution from the competition. Either way, both outcomes do a disservice to you and your aspirations for this new technology you’re pursuing. In the spirit of both irony and complete candor, there’s a reason why vendors hype customer service, technology, and relationships as the key differentiators. They’re the areas where you’re going to feel the impact of your ITS purchase the most. So how do you select the right vendor?  Step 1: Define your expectation for an ideal vendor partnership Before you really dive into the technical requirements, sit down with your key stakeholders and map out the qualities you want in a potential vendor. No, we’re not talking about the features of the system, but in the staff, culture, and approach to the personal side of business. You define the criteria for how you judge the people you’ll be working with, because in most cases, you’ll be stuck with them for the next 3-5 years. Do they listen to you when you speak, or are they simply waiting to make the next pitch? Do they follow up your messages and questions in a timely fashion, or do you have to chase them down for answers? Do they possess an eye for detail, or do they need reminding of key situational needs? Do you feel a personal rapport with them and look forward to conversations, or do you cringe whenever answering a call or sitting through another webinar? Whatever criteria you’re looking for in a partnership, start with the personal side. If you’re not comfortable in the short run, it’s not going to get any better one, two, or three years down the road. Step 2: Does their reputation live up with their references? References are a tricky thing. When I hire new staff, I seldom ask for references because I know they individuals they provide are certain to give glowing reviews. It’s not rocket science, so don’t take a glowing recommendation from a vendor-provided resource at face value. Instead, see if you can get a full list of their customers—especially those clients who either have long-term relationships with the vendor (customers longer than 5 years), or those who no longer use the vendor. You’ll get the straight scoop from those references. Step 3: Collaboration or dictation? How much effort does a potential vendor put into truly understanding your agency’s situation. Do they ask exploratory questions designed to uncover truth, or leading questions designed to steer you down a specific path? Is the exchange of ideas two-sided? Does the vendor tell you what you need, or do they listen before offering up suggestion and recommendations to better identify all possible solutions? Collaboration is a good method to understand the nature of a future working relationship. Ideally any interaction should be positive, open, and honest; you should walk away feeling energized and optimistic about the future of the procurement. Step 4: Warning signs. There’s a reason why in step 1 we recommended setting expectations. A vendor that fails to meet your non-technology criteria isn’t likely to be a long-term ally when it comes to diving deep into technical application. Look closely at the issues that just don’t align with your expectations for a vendor relationship.When you get into the technology, be sure to ask real questions; hard questions; situational questions. If you’ve done your research, push for answers to any concerns about their reputation and the reliability of their product. See if they give you the straight scoop, or if they try an evade providing a clean reply. Step 6: System offerings. Examine their solution carefully and make sure that the features and capabilities serve to directly address the challenges your agency is looking to solve? Is their system too high-powered? Under-powered? Do you find yourself reassessing and compromising beyond your comfort level? What level of control does their solution provide—can you self-manage most aspects of system performance, or do you have to rely on them for changes you’d rather handle yourself? Short of having unrealistic expectations (e.g. cost vs. features), be sure to take note of how far you’re moving off your desired solution while researching systems. Don’t place all your hopes on personality or bottom-line cost; ultimately, it’s your job and reputation on the line, so make a sound investment based on real issues and solutions. Make the wise call and hold out for the items that really matter. Step 5: Intangibles. These are hard to detail because they vary from client to client. It’s a good thing you set your expectations early on because the intangibles a vendor provides, whether it be personality or responsiveness or product knowledge, will become more apparent as your exploration into your ITS solution advances.Many people like to state that it was logic, reasoning, and research that resulted in a decision, but that’s never 100 percent true. Emotion, or a gut instinct, is often the deciding factor. On paper two technology solutions may line up favorably, but in the end, it will be the intangibles that help you feel confident in your selection. Final thoughts Relationships are the key to any successful endeavor. You must trust the people you work with, and you need feel respected, valued, and part of the solution. Selecting a low-price vendor because of the cost is a terrible way to decide, and more times than not, it’s a choice that leads to greater stress and disappointment. Not necessarily because the technology was inferior, but because the alignment of personality, service, and technology didn’t perfectly align. Make choices based on all available information and with an eye toward the future, because it’s that long-term relationship based on trust and mutual respect that will ultimately deliver results.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Brian McCollom, a transit management consultant with more than 50 years of experience in planning, operations, performance management, and the National Transit Database. Brian shares why good transit planning requires more than technical skill, combining data and standards with judgment, observation, and a clear understanding of the market a service is meant to serve. The conversation explores how planners can make better use of limited resources, what performance audits reveal beyond the headline metrics, and why getting out into the field still matters. Brian also discusses service costing, fare policy, NTD reporting, and the value of learning from operators, maintenance teams, riders, and peers across the industry.

