Let’s talk thanks
Thanks for all you do.
We’re going to do a bit of a departure this week from our usual newsletter fare. This week we’re going to take a moment to say:
Thank you.
Thank you to all the guests who’ve been on Transit Unplugged—the podcast and TV show—this year. We appreciate you taking the time out of your day to record these interviews with Paul.
Thank you to all our listeners and viewers. Without you the podcast and Transit Unplugged TV aren’t much of anything. We appreciate you listening and watching each week.
Thank you to everyone across the public transit industry. From the operators on the street to the people in the offices and the folks who keep all the rolling stock, rolling, we wouldn’t have public transit without you. There are so many unsung heroes doing big and little things in their communities every single day. People going the extra mile—sometimes literally—to make the world a better place.
Of course we also have a great episode this week—from one of those everyday heroes in fact. Eileen Collins Turvey, Director of Accessible Transportation Programs at Portland’s TriMet, talks about her pilot program that won APTA’s 2024 Award for Innovation. Her program gives paratransit customers Instacart Plus memberships so they can have groceries delivered whenever they need and without the restrictions they face when they take paratransit.
Her program is making lives better and already saving TriMet $1500 per month per person in the program. And if she expands the program, the savings will get into the millions.
Make sure you have a listen and also learn about her personal connection and passion for accessible transportation. Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.
Coming up next week on the podcast
Next week we have Ben Limmer, Chief of Public Transportation at the Connecticut Department of Transportation talking with Paul about everything he’s doing in the Constitution State to enhance transit and continue to be a critical link along the Northeast Corridor.
Follow or subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube so you don’t miss an episode.
More unsung heroes on Transit Unplugged TV Behind the Scenes
Don’t miss these interviews on Transit Unplugged TV Behind the Scenes featuring Beep, Access Services, JTA, Los Angeles Metro, LA DOT, and Trellint on how they are going for transit gold ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
Hear from:
- Andre Colaiace, Executive Director, Access Services
- Toby McGraw, Chief Revenue Officer, Beep
- Nat Ford , CEO, Jacksonville Transportation Authority
- Conan Cheung, COO, LA Metro
- Seleta Reynolds, Chief Innovation Officer, LA Metro
- Anthony Crump, Executive Officer, Community Relations LA Metro
- Stephen Tu, Deputy Executive Officer Station Experience, LA Metro
- Brian Hale, Chief of Enforcement, LA Department of Transportation
- Suheila Haider, Customer Success Director, Trellint
- Peter Ahlstrom, Program Manager, Trellint
Now you can really get the inside scoop on transit in LA.
This Week in Transit News…
President-elect Trump has announced his pick for Secretary of Transportation. Pennsylvania and Amtrak finished major rail upgrades. And if you were stuck in traffic this week, AAA predicted record-breaking travel during the U.S. Thanksgiving week.
Make sure you tune in every Monday for your fresh dose of transit news from Julie Gates.
Watch or listen for all the details.
