Only 4% of Americans ride transit—but 84% of people in communities with transit say they value it.

In this episode, Paul Comfort digs into the details with Mark Aesch (CEO, TransPro Consulting) and Alvin McBorrough (CEO, OGx Consulting). Together they unpack two big levers for agency performance: measuring what actually matters and using AI to deliver it more efficiently.

Featuring:

Mark Aesch – CEO, TransPro Consulting

Why ridership is a misleading primary metric; shifting from volume to value; what the 84% really care about (jobs access, service for older adults/people with disabilities, low‑income mobility); and how current federal incentives (unlinked passenger trips, revenue miles) work against customer satisfaction. Mark also previews how FTA reform could move agencies from “happy buses” to “happy customers.”

Alvin McBorrough – CEO, OGx Consulting

Practical AI use cases transit agencies can deploy now: real‑time passenger tools (ETAs, chatbots), predictive maintenance, route optimization, computer vision for safety, demand forecasting, and digital twins for planning. Turning “data rich, information poor” operations into smarter decisions—and doing more with less.

Resources & Links:

https://www.transproconsulting.com/

https://www.middlegeorgiarc.org/transportation/

TransitUnplugged.com

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Podcast Credits:

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo

Creator, Host, + Producer: Paul Comfort
Executive Producer: Julie Gates
Producer + Newsletter Editor: Chris O’Keeffe
Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin
Podcast Intern: Desmond Gates

Special thanks to:

Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

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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. This production belongs to Modaxo and may contain information 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.

Are Transit KPI’s Broken? Value, AI, and Why We Need to Stop Chasing Ridership

Transit Unplugged

Are Transit KPI’s Broken? Value, AI, and Why We Need to Stop Chasing Ridership