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 up a copy of Carter’s book here: https://a.co/d/io7mqpv

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.

As technology continues its rapid advancement, the future of GTFS development is marked by a commitment to addressing real-world challenges and embracing emerging innovations. Recent contributions and pull requests to the GTFS repository demonstrate an ongoing effort to refine and enhance the specification.

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 agencies looking to start the shift, including infrastructure planning, working with power providers, and understanding the true costs of going electric.

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 lost in endless reply-all threads, Walter shares real stories from over a dozen agencies about what’s not working—and what can be done about it. You’ll discover why traditional communication methods fail in transit environments, how geographical data adds complexity to documentation, and the surprising power of skip-level meetings between CEOs and frontline employees. Walter also reveals how Transit Chat is working to become the centralized platform for communications, files, and assignments that agencies desperately need. This episode offers practical solutions for building better communication culture in your agency.

Communication, not technology, determines the satisfaction with transit systems It is a rarity in the mass transit technology market when we strike up a conversation with a potential customer, and they sing the praises of their current ITS vendor. Let me say it another way—transit operators aren’t happy with their tech partners. According to our annual transit agency surveys, more than two-thirds are less than thrilled. The oddest part of this conversation is just how seldom their complaints don’t center on the technology itself but rather the quality of the after-sales support they receive—or lack thereof. You read that right; their issues are seldom with the product. The technology, for the most part, works fine. It’s the relationship with their vendor that has them pursuing new systems. So, what have transit operators so chaffed with the quality of their support? In general, the complaints we here typically fall into one of the following three categories: Responsiveness Time to resolution Frequency of interaction It’s a shame when the reason for severing a relationship and introducing tumult to their operations, staff, and riders has nothing to do with the performance of the technology itself. After all, technology IS supposed to highlight the vendor/client relationship. Right? Right? What are the elements of a quality support experience? Just as the technology on vehicles is a science, so is the art of supporting the client and product. ITS systems are complicated, with many moving parts, including hardware, software, configuration, and data components. As rigorously tested as these systems are, one errant setting or faulty component can kick off an intensive troubleshooting effort to narrow down the cause. So how does one turn complexity into a recipe for success? —A spirit of partnership The first consideration we address is that both vendor and customer must dedicate themselves to the support process. It’s a two-way street, and the client needs to understand their role in the performance of their technology; this includes: Performing routine maintenance Providing detailed information for troubleshooting Being proactive and vocal about the issues they experience Without that level of client-side participation, the support process can drag out far longer than anticipated and lead to frustration on both sides. Similarly, the vendor must actively support their product, providing routine progress updates, delivering on all promises made, and keeping their customers well-educated and informed. When something goes wrong, customers want to know that their concern has been addressed. They don’t want to submit a support request or question only to have days or weeks pass before any sort of reply is received—or worse yet, no response at all. Both sides must understand that the ownership experience requires that they join at the hip, with each entity supporting the other in as diligent and thorough a manner as possible. —Training and education ITS systems, like ETA’s SPOT^™ platform, are complex. Though much of the intricacy takes place behind the scenes and is never exposed directly to the customer, the need for formalized and ritual training is essential. Too often, the only training that a customer receives is at the launch of a new transit system. As the system evolves or employees transition to new opportunities, a gap between what was and what is forms, and the relevancy of that initial instruction become less relevant. Vendors must bake supplemental education into every technology deployment, including identifying the right cadence for “booster” training or situational instruction for new hires or when new features join the ITS solution. An online, self-service database is helpful for self-guided learning, and a guided program must be part of the process to ensure effective instruction. An additional consideration is to ensure that the training focuses on the systems relevant to the individual role or group function. To train the entire staff of a transit operation is pure folly if one expects employees to be able to identify which information is critical to the performance of their jobs. It’s normal for people to become inattentive, tired, and distracted when they feel disconnected from the source material. Role-based instruction is hyper-focused, relevant education based on the needs of a specific subset of transit staffers, e.g., drivers, dispatchers, planners, etc. This education approach delivers only the materials needed for that group to perform their tasks effectively. The staff learns high-level concepts about how their role fits into the larger picture and takes a deep dive into the technology and features they will use in their day-to-day tasks. The result is a more relevant, more precise training that encourages participation and retention. —Responsive input and feedback The answer to this question is far more nuanced than one would think. Transit technology—especially software—are complicated. It can take time to research an issue before a solution presents itself. Responsiveness by the client can go a long way to speeding up the process, but it isn’t the only factor. From a client’s standpoint, they want the system to work as designed. The “what and how” of the situation is often of little concern. They are, after all, transportation professionals—not software engineers. A client wants their vendor to be a partner in not only the performance of the system but the success it delivers to their operation. From a vendor standpoint, a responsive customer takes an active interest in providing timely feedback to the original inquiry. Have they performed the troubleshooting steps? Is the information they provide to the original or follow-up communications detailed and complete—or is it highly generalized, like “the mobile data terminal doesn’t work.” Both sides want a timely answer to the questions asked in most cases. It’s an observation that hardly falls within the realm of rocket science, but one that seems to be a common tripping point and trigger for a great deal of angst between agency and supplier. This reality is often the source of a great deal of friction between customer and vendor, which makes responsiveness even more critical to communicating the status of the concern and setting realistic expectations for a resolution. —Frequency of interaction The human factor is an essential and often overlooked aspect of the client/customer relationship. Consider for a moment the procurement process. In the beginning, contact is frequent. Sales representatives are attentive and in constant contact while negotiating the sale. Once signed contracts exist, the communication escalates further as the implementation teams coordinate with agency teams to finalize system design, schedule implementation, and conduct training. Once the vendor turns over the golden keys to the new technology, the vendor turns their attention to the next opportunity, and the shock of silence settles in. The transit operator is left to use the system. Speaking from the vendor viewpoint, this is the natural evolution of procurement. From the customer standpoint, however, the abrupt cessation of activity following the completion of a project can leave agencies feeling adrift; a “you got my money, and now you’re leaving?” situation. It’s not uncommon for technology vendors to see “no news” as “good news” when past projects are concerned. A neglected customer risks becoming an unhappy client, so it is of little surprise that they pursue higher-quality relationships at the contract end. Keeping those relationships strong and proactive with customer communication long after that initial flurry of activity becomes vital. Closing thoughts Providing quality customer service isn’t some uncrackable mystery. It’s rooted in common sense. If you are a client unhappy with your vendor, it’s probably time to pick up that phone and let your vendor know. If you’re a supplier, you had better take that call—or better yet, run through your list of accounts and touch base with those customers you haven’t spoken to in a while. Run through the list of concerns. Clear the air. Compare expectations to performance and set goals for measurement. At some point, both sides were ecstatic about this joint project—and it’s possible to reclaim that excitement. Try again to find common ground where communication becomes the norm; not the exception that only happens when conflict drives the discussion. It changes the tone from “this isn’t working” to “how can we resolve this together.”

