When most people think of Detroit, they think cars. But behind the Motor City moniker is a layered, multi-agency public transit system—and Robert Cramer is helping connect the dots.

As Executive Director of Transit for the City of Detroit, Cramer leads both DDOT and Detroit Transportation Corporation, operator of the iconic elevated People Mover. In this episode, Paul Comfort joins Robert for a ride downtown and a deep dive into Detroit’s evolving mobility story.

You'll hear how:

• The People Mover went fare-free—and what happened next
• Detroit is coordinating between suburban, city, and regional agencies
• Transit plays a role in the city's ongoing revitalization
• Cramer’s planning background shaped his vision for service, connectivity, and rider experience
• Plus: the story behind Detroit’s international connections with Canada, sports district access, and what it takes to lead transit in the heart of America’s car capital.

🎙️ 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

Special thanks to:

🎨 Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

📱 Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

Got a question or comment? Email us at info@transitunplugged.com

📰 Subscribe to the Transit Unplugged Newsletter: transitunplugged.com/subscribe-to-the-transit-unplugged-newsletter

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Markus Moore, Director of Transportation for the City of Annapolis, joins Paul Comfort from the rooftop of the Hillman Garage during Naval Academy Commissioning Week for a wide-ranging conversation about his remarkable journey through transit. From helping launch high-speed rail in North America as part of the Acela project at Amtrak, to managing local bus and on-demand service in Maryland’s historic capital city, Markus brings decades of cross-modal experience and leadership to the mic.

This interview is a companion episode to an upcoming Transit Unplugged TV episode focused on Maryland’s transit ecosystem, featuring Annapolis, Howard County, and MTA.

• What it means to run transit in a state capital with high seasonal and political visibility
• The evolution of Annapolis’s fixed-route, paratransit, and on-demand services
• Reflections on the launch of high-speed rail in the U.S. via the Acela project
• How Commissioning Week and tourism reshape service in a city like Annapolis
• The rollout of electric buses and steps toward a greener fleet
• Collaboration with MTA, RTA, and other regional transit partners
• Career lessons from rail, freight, and bus systems across the U.S.

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

Special thanks to:

🎨 Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

📱 Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

Got a question or comment? Email us at: info@transitunplugged.com

📰 Subscribe to the Transit Unplugged Newsletter:

transitunplugged.com/subscribe-to-the-transit-unplugged-newsletter

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YouTube: @transit-unplugged

X (Twitter): @TransitUnplug

Instagram: @transitunplugged

Threads: @transitunplugged

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.

How does a career in law enforcement, animal services, and civic leadership prepare you to run a transit agency?

In this week’s Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort sits down with Ozzy Gibson, Executive Director of Louisville’s Transit Authority of River City (TARC), for a candid and compelling conversation about public service, accountability, and what it takes to lead through uncertainty.

Ozzy shares lessons from his time as a police officer, deputy mayor, and head of animal services—and how those experiences shaped his approach to running TARC. From confronting a $30 million budget gap to streamlining a legacy network, Ozzy is focused on doing more than keeping the buses running—he’s rebuilding trust, efficiency, and purpose across the organization.

• How a lifelong public servant transitioned into transit leadership
• TARC’s financial reset and plans for long-term sustainability
• Paratransit policy changes and community collaboration
• The value of mission-driven leadership across sectors

• 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

Special thanks to:

🎨 Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

📱 Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

Got a question or comment? Email us at info@transitunplugged.com

📰 Subscribe to the Transit Unplugged Newsletter: transitunplugged.com/subscribe-to-the-transit-unplugged-newsletter

Follow us on social media:

YouTube: @transit-unplugged

X (Twitter): @TransitUnplug

Instagram: @transitunplugged

Threads: @transitunplugged

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.