LIVE EPISODE: "The ADA is the floor, not the ceiling." — Dignity & Choice in Paratransit

LIVE from the American Public Transportation Association's TRANSform conference, host Paul Comfort moderates a live panel on one of the most mission-critical—but often overlooked—parts of the transit ecosystem: paratransit.

Presented in partnership with UZURV – The Adaptive Transportation Network Company (TNC), this candid and high-energy conversation features leaders from across the country who are redefining what’s possible when innovation meets accessibility.

Guests:

• Mark Aesch, CEO, TransPro Consulting 
• Eileen Collins Turvey, Director of Paratransit, TriMet (Portland, OR)
• Kevin Hernandez, Chief Operating Officer, GRTC (Richmond, VA) 
• Ned Freeman, CEO, UZURV 

Together, they discuss:

• Why paratransit isn’t just an “unfunded mandate”—it’s a cornerstone of transit’s value to the community
• How performance-based models and TNC partnerships are helping agencies cut costs and boost rider satisfaction 
• New data showing paratransit users are the most satisfied transit customers in America 
• What success looks like when we prioritize dignity, flexibility, and equity 

 📍 "Do you know who the most happy transit customers in America are? Paratransit customers. They're happier than fixed route bus or BRT or Rail.” – Mark Aesch

🧭 “The ADA is the floor, not the ceiling. It's minimum compliance. And if that's what you're seeking, I'm not gonna tell you how to run your program.” – Eileen Collins Turvey

🚍 “ It's time to be innovative. We can't continue doing the same things we've been doing for 70 years." – Kevin Hernandez

💡 Whether you're running a transit system, shaping policy, or simply believe in building cities that work for everyone—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

✅ Credits

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo, passionate about moving the world’s people.

Creator, Host & Producer — Paul Comfort

Executive Producer — Julie Gates

Recorded, Produced and Mixed by — Chris O’Keeffe

Associate Producer — Cyndi Raskin

Special thanks to:

Brand Design — Tina Olagundoye

Social Media — Tatyana Mechkarova

Sound Design — Patrick Emile

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

⚠️ 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.