Decarbonizing Fast Ferries with Artemis Co-Founder David Tyler
From Belfast to the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Artemis Technologies is scaling zero-emission, high-speed ferries. David Tyler joins Levi and Christian to explain how hydrofoils slash drag and energy use, why 150-passenger boats are the near-term sweet spot, how agencies might fund/lease fleets, and why charging and maintenance look more like EVs than marine diesels. Plus: batteries, safety certifications, and where ferries fit alongside buses and rails.
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48:20
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48:20
Fighting to Win Better Transit with Author & Advocate Carter Lavin
Transportation advocate and author Carter Lavin joins Levi McCollum and Christian Londono to unpack why "being right isn't enough" in transit and how to actually win. We explore how to shift what's possible, organize riders where they are, and build coalitions that move from local fights to statewide wins.
Carter shares lessons from the Bay Bridge bus-lane campaign, explains why every bench, bulb-out, and bus lane is a political choice, and lays out actionable steps for advocates and agencies to turn good ideas into real improvements.
Carter's book: If You Want to Win, You've Got to Fight: A Guide to Effective Transportation Advocacy.
Available at Island Press: www.islandpress.org/fight
Use code FIGHT at checkout for 20% off.
Carter shares lessons from the Bay Bridge bus-lane campaign, explains why every bench, bulb-out, and bus lane is a political choice, and lays out actionable steps for advocates and agencies to turn good ideas into real improvements.
Carter's book: If You Want to Win, You've Got to Fight: A Guide to Effective Transportation Advocacy.
Available at Island Press: www.islandpress.org/fight
Use code FIGHT at checkout for 20% off.
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58:13
Advancing Transit Safety with TSI Video’s Harry White
In this episode of Stop Requested, hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono sit down with Harry White, Senior Strategic Sales Executive at TSI Video and board member of both the Florida and Georgia Transit Associations. Harry shares his journey from law enforcement technology into public transit, the critical role of onboard video surveillance in safety and accountability, and why partnerships and trust matter just as much as hardware and software. From protecting frontline operators to enabling agencies to act with confidence in critical moments, Harry highlights how video technology is shaping the future of safer, more reliable transit.
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23:43
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23:43
Supporting the Mental Health of Frontline Transit Workers with Foursquare ITP's VP, Sandy Brennan
Sandy Brennan, Vice President at Foursquare Integrated Transportation Planning and Mass Transit Magazine's 40 Under 40 awardee, joins hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono to discuss her TCRP Report 245 on transit worker mental health.
Content Warning: This episode discusses mental health challenges, workplace trauma, and violence that some listeners may find distressing.
Sandy reveals that over one-third of frontline transit workers show signs of anxiety or depression, exploring how COVID-19 intensified isolation and mistrust in the industry. The conversation covers practical solutions from agencies like VTA, TriMet, and IndyGo, including crisis response teams, mentorship programs, and innovative support systems.
Key topics include the unique stresses facing bus operators and mechanics, the importance of building trust between workers and management, and how agencies can implement effective mental health programs regardless of size or budget.
TCRP Report 245: Mental Health, Wellness, and Resilience for Transit System Workers https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/27592/mental-health-wellness-and-resilience-for-transit-system-workers
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55:36
Joel Rey, Benesch’s Transit Services Director, Reveals the People, Projects, and Purpose Fueling His Success (Replay)
In this episode of Stop Requested, hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono sit down with Joel Rey, Director of Transit Services and Principal Associate at Benesch, to explore his 36-year journey in transit planning and consulting. Joel shares how a single university course sparked his passion for transit, leading to a career that has shaped mobility across Florida and beyond. From launching new transit systems from the ground up to navigating mergers and fostering a culture of mentorship, Joel offers candid insights into the challenges and triumphs of the industry.
The conversation unfolds as Joel reflects on the evolution of transit planning, describing how his early hands-on research experiences grew into leading large-scale projects. He recounts key lessons from implementing transformative transit services such as LakeXpress and the SunRunner BRT, highlighting the importance of balancing community aspirations with financial realities and the critical role of stakeholder education. The discussion then turns to the impact of emerging technologies like microtransit, autonomous vehicles, and AI, and how these innovations are poised to disrupt and enhance the future of public transportation. Joel also shares practical advice for young professionals entering the field, emphasizing the value of soft skills, mentorship, and perseverance, and underscores that meaningful impact in transit often takes time and a willingness to engage with a broad range of projects and people.
Stop Requested is a podcast hosted by Christian Londono and Levi McCollum, where they explore all things transit—from public transportation trends and innovations to the daily experiences of riders and transit professionals. Join them for insightful discussions, industry interviews, and a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and successes shaping the future of mobility. Whether you're a transit enthusiast, professional, or curious commuter, Stop Requested is your stop for all things transit!
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