No Uber, No Lyft, No Taxis—So They Built Their Own Transit System

Transit Unplugged

How do you rebuild a public transportation system from the ground up? In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with Mallory Avis, Director of Public Transit for the City of Battle Creek, Michigan, to talk about one of the most ambitious overhauls of a small-city transit system in the U.S. today.

Recorded live at the CTAA Expo in San Diego, this conversation captures the energy and complexity behind Battle Creek’s transformation from a traditional city department to a newly established transit authority—Ride Calhoun. From a successful countywide vote to fund service expansion, to launching microtransit, rebranding the system, and replacing a historic bus fleet, Mallory shares what it takes to transition a legacy system into a responsive, community-driven authority.

This is a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it means to "start fresh"—and what happens when voters actually say yes to better public transport.

🎧 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

Got a question or comment? Email us at: [email protected]

Subscribe to the Transit Unplugged Newsletter:

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

⚠️ 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.