This week we are proud and excited to share an interview with a true public transit legend: Howard Collins, OBE. Howard's remarkable 47 year career has taken him from London's Tube and Sydney's trains to leading transit for the state of New South Wales in Australia. Howard sat down with Paul to talk and reflect on not just where transit has been, but where it's going with workforce development, funding, and making transit just better for everyone.

This is a don't-miss interview you can draw insight and inspiration from no matter where in the world you are.

Speaking of don't-miss interviews, next week we have Acting FTA Administrator Veronica Vanterpool talking with Paul about the changes in transit over the past four years and what the future could hold in the years ahead. Make sure you subscribe or follow Transit Unplugged wherever you listen so you don't miss an episode.

00:05 Welcome to Transit Unplugged and introducing our guest, Howard Collins OBE

00:45 Howard Collins' Career Journey

01:54 Current Role and Responsibilities

03:53 Innovations and Workforce Diversity

06:53 Public Transport Challenges and Solutions

10:30 Future of Transport in Australia

14:55 Career Advice for Mid-Level Managers

17:50 Advice for Senior Leaders and CEOs

19:57 Local Manufacturing and Future Projects

22:36 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo https://www.modaxo.com

• Host: Paul Comfort
• Producer: Paul Comfort
• Editor and Writer: Tris Hussey
• Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Special thanks to:

• Brand design: Tina Olagundoye
• Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova
• Marketing content, Transit Unplugged Newsletter, & transit puns: Tris Hussey

If you have a question or comment, email us at info@transitunplugged.com.

Follow us on social media: LinkedIn - Twitter - Threads- Instagram - Facebook

Sign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter

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.

In this special New Year's Eve episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul is joined by transportation expert and futurist Rudy Salo to discuss what's going to shape the entire transportation sector in 2025. From robotaxis and EVs to autonomous vehicles, Rudy shares his thoughts on transportation in Los Angeles even before the Olympics start. Rudy also explains how a little-known facet of municipal bonds could threaten transit projects across the U.S.

We kick off 2025 with the second of Paul's episodes from Australia and a true transportation legend Howard Collins, OBE. Howard talks with Paul about everything he's learned in his 47 year career, the things he's most excited about now, and what Australia needs to do to boost transit use.

More about Rudy...

• The Commute: https://thecommute.substack.com/
• Forbes.com: https://www.forbes.com/sites/rudysalo/
• Good Is In The Details Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/01sSTIkORzkvRLW3DW6lZJ?si=cc0325a14fd74acd

The views expressed in this podcast are personal opinions and do not represent the views or policies of Nixon Peabody LLP. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice.

00:00 Welcome to the New Year's Eve Special

00:23 Exciting Future of Transportation in 2025

01:10 Robo Taxis and Electric Vehicles

02:45 LA Metro and Olympic Preparations

05:11 Challenges and Innovations in LA Transit

11:27 Autonomous Vehicles and Public Transit

16:33 The Importance of Municipal Bonds

21:13 Entertainment and Transportation

27:27 The Future of Public Transit: Fueling, Funding, and Faring

36:34 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo https://www.modaxo.com

• Host: Paul Comfort
• Producer: Paul Comfort
• Editor and Writer: Tris Hussey
• Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Special thanks to:

• Brand design: Tina Olagundoye
• Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova
• Marketing content, Transit Unplugged Newsletter, & transit puns: Tris Hussey

If you have a question or comment, email us at info@transitunplugged.com.

Follow us on social media: LinkedIn - Twitter - Threads- Instagram - Facebook

Sign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the

We're turning the tables on host Paul Comfort this week with guest host and Transit Unplugged Executive Producer Julie Gates interviewing Paul on the best of 2024 from Transit Unplugged, what to watch for in 2025, and what they are thankful for. This is also our first video podcast on the podcast! You can watch the video version on YouTube and Spotify, and listen to the audio version everywhere else (the audio-only version will also be on YouTube). Let us know what you think of this new format in the comments on YouTube and Spotify.

We're going to close out 2024 on New Year's Eve with transit futurist Rudy Salo giving Paul his thoughts on the big trends that will influence transit next year and beyond.

00:00 Introduction to Transit Unplugged from Paul Comfort

00:15 Julie Gates Interviews Paul Comfort

01:06 Lessons from Running for Public Office

02:46 Highlights of 2024

06:18 Insights from Washington, D.C.

11:53 The Three Fs of Transit

14:13 End of Year Reflections and Gratitude

18:13 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo https://www.modaxo.com

• Host: Paul Comfort
• Producer: Paul Comfort
• Editor and Writer: Tris Hussey
• Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Special thanks to:

• Brand design: Tina Olagundoye
• Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova
• Marketing content, Transit Unplugged Newsletter, & transit puns: Tris Hussey

If you have a question or comment, email us at info@transitunplugged.com.

Follow us on social media: LinkedIn - Twitter - Threads- Instagram - Facebook

Sign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter

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.