1 00:00:05,000 --> 00:00:09,159 Well, today is a very special show as we follow up from our recent 10 day 2 00:00:09,170 --> 00:00:11,969 visit to Australia on Transit Unplugged. 3 00:00:12,209 --> 00:00:15,000 I'm Paul Comfort, and great to have with me my good friend 4 00:00:15,163 --> 00:00:16,353 Kelly Chapman. 5 00:00:16,433 --> 00:00:17,213 Thanks, Paul. 6 00:00:17,253 --> 00:00:17,793 Yeah. 7 00:00:18,083 --> 00:00:20,223 Kelly and I are going to co host today's podcast. 8 00:00:20,473 --> 00:00:24,343 most of you follow the show on video and audio know that, Transit Unplugged, 9 00:00:24,633 --> 00:00:28,613 myself and Jaime Cuadra, our video director, and Kelly and a bunch of 10 00:00:28,613 --> 00:00:33,213 other folks from our team, visited Australia, in the two weeks prior to the 11 00:00:33,213 --> 00:00:35,423 American holiday called Thanksgiving. 12 00:00:35,953 --> 00:00:39,373 And, uh, I actually returned the night before Thanksgiving, as did, 13 00:00:39,503 --> 00:00:40,923 Jaime back to our country here. 14 00:00:41,253 --> 00:00:43,903 And since then, we've been having follow up TV shows. 15 00:00:43,903 --> 00:00:48,563 We've had one, the first one was from our trip to Melbourne and Tasmania. 16 00:00:49,203 --> 00:00:52,313 And while we were there, we recorded some interviews with, some folks 17 00:00:52,313 --> 00:00:55,043 that we thought we'd bring you on the audio podcast as well. 18 00:00:55,333 --> 00:00:59,233 And then we spent, some time in, in the Brisbane area, and, 19 00:00:59,233 --> 00:01:03,183 uh, we have some interviews from that area as well on the show. 20 00:01:03,493 --> 00:01:06,483 But Kelly, when, when we were there, what struck me was, and I've known 21 00:01:06,483 --> 00:01:09,453 this before because I've known some of the ladies there, but you have a lot 22 00:01:09,453 --> 00:01:12,903 of very strong, powerful leaders in transportation that are women, and so 23 00:01:12,903 --> 00:01:16,633 we wanted to do a show about some of the great women in transport from Australia. 24 00:01:16,923 --> 00:01:20,073 Yeah, I was really excited that you had that idea because it's true 25 00:01:20,423 --> 00:01:24,063 when we, and we got to, you know, in that 10 days, we really got 26 00:01:24,153 --> 00:01:26,203 to connect with so many of them. 27 00:01:26,563 --> 00:01:30,033 And like you and I spoke about, you know, not only are they impressive in 28 00:01:30,033 --> 00:01:33,363 their careers, but they're also, they bring so much passion to their jobs. 29 00:01:33,363 --> 00:01:34,513 And it was just really fun. 30 00:01:34,988 --> 00:01:37,908 And just such a pleasure to spend time with them and hear their 31 00:01:37,958 --> 00:01:40,278 thoughts on what's happening in the world of public transport. 32 00:01:40,658 --> 00:01:44,778 Yeah, we actually had several more lined up for the video while we're there, but 33 00:01:44,778 --> 00:01:46,148 various things happened while we're there. 34 00:01:46,148 --> 00:01:49,518 We couldn't get them all on video, but we wanted to at least bring you, uh, 35 00:01:49,518 --> 00:01:51,718 this audio podcast with several of them. 36 00:01:52,018 --> 00:01:55,038 And, uh, first off, I'm excited to have with us Lauren Streifer. 37 00:01:55,038 --> 00:01:56,258 Tell us about her, Kelly. 38 00:01:56,553 --> 00:01:58,443 Well, Lauren's quite amazing, isn't she? 39 00:01:58,443 --> 00:02:02,253 So Lauren Streifer, she's the Executive Director of the Public Transport 40 00:02:02,253 --> 00:02:07,093 Association of Australia and New Zealand, which we commonly call PTANZ and she 41 00:02:07,093 --> 00:02:11,263 is just, her energy is contagious and you just wanna jump on board with her. 42 00:02:11,473 --> 00:02:14,473 She talks about starting a revolution and, she feels like the right 43 00:02:14,473 --> 00:02:18,103 person for it, and I just love that, you know, along with side, the 44 00:02:18,103 --> 00:02:19,513 passion she's bringing to her job. 45 00:02:19,573 --> 00:02:22,483 You know, she told us that she's also found time to write a children's book on 46 00:02:22,483 --> 00:02:24,673 the side like that woman's incredible. 47 00:02:25,023 --> 00:02:25,593 She is. 48 00:02:25,593 --> 00:02:28,393 I, I, I really bonded with her and clicked with her while we were there. 