Transit Insight

Have you ever wondered how transit agencies procure their vehicles?  If not, you should know that it is not as simple as going to a dealer and buying them "off the lot".  Today's special guest covers the ins-and-outs of vehicle procurement, federal requirements, bus manufacturing, and the many aspects of what's needed when buying a bus or transit vehicle.  We get into the weeds a bit on this show, but if you aren't in the transit world, and even if you are, the complexity of the vehicle procurement process might surprise you. Note: This show recorded June, 2018

Today's show focuses on our personal experiences finding careers in transit, as well as the various jobs and aspects of working in public transportation.  If you are interested in learning how to break into the transit world as a possible career, or just curious about working for a transit agency, Paul, Edward, and I share some personal nuggets that you won't want to miss. Note:  This show recorded August, 2017.    

Enjoy an in-depth and extended show with former MTA Board Member and current City Council Member, Freddie O'Connell.  He provides insight about the history of the planning process leading to the May 2018 Transit Referendum in Nashville, as well as some thoughts about why it failed.  If your city is planning a transit funding and expansion referendum you won't want to miss Freddie's observations.

Today's show considers the processes and technologies currently used by transit agencies to handle, manage, and control the fare revenue.  We discuss the challenges of both legacy and new fare collection systems, and Edward admits to getting called out for "fare evasion" on the Dallas transit system! This show recorded October, 2016

We chat with Ben Whitaker, Head of Innovation and Co-founder of Masabi, a London based mobile ticketing and fare collection service provider, about the future of transit ticketing, payment, and fare collection.  You'll find Ben's perspective and insight both innovative and practical. Enjoy this nearly 50 minute discussion about transit fare technology and what it means for transit agencies, riders, and app developers.

We speak with the current board president, Ron Yearwood, of Transit Now Nashville, which is a local transit advocacy group.  You'll learn about how this grassroots organization got started and how they work with the local transit agencies to increase awareness and understanding of transit.  The goals of Transit Now Nashville are to educate the community to increase transit ridership and advocate for transit system impovements and expansion.  If you are interested in starting your own grassroots transit advocacy organization, you won't want to miss it. Note:  This show recorded October 24, 2017.  

Just a short note to let you know we have several great shows planned for 2018 and are looking forward to some great conversations and interviews.  Additionally, I am working to get some remaining shows from 2017 posted so keep an eye out for those.  Thanks for listening. Jim McAteer

Special guest Ryan Popple, CEO at Proterra, speaks to us about the current technology in electric buses as well as its current and future use in the transit industry.  Learn how the technololgy works, why "range-anxiety" is a thing of the past, the maintenance and cost advantages to using electric bus technology, and even the life cycle of bus batteries.  Whether you are an electric-vehicle enthusiast or a regular bus rider, Ryan will impress you with his technical expertise and understanding of the bus industry.   

We speak with Jo Ann Graves, President & CEO of the non-profit Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee about the work that advocacy organizations can do to help improve and implement successful transit organizations.  You'll learn how Nashville implemented the Transit Alliance, how their Transit Academy has created new supporters of transit, and what the Transit Alliance does to educate, empower, and mobilize support for transit.

Joe Iacobucci, Director of Transit at Sam Schwartz Engineering, talks with us about some current and past Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects, as well as lessons learned and best practices for implementing BRT.  We also delve into the role that transit agencies might play as the new shared mobility services (such as Uber, Lyft, Hytch, and others) come on-line. Finally, Edward asks the elemental question, "What is a true BRT?"  The answer might surprise you.

Special guest Mark Cleveland, CEO and "Chief Cheerleader" for Hytch (http://www.hytch.me), talks with us about using social networks to solve traffic congestion.  Learn about the difference between ride-hailing apps and ride-sharing apps and hear how Hytch makes connecting with someone for your work commute easier and more fun. This show recorded November, 2016.

All transit agencies use performance measures of one kind or another to monitor the system's performance.  Today's show discusses which of these metrics are the most important, how they are used, and how they help transit managers (and the public) understand and improve their transit service.  Show recorded June, 2016.

In this episode, we talk with Keith Parker, CEO of the MARTA transit system in Atlanta, GA, about the importance of community engagement for implementing successful transit.  Find out the three questions he asked the community, and their answers, that helped him formulate his 100 day plan to improve services at MARTA.  Learn about the MARTA army and how they have engaged the community and spread the word about all of the good things happening at MARTA.  You'll also hear about how MARTA is leading the transit industry in the adoption of technological solutions to real world problems.  Note: This show was recorded in October 2016

During this show we talk about the impacts of different fare types, fare technologies, and fare policies.  Even tokens and transfers make their way into the discussion!  This episode was recorded in March of 2016. 

We are joined by special guests Gary Thomas, President and Executive Director of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system and Marlene Connor, Principal at Marlene Connor Associates (MCA), to discuss mobility management and the importance of working with transportation partners such as Uber, Lyft, Curb, and others to maximize transit potential and ultimately, provide the best service possible for passengers.