Transit Resources

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.

Boca Raton, FL. February 1, 2026. Sunny Isles Beach is launching a modernized public transit system powered by ETA, bringing advanced operational and passenger-facing technology to the City’s fleet.

Boca Raton, FL. August 15, 2023. ETA, a leading provider of advanced transit technology solutions, is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a CAD/AVL project with the esteemed University of Southern California (USC).

Boca Raton, FL. January 10, 2024. ETAs (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. Valley Regional Transit (VRT) has long been dedicated to delivering efficient and enjoyable public transportation services to the community.

As the public transit industry continues to evolve, so do the regulatory requirements designed to ensure that transit agencies provide accurate and reliable data. One such development is the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) mandate for Automated Passenger Counters (APCs) certification by report year 2025. This change is poised to have a significant impact on how transit agencies manage and report ridership data. Let’s explore what this requirement entails, why it’s important, and how transit agencies can prepare for it.

Public transportation agencies face a constant challenge: optimizing service provision to meet the evolving needs of ridership. Traditionally, planning decisions relied on estimates and historical trends. However, the emergence of Automated Passenger Counting (APC) technology has ushered in a new era of data-driven decision making.

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.

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 involving frontline staff. The episode provides valuable insights for transit professionals navigating modernization and digital infrastructure upgrades.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian 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 transition from the largest bus system in North America to a high-performing regional agency, the importance of culture and workforce development, and how training and employee engagement are shaping CDTA’s future. Frank also discusses funding stability, mobility on demand, transit-oriented development, and how CDTA is positioning itself to support continued growth across the Capital Region.

Boca Raton, FL. July 7, 2026. ETA, the cloud-native, AI-powered transit technology provider known for delivering transit-grade onboard equipment coupled with the industry’s most comprehensive web-based software for campus transit operations, today announced it has been selected by Syracuse University to deploy a comprehensive fleet technology upgrade across its campus transit system.

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 breaks down the three-step ADA assessment process: access (curb ramps and walkways), waiting areas (landing pads and shelter clearances), and signage placement. Learn how MARTA completed their ambitious 1,000 amenities program, adding benches and shelters while navigating space constraints in urban, suburban, and rural environments.

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 growing demand for infotainment and hardware reliability. Hear firsthand how this tailored approach to networking and knowledge-sharing is shaping the future of transit technology—and why it’s a must-attend event for industry professionals.

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.

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.

As American cities race toward cleaner, greener transportation, public transit agencies are at the forefront of adopting zero-emission buses. The two leading technologies-battery-electric (EV) and hydrogen fuel cell buses-each offer unique benefits and challenges. Drawing on robust data from the U.S. Department of Energy, agency case studies, and international trends, this post explores how agencies are charting the future of zero-emission transit.

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 leadership and what it was like stepping into an agency facing missed service, staffing shortages, safety concerns, and internal silos. Leslie shares how ABQ RIDE focused on culture, frontline engagement, and team alignment to begin rebuilding the organization from the inside out. The episode also covers ABQ RIDE’s focus on safe, clean, and reliable service, the role of technology in modernizing the rider experience, and why people first leadership is central to lasting operational change.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Eric Goldwyn, professor at NYU and director of the Transportation and Land Use program at NYU Marron. Eric shares what the Transit Costs Project has learned by comparing nearly a thousand transit infrastructure projects around the world.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Shofi Ull Azum, Chief Planning and Development Officer at Cherriots in Salem, Oregon. Shofi shares how the agency uses community feedback, rider data, and operational experience to shape service decisions. The conversation explores Cherriots’ ridership growth, 90 percent on-time performance, and plans for microtransit, bike share, and new transit centers. Shofi also discusses why public engagement should not end with a survey, how planning and operations work together, and the importance of showing communities how their input influenced the final plan.

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.

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 on new vehicle technology and double-sided boarding, bus rodeos, and Miami-Dade’s approach to electrification and safety innovation. Schneider also shares lessons from Leadership APTA and reflects on why frontline operators have one of the hardest jobs in transit.

In the second installment of Stop Requested’s AI Roundtable series, ETA CEO John Maglio joins hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono, along with Eric Hilton and Zach Vinduska of North Highland, to discuss what AI adoption means for cybersecurity, data privacy, and trust inside transit agencies.