49 00:02:28,753 --> 00:02:31,293 She brought us a copy of the book I brought home and read it to 50 00:02:31,293 --> 00:02:32,883 my grandkids and they loved it. 51 00:02:33,193 --> 00:02:36,643 And, uh, I posted it and so she's going to be our first guest today. 52 00:02:36,873 --> 00:02:39,783 And then, uh, quickly we'll be talking with, um, Jamie Lee 53 00:02:39,783 --> 00:02:43,693 Owens, who is chair of that PTANZ group's Emerging Mobility Leaders. 54 00:02:43,923 --> 00:02:44,683 She was great. 55 00:02:44,753 --> 00:02:47,713 And then we talked to Katie Cooper, CEO of Metro Tasmania. 56 00:02:47,713 --> 00:02:50,673 Kelly, you and I met her while we were at the BIC conference. 57 00:02:50,971 --> 00:02:55,291 Yeah, and oh my goodness, we, none of us could believe how much sunshine you were 58 00:02:55,301 --> 00:03:00,031 getting as you walked around Australia in Hobart, which is often cold and windy. 59 00:03:00,031 --> 00:03:02,231 We just had the most beautiful day there with Katie. 60 00:03:02,601 --> 00:03:05,731 And I loved, Katie has a really interesting story. 61 00:03:05,986 --> 00:03:09,746 Her background's in aviation and she was talking to us about how she brings 62 00:03:09,746 --> 00:03:14,106 that experience of aviation and the operations into bus and how the worlds 63 00:03:14,116 --> 00:03:19,136 share many common themes and she's able to really, you know, benefit from 64 00:03:19,136 --> 00:03:21,176 that experience in her current role. 65 00:03:21,701 --> 00:03:22,071 Yep. 66 00:03:22,231 --> 00:03:23,111 Yeah, absolutely. 67 00:03:23,111 --> 00:03:26,281 And, you know, we told you that, but it seems like wherever we go 68 00:03:26,281 --> 00:03:30,511 for Transit Unplugged TV, the good weather always just precedes us. 69 00:03:30,751 --> 00:03:35,821 I'll never forget the time we were in Vancouver, Canada, and, you know, my 70 00:03:35,821 --> 00:03:38,961 friend Kevin Quinn, who worked with me at MTA in Baltimore, now CEO there, 71 00:03:38,981 --> 00:03:43,381 said, Paul, we've basically had rain for six months, every day before you got 72 00:03:43,381 --> 00:03:45,241 here, and then today the sun comes out. 73 00:03:45,256 --> 00:03:46,246 So we're definitely blessed. 74 00:03:46,586 --> 00:03:50,126 and then it's very exciting to be with Michelle Batsis, who we weren't able 75 00:03:50,126 --> 00:03:53,396 to actually record while we were there because it was like the day before 76 00:03:53,396 --> 00:03:55,116 the day of our first day on a new job. 77 00:03:55,386 --> 00:03:58,816 Tell us about Michelle's new job and what she's doing there with Journey Makers. 78 00:03:59,149 --> 00:04:01,919 So Michelle is in such an exciting position. 79 00:04:02,199 --> 00:04:06,679 Yarra Trams is one of the most iconic businesses in Melbourne and she is 80 00:04:06,679 --> 00:04:09,479 the Executive Director of Government and Stakeholder Relations, which 81 00:04:09,479 --> 00:04:12,799 means she's that real triage point between all the key stakeholders 82 00:04:12,799 --> 00:04:14,659 in government and the operation. 83 00:04:15,149 --> 00:04:18,609 And we're really so pleased that we could get to talk to her and hear 84 00:04:18,619 --> 00:04:21,759 some of her stories and experiences of what's happening in Yarra Trams. 85 00:04:21,759 --> 00:04:23,919 It's such an exciting time to be a part of it. 86 00:04:24,359 --> 00:04:27,734 And she just brings so much energy into everything she does. 87 00:04:27,754 --> 00:04:31,714 And as a lot of listeners know, she also has a podcast of Women Who Moved Nations. 88 00:04:31,714 --> 00:04:34,324 And, but it's really excited to follow her journey there. 89 00:04:34,564 --> 00:04:34,794 Yeah. 90 00:04:34,794 --> 00:04:37,324 And we're going to have all four of those interviews for you today. 91 00:04:37,344 --> 00:04:38,804 Michelle is the primary interview. 92 00:04:38,804 --> 00:04:40,004 We'll bring that to you last. 93 00:04:40,364 --> 00:04:45,894 Michelle and I also had a relationship via co contributors to my cookbook, 94 00:04:46,064 --> 00:04:49,444 Comfort Food, and she has a great, story today to tell about that 95 00:04:49,694 --> 00:04:53,344 on her interview and about, her grandmother, who really influenced 96 00:04:53,344 --> 00:04:55,204 her interest in public transportation. 97 00:04:55,204 --> 00:04:57,624 That'll be on the interview that she brings up later. 