Boca Raton, FL. January 9, 2024. ETA, a trailblazing provider of innovative transit solutions, proudly announces the successful deployment of its state-of-the-art onboard infotainment system for Valley Regional Transit in Boise, Idaho. This achievement signifies a major advancement in elevating the passenger experience and ushering in a new era of intelligent transit technology.

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 leader, mentor, and friend whose influence continues to shape our industry and our lives.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with John Maglio, Founder and CEO of ETA, 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, 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 in cities from Miami to Des Moines. Learn why successful transit planning starts with community values, not just data. Ricky explains why there’s no “one right answer” when designing transit networks—the choice between maximizing ridership or providing broad coverage depends entirely on what communities want to achieve. He walks through real examples from Knoxville, St. Pete, and Miami, showing how proper public engagement can unite regions around shared transit goals. The conversation covers the role of microtransit as a coverage tool, the importance of scalable transit plans during budget challenges, and why transparent community conversations are essential for successful network redesigns. Ricky also discusses emerging trends in travel patterns and offers practical advice for agencies considering system redesigns.

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.

Boca Raton, FL. September 17, 2025. QLine has completed the implementation of ETAs’ Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL), Automatic Voice Announcements (AVA), and Automatic Passenger Counting (APC) technologies across its fleet of six modern streetcars serving the Woodward Corridor in Downtown Detroit.

Boca Raton, FL. July 26, 2023. ETAs, a leading provider of CAD/AVL systems, won the contract to deliver a Transit Computer-Aided Dispatch and Automatic Vehicle Location (CAD/AVL) project for the cities of Bettendorf and Davenport, Iowa. ETAs was chosen based on its extensive experience in successfully delivering similar projects across the United States.

