What does it take to build a transit system that powers a city—and wins global recognition for livability?

In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Ryan Daniel, CEO of St. Cloud Metro Bus, and Dave Kleis, Board Chair and former mayor of St. Cloud, Minnesota, share how their long-running partnership has driven bold innovation and national recognition. From launching a system-wide redesign to pioneering green hydrogen fuel, their work shows how public transit can be a catalyst for clean energy and economic development.

You’ll hear the inside story of how St. Cloud won the U.S. Conference of Mayors Award and the global “Most Livable City” title—twice. Plus, Dave offers rare behind-the-scenes insights into how a mayor selects a transit CEO during a national search, and Ryan shares the quote that guides his work:

“Where transportation goes, community grows.”

Whether you're aiming for executive leadership or understanding transit's role in the economic development of your region, this conversation delivers strategies, lessons, and inspiration to get you there.

Highlights:

• Why green hydrogen could be transit’s next big shift
• How St. Cloud went 100% CNG—and what’s next
• Keys to successful public engagement on system redesign
• What mayors and boards really look for in a CEO
• Winning national awards through innovation and vision

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo

🎙️ Host & Producer: Paul Comfort

💼 Executive Producer: Julie Gates

🎧 Producer & Newsletter Editor: Chris O'Keeffe

📝 Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Production Intern: Desmond Gates

Special thanks to:

🎨 Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

📱 Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

📬 Got a question or comment? Email us at info@transitunplugged.com

📱 Follow us:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/transit-unplugged

X (Twitter): twitter.com/TransitUnplug

Instagram: instagram.com/transitunplugged

Threads: threads.net/@transitunplugged

YouTube: youtube.com/@transit-unplugged

📰 Subscribe to the Transit Unplugged Newsletter:

transitunplugged.com/subscribe-to-the-transit-unplugged-newsletter

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...

When most people think of Detroit, they think cars. But behind the Motor City moniker is a layered, multi-agency public transit system—and Robert Cramer is helping connect the dots.

As Executive Director of Transit for the City of Detroit, Cramer leads both DDOT and Detroit Transportation Corporation, operator of the iconic elevated People Mover. In this episode, Paul Comfort joins Robert for a ride downtown and a deep dive into Detroit’s evolving mobility story.

You'll hear how:

• The People Mover went fare-free—and what happened next
• Detroit is coordinating between suburban, city, and regional agencies
• Transit plays a role in the city's ongoing revitalization
• Cramer’s planning background shaped his vision for service, connectivity, and rider experience
• Plus: the story behind Detroit’s international connections with Canada, sports district access, and what it takes to lead transit in the heart of America’s car capital.

Credits:

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo

Creator, Host, + Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer + Newsletter Editor: Chris O'Keeffe

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Special thanks to:

Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

Got a question or comment? Email us at info@transitunplugged.com

Subscribe to the Transit Unplugged Newsletter: transitunplugged.com/subscribe-to-the-transit-unplugged-newsletter

Follow Transit Unplugged

YouTube

X (Twitter)

Threads

Instagram

LinkedIn

Markus Moore, Director of Transportation for the City of Annapolis, joins Paul Comfort from the rooftop of the Hillman Garage during Naval Academy Commissioning Week for a wide-ranging conversation about his remarkable journey through transit. From helping launch high-speed rail in North America as part of the Acela project at Amtrak, to managing local bus and on-demand service in Maryland’s historic capital city, Markus brings decades of cross-modal experience and leadership to the mic.

This interview is a companion episode to an upcoming Transit Unplugged TV episode focused on Maryland’s transit ecosystem, featuring Annapolis, Howard County, and MTA.

• What it means to run transit in a state capital with high seasonal and political visibility
• The evolution of Annapolis’s fixed-route, paratransit, and on-demand services
• Reflections on the launch of high-speed rail in the U.S. via the Acela project
• How Commissioning Week and tourism reshape service in a city like Annapolis
• The rollout of electric buses and steps toward a greener fleet
• Collaboration with MTA, RTA, and other regional transit partners
• Career lessons from rail, freight, and bus systems across the U.S.

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo

Creator, Host, + Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer + Newsletter Editor: Chris O’Keeffe

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Special thanks to:

Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

Got a question or comment? Email us at: info@transitunplugged.com

Subscribe to the Transit Unplugged Newsletter:

transitunplugged.com/subscribe-to-the-transit-unplugged-newsletter

Follow us on social media:

YouTube: @transit-unplugged

X (Twitter): @TransitUnplug

Instagram: @transitunplugged

Threads: @transitunplugged

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.

How does a career in law enforcement, animal services, and civic leadership prepare you to run a transit agency?

In this week’s Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort sits down with Ozzy Gibson, Executive Director of Louisville’s Transit Authority of River City (TARC), for a candid and compelling conversation about public service, accountability, and what it takes to lead through uncertainty.

Ozzy shares lessons from his time as a police officer, deputy mayor, and head of animal services—and how those experiences shaped his approach to running TARC. From confronting a $30 million budget gap to streamlining a legacy network, Ozzy is focused on doing more than keeping the buses running—he’s rebuilding trust, efficiency, and purpose across the organization.