98 00:04:58,259 --> 00:05:01,639 Kelly, again, I just want to publicly thank you for helping to arrange 99 00:05:01,639 --> 00:05:04,929 what's been one of the very best trips we've ever had on Transit Unplugged. 100 00:05:05,189 --> 00:05:10,449 Every detail of the 40 events that we did during the 10 days there, you had 101 00:05:10,449 --> 00:05:14,829 a hand in organizing and they all went off without a hitch, so, fantastic. 102 00:05:14,849 --> 00:05:19,999 You may have a future in event planning in your future if software doesn't work out. 103 00:05:19,999 --> 00:05:20,599 No, just kidding. 104 00:05:20,892 --> 00:05:21,542 Thanks, Paul. 105 00:05:21,542 --> 00:05:22,582 It was an absolute pleasure. 106 00:05:22,842 --> 00:05:27,747 And, you know, It was a pleasure because the people we were connecting to are 107 00:05:27,747 --> 00:05:31,367 just so willing to give, to share their stories, to connect with us. 108 00:05:31,377 --> 00:05:36,807 So, you know, I want to also thank everyone who said yes and got involved and 109 00:05:37,107 --> 00:05:40,532 shared a little piece of their You know, a little part of their world with us. 110 00:05:40,532 --> 00:05:41,482 It was so special. 111 00:05:41,622 --> 00:05:42,342 Such a great time. 112 00:05:42,352 --> 00:05:42,872 Thank you. 113 00:05:43,142 --> 00:05:43,902 Absolutely. 114 00:05:43,902 --> 00:05:45,652 And it was, it was a joy for me. 115 00:05:45,662 --> 00:05:49,172 In addition to all these interviews we did to actually meet our company 116 00:05:49,172 --> 00:05:53,382 staff, our Modaxo staff there in Brisbane, where your office is and 117 00:05:53,382 --> 00:05:54,982 where Rod Beggars is and all the team. 118 00:05:55,232 --> 00:05:55,972 It was wonderful. 119 00:05:55,982 --> 00:05:59,772 Thank you to them as well for helping sponsor this whole trip, making it 120 00:05:59,772 --> 00:06:04,107 possible and allowing us to share what we've What we're doing right today, best 121 00:06:04,107 --> 00:06:07,927 practices from, from the top leaders in Australia with the rest of the world. 122 00:06:08,147 --> 00:06:12,177 Kelly, let's jump in with our first interview, which is with, Lauren 123 00:06:12,177 --> 00:06:14,457 Streifer, Executive Director of PTANZ 124 00:06:14,634 --> 00:06:15,354 . Fantastic. 125 00:06:18,354 --> 00:06:20,284 Tell us about your transit association here. 126 00:06:20,464 --> 00:06:23,174 So the Public Transport Association of Australia and New Zealand actually 127 00:06:23,174 --> 00:06:27,354 includes all government departments across the region, and it's really led by the 128 00:06:27,354 --> 00:06:30,704 government authorities to make sure that their vision is realized in the region. 129 00:06:30,974 --> 00:06:32,004 And what is that vision? 130 00:06:32,054 --> 00:06:35,984 So one part of it is that Australia has very ambitious net zero goals, 131 00:06:36,464 --> 00:06:42,244 30 percent of people from driving to public and active transport, 132 00:06:42,254 --> 00:06:43,294 you can actually achieve. 133 00:06:43,599 --> 00:06:46,549 our net zero obligations with that change alone. 134 00:06:46,719 --> 00:06:50,049 And what would you say the state of public transportation is here in Australia? 135 00:06:50,409 --> 00:06:53,449 We're out of the pandemic now, we're on to What's happening right now 136 00:06:53,459 --> 00:06:54,539 and what do you see for the future? 137 00:06:54,629 --> 00:06:57,119 Well, the really cool thing is that we have the biggest public 138 00:06:57,129 --> 00:07:00,359 transport investment that we've ever seen, in our history. 139 00:07:00,639 --> 00:07:03,829 And so now we're seeing the finalization of some of these major projects that 140 00:07:03,829 --> 00:07:06,499 are tens of billions of dollars and they're being realized and being 141 00:07:06,529 --> 00:07:08,059 operationalized so you can use them. 142 00:07:08,219 --> 00:07:10,739 So over the next few months, you'll actually be able to come out of 143 00:07:10,739 --> 00:07:13,389 Sydney Metro and see how cities are transformed by public transport. 144 00:07:13,799 --> 00:07:14,139 Thanks. 145 00:07:14,149 --> 00:07:16,539 Well, I know they've got the right person leading the association and you 146 00:07:16,539 --> 00:07:17,849 with all that energy and experience. 