How can transit agencies give riders more options while still strengthening the core network?

In this special episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort returns to St. Pete/Clearwater for extended conversations originally filmed for Transit Unplugged TV, exploring how transit leaders across Pinellas County, FL are approaching everything from Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and microtransit to ferries, paratransit, and first- and last-mile connections.

Paul talks with Brad Miller, CEO of Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), about an increasingly multimodal system and the investments shaping its future. He also meets Leon Smiley, PSTA’s most senior bus operator, who reflects on 35 years behind the wheel and the importance of helping people every day.

Darden Rice, Chief Planning and Community Affairs Officer, shares how the all-electric Spark service is connecting growing parts of St. Petersburg and discusses plans to expand waterborne transit across Tampa Bay. Paul also visits the future Clearwater Station, a new downtown hub designed to bring transit, trails, and the surrounding community together.

Then, Bonnie Sato, Director of Mobility Services, explains how services like Grouper and Snapper are filling gaps in the network—and how partnerships with Uber and Lyft have expanded first- and last-mile service and transformed the agency’s approach to paratransit.

Along the way, Whit Blanton of Forward Pinellas discusses the connection between transportation, land use, and regional planning, while Amanda Baird, Director of Communications and Marketing, explains how institutional partnerships are making transit easier to access for students, workers, and visitors.

These conversations were originally filmed for the Transit Unplugged TV St. Pete/Clearwater episode, which has become the series’ most-watched episode on YouTube with more than 1.6 million views.

Listen in for lessons on creating a more flexible, connected transit network—and meeting riders with the right mobility option for the trip they need to make.

In this episode:

- Brad Miller, CEO, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority

- Leon Smiley, Bus Operator, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority

- Darden Rice, Chief Planning and Community Affairs Officer, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority

- Whit Blanton, Executive Director, Forward Pinellas

- Bonnie Sato, Director of Mobility Services, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority

- Amanda Baird, Director of Communications and Marketing, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority

00:00 Summer Specials Intro

00:26 Why Long Form Specials

00:43 Meet Brad Miller

01:45 Touring PSTA Headquarters

01:56 PSTA Overview Tour

02:31 Leon Smiley Spotlight

02:49 35 Years Behind the Wheel

03:08 Routes and Extra Board

03:34 Operator Family Culture

03:48 Favorite Buses and Builds

04:14 Driver Advice Wrap

04:37 Darden Rice Joins

04:52 Spark Electric Premium Line

05:31 How Transit Boards Lead

06:31 Next Up Tampa Bay Ferry

07:12 Podcast Network Break

07:45 Clearwater Station Construction

08:34 Designing a Multimodal Hub

09:13 MPO Role and Funding

10:35 Pinellas Trail Big Amenity

10:55 Grouper and Snapper On Demand

13:57 Uber Lyft Transit Partnership

14:59 Marketing with Amanda Baird

15:23 Spark Connections at Grand Central

15:50 UPASS Free Ride Program

16:46 Wrap Up and Credits

Credits

Host and Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer: Chris O’Keeffe

Production Assistant: Desmond Gates

Editor: Patrick Emile

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo, passionate about moving the world’s people.

For more information, visit: www.Transit Unplugged.com

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.

What happens when the things you’re naturally good at intersect with the things that give you energy?

In this special episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort brings his new book, Find Your X Factor, to life through conversations with two leaders who found very different ways to turn their interests, abilities, and experiences into meaningful careers.

First, Paul talks with Noah Berger, CEO of Merrimack Valley Transit, about the unlikely intersection of public transportation and the arts. Noah shares how his background as both a transit professional and an artist helped him rethink the rider experience—from brightly redesigned buses and murals to public spaces that feel more welcoming and connected to the communities they serve.

But finding your X Factor isn't just about following your passions. Noah and Paul also discuss why mastering the less glamorous parts of the job—regulations, compliance, funding, and operations—builds the foundation and trust leaders need to eventually do things differently.

