Stop Requested

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with James Drake, Senior Manager of Service Planning at Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT). With over 20 years at one agency, James shares how transit service actually comes together, from data and analysis to the service riders experience every day.

The conversation explores how planners think about networks instead of individual routes, how service changes are developed and implemented, and why balancing ridership and coverage isn’t as simple as it seems. James also discusses the role of data, the importance of observation and operator input, and how microtransit fits into a broader transit system.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Christina Villarreal, Executive Director of LIT, a national nonprofit focused on workforce development, mentorship and leadership in the transit industry.

Christina shares her path from the nonprofit sector into transit and how LIT has evolved to support a broader and more inclusive pipeline of professionals. The conversation explores mentorship, leadership development, and the importance of making training and career opportunities more accessible across the industry.

They also discuss common misconceptions about careers in transit, how agencies can better support employee growth, and why building a strong workforce pipeline is critical to the future of public transportation.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Cristian Londono talk with Frank Annicaro, CEO of the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA). Frank shares his journey into transit, starting as a diesel mechanic and working his way through leadership roles at New York City Transit before stepping into the CEO role in New York’s Capital Region.

The conversation explores the transition from the largest bus system in North America to a high-performing regional agency, the importance of culture and workforce development, and how training and employee engagement are shaping CDTA’s future. Frank also discusses funding stability, mobility on demand, transit-oriented development, and how CDTA is positioning itself to support continued growth across the Capital Region.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Laura Koprowski, CEO of the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA). Laura shares her path into the transit industry, from communications and government relations to leading a regional transit system serving communities across northwest Ohio.

The conversation covers leadership in public transportation, the importance of mentorship and professional development, and how passion for the work can shape a career in transit. Laura also discusses TARTA’s system redesign, expansion of microtransit service, and how data and technology are helping guide decisions as the agency works to improve mobility across the region.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Schneider St. Preux, General Superintendent of Bus Operations at Miami-Dade County DTPW. Schneider began his career as a bus operator and now oversees one of the largest bus fleets in the United States.

The conversation covers launching a fully electric BRT corridor from an operations perspective, training operators on new vehicle technology and double-sided boarding, bus rodeos, and Miami-Dade’s approach to electrification and safety innovation. Schneider also shares lessons from Leadership APTA and reflects on why frontline operators have one of the hardest jobs in transit.