147 00:07:18,049 --> 00:07:19,809 I can't wait to see what you guys are going to do next. 148 00:07:19,809 --> 00:07:20,729 Aw, thanks so much 149 00:07:23,905 --> 00:07:26,435 What a great interview with Lauren, and you know, while we were there 150 00:07:26,435 --> 00:07:30,165 in Melbourne, we went to an iconic station called Flinders Street Station. 151 00:07:30,165 --> 00:07:33,985 It's where we actually did the opening of the TV show, and while we were 152 00:07:33,985 --> 00:07:37,445 there, Kelly, you introduced me to an up and coming young leader there. 153 00:07:37,445 --> 00:07:38,195 Tell me about her. 154 00:07:38,494 --> 00:07:39,584 Jamie Lee Owen. 155 00:07:39,944 --> 00:07:44,054 She works for Metro Trains Melbourne, but she is also, again, another 156 00:07:44,054 --> 00:07:47,704 passionate woman and she is the chair of PTAN's Emerging Mobility Leaders. 157 00:07:47,984 --> 00:07:51,044 She's playing a big part in helping encourage, you know, 158 00:07:51,044 --> 00:07:52,574 lots of the public transit. 159 00:07:52,984 --> 00:07:56,784 Leaders up and coming around Australia to get opportunities, get exposure, 160 00:07:56,934 --> 00:07:58,364 get connected to the right people. 161 00:07:58,784 --> 00:08:03,204 And a little, side note, if you saw the Transit Unplugged episode, she's 162 00:08:03,204 --> 00:08:06,704 wearing a shirt she made herself covered in trams, which was just fantastic. 163 00:08:07,344 --> 00:08:07,854 That's great. 164 00:08:07,864 --> 00:08:10,094 Let's jump into that quick interview right now. 165 00:08:13,144 --> 00:08:16,014 Jamie, you're the president of the Emerging Mobility Leaders Program. 166 00:08:16,014 --> 00:08:16,854 Tell us about that. 167 00:08:17,044 --> 00:08:17,694 Yeah, I'd love to. 168 00:08:17,694 --> 00:08:18,054 Thank you. 169 00:08:18,054 --> 00:08:20,834 I'm the chair of the Emerging Mobility Leaders Program. 170 00:08:21,134 --> 00:08:27,204 We were formed in 2021, um, as a committee under the PTA ANZ, so the Public Transport 171 00:08:27,204 --> 00:08:28,834 Association, Australia, New Zealand. 172 00:08:29,304 --> 00:08:33,444 And our role is to champion and platform young and emerging professionals. 173 00:08:33,464 --> 00:08:35,184 in the public transport industry. 174 00:08:35,434 --> 00:08:35,814 That's great. 175 00:08:35,814 --> 00:08:36,964 And what's your job currently? 176 00:08:37,254 --> 00:08:40,354 Currently, I'm the chair, but I've been on the committee since 2021. 177 00:08:41,414 --> 00:08:44,774 And it's been an absolute privilege and an honor to have been there as 178 00:08:44,774 --> 00:08:48,744 a contributing member and now sort of graduate into the chair position, 179 00:08:48,934 --> 00:08:51,384 leading the group and then graduate out. 180 00:08:51,904 --> 00:08:52,454 That's great. 181 00:08:52,624 --> 00:08:54,594 And do you all have any projects you're working on now? 182 00:08:54,804 --> 00:08:55,344 Yeah, we do. 183 00:08:55,394 --> 00:09:00,078 So we do a series of webinars and site tours with a lot of member organizations. 184 00:09:00,188 --> 00:09:03,058 The thing we're most proud of is our biannual seminar. 185 00:09:03,538 --> 00:09:06,698 So it's a seminar that's designed by emerging professionals 186 00:09:06,708 --> 00:09:08,068 for emerging professionals. 187 00:09:08,358 --> 00:09:10,148 And our next one will be early 2026. 188 00:09:10,698 --> 00:09:11,198 Very good. 189 00:09:11,278 --> 00:09:14,418 And I'm passionate about bringing young people into our industry. 190 00:09:14,698 --> 00:09:19,448 I really think it's the, uh, an important part of the function of us older folks, 191 00:09:19,458 --> 00:09:24,008 let's say over the 40 crowd, uh, is to, is to cultivate younger people to coming in. 192 00:09:24,008 --> 00:09:25,138 And do you all play a role in that? 193 00:09:25,428 --> 00:09:26,328 Yeah, absolutely. 194 00:09:26,328 --> 00:09:30,088 I mean, we're very lucky to have great membership, um, and mentorship 195 00:09:30,108 --> 00:09:31,758 from member organizations. 196 00:09:32,128 --> 00:09:36,098 Uh, but we also have members and mentors who advocate for us and 197 00:09:36,098 --> 00:09:39,868 champion for us, and that includes giving a platform to get up and speak. 198 00:09:39,868 --> 00:09:42,238 So, that's really important as well as that mentorship. 