Transit Unplugged

Driving Transit Innovations – 5 Global Transit Leaders Share Their Visions of the Future

Listen on

Episode notes

Join Paul Comfort we kick off Season 8 of Transit Unplugged! This special episode features a live CEO roundtable from the APTA TRANSform and EXPO packed with five of transit's biggest leaders. The panel features:

Andy Lord from Transport for London
Dottie Watkins from CapMetro in Austin
Dwight Ferrell from SMART in Detroit
Shawn Donaghy from North County Transit District
Adam Leishman CEO of Ascendal Group in Hong Kong

They discuss their unique transit projects, the impact of the pandemic, the future of AI in transportation, the importance of risk-taking, mentorship in leadership, and the role of transit in the economic development of cities worldwide. Don't miss this compelling--and passionate--discussion on the intersection of technology, society, and the future of public transportation.

Next week on the show we have Stephen Tu, Deputy Executive Officer of Station Experience at LA Metro, talking about improving the transit journey for everyone. Improving safety, cleanliness, the perception of safety, and discouraging inappropriate activities starting at a few stations and now expanding across the network.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Anniversary

08:43 Andy Lord on London's Transit System

12:41 Dottie Watkins on Austin's Transit Expansion

15:25 Dwight Ferrell on Detroit's SMARTer Mobility

18:01 Shawn Donaghy on Workforce Development in San Diego

20:36 Public Transport Success in Hong Kong

21:29 Rethinking Urban Planning

21:56 King's Cross Transformation

23:15 Economic Impact of Transport Infrastructure

25:32 Transition from Aviation to Public Transport

27:32 Leveraging AI and Technology in Public Transport

29:51 Leadership Lessons in Public Transport

34:45 Final Thoughts and Industry Appreciation

37:21 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo https://www.modaxo.com

Host: Paul Comfort
Producer: Paul Comfort
Editor and Writer: Tris Hussey
Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Special thanks to:

Brand design: Tina Olagundoye
Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova
Marketing content, Transit Unplugged Newsletter, & transit puns: Tris Hussey

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected].

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo, and may contain information that may be subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information, and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.