Stop Requested

In this episode of Stop Requested, I sit down with Ehren Bingaman, National Transit Practice Leader at Burgess & Niple. We delve into the evolving definition of success in public transit, exploring how agencies can move beyond traditional ridership metrics to measure their true value to communities. Ehren shares insights on fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the importance of effective planning, and the need to embrace innovative solutions in an industry facing financial challenges. We discuss the significance of understanding community needs and how to balance operational efficiency with service quality. Join us as we uncover strategies for shaping the future of public transit and creating meaningful impacts for riders and communities alike.

In this bonus episode of Stop Requested, recorded at APTA EXPO 2026, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono sit down with Walter Jenkins, CEO of TransitChat; Lizzie Speed, CEO of Greenlight Robotics; and Anthony Trasatti, CEO of Ontra Mobility, to discuss the new technologies and ideas they're bringing to public transportation.

The conversation explores improving communication and accountability within transit agencies, using AI to evaluate service planning scenarios, and developing collision avoidance technology to support bus operators and improve safety. The three CEOs also share what drew them into public transportation, the challenges they're working to solve, and how their innovations could help agencies operate more effectively.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Charles Frazier, CEO of the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA), about the challenges of rebuilding a transit agency after decades of underfunding while preparing for the future. Charles shares his journey through public transportation leadership, the personal experience that shaped his career, and why listening to employees, riders, and elected officials is essential to creating meaningful change.

The conversation explores CARTA's efforts to improve service reliability, modernize infrastructure, strengthen community relationships, and establish a long-term vision for transit in Chattanooga. Charles also discusses a $25 million federal grant supporting autonomous shuttles and workforce development, the importance of aligning transit planning with community growth, and why agencies must balance fixing today's problems with investing in tomorrow's opportunities.

In this bonus episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Alejandro Schmidt and Freddy Canales from DTPM, Santiago’s public transport authority, and Jose Mostajo from SONDA. Recorded in Spanish at APTA EXPO in Chicago, the conversation traces how Santiago’s transit system has changed since the difficult launch of Transantiago in 2007.

Alejandro and Freddy discuss cashless payments, monthly fare caps, and why many riders still prefer a physical fare card. They also talk about fare evasion and how better real-time information could make everyday trips easier.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Nicholas Sofoul, Executive Director of the North Central Regional Transit District (Blue Bus), about the challenges of providing public transportation across 10,000 square miles of northern New Mexico, where transit often provides the only connection to healthcare, employment, groceries, and other essential services.

The conversation explores workforce development, rural rapid transit, zero-emission vehicles, limited cellular connectivity, and coordinating service across tribal communities. Nick also discusses why conventional ridership and efficiency metrics don't always reflect the value of rural transit, and how Blue Bus is working to strengthen its operations while expanding access to the communities it serves.