PODCAST · news
METROspectives
by METRO Magazine
Brought to you by METRO Magazine, METROspectives discusses all the latest topics impacting mobility, public transportation, the private motorcoach industry and more.
Episodes
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Building a Flexible Path to Transit Electrification with BAE's John Hroncich
Transit electrification continues to evolve as agenciesbalance ambitious sustainability goals with the realities of fleet operations, infrastructure, technology selection, and long-term reliability. As agencies are at different points in that transition, finding solutions that adapt to individual...
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Bus Tech Talk: Keeping Transit Technicians Ahead of the Technology Curve
In this episode of Bus Tech Talk, Complete Coach Works’ Business Development Manager Mark Hollenbeck and METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sit down with Obed Mejia, Senior Technical Trainer for Bus Maintenance, at LA Metro to discuss how rapidly evolving bus technology is changing the…
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From Surviving to Thriving: Building Stronger Transportation Organizations
In this episode of METROspectives, METRO’s Executive EditorAlex Roman sits down with Brian Dickson, founder of Bus Business Consultants and Ground Transportation Insights (GTI), to discuss what it takes to build a stronger, more resilient transportation organization. Drawing on his experience as…
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Driving Smarter Paratransit
Paratransit is undergoing rapid change. Rising demand,workforce shortages, tighter budgets, and higher customer expectations are pushing agencies and service providers to rethink how they manage operations. At the same time, advances in artificial intelligence and automation are creating new...
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How Data, Strategy, and Community Engagement Are Reshaping Transit
In this episode of METROspectives, Steve Lassey, CEO of strada360, joins METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman to discuss how agencies can bridge the gap between long-term transit planning and day-to-day operational realities. Drawing on the firm's experience across both the public andprivate...
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Building the Next Generation of Transit Technology
For decades, Luminator Technology Group has been known as a leader in passenger information systems and transit technology. But as public transportation evolves, so does the company. In this episode of METROspectives, METRO Magazine’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sits down with Magnus Friberg, CEO...
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METROspectives: CharterUP CEO Armir Harris on Modernizing Mobility
As technology continues to reshape the transportation landscape, companies are finding new ways to connect passengers with mobility services while helping operators streamline traditionally fragmented processes. One company working at the intersection of transportation and technology is…
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Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility
In this edition of METROspectives, Joshua Schank, co-authorof New Tricks for Old Bureaucracies: Improving Policy Outcomes in the Public Sector, reflects on the evolution of transportation innovation, lessons learned from helping launch LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation (OEI), and how...
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Managing Complexity: HDR’s Brian Buchanan on Delivering Major Transit Programs
In this episode of METROspectives, Brian Buchanan, transitprogram management lead at HDR, joins METRO’s Alex Roman to discuss how his role is helping agencies navigate the growing complexity of major capital programs. Drawing on his background, he explains how program management has evolved into…
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Part 2 with AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Maintenance Training and More
In this episode of Bus Tech Talk, Co-Hosts Mark Hollenbeck, business development manager at Complete Coach Works, and Alex Roman, Executive Editor at METRO, are joined by Cecil Blandon, director of maintenance at AC Transit in Oakland, California. Our conversation was so in-depth that we’ve split...
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AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Leadership, Mentorship, and a Career in Transit
In this episode of Bus Tech Talk, Co-Hosts Mark Hollenbeck, business development manager at Complete Coach Works, and Alex Roman, Executive Editor at METRO, are joined by Cecil Blandon, director of maintenance at AC Transit in Oakland, California. Our conversation was so in-depth that we’ve split...
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Inside The Bus Coalition’s Push for Stronger Federal Transit Investment
On the latest episode of METROspectives, leaders from The Bus Coalition (TBC) sat down with Executive Editor Alex Roman to discuss the organization’s evolving role in shaping federal transit policy and advocating for stronger investment in bus systems nationwide. With surface...
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Inez Evans-Benson on Leadership and the Future of Transportation
In this episode of METROspectives, METRO Magazine spoke with Inez Evans-Benson, SVP and deputy transit and rail market leader for WSP in the U.S., about the line between customer experience and customer satisfaction.Drawing on decades of industry experience, Evans-Benson offered insights into the...
