SMART Moves: Dwight Ferrell on Public Transit Innovations in Detroit

Transit Unplugged

In this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort interviews Dwight Ferrell, General Manager of SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) in Southeastern Michigan. Dwight shares lessons from his lengthy career in public transportation, from a bus operator in Dallas to leading multiple transit agencies across the U.S. The discussion covers SMART's innovative service for the NFL draft in Detroit, how to do the same thing for other events, addressing the changing face of ridership, and bus operator staffing challenges.

Dwight delves into lessons in leadership, the future of transit technology, and adapting services to meet the evolving needs of younger generations. The episode also highlights SMART's efforts to improve employee engagement and attract a diverse workforce. Which is already reaping rewards with the fewest number of operative vacancies in years.

Coming up next week, we have a feed drop from an appearance Paul made on another podcast. This time it's METRO Magazine's METRspectives hosted by Executive Editor Alex Roman. Paul is joined as a guest by Davey Kim, SVP/Principal, National Transportation Policy and Multimodal Strategy, at WSP USA. In this interview Alex, Paul, and Davey talk about several hot transit topics including federal funding for transit and weaning ourselves off gas taxes as we drive fewer and fewer fossil fuel vehicles.

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

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0:00 Dwight Ferrell

00:05 Introduction and welcome to Transit Unplugged

01:32 NFL Draft and Shuttle Service

02:25 Challenges and Solutions in Transit

04:52 Technology and Future Plans

06:37 Generational Shifts and Public Transit

09:56 Leadership and Industry Insights

11:55 Employee Engagement and HR Initiatives

14:41 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

21:08 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

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.