Stop Requested

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Leslie Keener, Transit Director at ABQ RIDE, wrapping up a four part series on transit in Albuquerque. Leslie leads a multimodal system that includes fixed route service, the ART BRT line, Sun Van paratransit, and ABQ RIDE Connect microtransit.

The conversation explores Leslie’s path from freight rail into transit leadership and what it was like stepping into an agency facing missed service, staffing shortages, safety concerns, and internal silos. Leslie shares how ABQ RIDE focused on culture, frontline engagement, and team alignment to begin rebuilding the organization from the inside out.

The episode also covers ABQ RIDE’s focus on safe, clean, and reliable service, the role of technology in modernizing the rider experience, and why people first leadership is central to lasting operational change.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Robert Romero, Transit Manager at ABQ RIDE, as part of a four part series on transit in Albuquerque. Robert oversees Sun Van paratransit service and ABQ RIDE Connect, bringing a customer experience driven approach to operations.

The conversation explores how ABQ RIDE transformed its call center from a reservations and complaints function into a reservations and education center, using feedback from riders to drive operational changes. Robert also shares how his background in the private sector shaped improvements in wait times, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement.

The episode also covers the rollout of new technology, including RideCo, and how it improved on time performance, reduced complaints, and gave riders more visibility into their trips. Robert discusses the role of communication, community engagement, and taking calculated risks to deliver better service for riders who depend on it most.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Bobby Sisneros, Deputy Director at ABQ RIDE, in the second of a four part series on transit in Albuquerque. Bobby oversees planning, IT, marketing, safety and security, and communications, bringing a cross departmental perspective to how transit systems operate day to day.

The conversation explores how ABQ RIDE is rethinking safety, from applying the broken window theory to improve system conditions to building a transit safety officer program centered on compassion and de escalation. Bobby also shares how his experience across city departments shaped a more holistic approach to transit, focused not just on moving people, but supporting the broader community.

The episode also covers operator retention, leadership visibility, and the importance of listening to both riders and frontline staff to improve service in a changing post COVID environment.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Andrew De Garmo, Principal Planner at ABQ RIDE, as part of a four-part series on transit in Albuquerque. With over 20 years at one agency, Andrew shares how his role spans service planning, scheduling, and capital projects, and how those pieces come together to shape transit service on the street.

The conversation explores Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART), including how the corridor was planned, the challenges of taking lanes from cars, and what it takes to operate and refine a full BRT system over time. Andrew also discusses the realities of implementation, from driver training to maintaining reliable service on a high frequency corridor.

The episode also covers ABQ RIDE Forward, the agency’s system redesign focused on shifting from peak commuter service to more consistent, all day, seven day a week service. Andrew explains how COVID created a rare opportunity to rethink the network, breaking from long standing service patterns and allowing the agency to redesign service around current rider needs.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Paul Comfort, Chief Customer Officer at Modaxo, former CEO of MTA Maryland, and host of Transit Unplugged. With nearly four decades in public transit and government, Paul shares how his career evolved from a local transportation coordinator role into leading one of the largest transit agencies in the country.

The conversation explores how communication became his edge as a leader, how strong teams are built inside complex organizations, and why leadership ultimately determines whether agencies succeed or stall. Paul also discusses his perspective on developing talent, aligning strengths with roles, and creating environments where people can perform at their best.

We also get into his new book, Find Your X Factor: Follow Your Personal Treasure Map to Purpose, and how leaders can identify where their interests and abilities intersect to drive meaningful impact. Pre-order here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/find-your-x-factor-paul-comfort/1148750775