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How AI and Innovation Are Powering the Future with LYT’s Timothy Menard
In this episode of METROspectives, METRO Executive EditorAlex Roman sits down with Timothy Menard, Founder and CEO of LYT, to talk about how AI and intelligent technology are reshaping public transit operations. Menard discusses how data-driven signal prioritization isimproving efficiency,...
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Establishing Standards & Codes in Canada, with CSA’s Ana-Maria Tomlinson
In this episode of METROspectives, METRO’s Executive EditorAlex Roman sits down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic & Cross-Sector Programs at the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group). With deep expertise in standards development and cross-sector policy alignment,Tomlinson…
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Colin Parent on ‘The Powerless Brokers’ and the Politics of Transit Change
In this episode of METROspectives, METRO’s Executive EditorAlex Roman sits down with Colin Parent, Executive Director and General Counsel at Circulate San Diego, to discuss his recent report, “The Powerless Brokers,” and what it reveals about how decisions get made — and too often stalled — in...
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Taking Forest River to the Next Level and More with Doug Wright
When Doug Wright stepped in as President of Forest River Bus & Van in March 2025, his goal was clear — take a strong company and make it even stronger. In this conversation, METRO Executive Editor Alex Roman talks with Wright about Forest River’s journey so far, what’s driving its successtoday…
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Being a Woman in Transportation, Mentorship, and More with Hotard's Julie Chalmers
Julie Chalmers was recently named one of METRO’s 2025 Women in Transportation. Recently, Executive Editor Alex Roman had a chance to talk to Chalmers, GM at Hotard Coaches Inc. in New Orleans, about being a leader in a historically male-dominated industry, providing mentorship to other women,...
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Attracting New Operators to the Industry and More with the UMA’s Scott Michael
With COVID splitting the number of motorcoach operatorsessentially in half, the United Motorcoach Association (UMA) is working on ways to boost new entrants. Scott Michael, President and CEO of the UMA, joins METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman to discuss what the association is doing toincrease...
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Bus Tech Talk: Josh Stoddard Talks Growth & Opportunity at Spokane Transit
Josh Stoddard is the Director of Vehicle Maintenance at Spokane Transit Authority (STA), a role he has held sinceat least April 2025. In this capacity, he oversees the maintenance operations for STA's fleet, ensuring the reliability and safety of the vehicles that serve the Spokane community....
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Motorcoach Sustainability, Special Events and More with Panorama’s Michelle Petelicki
Recently, the American Bus Association (ABA) released its“Motorcoach 2025 Sustainability and Innovation Report,” affirming what industry leaders have long championed: “motorcoach travel is the most energy-efficient and environmentally responsible mode of passenger transportation in North…
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Bus Tech Talk: Maintenance Insights from Connect Transit’s Charlie Busse
Charlie Busse is Director of Maintenance at @connecttransit (Connect Transit), the public transportation provider for Bloomington-Normal, Ill. Charlie is the driving force behind Connect Transit’s fleet operations. He ensures that every bus on the road is safe, reliable, and running at peak...
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The State of Intercity Bus Lines, Greyhound, and More with Flix North America’s CEO Kai Boysan
Since 2022, Flix North America CEO Kai Boysan has led thestrategic direction of FlixBus and Greyhound, major players in long-distance bus travel across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman spoke to Boysan, about how the FlixBus model works, the company’s worldwide...
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The LA ART Gondola System with Zero Emissions Transit’s David Grannis
The LA ART aerial gondola project aims to ease congestionand cut pollution in the Los Angeles region by connecting Union Station to Dodger Stadium. When completed, the gondola will serve underserved communities, including El Pueblo, Chinatown, Mission Junction, and Solano Canyon, and offer...
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50 Years of MV Transportation and More with Gary Coles
Beginning as a small, minority-owned startup in SanFrancisco in 1975, MV Transportation is celebrating its 50thAnniversary in 2025. METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman had a chance to talk to MV’s Chief Customer Success Officer Gary Coles about the company’s milestone and much more. Topics…
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Rebranding, Innovation, and More with WeDriveU’s President/CEO Erick Wagenen
One of the top five largest contractors in the nation, WeDriveU recently rebranded from its previous name National Express. In our latest edition of METROspectives, WeDriveU’s President/CEO Erick Van Wagenen joinsMETRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman to discuss the reasons for the rebrand, the...