199 00:09:42,648 --> 00:09:46,008 Jamie, tell me about the diversity of the type of jobs that are represented. 200 00:09:46,293 --> 00:09:47,083 Yeah, absolutely. 201 00:09:47,083 --> 00:09:50,433 So our group is diverse in terms of geographic location across 202 00:09:50,433 --> 00:09:54,333 Australia and New Zealand, as well as experience and education. 203 00:09:54,333 --> 00:09:58,483 So we have planners, we have engineers, we have project managers, we have people 204 00:09:58,483 --> 00:10:03,203 who work in comms, and we really think that diversity of experience and education 205 00:10:03,203 --> 00:10:07,018 and thought is kind of the future of our industry, so we're happy to cultivate it. 206 00:10:07,438 --> 00:10:10,018 Now if I'm a young person, let's say maybe one of my kids in their 207 00:10:10,018 --> 00:10:13,855 twenties, what would be your pitch to them why they should get involved in 208 00:10:13,855 --> 00:10:15,345 the public transportation industry. 209 00:10:15,425 --> 00:10:19,515 Yeah, public transport is social justice, and if a particularly if you're young, 210 00:10:19,515 --> 00:10:24,235 if you're in your 20s, you, I imagine, really believe in sustainability and 211 00:10:24,235 --> 00:10:27,805 lowering emissions, and we're a big industry that could have a big part in 212 00:10:27,805 --> 00:10:30,545 that, so yeah, that's why I'd say get on board, because we're the future. 213 00:10:34,082 --> 00:10:36,122 What a great interview with Jamie Lee Owens. 214 00:10:36,352 --> 00:10:37,822 Now, let's listen to Katie Cooper. 215 00:10:37,822 --> 00:10:40,932 After we left Melbourne, we were on that search for the 216 00:10:40,932 --> 00:10:42,392 Tasmanian Devil, right, Kelly? 217 00:10:42,582 --> 00:10:47,592 And, we went down to Tasmania to find them, and we got to meet a fantastic 218 00:10:47,622 --> 00:10:50,662 leader there at the Bus Industry Confederation Conference, which was 219 00:10:50,662 --> 00:10:52,762 being held in Hobart, the capital. 220 00:10:52,892 --> 00:10:56,122 We walked outside into the beautiful sunshine, and who did I get to meet? 221 00:10:57,412 --> 00:11:01,592 You met Katie Cooper, who is the CEO of Metro Tasmania, who was kind 222 00:11:01,592 --> 00:11:05,922 enough, even though she was the host of the big conference, she was kind 223 00:11:05,922 --> 00:11:08,612 enough to give us some time on a beautiful sunny morning in Hobart. 224 00:11:08,662 --> 00:11:09,382 Thanks, Katie. 225 00:11:12,892 --> 00:11:13,252 Hi, Paul. 226 00:11:13,252 --> 00:11:13,752 Welcome to Hobart. 227 00:11:14,012 --> 00:11:14,972 It's great to have you here. 228 00:11:15,162 --> 00:11:16,672 This is beautiful, Katie. 229 00:11:16,702 --> 00:11:19,692 We have turned the weather on for you down here at the waterfront in Hobart today. 230 00:11:19,692 --> 00:11:20,272 Thank you. 231 00:11:20,462 --> 00:11:23,602 Well tell us about Metro Tasmania, the transit system here. 232 00:11:23,842 --> 00:11:27,682 Metro Tasmania is the largest Tasmanian owned public transport provider here in 233 00:11:27,682 --> 00:11:31,122 the state and we operate in Hobart, Boonee and Launceston and we operate buses. 234 00:11:31,392 --> 00:11:33,282 So really we are a bus state. 235 00:11:33,282 --> 00:11:36,277 So that's why it's really exciting that BIC is here with us because this 236 00:11:36,277 --> 00:11:37,717 is what we do and what we do well. 237 00:11:37,907 --> 00:11:41,727 We have about 550 staff who service all the community around, 238 00:11:41,917 --> 00:11:43,457 the areas that we, we operate. 239 00:11:43,487 --> 00:11:47,067 And it's great to be able to help people connect from where they go, you know, 240 00:11:47,147 --> 00:11:50,727 to go to school, to go to work, to go home, to go see friends and family 241 00:11:50,727 --> 00:11:52,197 or perhaps just get their groceries. 242 00:11:52,357 --> 00:11:54,527 What kind of big projects do you have going on here? 243 00:11:55,047 --> 00:11:58,187 Metro Tasmania is actually running a couple of really exciting projects at the 244 00:11:58,187 --> 00:12:00,627 moment, both on zero emission bus trials. 245 00:12:00,897 --> 00:12:03,577 So we're in our northern depot in Launceston, we're operating a 246 00:12:03,587 --> 00:12:07,867 battery electric bus trial to help us determine the, how the battery electric 247 00:12:07,867 --> 00:12:09,287 buses operate in our environment. 