Igniting a New Public Transportation Future
Feature Interview With Transit Author Paul Comfort
Unsplash Photo Credit: Albert Stoynov
I’ve proudly lived car free for over ten years. And I must say that being unhitched from four-wheels has been freeing, a lifestyle that accords with my desired lifestyle around simplicity.
To navigate cities like Denver, Chicago, Sacramento, San Diego, and Las Vegas where I now reside, public transportation has for me been an invaluable urban mobility option. Despite the notion some harbor around buses and trains being unreliable, dirty, and unsafe, I have generally had very favorable experiences with public transit in cities where I’ve lived and even visited.
The future of public transportation in America, though, holds both promise and challenges. While public transportation can play a vital role in reducing congestion, cutting emissions, and increasing mobility, there are several barriers to rider access I am seeing that need to be addressed:
Funding: Many public transportation systems in the U.S. are underfunded, leading to service cuts, aging infrastructure, and higher fares. To improve rider access, there needs to be increased investment in public transportation at federal, state, and local levels.
Infrastructure: Aging infrastructure poses a barrier to access. Many transit systems use outdated equipment and technology, leading to service disruptions and inefficiencies. Upgrading and modernizing infrastructure is essential for improving the quality of public transportation.
First- and Last-Mile Connectivity: Getting to and from transit stops can be challenging, particularly in areas with limited pedestrian infrastructure or connectivity. Improving first- and last-mile options, such as sidewalks, bike lanes, and ridesharing services, can enhance rider access.
Accessibility: Public transportation should be accessible to all riders, including those with disabilities. Ensuring that transit systems are ADA-compliant and have features like low-floor buses and accessible stations is crucial for equitable access.
Affordability: Public transportation should be affordable for all income levels. High fares can be a significant barrier to access for low-income individuals and families. Implementing fare structures that consider income levels and providing subsidies can help address this issue. To this point, many cities like Denver, Kansas City, Raleigh, Tucson and Alexandria, Virginia are testing low or no fares to determine whether it will boost ridership.
Frequency and Coverage: In many areas, public transportation services are infrequent or have limited coverage. I’ve certainly experienced this in Denver and now in Las Vegas. Expanding service areas and increasing the frequency of routes can make transit more convenient and accessible.
Safety and Security: Real or even perceived safety concerns, such as crime and harassment on transit systems, can deter riders from using public transportation. For example, Chicago is a city that has had ongoing issues with this. Improving security measures and promoting safe transit environments are essential for increasing rider access.
Information and Technology: Providing real-time information about routes, schedules, and delays through mobile apps and digital displays can enhance the rider experience. Improved technology can also enable contactless payment options, making transit more accessible. By way of example, here in Las Vegas there have been major updates to the transit app including scannable bar code tickets and Apple Pay, all accessible through your mobile phone.
Equity: Ensuring that public transportation serves underserved communities and provides equitable access to education, jobs, and healthcare is a critical goal. Addressing historical disparities in transit access is an ongoing challenge.
Environmental Considerations: As climate change becomes a more pressing concern, transitioning to sustainable and environmentally friendly transit options is vital. Investments in electric buses and reducing emissions can improve the appeal of public transportation.
Recently, I reached out to my transit expert and author Paul Comfort and asked him to offer some perspectives on what he is seeing in terms of today’s emerging transportation landscape. This comes on the heels of his new book New Future of Public Transportation that is scheduled to be released in 2024.
Paul serves as SVP & Chief Customer Officer for Modaxo Americas, one of the world’s largest transit technology companies and is host of the industry leading public transportation podcast, Transit Unplugged which is heard in over 100 countries and the new YouTube sensation, Transit Unplugged TV show.
Paul has authored three Amazon #1 best-selling books “The Future of Public Transportation”, the children’s picture book “Public Transportation – From the Tom Thumb Railroad to Hyperloop and Beyond” and 2022’s “Conversations on Equity and Inclusion in Public Transportation” which remained atop the Amazon Mass Transit Best Sellers list for six weeks.
