Stop Requested

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Brian McCollom, a transit management consultant with more than 50 years of experience in planning, operations, performance management, and the National Transit Database. Brian shares why good transit planning requires more than technical skill, combining data and standards with judgment, observation, and a clear understanding of the market a service is meant to serve.

The conversation explores how planners can make better use of limited resources, what performance audits reveal beyond the headline metrics, and why getting out into the field still matters. Brian also discusses service costing, fare policy, NTD reporting, and the value of learning from operators, maintenance teams, riders, and peers across the industry.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Frank White III, former CEO of the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority and founder and managing partner of Praxis Advisors Group. Frank reflects on leading KCATA through workforce shortages, funding pressures, regional coordination, and the return of fares after years of fare-free service.

The conversation explores why transit leaders have to get the basics right before pursuing bigger ambitions, how data and transparency can help navigate difficult decisions, and why transit agencies should have a seat at the table in economic development and regional planning. Frank also discusses the realities of the transit CEO role, KCATA’s work in transit-oriented development, and how he is applying those lessons through Praxis Advisors Group.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Anthony Trasatti, co-founder and CEO of Ontra Mobility. Anthony shares how his work in operations research and the MARTA Reach pilot led to building an AI-powered platform for transit planning.

The conversation explores how agencies can test thousands of network scenarios, uncover unmet demand, and weigh tradeoffs between ridership, coverage, cost, and equity. Anthony also discusses where AI can support planners, why operational constraints still require human judgment, and how better modeling can turn long-range ideas into practical service changes.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Shofi Ull Azum, Chief Planning and Development Officer at Cherriots in Salem, Oregon. Shofi shares how the agency uses community feedback, rider data, and operational experience to shape service decisions.

The conversation explores Cherriots’ ridership growth, 90 percent on-time performance, and plans for microtransit, bike share, and new transit centers. Shofi also discusses why public engagement should not end with a survey, how planning and operations work together, and the importance of showing communities how their input influenced the final plan.

In this episode of Stop Requested, I sit down with Kristin Taylor, Senior Director of UX at MBTA and Chief Experience Officer for Transit Ops. We explore the importance of designing transit technology around the full rider journey rather than just focusing on tools. Kristin emphasizes that trip planning is a process that requires accurate data and effective communication across all channels to ensure a smooth experience for riders. We discuss the significance of shared ownership in transit technology, the connection between transit tech and civic tech, and the need for agencies to prioritize user-centric solutions. Join us as we delve into how these insights can transform public transportation for the better.