Uber, Unplugged: insights from 6 transit leaders on the future of how we move

This fall, Uber Transit took over Transit Unplugged, the premier podcast in the public transportation industry. 

Hosted by transit veteran Paul Comfort, the 2-episode takeover features roundtable discussions with leadership from LA Access Services, Marin Transit, Miami-Dade Transit, New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, and TriMet. Together, these leaders delve into rider experience, transit trends, the future of paratransit, and how they’re leveraging TNCs like Uber to expand the reach of their services.

Both episodes (47 and 49) are available to stream here. Below are some key excerpts.

“To run our core [fixed-route network] … between 10pm and 6am, it would cost us about 6 and a half million dollars annually. And to run the [TD Late Shift program with Uber], we’re spending under $400,000 a year, and really giving the riders that need it the most the service that they need. We wouldn’t be able to provide this service without partners like Uber.” —Bonnie Epstein, Director of Mobility Services, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority

“To me, [TNCs] are redefining how we provide transit…It’s [about] providing that trip, right? Ultimately, our role is to provide public transportation in a sense that people can have access to opportunities. And now we have [more] in our tool belt, right? A lot more tools to use, not only bus and rail, but bus and rail and on demand transit and TNCs.” —Carlos Cruz-Casas, Chief Innovation Officer, Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works

“Our existing programs, whether agency-operated, microtransit, or paratransit, have very defined service area boundaries. [Our Catch-A-Ride pilot program with Uber] really opened up that service area. One of our early adopters, who I think was a little skeptical of the program…as soon as she enrolled and started to use the [Uber] vouchers, we started to get these selfies of her enjoying the recreational lands here in Marin County. It just kind of showcased some of the expanded mobility we were offering.” —Robert Betts, Director of Operations and Service Development, Marin Transit

“So much of what we’re doing in accessible transportation is really working to build bridges … to improve the accessibility of all of our systems, helping connect our riders to better lives … it’s not about continuing to strive for ADA minimums. It’s about how can we go above and beyond to meet our riders where they are, and if it means that we’re delivering a service to a rider instead of a rider to a service, we’re really looking at that as the new hallmark in mobility management.” —Eileen Collins Turvey, Director, Accessible Transportation Programs, TriMet 

“I think that’s really the power of using a [platform] like Uber… [if you select a] button, all of a sudden you’ve got this instantaneous capacity that you didn’t have before. And that’s very powerful. I think it’s the future, because we’re going to need the capacity to provide these services.” —Andre Colaiace, Executive Director, LA Access Services

“Designing a transportation system that allows for more flexibility, the kind that taxis and TNCs and on-demand service enables, I think is a great step in getting people with disabilities to the same [level of access] that people who use fixed route are at — with that flexibility, that spontaneity, and recognizing that we can empower them to take control of their transportation by putting the decision-making of when to take those trips in their hands.” —Chris Pangilinan, Chief, Operations Planning, New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority

To explore more insights like these, download our industry perspectives paper Transit Horizons, visit this page.

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