248 00:12:09,507 --> 00:12:13,157 And down here in Hobart, we're about to commence a hydrogen electric bus 249 00:12:13,167 --> 00:12:14,607 trial, which we're operating down here. 250 00:12:14,637 --> 00:12:18,167 So in our Mornington yard, we're going to be starting, imminently with actually 251 00:12:18,277 --> 00:12:21,847 running some hydrogen buses so we can compare both technologies simultaneously. 252 00:12:22,207 --> 00:12:25,007 Clearly that will help us with our investment decisions going forward and 253 00:12:25,007 --> 00:12:28,637 that's been supported, with the Tasmanian government so really excited to see the 254 00:12:28,637 --> 00:12:30,037 results of that over the coming years. 255 00:12:30,287 --> 00:12:33,057 Katie, I recently, uh, got to interview Andy Lord, Commissioner 256 00:12:33,057 --> 00:12:34,167 of Transport for London. 257 00:12:34,397 --> 00:12:35,747 You and he have something in common. 258 00:12:35,747 --> 00:12:37,977 You both have a strong background in aviation. 259 00:12:38,227 --> 00:12:39,587 You ran the Melbourne Airport, right? 260 00:12:39,717 --> 00:12:40,077 yes. 261 00:12:40,077 --> 00:12:42,427 So I was running operations at Melbourne Airport prior to coming 262 00:12:42,427 --> 00:12:45,527 here, and I've worked in the UK and had airlines and airports, 263 00:12:45,537 --> 00:12:47,267 so extensive aviation experience. 264 00:12:47,672 --> 00:12:48,562 And that's interesting to me. 265 00:12:48,562 --> 00:12:51,712 Tell me about kind of like, you know, similarities, differences, 266 00:12:51,712 --> 00:12:54,832 and what you bring from the aviation industry to public transport. 267 00:12:55,042 --> 00:12:58,952 There's a lot of similarities between aviation and, and public transport. 268 00:12:59,242 --> 00:13:02,652 The concept of a route that an airline flies is very similar to a route that 269 00:13:02,652 --> 00:13:04,432 a bus or a train will operate through. 270 00:13:04,682 --> 00:13:07,262 The catchment areas that you're using for your pedestrian or for 271 00:13:07,262 --> 00:13:11,137 your passengers or for passengers in both forms is very, very similar. 272 00:13:11,377 --> 00:13:15,427 The concepts are the same in the sense that it's about on time efficiency, it's 273 00:13:15,427 --> 00:13:19,527 about safety, it's about moving people and goods as quickly and as safely 274 00:13:19,527 --> 00:13:20,937 as we can from point A to point B. 275 00:13:20,967 --> 00:13:22,777 So those similarities are very clear. 276 00:13:23,097 --> 00:13:26,097 and I think one of the things that aviation do incredibly well and I 277 00:13:26,117 --> 00:13:29,707 think public transport do as well, but really is that safety focus about how 278 00:13:29,707 --> 00:13:31,537 do you keep the travelling public safe. 279 00:13:31,747 --> 00:13:34,097 and obviously there's some differences working on a road 280 00:13:34,097 --> 00:13:35,527 versus working in the air. 281 00:13:35,527 --> 00:13:37,697 One of the things that I like about the Tasmanian market is 282 00:13:37,697 --> 00:13:38,777 we're all in one time zone. 283 00:13:39,007 --> 00:13:42,357 So compared to perhaps working in an international aviation environment, 284 00:13:42,677 --> 00:13:47,077 slightly less complex in some respects, but, very enjoyable to be able to really 285 00:13:47,077 --> 00:13:48,427 help the communities in which we serve. 286 00:13:48,427 --> 00:13:49,987 And that's what both industries are about. 287 00:13:50,254 --> 00:13:53,644 Katie, speaking of the waterfront, I mean, this is a great place to host the 288 00:13:53,644 --> 00:13:55,644 BIC conference here, the bus conference. 289 00:13:55,774 --> 00:13:59,259 For somebody like me, the first time I'm here coming What's a great place 290 00:13:59,259 --> 00:14:00,589 or a couple places we could visit? 291 00:14:00,799 --> 00:14:04,159 There's a lot to do here in Hobart, and even just within 15 or 20 minutes we've 292 00:14:04,159 --> 00:14:07,419 got Richmond, which is a quaint little town that's great to have a walk around. 293 00:14:07,419 --> 00:14:10,749 But really importantly, it's actually in a wine region that you can actually stop 294 00:14:10,749 --> 00:14:14,179 and have some beautiful wines and some great chocolates, and even some cheese. 