Stop Requested

In this special episode of Stop Requested, hosts Levi McCollum and Christian Londono welcome their first-ever guest, Yash Nagal, Director of Transit Planning at Palm Tran. Together, they dive into the nationwide surge in transit ridership, explore innovative strategies like Palm Tran's Buslink program, and discuss how frequency and integration can transform public transportation. Yash shares k...

In this episode of Stop Requested, Christian Londono and Levi McCollum explore the global landscape of battery electric bus adoption. From Shenzhen's fully electrified fleet to the ambitious goals in Latin America and Europe, they examine the challenges, successes, and trends shaping zero-emission transit worldwide. Tune in as they discuss the impact of policies like Buy America, the role of g...

What does it take to electrify a transit fleet? In this episode of  Stop Requested , Levi McCollum and Christian Londono explain the challenges and benefits of zero-emission buses. Learn about the key technologies — from battery-electric to hydrogen fuel cells — and why transit agencies are racing to secure funding and develop Zero Emission Transition Plans. They also cover practical tips for agen...

In this episode of Stop Requested, Christian Londono and Levi McCollum kick off 2025 by reflecting on the top 10 transit stories of 2024, as highlighted by Mass Transit magazine. From Penn Station’s capacity challenges to tackling wildcatting in San Diego, they explore major milestones, key trends, and what these stories mean for the future of public transportation. Plus, they give shoutouts to 20...

In this episode of Stop Requested , Christian Londono and Levi McCollum explore how transit agencies are turning swag into powerful tools for branding, engagement, and creating community pride. They discuss the value of collectible transit merchandise, share their favorite swag stories, and uncover how these items build deeper connections with riders and fans alike.

In this festive episode of Stop Requested , Levi and Christian explore the delightful tradition of transit buses taking center stage in holiday parades and celebrations. From historical roots in London and New York City to the behind-the-scenes efforts of transit agencies, they discuss how these rolling holiday displays strengthen community ties and promote public transit. They also share insights...

In this episode of Stop Requested , Christian and Levi tackle the urgent issue of assaults on transit workers, exploring alarming statistics that reveal a troubling rise in incidents over the past 15 years. They discuss the profound impact on bus operators, from PTSD to workforce shortages, and examine the societal factors contributing to these challenges. The conversation highlights strategies su...

In this episode of Stop Requested , Christian and Levi focus on the issue of transit insecurity, examining how unreliable transportation impacts individuals and communities. Inspired by a recent Mass Transit Magazine article and national studies, they discuss challenges like poverty, access to opportunities, and the trade-offs between ridership and coverage. The conversation highlights innovative...

In this episode of Stop Requested , Christian and Levi tackle the critical issue of CDL driver shortages in the transit industry. They explore the challenges agencies face, including workforce gaps exacerbated by macroeconomic conditions, and discuss innovative strategies such as in-house CDL training, vocational partnerships, and creative recruitment campaigns. With insights on the importance of...

In this episode of Stop Requested , Christian and Levi discuss the complexities of providing transit services during the holiday season. They explore the challenges agencies face, such as fluctuating ridership, detours, and staffing constraints, as well as the critical role of technology like CAD/AVL systems and GTFS real-time feeds in ensuring smooth operations. Drawing on personal experiences an...

In this heartfelt episode of Stop Requested , Christian and Levi reflect on the life and legacy of Clinton B. Forbes, marking one year since his passing. They share personal memories of working with Clinton, recalling his charisma, dedication to customer service, and transformative leadership in public transit. From his ambitious projects like the Route Performance Maximization plan to his commitm...

In this episode of Stop Requested , Christian shares insights from the APTA Transform conference in Anaheim, giving Levi a peek into the highlights and energy of the event. From packed expo halls to exclusive sessions on customer experience, Christian recounts key moments, including ETA Transit's sponsorship of a session featuring top transit leaders and a conversation on prioritizing the customer...

In this episode of Stop Requested , Levi and Christian explore the dynamic world of transit technology and what sets innovative public transit agencies apart. They discuss key factors such as budget, risk, and system integration that influence whether agencies become early adopters of cutting-edge solutions. The episode also covers various technological advancements, from Automated Fare Collection...

In this episode of Stop Requested , Levi and Christian dive deep into the significance of Automatic Passenger Counting (APC) technology for public transit agencies. They explore the crucial 2025 APC recertification deadline set by the FTA, outlining why agencies need to prepare now and the operational advantages of APC certification. The hosts also introduce ETA Transit's latest innovation, Tally...

In the premier episode of Stop Requested , Christian and Levi reflect on their experience at the Florida Public Transportation Association (FPTA) conference, held from September 22-24 in West Palm Beach. They explore the value of networking with industry professionals, discovering the latest transit innovations, and celebrating outstanding achievements through industry awards. Listen in as they sh...

In this trailer for Stop Requested , co-hosts Christian Londono and Levi McCollum introduce their new podcast, where they dive into the latest trends, technologies, and stories shaping public transit. As Senior Customer Success Manager and Product Manager at ETA Transit, Christian and Levi bring expert insights and industry perspectives to help listeners understand how transit innovations are crea...