Then, Rod Jones, Head of Modaxo Americas and ANZ, joins Paul to trace an X Factor that has followed him across industries: understanding complex systems and leading people through change. From growing up in Detroit and studying engineering to running manufacturing operations, working in private equity, and leading M&A (mergers & acquisitions) and operations at Modaxo, Rod explains how curiosity, problem-solving, communication became recurring threads throughout his career.

Rod also offers a useful reminder for anyone still searching for their own X Factor: look for the things you naturally gravitate toward, the things other people consistently ask you for help with, and the abilities that may come so naturally that you don't even recognize them as strengths.

And your X Factor isn't necessarily static. As Rod explains, it can evolve as you do.

This is the first of two special Transit Unplugged podcast episodes featuring stories and lessons from Paul's new book, Find Your X Factor, alongside additional conversations coming to Transit Unplugged TV.

In this episode:

• How Noah Berger combined his careers in transit and the arts
• Why Merrimack Valley Transit used art, color, and design to change perceptions of public transportation
• Why doing the "grunt work" can be essential to eventually doing your best work
• How Rod Jones discovered a talent for understanding complex systems and leading people through change
• Why curiosity and problem-solving can transfer across industries
• How to recognize strengths you may be taking for granted
• Why your X Factor can change and evolve throughout your career

Find Your X Factor is available now. Paul will also be appearing at APTA EXPO (https://www.apta.com/event/apta-2026-transform-expo/)for book signings and special events.

Credits

Host and Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer: Chris O’Keeffe

Production Assistant: Desmond Gates

Editor: Patrick Emile

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

Production Assistant: Desmond Gates

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo, passionate about moving the world’s people.

For more information, visit: www.Transit Unplugged.com

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.

What if the work you're meant to do isn't something you find—but something you build?

In Part II of Transit Unplugged's special Find Your X Factor series, Paul Comfort talks with two transportation leaders whose very different careers reveal how our experiences, abilities, and passions can eventually come together into something bigger.

Mike Heidkamp spent his career working his way through nearly every level of public transportation. As a teenager on his own after losing his mother, the 41B bus in Pittsburgh was his lifeline to a job. Years later, he would go from auto mechanic to bus operator, instructor, manager, and ultimately Chief Transportation Officer at what is now Pittsburgh Regional Transit.

Mike talks with Paul about realizing that being good at something isn't necessarily the same as finding your purpose—and how his own experiences taught him to build a career around serving people.

His leadership philosophy is just as simple: never forget where you came from. Mike explains why frontline employees and passengers remained at the center of his thinking even as he moved into senior leadership, and why gaining a bigger voice also means gaining a responsibility to use it for others.

Then, Rudy Salo shares a very different path to finding his X Factor.

A municipal bond lawyer with lifelong interests in creativity and public transportation, Rudy realized there were important parts of himself that his day job wasn't exercising. Improv, acting, stand-up comedy, writing and podcasting helped him rediscover that creative side—and eventually helped reshape his professional career.

When the transportation work Rudy wanted wasn't coming to him, he didn't quit his job. He started creating opportunities outside of it. Through writing, speaking, podcasting and becoming part of the transportation community, he built a reputation around something he genuinely cared about. Eventually, his passion and his profession began to intersect.

Together, the conversations offer two paths toward the same idea: your X Factor can emerge from the experiences that shaped you, but you can also take an active role in creating the opportunities that bring it to life.

In this episode:

- How public transportation became a lifeline—and eventually a calling—for Mike Heidkamp

- Why great leaders never forget what it's like on the front line

- The difference between being good at something and finding meaningful work

- Why Rudy Salo considers creativity essential to both his happiness and professional success

- How interests outside your day job can create new career opportunities

- Why you don't necessarily have to quit your job to pursue the work you really want

- How to recognize the intersection between your interests, abilities, and purpose

