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  • Paul Comfort on Leadership, Communication, and Finding Your X Factor

    Paul Comfort on Leadership, Communication, and Finding Your X Factor
    Apr 6 2026
    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
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    41 Min.
  • Why Good Transit Planning Starts with Observation at SacRT with James Drake

    Why Good Transit Planning Starts with Observation at SacRT with James Drake
    Mar 31 2026
    In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with James Drake, Senior Manager of Service Planning at Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT). With over 20 years at one agency, James shares how transit service actually comes together, from data and analysis to the service riders experience every day. The conversation explores how planners think about networks instead of individual routes, how service changes are developed and implemented, and why balancing ridership and coverage isn’t as simple as it seems. James also discusses the role of data, the importance of observation and operator input, and how microtransit fits into a broader transit system.
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    1 Std. und 2 Min.
  • Developing the Next Generation of Transit Leaders with Christina Villarreal

    Developing the Next Generation of Transit Leaders with Christina Villarreal
    Mar 24 2026
    In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Christina Villarreal, Executive Director of LIT, a national nonprofit focused on workforce development, mentorship and leadership in the transit industry. Christina shares her path from the nonprofit sector into transit and how LIT has evolved to support a broader and more inclusive pipeline of professionals. The conversation explores mentorship, leadership development, and the importance of making training and career opportunities more accessible across the industry. They also discuss common misconceptions about careers in transit, how agencies can better support employee growth, and why building a strong workforce pipeline is critical to the future of public transportation.
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    45 Min.
  • Steering CDTA’s Next Chapter with CEO Frank Annicaro

    Steering CDTA’s Next Chapter with CEO Frank Annicaro
    Mar 17 2026
    In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Cristian 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.
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    51 Min.
  • Leading a Transit Agency with Passion with TARTA's CEO Laura Koprowski

    Leading a Transit Agency with Passion with TARTA's CEO Laura Koprowski
    Mar 10 2026
    In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Laura Koprowski, CEO of the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA). Laura shares her path into the transit industry, from communications and government relations to leading a regional transit system serving communities across northwest Ohio. The conversation covers leadership in public transportation, the importance of mentorship and professional development, and how passion for the work can shape a career in transit. Laura also discusses TARTA’s system redesign, expansion of microtransit service, and how data and technology are helping guide decisions as the agency works to improve mobility across the region.
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    56 Min.
  • From Bus Operator to General Superintendent with Miami-Dade's Schneider St. Preux

    From Bus Operator to General Superintendent with Miami-Dade's Schneider St. Preux
    Mar 3 2026
    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.
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    40 Min.
  • Bridging Transit Planning and Operations in Miami-Dade with Linda Morris

    Bridging Transit Planning and Operations in Miami-Dade with Linda Morris
    Feb 23 2026
    In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Cristian Londono kick off a new series focused on Miami-Dade County with Linda Morris, Chief of Service Planning and Scheduling at Miami-Dade County. Linda oversees service planning across bus, rail, and Metromover in one of the most complex transit environments in the country. The conversation covers launching Metro Express BRT, coordinating service across dozens of municipalities, modernizing scheduling tools, and improving reliability in a large and growing region. Linda also reflects on her experience at AC Transit, including managing major capacity projects and implementing double decker buses, and how those lessons shaped her approach to service planning in South Florida.
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    45 Min.
  • Mass Transit Magazine Editor-in-Chief, Megan Perrero, on the Power of Transit Storytelling (Replay)

    Mass Transit Magazine Editor-in-Chief, Megan Perrero, on the Power of Transit Storytelling (Replay)
    Feb 17 2026
    This week, Stop Requested replays our conversation with Megan Perrero, Editor-in-Chief of Mass Transit Magazine. Levi McCollum and Christian Londono revisit a discussion about how transit stories are reported and how coverage shapes agency credibility and rider understanding. Megan reflects on how her experience as a daily Chicago rider informed her journalism, the role of trade publications in the industry, and why transparency and clear communication matter for public buy-in. The episode also covers sector trends, the 40 Under 40 program, and advice for new journalists. If you missed it the first time, this episode offers a useful perspective on the connection between media, messaging, and public transit.
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    45 Min.