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The Need to Prepare for Emergencies at Your Bus Operation with Mark Szyperski
On Your Mark Transportation’s President/CEO Mark Szyperski consults for the public transit, motorcoach, and luxury transportation, so he has definitely seen a bus operation or two. In our latest edition of METROspectives, Mark joins METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman to discuss the need for bus...
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Tariffs, the Motorcoach Industry and More with ABA President/CEO Fred Ferguson
Still in the first year on the job, Fred Ferguson, President/CEO of the American Bus Association, just recently helmed his firstMarketplace, which was coincidentally held the day the new Administration announced its plans to implement tariffs on countries including Canada and Mexico. In our…
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Longevity, Innovation, and More with Peter Pan’s Peter Picknelly
In business since 1933, Springfield, Mass.’ Peter Pan BusLines was recently named METRO’s Motorcoach Operator of the Year at this year’s UMA Expo. In our latest edition of METROspectives, Peter Pan’s Chairman and CEO Peter Picknelly joins METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman to discuss what keeps...
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Innovation, Marketing, and More with OK TOURS’ Marcos Sarmiento
San Antonio, Texas’ OK TOURS was the winner of METRO’sInnovative Motorcoach Operator of the Year Award, which was presented at this year’s American Bus Association Marketplace. In our latest edition of METROspectives, OK TOURS COO Marcos Sarmiento joins METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman to...
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Success at the Ballot Box and More with WeGo Transit’s Stephen Bland
In six years, Nashville’s WeGo Transit was able to lick their wounds after a soundly beaten ballot measure to pass a substantial referendum last November. In our latest edition of METROspectives, WeGo Transit CEO Stephen Bland joins METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman to discuss what changed over...
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Challenges and Growth Opportunities for a Rural System with Arrowhead Transit
Virginia, Minn.’s Arrowhead Transit is the second largest rural public transit system in the U.S. In our latest edition of METROspectives, Arrowhead Tranit’s Dominick Olivanti and Colette Hanson join METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman to discuss public transit from a rural provider perspective....
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Technician Training, A Rebrand, and More with Rashidi Barnes and Maggie Pears
In our latest edition of METROspectives, Rashidi Barnes, CEO of California’s Tri-Delta Transit and Maggie Pears, managing consultant at the Center for Transportation the Environment, join METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman to discuss their roles in the California Transit Training Consortium…
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Public Transit’s Role, Leadership, Diversity Programs, and More with Transdev’s Laura Hendricks, Susan Sweat, and Lauren Skiver
In a special audio-exclusive edition of METROspectives, Transdev US CEO Laura Hendricks and COO’s Susan Sweat and Lauren Skiver join METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman. Topics include: · How their unique backgrounds play a role in building a culture at Transdev. · The impact public…
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AI, Tech Adoption, and More with RTC of Southern Nevada's MJ Maynard
MJ Maynard, CEO of the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas, joins METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman. Topics include: · The RTC’s tech adoption approach. · How AI can make an impact on the public transit industry. · Working with the power of data. · How to forge...
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The Present and Future of Public Transit with Jannet Walker-Ford and David Scorey
Today, Jannet Walker-Ford,Lead, Advisory and Planning business, at WSP and David Scorey, CEO of Keolis North America, join METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman. Topics include: · Walker-Ford’s new position as Chair of Keolis North America. · The new face of mobility in North America in a…
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Books and Transit Funding with Paul Comfort and Davey Kim
Today, Paul Comfort, Transit Evangelist and SVP/Chief Customer Officer at Modaxo, and Davey Kim SVP/Principal, National Transportation Policy and Multimodal Strategy, at WSP USA, join METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman. Topics include: · Paul’s “The New Future of Public Transportation” book. ·…
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Talking Differently About Public Transit with Mark Aesch
Today, Mark Aesch, CEO/Founder of TransPro Consulting, joins METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman. Topics include: · How to think differently about public transportation. · Moving away from the ridership question. · Finding the right story for your agency to tell. · The Rays The Mark Foundation....
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Safety, AI, and More with Axis Communications' Anthony Incorvati
Welcome back to METROspectives. Today, Anthony Incorvati, Business Development Manager, Americas, for Axis Communications, joins METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman from the APTA EXPO show floor. Topics include: Axis Communications’ product portfolio How AI can be a good fit for transit Finding...