Introduction All-in-one tablets are unreliable and unsuitable for public transit applications. Instead, transit agencies must consider investing in transit-grade computers to record and display mission-critical information. Functioning onboard digital devices are essential to: improve operating efficiencies. automate NTD data collection. and enhance the rider experience. Though consumer-grade tablets and all-in-one Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) with built-in touchscreen displays have become popular choices for transit agencies, these devices are not durable enough for harsh transit environments. In fact, 8 out of 10 transit agencies interviewed in 2023 have cited unreliable hardware as their primary challenge. Malfunctioning hardware is unacceptable for modern transit systems. In this blog, we will explore the reasons why tablets do not work for transit applications and discuss the advantages of using transit-grade computers with separate touchscreen MDTs. Consumer-grade tablets and all-in-one computers are designed for everyday use, but they fall short in the demanding conditions of transit environments. There are a few key reasons for this: Unreliable: Consumer-grade devices are not built to withstand the continuous vibrations, extreme temperatures, and harsh conditions common in public transportation systems. Over time, these factors lead to system failures and downtime. Consequently, agencies grow extremely frustrated with missed onboard announcements, loss of APC data, inaccurate NTD reporting data, and irritated riders due to incorrect bus arrival predictions. Unprotected: Transit agencies need to ensure the security of their systems and data. All-in-one solutions that combine processing and the touchscreen display are installed in exposed locations since the bus operator needs to interact with the system. This placement is more susceptible to theft and tampering, causing decreased system reliability and increased service disruptions. Upkeep: When these all-in-one devices fail during revenue service, it is inconvenient, time-consuming, and costly for transit agencies to manage. In this era of staffing shortages, transit agencies cannot afford to spend their time troubleshooting malfunctioning equipment as essential as MDTs. The Benefits of transit-grade computers with separate touch screen devices To address these challenges, transit agencies should consider using transit-grade computers with separate MDTs that do not have any processing responsibilities or complex operating systems. This design offers several advantages: Durability: Transit-grade computers are specifically designed to withstand the harsh conditions of transit environments. They are built with dependable connectors and housed in protective enclosures, ensuring reliability and longevity. Simple, functionally limited MDTs provide the bus operator with an intuitive driver interface and touch screen to interact with the system but do not impact bus operation or data collection. Security: By separating the touch screen display from the computer, a “dumb” terminal eliminates the risk of system failure or theft affecting the entire system. If the touch screen is damaged or stolen, the system can continue to operate without disruption. Simplified Maintenance: With a “dumb” terminal, updates and maintenance are managed centrally, reducing the burden on transit agencies and ensuring consistent performance across all devices. Cost-effectiveness: While the initial investment in transit-grade computers and touch screen MDTs may be higher than consumer-grade devices, the long-term benefits of reduced maintenance, increased reliability, and improved security make them a more cost-effective solution. Conclusion As transit agencies continue to embrace technology to enhance their operations, it is crucial to select devices that can withstand the harsh environments they will encounter. Consumer-grade tablets and all-in-one computers may seem like an appealing choice, but they are ultimately unsuitable for the demands of public transportation systems. Eventually, the bargain all-in-one solution will cost the transit agency unexpected time and money. By investing in transit-grade computers and touch screen MDTs, transit agencies can ensure the reliability, security, and longevity of their systems, ultimately providing a better experience for both operators and passengers.

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.

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 leadership. The conversation explores why planning and operations need to understand each other, how politics shapes service decisions, and why agencies need better market research before making major changes. Christy also discusses the tradeoffs behind service redesigns, the role of pilots, the impact of work-from-home patterns on Bay Area transit, and why field work remains one of the most important habits for transit leaders.

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 treating bus operations as a career, competitive pay, and addressing safety concerns, they emphasize how a multifaceted approach can help agencies build a sustainable pipeline of transit operators. Join the conversation to learn how transit agencies can navigate these challenges and strengthen their workforce.

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 conversation explores reliability, accessibility, equity, and what it takes to introduce meaningful innovation inside complex transit systems, all with a focus on rebuilding rider trust and improving the everyday transit experience.

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

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. Christian shares firsthand experiences from the conference floor, highlighting the importance of advocacy, the impact of competitive and formula grants, and how agencies can prepare for the future as major infrastructure bills approach their sunset.

By Matt SchroederDirector of Marketing, ETAs

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 systems understandable can translate into real influence inside the industry.

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.

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, and where ferries fit alongside buses and rails.

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-effectiveness. Whether you’re a transit enthusiast or a transit professional, this episode provides key insights into transforming ordinary stops into appealing and functional parts of the transit network.

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-electric bus rodeo, the growing impact of artificial intelligence and automation in public transit, and innovative workforce strategies like TARTA’s “Day in the Life” campaign. Discover how agencies of all sizes are using training, tech, and talent to shape the future of public transportation.

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.

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.

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.”

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, Levi McCollum and Cristian Londono talk with Dr. Nick Ferenchak, Center Director for the Center for Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety, Chair of the TRB Pedestrian Committee, and Associate Professor at the University of New Mexico. Nick explains why relying only on crash data misses many of the most dangerous corridors and how “latent demand” can help identify streets that are unsafe precisely because people avoid them. The conversation covers proactive tools like pedestrian level of traffic stress, the equity implications of unsafe infrastructure, and why arterials require more than incremental fixes. Nick also shares findings from Albuquerque’s BRT corridor, including major reductions in serious injuries and fatalities, and what it will take to design streets that work for walking, biking, and transit.

Accurate data collection is critical for transit agencies, especially when reporting to the National Transit Database (NTD). One essential measure is the Average Passenger Trip Length (APTL), which helps agencies calculate the distance passengers travel on average for each unlinked trip. Reporting APTL is a key part of ensuring compliance and maximizing funding from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

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 system integration can reshape public transportation. Yash offers expert insights on aligning services with community needs, the impact of land use, and the power of storytelling in advocating for better 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 agencies looking to start the shift, including infrastructure planning, working with power providers, and understanding the true costs of going electric.

Boca Raton, FL. May 21, 2024. ETA, a leader in innovative transit technology solutions, welcomes Christian G. Londono as its new Senior Customer Success Manager. This appointment underscores ETA’s unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service for public transportation agencies across the country.

Boca Raton, FL. 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.

Boca Raton, FL – September 3, 2026 – ETA today announced that several transit agencies are rolling out TransitGPT^TM, its conversational AI application designed to help transit professionals ask questions across connected agency data in plain language.

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 takes to drive meaningful change in regulated environments. Dr. Finke also reflects on her transition into executive coaching, the mindset shifts that unlock growth, and her guidance for anyone considering their next chapter inside or beyond public transit.

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.

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-emission solutions and the significance of mental health for frontline workers, we explore the evolving landscape of the transit industry. As we set our sights on 2026, we share our goals for weekly episodes and exciting plans to record on transit vehicles. Tune in to celebrate the progress made and anticipate future insights in the world of transit.