• How a lifelong public servant transitioned into transit leadership
• TARC’s financial reset and plans for long-term sustainability
• Paratransit policy changes and community collaboration
• The value of mission-driven leadership across sectors

• Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo
• Creator, Host, + Producer: Paul Comfort
• Executive Producer: Julie Gates
• Producer + Newsletter Editor: Chris O’Keeffe
• Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Special thanks to:

Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

Got a question or comment? Email us at info@transitunplugged.com

Subscribe to the Transit Unplugged Newsletter: transitunplugged.com/subscribe-to-the-transit-unplugged-newsletter

Follow us on social media:

YouTube: @transit-unplugged

X (Twitter): @TransitUnplug

Instagram: @transitunplugged

Threads: @transitunplugged

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.

What does it take to launch a $4.3 billion, multi-modal transit expansion? For Coree Cuff Lonergan, CEO of Broward County Transit, it takes vision, momentum—and a bit of patience.

This week on Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort hops aboard with Coree for a rolling bus interview through Broward County, Florida. They talk big-picture leadership, boots-on-the-ground transit planning, and why Broward’s “PREMO” program is setting a new standard for regional mobility.

From LEED Gold-Certified transit centers to special-event service for international cricket matches, to AI-powered community engagement—this episode shows what happens when local government, smart investment, and public trust align for real impact.

Plus: Coree reveals her most unexpected leadership tool… a cookbook.

This episode covers:

Broward’s $4.3 billion PREMO capital expansion program

Adding three new modes of transit: commuter rail, BRT, and light rail

The importance of workforce investment and operational facilities

How AI and VR might transform the rider experience

Why cooking helps her lead better

Podcast Credits

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo

Creator, Host, + Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer + Newsletter Editor: Chris O'Keeffe

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Special thanks to:

Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

Got a question or comment? Email us at info@transitunplugged.com

Subscribe to the Transit Unplugged Newsletter: transitunplugged.com/subscribe-to-the-transit-unplugged-newsletter

Follow us on social media:

YouTube: @transit-unplugged

X (Twitter): @TransitUnplug

Threads: @transitunplugged

Instagram: @transitunplugged

LinkedIn: Transit Unplugged on LinkedIn

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.

Michele Stiehler knows paratransit inside and out. After 35 years at New Jersey Transit, she brought her deep operational experience to Boston’s MBTA, where she now oversees one of the largest and most complex paratransit systems in the country.

In this episode, Paul Comfort talks with Michele about her leadership philosophy, the importance of frontline experience (hint: everyone on her team is expected to ride The RIDE), and how MBTA is investing in staff and technology to build a smarter, more responsive system. From wage increases and morale-building to a future-facing mobility center, Michele is focused on modernizing paratransit—without losing its human heart.

This episode covers:

✅ Leadership lessons from decades in the field

✅ Post-pandemic service recovery and staffing challenges

✅ Technology upgrades and on-demand flexibility

✅ What the future of accessible transportation might look like

Tune in for a grounded, thoughtful conversation about moving people—and an entire industry—forward.

What happens when a millennial with a higher ed background takes the wheel of a legacy transit agency? You get 207 new bus stops, a real-time tracking app, and a fresh vision for Western Kentucky mobility.

In this episode of Transit Unplugged Podcast, Paul Comfort talks with Jeremi Bumpus, Executive Director of Paducah Transit Authority, about leading change in a small but mighty system. Jeremi shares how he transitioned from higher education into transit, what it means for Paducah to move from rural to small urban funding, and how he and his team replaced an outdated “wave your hand” bus system with a structured, tech-enabled network. Topics include:

• Modernizing a hail-based system with 207 fixed bus stops
• Launching a real-time rider app and 24/7 info kiosk
• Balancing new technology with legacy organization culture
• Navigating the shift from state funding to FTA direct funding

If you’re into small agency innovation, smart leadership, or just want to know what goes into transforming transit at the ground level—this one’s a must-listen.

Credits:

Host & Producer: Paul Comfort

Podcast Manager & Newsletter Guy: Chris O'Keeffe

Executive Producer: Julie Gates Special thanks to:

Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

Got a question or comment? Email us at

info@transitunplugged.com

Subscribe to the Transit Unplugged Newsletter: transitunplugged.com/subscribe-to-the-transit-unplugged-newsletter

Follow us on social media:

/ transit-unplugged

https://x.com/transitunplug

https://www.threads.net/@transitunplu...

/ transitunplugged

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...

In this episode of Transit Unplugged Podcast, Paul Comfort talks with Graeme Legh, the new CEO of Kelsian Group, one of the world’s leading transit and mobility operators. From ferries off the coast of Australia to motorcoach operations across the U.S., Graeme shares how Kelsian is tackling growth, innovation, and sustainability across three continents.

They discuss:

• Lessons from leading major transit companies around the world
• How Kelsian balances local brands with global strategy
• Innovations like electric fleets and multimodal operations
• Why public-private partnerships could define the next era of mobility
• Graeme’s leadership mindset—and why simple, great service always wins

Whether you're an executive, operator, or just curious about how global transit is evolving, this conversation delivers powerful insights.