00:00 Welcome and X Factor Series

00:55 Meet Mike and Rudy

02:33 Mike Saved by Transit

03:35 41B Bus Lifeline

05:50 Mechanic to Purpose

07:03 Operator Years Serving Riders

08:12 Never Forget Frontline

10:12 Management Calling and Union

11:31 Leading with Voice

18:09 Rudy Creativity Awakens

26:20 Punk Rock Lifeline

27:08 Scene and Belonging

27:57 Politics Through Lyrics

28:42 Finding Municipal Finance

30:51 Library Moment Click

32:48 Creativity in Bond Law

35:12 Beyond One Box

35:58 Transit Roots and Hustle

39:03 Side Projects Create Luck

45:56 Final Takeaways and Wrap

Credits

Host and Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer: Chris O’Keeffe

Production Assistant: Desmond Gates

Editor: Patrick Emile

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

Production Assistant: Desmond Gates

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo, passionate about moving the world’s people.

For more information, visit: www.Transit Unplugged.com

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.

What does a great transit leader leave behind?

For Ken McDonald, President and CEO of Long Beach Transit and the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) 2025 Outstanding Public Transportation CEO of the Year, leadership isn’t just about running a successful agency. It’s about making the people around you better—and giving them the knowledge and opportunities to become leaders themselves.

In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort talks with Ken about the lessons he’s learned across four decades in public transportation and 13 years leading Long Beach Transit. Ken explains why sharing knowledge is a responsibility of leadership, how developing future transit executives has become part of his legacy, and why strong leaders also need trusted “thought partners” who challenge them and help them grow.

They also explore how Long Beach Transit keeps the customer at the center of its operation. Ken shares how the agency’s Achieving Customer Excellence program asks employees to ride the system and map the journey from a passenger’s perspective—then use what they learn to improve service, information, and the overall customer experience.

Looking ahead to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, Ken shares three lessons from the FIFA World Cup that he believes will be critical to delivering successful transportation: detailed preparation, thorough communication across the entire organization, and trusting staff to execute the plan.

Ken and Paul also discuss operational discipline, digital transformation and artificial intelligence, workforce development, zero-emission transit, and why customer excellence should remain at the center of every decision transit leaders make.

It’s a conversation about running a transit agency—but even more, it’s about building a leadership legacy that lasts long after you leave.

00:00 Welcome to Transit Unplugged

00:28 Meet Ken McDonald

02:28 APTA Expo CEO Roundtable

04:34 Interview Begins

04:44 Conversation Begins

05:54 CEO of the Year Honor

06:44 Ken’s Career Journey

09:20 Long Beach Transit Service Area

09:55 Fleet and Zero Emission Shift

11:34 Funding and Grants

14:07 Governance and Ridership Impact

16:25 Leadership and Customer Excellence

19:45 ACE Customer Excellence

22:27 Richer Bus Info

22:53 Leaders Ken Developed

23:20 Sharing Knowledge Mindset

24:03 Fruitfulness And Service

24:33 Thought Partners In Leadership

24:58 Olympics Prep Begins

25:30 FIFA Lessons For Olympics

26:51 Trust Staff To Execute

27:21 Olympics Planning Experience

28:22 Technology Partnership Awards

29:26 What Leaders Focus On

30:15 AI And Workforce Training

31:32 Closing Thanks And Credits

Credits

Host and Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer: Chris O’Keeffe

Production Assistant: Desmond Gates

Editor: Patrick Emile

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

Production Assistant: Desmond Gates

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo, passionate about moving the world’s people.

For more information, visit: www.Transit Unplugged.com

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.

Nashville asked for more public transportation. WeGo is delivering.

In this episode, Paul Comfort talks with Andy Burke, Chief Operating Officer of WeGo Public Transit, about how Nashville is preparing for one of the largest transit expansions in the agency’s history.

Following voter approval of the Choose How You Move transportation program and its half-cent sales tax, WeGo is adding approximately 7% more bus service hours each year as part of a long-term expansion that could dramatically increase transit service across the region. That means more buses—but also more operators, mechanics, training, technology, and infrastructure to support them.

Andy explains how WeGo is building that capacity while protecting the reliability of the service riders already depend on. The agency is currently about 98% staffed for bus operators, while a three-year maintenance apprenticeship program is helping address one of the transit industry’s toughest workforce challenges: finding and developing skilled mechanics. So far, 11 apprentices have graduated from the program, and WeGo is exploring ways to expand that training model further.