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 journalism expert. Learn about her time at the Shared-Use Mobility Center and how transparency and storytelling shape public perception of transit systems. The conversation explores Mass Transit Magazine’s role as a trusted industry resource, the balance between technical coverage and accessibility, and emerging trends like transit-oriented development and alternative fuels. Megan discusses the magazine’s flagship 40 Under 40 program and offers advice for emerging journalists about approaching stories with curiosity and avoiding premature conclusions. This episode reveals how thoughtful storytelling can drive positive change and community buy-in for transit systems nationwide.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Frank White III, former CEO of the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority and founder and managing partner of Praxis Advisors Group. Frank reflects on leading KCATA through workforce shortages, funding pressures, regional coordination, and the return of fares after years of fare-free service. The conversation explores why transit leaders have to get the basics right before pursuing bigger ambitions, how data and transparency can help navigate difficult decisions, and why transit agencies should have a seat at the table in economic development and regional planning. Frank also discusses the realities of the transit CEO role, KCATA’s work in transit-oriented development, and how he is applying those lessons through Praxis Advisors Group.

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 such as operator barriers, panic alarms, and public awareness campaigns, alongside new federal directives aimed at reducing assaults and improving safety culture. Join the discussion on how agencies, unions, and communities can work together to safeguard the backbone of public transit.

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, 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. Learn about the operational complexities of managing America’s largest single paratransit contract, completing over 6,000 scheduled trips daily with 445 vehicles across Las Vegas. The conversation explores the unique challenges of paratransit operations, from eligibility processes to rider demographics, and how Las Vegas differs from Palm Beach County. Lou shares powerful stories about serving riders with disabilities, including visually impaired individuals who’ve found independence and community through accessible transportation. Discover insights on leadership, the importance of treating people as human beings, and Lou’s advice for emerging transit professionals: expect the unexpected, ask questions, and find your “why.”

The State of Florida recently named ETA as a preferred vendor for intelligent transit technology.

In the world of public transit, understanding industry language is critical. Whether you’re evaluating new technology, reading procurement documents, or coordinating with vendors, transit acronyms and technical terms are everywhere. That’s why we built the ETA Glossary—a helpful resource to support transit professionals like you to quickly decode industry jargon.

Binghamton University has partnered with ETA for over a decade to support its uniquely student-run transit system with CAD/AVL, automated passenger counters, and campus ID card integration.

Boca Raton, FL. November 17, 2023. ETA, a prominent provider of cutting-edge transit technology solutions, is pleased to announce the successful deployment of a CAD/AVL project in collaboration with the City of Hialeah, Florida. The City’s decision to entrust ETA with this critical project stems from our consistent track record of on-time project delivery and the high levels of customer satisfaction we have maintained for the past two decades.

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.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Anthony Trasatti, co-founder and CEO of Ontra Mobility. Anthony shares how his work in operations research and the MARTA Reach pilot led to building an AI-powered platform for transit planning. The conversation explores how agencies can test thousands of network scenarios, uncover unmet demand, and weigh tradeoffs between ridership, coverage, cost, and equity. Anthony also discusses where AI can support planners, why operational constraints still require human judgment, and how better modeling can turn long-range ideas into practical service changes.

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 and trust matter just as much as hardware and software. From protecting frontline operators to enabling agencies to act with confidence in critical moments, Harry highlights how video technology is shaping the future of safer, more reliable transit.

By Matt SchroederDirector of Marketing, ETAs

Digital advertising on vehicles is coming. It’s already been adopted heavily in Europe, and the United States is gradually warming to the idea. there is a strong case to be made that the technology can add a new, profitable revenue stream to any advertising agency, and that there is a public demand for such a system. Digital advertising (also known as infotainment) leverage onboard displays (typically LCD) or public address systems to provide riders with route updates, news, weather, sports, local events, and local advertising. Unlike the traditional printed advertising, digital advertising doesn’t have an inventory problem. A transit agency can sell multiple ads on to any screen. Digital advertising is being looked at as a way for agencies to enhance their offerings, improve reputation, build brand value, and of course, create a new revenue channel they can use to help cover operating costs and invest more proactively in their service.

Driver monitoring technologies exist to identify ineffective behaviors that could impact overall performance, increase rider satisfaction, and contribute to unsafe vehicle operation. Among the more popular solutions on the market include: speed tracking, excessive idle monitoring, schedule performance tracking, and collision avoidance.

In this special roundtable episode of Stop Requested, ETA CEO John Maglio joins hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono, along with Stephen Kuban, CEO of KTS, to compare what they are seeing and hearing about AI across the public transportation industry.

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 strengths with roles, and creating environments where people can perform at their best. We also get into his new book, Find Your X Factor: Follow Your Personal Treasure Map to Purpose, and how leaders can identify where their interests and abilities intersect to drive meaningful impact. Pre-order here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/find-your-x-factor-paul-comfort/1148750775