295 00:14:14,179 --> 00:14:16,839 And that's all within about 15 or 20 minutes of the city, and 296 00:14:16,839 --> 00:14:18,029 that's always a great day out. 297 00:14:18,389 --> 00:14:20,249 Here in the city we've got a lot of heritage that you 298 00:14:20,249 --> 00:14:21,189 can have a wander around. 299 00:14:21,199 --> 00:14:23,739 There's Port Arthur a little bit further down the coast if you 300 00:14:23,739 --> 00:14:27,269 want a day trip that's incredibly historic, particularly based on 301 00:14:27,269 --> 00:14:28,899 the convict heritage of Australia. 302 00:14:29,109 --> 00:14:31,149 So if you're interested in history that's another great thing to do. 303 00:14:34,829 --> 00:14:35,359 That's awesome. 304 00:14:35,359 --> 00:14:36,599 Great interview with Katie Cooper. 305 00:14:36,599 --> 00:14:41,809 Now we jump into the main interview today, which Kelly and I just did over Zoom just 306 00:14:41,809 --> 00:14:43,909 a week or so ago with Michelle Batsas. 307 00:14:44,299 --> 00:14:47,149 Michelle and I have a history that goes back quite a few years, 308 00:14:47,689 --> 00:14:51,779 back actually prior to me having the Transit Unplugged television 309 00:14:51,779 --> 00:14:53,429 show when we just had the podcast. 310 00:14:54,039 --> 00:14:55,549 I toured Australia. 311 00:14:55,819 --> 00:14:59,199 with some of our Trapeze leaders at the time and got to talk to her some 312 00:14:59,199 --> 00:15:04,069 and afterwards we did a shared podcast where we share, she has a podcast 313 00:15:04,099 --> 00:15:07,209 called Women Who Move the Nations and we did a joint podcast with her 314 00:15:07,209 --> 00:15:11,159 and some other ladies who are strong leaders in transport there in Australia. 315 00:15:11,409 --> 00:15:13,289 And this time she's got a new role. 316 00:15:13,389 --> 00:15:14,419 Tell us about it, Kelly. 317 00:15:14,712 --> 00:15:17,532 So Michelle is now the executive director of government and 318 00:15:17,532 --> 00:15:19,682 stakeholder relations at Yarra Trams. 319 00:15:20,142 --> 00:15:22,525 And we're excited to hear a bit more about what's happening 320 00:15:22,525 --> 00:15:23,755 in Michelle's world today. 321 00:15:24,405 --> 00:15:25,885 Yeah, she's got a great role. 322 00:15:26,065 --> 00:15:29,585 This, this Yarra Trams people know I love trains, and Yaratrans is the 323 00:15:29,585 --> 00:15:31,845 largest tram network in the world. 324 00:15:31,865 --> 00:15:32,605 Amazing! 325 00:15:32,885 --> 00:15:36,145 And we got there, Kelly took me on trips down to the beach on it. 326 00:15:36,145 --> 00:15:37,325 We'll show you all of that. 327 00:15:37,325 --> 00:15:41,205 You'll get to see it if you watch our Melbourne episode of Transit Unplugged TV. 328 00:15:41,425 --> 00:15:42,934 But for now, let's jump into this great conversation. 329 00:15:42,945 --> 00:15:46,305 Great interview with a very articulate leader, there in 330 00:15:46,305 --> 00:15:47,805 Australia, Michelle Batsas 331 00:15:50,825 --> 00:15:54,125 Great to have with us on this very special episode from our recent trip 332 00:15:54,125 --> 00:15:57,195 to Australia, a follow up interview with my good friend, Michelle Batsas 333 00:15:57,355 --> 00:15:58,595 Michelle, thanks for being with us today. 334 00:15:58,895 --> 00:15:59,635 Thank you, Paul. 335 00:15:59,645 --> 00:16:00,635 Great to be with you too. 336 00:16:00,935 --> 00:16:01,335 Yeah. 337 00:16:01,335 --> 00:16:05,315 And as our co host, continuing on the program today, Kelly Chapman, 338 00:16:05,315 --> 00:16:09,325 who was the associate producer of our Transit Unplugged TV episodes 339 00:16:09,325 --> 00:16:10,935 that were filmed in Australia. 340 00:16:10,935 --> 00:16:11,635 Kelly, welcome. 341 00:16:11,935 --> 00:16:12,535 Thank you, Paul. 342 00:16:12,535 --> 00:16:13,665 Great to be here too. 343 00:16:13,965 --> 00:16:14,345 Yeah. 344 00:16:14,645 --> 00:16:16,385 Great to be chatting with you too, Kelly. 345 00:16:16,685 --> 00:16:20,925 So today, Michelle, we're focusing on women in transit in Australia 346 00:16:20,925 --> 00:16:23,855 and several of them that were interviewed on our television show. 347 00:16:24,155 --> 00:16:27,995 While we were there in Australia, just before U. S. Thanksgiving, we had a 348 00:16:27,995 --> 00:16:30,215 chance to see you, but we didn't get a chance to talk to you because you 349 00:16:30,215 --> 00:16:33,315 were kind of in between jobs and just were getting ready to start there. 