His most recent best seller is a cookbook – “Comfort Food” – featuring recipes, stories and photos from over 30 top public transportation leaders around the world. Paul also serves as Executive Director of the North American Transit Alliance.
What was the main driving force behind your decision to write “New Future of Public Transportation?” And how do you believe it will add to current conversations taking place around public transportation?
The publisher from SAE/Society of Automotive Engineers contacted me and said they loved the first edition of The Future of Public Transportation that was published just before the pandemic began and would like me to update it with all the new information regarding what has happened, is happening and is about to happen in the public transit arena. I thought it was a great idea and accepted their offer to publish it.
Describe a few of the emerging trends in the public transportation space that you are keeping an eye on at present.
Here are a few I’ve earmarked to keep an eye on:
The rise of interest and ordering of hydrogen fuel cell battery buses vs. electric buses
The move toward new types of funding for transportation including congestion charging in NYC and potential movement away from gas taxes and toward road usage charges, since the rise of electric vehicles is reducing the amount of gas taxes coming into various states' and the federal government's transportation trust funds
Expansion of privately owned and operated autonomous vehicles through Google Waymo and Cruise into new cities and their impact
The rise of cybercrime hitting transit agencies and what they are doing to protect themselves through cyber security
The new importance of equity and inclusion and its implications for transit agencies
The importance of implementing new EV charging infrastructure
The lack of drivers/mechanics for transit agencies and how they are responding
The tension between moving to zero fares vs. the movement of enforcing and increasing fares
And much, much more...
How do you believe that public transportation leaders can better address needs around boosting ridership? And how do you believe this plays into the broader set of conversations taking place around environmental and climate change?
The movement toward improving the customer experience has risen to the top of many transit agencies playbooks. We have an amazing chapter in the book describing what that looks like from the former head of CX at LA Metro and Marketing at BART. Most people innately understand that public transit is better for the environment as each bus takes x cars off the street. As we move to cleaner vehicles people who are motivated by that see the importance of utilizing public transit even more.
Who are some of the contributors to your book? And what sorts of themes are they covering?
More than 25 top transit leaders from around the world have addressed topics near and dear to them including;
Secretary General of UITP - Mohamed Mezghani addresses the future of public transportation globally
Community Transportation Association of America Executive Director - Scott Bogren addresses the future of Rural and Tribal Transit in the US
Mineta Transportation Institute Executive Director - Dr. Karen Philbrick addresses workforce shortages, cybersecurity issues, assault, rebuilding ridership, operator mental health
The Great Fare Debate - Pro Zero Fare by MEVA CEO Noah Berger vs. Enforce Fares by Southwest Transit Association Executive Director Rich Sampson
Jacksonville Transit Authority CEO - Nat Ford writes on the Future of Autonomous Vehicles and VTOLS.
Transport for London's just retired Head of Technology & Data Simon Reed writes on the Future of Big Data and Contactless Payments
Transdev USA CEO - Laura Hendricks addresses the Future of Contracting for public transit …..and nearly 20 more authors and important topics...
Paul, describe your own reading journey? Are there any books or authors that have had a major influence on your thinking over the years?
One of my favorite all time authors is Malcolm Gladwall - I've read all his books but am most impressed with "Blink" and "Outliers". I also love “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey (I recently had his son Stephen M.R. Covey as a guest on my Transit Unplugged Podcast). The other influential book I want to highlight is “Freakonomics” - which shows you how to "follow the money.” All important reads.
Finally, what are 2-3 major takeaways that you are hoping readers will glean from your new book
Public Transportation is essential for our cities and should be viewed and funded as such.
Public Transportation is evolving to meet customer needs with new technology and approaches - we show you what and how
The authors of the various chapters in this book are part of an elite group of leaders in our industry that are changing the world for the better.
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