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.

In this Super September episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort heads to Chicago to sit down with Nora Leerhsen, Acting President of the Chicago Transit Authority—America’s second-largest public transit system.

With more than 11,000 employees, a million daily riders, and an expanding footprint, the CTA plays a massive role in the life of the Windy City—and Nora is at the helm during a pivotal time. A lawyer and former educator who rose through the ranks from compliance officer to chief of staff and now acting president, Nora shares her deep belief in transit's power to uplift cities and people alike.

They discuss:

• How CTA is hitting post-pandemic ridership highs during special events like Lollapalooza
• The launch of the Frequent Network, boosting service on 20 core bus routes
• Nora’s unique path to leadership—and why a legal background helps navigate complexity
• CTA's all-hands approach to safety, from targeted police missions to new rider engagement programs
• The long-awaited Red Line Extension, bringing rail access to underserved South Side communities
• How partnerships with Metra, Pace, and RTA are shaping a more unified regional system

And yes—there’s even a nod to Ferris Bueller and the iconic rumble of the L.

📍 “Transit is unmatched in the impact it can have on a city and on its trajectory,” says Nora. Tune in for a candid, energizing conversation about the past, present, and future of Chicago’s transit backbone.

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 & Newsletter Editor — Chris O’Keefe
• 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

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.

We’re kicking off Super September with a heavy-hitter: Demetrius Crichlow, President of New York City Transit.

In this powerful episode, Crichlow sits down with Paul Comfort to reflect on his 20+ year rise through the MTA—from climbing signal poles at Long Island Rail Road to overseeing the nation’s largest transit system.

Crichlow doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges. He opens up about leading through a crisis of public trust, tackling rising crime, modernizing aging infrastructure, and navigating tough conversations about race, fairness, and opportunity inside large institutions.

Highlights include:

• How fare evasion was reduced by 27%
• Why putting people first means choosing talent over tenure
• What CBTC (communications-based train control) means for NYC
• The hidden complexity of drainage, substations, and keeping a 24/7 system running
• Why congestion pricing is more than just a revenue stream
• A bold leadership approach built on respect, experience, and strategic change

Whether you’re leading a small system or managing a megacity’s transit infrastructure, this episode offers insights that will stay with you.

Podcast 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 & Newsletter Editor — Chris O’Keefe

Associate Producer — Cyndi Raskin

Podcast Intern — Desmond Gates

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.