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Part Two: Innovation and Partnerships with Vontas CEO Peter Aczel and Special Guests
Welcome back to METROspectives. Today, Peter Aczel, CEO for Vontas; Jonny Simkin, CEO of Swiftly; and David Block-Schachter, Chief Business Officer at Transit, join METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman. Topics include: A first of its kind partnership between Vontas, Swiftly, and Transit How open...
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The Unique Challenges Facing Smaller Transit Agencies and More with CTAA’s Scott Bogren
Welcome back to METROspectives. Today, Scott Bogren, Executive Director for the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA), joins METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman. Topics include: What issues CTAA members are currently facing, including procurement and vehicle availability. New…
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Part One with Vontas CEO Peter Aczel
Welcome back to METROspectives. Today, Peter Aczel, CEO for Vontas, joins METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman. Topics include: The company’s product portfolio Its Innovative Solutions Award victory with Fresno, Calif.’s FAX How Vontas completed the FAX project in 10 months A sneak peak on what’s…
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Talking ZEBs With CALSTART’s Jared Schnader
Welcome back to METROspectives. Today, Jared Schnader, Sr. Director, Bus Initiative Lead, at CALSTART, joins METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman. Topics include: New lessons learned at more and more agencies scale up their ZEB programs. The importance of planning for the ultimate goal when…
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Thinking Out of the Box to Build New Transit Models with John Andoh
Welcome back to METROspectives. Today, John Andoh, former Hele-On Mass Transit Administrator/GM John Andoh joins METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman. Topics include: The experience of running public transit on the island. Rebuilding and reconnecting transit’s relationship with the community....
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The Benefits of Digital Engagement and More with SocialPinpoint’s Sophia Robison
Welcome back to METROspectives. Today, Sophia Robison, Community Engagement Advocate and Urban Planner at SocialPinpoint, joins METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman. Topics include: The benefits of “hybrid” engagement. Building better equity during the public outreach process. The power of…
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Why Now is the Time to Market Your Bus Operation with Mark Szyperski
Welcome back to METROspectives. Today, Mark Szyperski, President/CEO for On Your Mark Transportation joins METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman. Topics include: How and why bus operations are lacking in their marketing practices. Free and low-cost marketing tips for bus operations. The driver…
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How Automation Can Help Public Transit and More
Welcome back to METROspectives. Today, Michael Keroulle, President/CEO, Americas, at Alstom, joins METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman. Topics include: How AI can help build equity on our roads. How automation can truly impact public transit now. Challenges facing transit agencies today. AI’s...
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Reflecting on Year One and Looking Ahead with Alstom President/CEO, Americas, Michael Keroulle
Welcome back to METROspectives. Today, Michael Keroulle, President/CEO, Americas, at Alstom, joins METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman. Topics include: What his first year on the job was like after coming on board both during COVID and following Alstom’s acquisition of Bombardier. The company’s...
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How CCATS Switched its Paratransit Fleet to Propane and Realized True Savings
Welcome to our rebranded video series METROspectives. Today, Randy Cantor, Transportation Services Manager for the Carteret County Area Transportation System (CCATS) in Newport, N.C., joins METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman. Topics include: The decision for CCATS to test propane usage for its...
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New Taxi Models, the Benefits of Contracting, and More with Paul Comfort
Fresh off of his trip to Dubai for UITP MENA, Transit Evangelist Paul Comfort joins METRO’s Alex Roman to discuss how the taxicabs in that region work together with public transit, as well as why some mobility models are slow to take hold in the states. He also discusses the benefits of...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Brought to you by METRO Magazine, METROspectives discusses all the latest topics impacting mobility, public transportation, the private motorcoach industry and more.
HOSTED BY
METRO Magazine
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does METROspectives have?
METROspectives currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is METROspectives about?
Brought to you by METRO Magazine, METROspectives discusses all the latest topics impacting mobility, public transportation, the private motorcoach industry and more.
How often does METROspectives release new episodes?
METROspectives has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to METROspectives?
You can listen to METROspectives on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts METROspectives?
METROspectives is created and hosted by METRO Magazine.
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