This week on Transit Unplugged:

We head to Singapore, where public transit covers every inch of the island—and carries an astonishing 7.5 million riders daily.

Host Paul Comfort sits down with Winston Toh, Managing Director of Tower Transit Singapore, one of four operators under the Land Transport Authority (LTA). With 800 buses across 60 routes, Tower Transit is at the center of a system designed with precision—and powered by centralized planning.

Winston shares:

• Why bus ridership (3.8M daily) surpasses rail (3.4M) in Singapore
• How LTA ensures full national coverage and low fares (as little as $0.69 for seniors)
• Why “every inch of the land is covered” with integrated bus and rail systems
• The role of AI-enabled safety tools, including fatigue detection and driver incentive programs
• How Tower Transit fosters a people-first culture, with 80% staff engagement and Singapore Best Employer status
• The company’s goal to become “the Singapore Airlines of the bus industry”

Whether you’re an operator, planner, or policymaker, this episode offers a blueprint for equitable, efficient, and tech-forward mobility.

Creator, Host & Producer — Paul Comfort

Executive Producer — Julie Gates

Producer — Chris O'Keeffe

Edited and Mixed by — Chris O’Keeffe + Patrick Emile

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

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. This production belongs to Modaxo and may contain information 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—and fast. In this Super September episode, host Paul Comfort sits down with Jon Gary Herrera, the newly appointed President and CEO of VIA Metropolitan Transit, to talk about how one of America’s fastest-growing cities is reimagining transit.

From expanding regional collaboration to centering equity in system planning, Jon Gary brings a thoughtful and bold vision to VIA’s next chapter. He shares what he’s learned from nearly two decades in public service—including his time at LA Metro, Capitol Hill, and the private sector—and why he believes public transit is essential for prosperity, climate, and quality of life.

Topics include:

• What brought Jon Gary to San Antonio—and why the time was right
• The opportunity (and pressure) of leading a transit system in a fast-growing city
• Why transit investments must reflect the lived experience of the people who use them
• The power of community accountability—and how it shapes service delivery
• VIA’s strategy for becoming a mobility ecosystem that works for all

“We're in a moment where we need to be courageous about the future.” — Jon Gary Herrera

Whether you're a transit professional, city planner, or civic leader, this episode offers key insights into building resilient, future-focused mobility systems that meet the needs of diverse, growing communities.

Credits

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

Creator, Host & Producer — Paul Comfort

Executive Producer — Julie Gates

Producer — Chris O'Keeffe

Edited and Mixed by — Chris O’Keeffe + Patrick Emile

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

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. This production belongs to Modaxo and may contain information 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.

LIVE from the American Public Transportation Association's TRANSform conference, host Paul Comfort moderates a live panel on one of the most mission-critical—but often overlooked—parts of the transit ecosystem: paratransit.

Presented in partnership with UZURV – The Adaptive Transportation Network Company (TNC), this candid and high-energy conversation features leaders from across the country who are redefining what’s possible when innovation meets accessibility.

Guests:

• Mark Aesch, CEO, TransPro Consulting
• Eileen Collins Turvey, Director of Paratransit, TriMet (Portland, OR)
• Kevin Hernandez, Chief Operating Officer, GRTC (Richmond, VA)
• Ned Freeman, CEO, UZURV

Together, they discuss:

• Why paratransit isn’t just an “unfunded mandate”—it’s a cornerstone of transit’s value to the community
• How performance-based models and TNC partnerships are helping agencies cut costs and boost rider satisfaction
• New data showing paratransit users are the most satisfied transit customers in America
• What success looks like when we prioritize dignity, flexibility, and equity

 📍 "Do you know who the most happy transit customers in America are? Paratransit customers. They're happier than fixed route bus or BRT or Rail.” – Mark Aesch

🧭 “The ADA is the floor, not the ceiling. It's minimum compliance. And if that's what you're seeking, I'm not gonna tell you how to run your program.” – Eileen Collins Turvey

🚍 “ It's time to be innovative. We can't continue doing the same things we've been doing for 70 years." – Kevin Hernandez

💡 Whether you're running a transit system, shaping policy, or simply believe in building cities that work for everyone—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

✅ Credits

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

Creator, Host & Producer — Paul Comfort

Executive Producer — Julie Gates

Recorded, Produced and Mixed by — Chris O’Keeffe

Associate Producer — Cyndi Raskin

Special thanks to:

Brand Design — Tina Olagundoye

Social Media — Tatyana Mechkarova

Sound Design — Patrick Emile

📩 Got a question or comment? Email us at info@transitunplugged.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. This production belongs to Modaxo and may contain information 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.