Paul and Andy also discuss WeGo’s plans to move toward 24/7 service, targeted for summer 2027, and the operational questions that come with eliminating the overnight window currently used to fuel, clean, and prepare buses for the next day.

Technology is another major piece of the expansion. Andy shares how WeGo is breaking down departmental silos through a new enterprise systems team, developing WeGo Connect as a centralized source of information for employees, upgrading its enterprise asset management tools, and testing headway management on frequent bus corridors.

Andy, who also chairs the Bus Operations Committee for the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), talks about his own leadership journey and the importance of keeping priorities focused as an organization grows. His advice: identify the two or three things that matter most, build a strong culture around the people doing the work, and keep listening to frontline employees.

And after nearly 20 years in transit, Andy shares one more lesson that applies well beyond operations: the job can’t be your entire identity. From completing a half marathon to simply making room to slow down, he explains why taking care of yourself is part of sustaining a long career in the industry.

It’s an inside look at what transit expansion really requires—and how WeGo is building the people, systems, and culture Nashville will need for its next era of public transportation.

Credits

Host and Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer: Chris O’Keeffe

Production Assistant: Desmond Gates

Editor: Patrick Emile

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

Production Assistant: Desmond Gates

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo, passionate about moving the world’s people.

For more information, visit: www.Transit Unplugged.com

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.

San Antonio is growing fast—and VIA Metropolitan Transit is growing right along with it.

For this special episode of Transit Unplugged, we’re going back to our Transit Unplugged TV visit to San Antonio and bringing you three extended, uncut conversations with the VIA leaders shaping the future of mobility in the city.

VIA President and CEO Jon Gary Herrera talks about what makes San Antonio unique, VIA’s role in connecting people to opportunity, and the rapid growth of VIA Link microtransit.

Then, Deputy CEO Tremell Brown takes Paul inside VIA’s operations and shares his remarkable journey from bus operator to the agency’s executive team. They talk about the people, facilities, safety operations, and nearly 500 buses that keep San Antonio moving every day.

Finally, Senior Vice President of Planning and Development Rod Sanchez looks ahead to VIA’s Green Line, a new bus rapid transit line designed around dedicated lanes, off-board payment, transit signal priority, and frequent service.

Pulled from our Transit Unplugged TV uncut episode, these conversations offer a closer look at how VIA is expanding service, embracing new mobility options, and preparing public transportation for the future of a fast-growing city.

In this episode:

• Jon Gary Herrera, President and CEO, VIA Metropolitan Transit

• Tremell Brown, Deputy CEO, VIA Metropolitan Transit

• Rod Sanchez, Senior Vice President of Planning and Development, VIA Metropolitan Transit

00:00 Welcome to Transit Unplugged

00:39 Why Full Interviews

00:55 San Antonio VIA Spotlight

01:11 Meet the Leaders

01:44 Inside San Antonio

02:30 What Makes It Unique

03:22 River Walk and Alamo

04:06 Why It's Called VIA

04:52 System Overview and Growth

05:56 How VIA Link Works

07:10 Downtown Zone for Visitors

07:53 San Antonio Growth Stats

09:02 Herrera Leadership Milestone

09:38 Military Town History

11:48 Wrap John Interview

12:05 Trammell Brown Onboard

12:43 From Operator to Deputy CEO

13:12 Bus Yard and Operations

14:25 Police and Paratransit

15:47 Podcast Break and Credits

16:20 Rod Sanchez Introduction

16:44 Historic Park Setting

17:18 Planning Role and Vision

18:30 Green Line BRT Features

19:19 Route and 2028 Timeline

20:25 Final Thoughts and Next City

21:19 Show Credits and Sponsor

Credits

Host and Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer: Chris O’Keeffe

Production Assistant: Desmond Gates

Editor: Patrick Emile

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo, passionate about moving the world’s people.

For more information, visit: www.Transit Unplugged.com

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.