Join Paul Comfort on this episode of Transit Unplugged for an insightful conversation with Professor Niels van Oort, Associate Professor of Public Transport and Shared Mobility at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands and co-director of the Smart Public Transport Lab. Paul and Niels explore critical considerations in transit planning, including the effectiveness of light rail versus bus rapid transit (BRT), integration with cycling and micro-mobility, and global best practices for creating high-quality transit systems.    Niels shares details about his innovative transportation planning game designed to help students and professionals balance various mobility modes and societal goals. He also discusses the benefits, challenges, and appropriate contexts for implementing light rail and BRT systems, emphasizing the importance of seamless integration with active transport modes like cycling.  Course—Planning Public Transport Services:   https://ppts-course.org/Serious game ‘Finding the optimal mix’: https://deoptimalemix.nl/en/ Light Rail Transit Systems; 61 Lessons in Sustainable Urban Development: https://shop.elsevier.com/books/light-rail-transit-systems/der-bijl/978-0-12-814784-9 Better buses: BRT and other bus modes:  https://www.ovmagazine.nl/boeken/betere-bus Weblog public transport research output: https://nielsvanoort.weblog.tudelft.nl/ Smart Public Transport Lab: www.SmartPTLab.TUDelft.nlYou can read more about Dr. Oort’s work here: https://www.tudelft.nl/en/ceg/about-faculty/departments/transport-planning/staff/personal-pages/oort-n-van    Additionally, communication experts Rebecca Klein and Keith Scott from TALLsmall Productions (https://tallsmallproductions.org/) provide practical guidance on mentorship, highlighting strategies for effective mentor-mentee relationships, open communication, and meaningful feedback.  Highlights:  Insights into the comparative advantages of Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Bus Rapid...

In this special episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort welcomes Dr. Kaan Yildizgöz, host of Mobility Redefined, the new sister podcast of Transit Unplugged. Dr. Yildizögz, a leading global expert in public transportation and former senior director at UITP, shares his personal journey into transportation, driven by childhood memories in his father's bus workshop, and his academic expertise in ride-hailing and mobility.   Paul and Kaan dive into global mobility trends, exploring key issues such as decarbonization of bus fleets, resilience in transit governance and funding, digitalization, and workforce challenges across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. Discover how transportation leaders worldwide tackle these universal challenges with innovative solutions and best practices.   Also in this episode, communication experts Rebecca Klein and Keith Scott offer practical strategies for navigating change management, emphasizing the power of active listening and consistent messaging to guide teams effectively through transitions.   Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo https://www.modaxo.com  Host: Paul Comfort  Producer: Paul Comfort  Producer: Chris O'Keeffe Media Support: Cyndi Raskin Executive Producer: Julie Gates    Special Thanks To   Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova  Transit Unplugged Newsletter & Media Support: Cyndi Raskin    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 (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo, and may contain information that may be 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.

Take a behind-the-scenes look at Tucson, Arizona’s SunTran transit system with General Manager Mikel Oglesby. Host Paul Comfort and Mikel explore the city’s transit modes, budget, and future projects, including the innovative Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) plans. Discover Mikel's unique journey in public transit, from his childhood riding buses with his father to becoming a leader in the industry. The episode also features insightful discussions on alternative fuel technologies, fare-free systems, and the nuances of managing a large transit agency. Plus, get tips on career resilience and effective communication from experts Rebecca Klein and Keith Scott. Don’t miss this enriching episode filmed on location during the Southwest Transit Association Conference 2025. Listen now!  00:00:00 - Introduction  00:02:00 - Exploring Tucson's Transit System  00:04:00 - Fare-Free Transit and Future Plans  00:08:00 - Innovative Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project  00:14:00 - Career Resilience and Communication Tips  00:19:00 - Introduction to Mikel Oglesby  00:20:00 - Mikel's Early Career in Transit  00:23:00 - Achievements at Sunline Transit Agency  00:25:00 - Transition to TriRail and Detroit  00:29:00 - Current Role and Future Plans in Tucson  00:31:00 - Impact of FTA Changes and Industry Predictions  00:33:00 - Southwest Transit Association Conference    Credits:  Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo https://www.modaxo.com   Host: Paul Comfort   Producer: Paul Comfort   Writer: Cyndi Raskin  Executive Producer: Julie Gates      Special thanks to:   Brand design: Tina Olagundoye   Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova   Transit Unplugged Newsletter & Media Support: Cyndi Raskin   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 (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo, and may contain information that may be 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.