350 00:16:33,565 --> 00:16:36,665 So tell us about your new job and what's going on in Melbourne. 351 00:16:36,965 --> 00:16:38,045 Yeah, thanks, Paul. 352 00:16:38,105 --> 00:16:42,515 When I saw you, I was, what, the week, I think, before I started 353 00:16:42,535 --> 00:16:46,735 at Yarra Trams, and I'm the Executive Director of Government and 354 00:16:46,735 --> 00:16:48,635 Stakeholder Relations for Yarra Trams. 355 00:16:49,035 --> 00:16:54,075 And just for the benefit of your audience, Yarra Trams is the world's 356 00:16:54,135 --> 00:16:59,295 largest tram network, and we're all very, very proud to be working there. 357 00:16:59,305 --> 00:17:05,125 So as context for your listeners, Melbourne is the most incredible city. 358 00:17:05,305 --> 00:17:08,985 So Melbourne and the state of Victoria in Australia, we are known 359 00:17:08,985 --> 00:17:12,325 for cafe, coffee culture, art. 360 00:17:12,575 --> 00:17:15,445 It's a really interesting, lively, livable city. 361 00:17:15,695 --> 00:17:18,095 But at the heart of it is our tram network. 362 00:17:18,135 --> 00:17:22,365 And when you visit our city, you are just seeing all the trams and all the streets. 363 00:17:22,735 --> 00:17:26,505 And our tram network, our tram network is really iconic. 364 00:17:26,575 --> 00:17:29,255 I'm sure you saw this, Paul, right, just about how it's 365 00:17:29,365 --> 00:17:30,785 really the heartbeat of our city. 366 00:17:30,805 --> 00:17:33,575 And Yarra Trams operates Melbourne's network. 367 00:17:33,625 --> 00:17:37,305 and we move more than 200 million passengers a year. 368 00:17:37,545 --> 00:17:39,385 So, so it's a big network. 369 00:17:39,435 --> 00:17:41,095 There's more than 500 trams. 370 00:17:41,395 --> 00:17:46,665 I think we've got about 24 routes and over 250 kilometers of track, right? 371 00:17:46,665 --> 00:17:51,985 So it's, it's a large network and we're, delivering around 5, 000 services a day. 372 00:17:51,985 --> 00:17:57,235 So there's 4 million passengers every week that we are connecting them to 373 00:17:57,235 --> 00:18:02,805 their communities, jobs, health care, recreation, and, you know, for people 374 00:18:02,805 --> 00:18:04,065 to be able to see their loved ones. 375 00:18:04,075 --> 00:18:08,635 So it's a really important role that we play and the size of the network. 376 00:18:08,975 --> 00:18:13,695 It's really hard almost to articulate how much, it's integral to our 377 00:18:13,695 --> 00:18:15,785 public transport network and fabric. 378 00:18:16,085 --> 00:18:20,539 Swanson Street is the main corridor in Melbourne that runs 379 00:18:20,539 --> 00:18:23,799 right through and it's the busiest light rail corridor in the world. 380 00:18:23,959 --> 00:18:27,369 I don't know, Paul, did you, did you happen to go down there and, and see that? 381 00:18:27,669 --> 00:18:29,129 We went all over the place. 382 00:18:29,129 --> 00:18:32,539 Kelly was, set up all of our visits and we're, we're, did we go there, Kelly? 383 00:18:32,539 --> 00:18:33,609 I can't remember. 384 00:18:33,609 --> 00:18:37,019 You did go down Swanston Street many times. 385 00:18:37,184 --> 00:18:37,354 Yeah. 386 00:18:37,444 --> 00:18:37,544 Okay. 387 00:18:37,844 --> 00:18:38,604 It was amazing. 388 00:18:38,724 --> 00:18:41,204 I know we went down, we rode the, we rode down to the beach. 389 00:18:41,224 --> 00:18:42,494 What beach were we at there? 390 00:18:42,864 --> 00:18:43,574 St. Kilda. 391 00:18:43,624 --> 00:18:44,764 We went to St. Kilda. 392 00:18:44,764 --> 00:18:45,904 That was fun, man. 393 00:18:45,904 --> 00:18:46,844 That's what a great place. 394 00:18:46,844 --> 00:18:49,594 And you know what I love about it, Michelle, is the downtown 395 00:18:49,594 --> 00:18:51,084 central business district is free. 396 00:18:51,394 --> 00:18:55,404 So that's where it's, I'm sure the most, hop on hop off activity anyway, but I 397 00:18:55,404 --> 00:18:58,994 love the fact that you can just jump on and jump off without having to interact 398 00:18:58,994 --> 00:19:00,314 with a fare machine and all that. 399 00:19:00,704 --> 00:19:02,144 If you're in the central business district. 400 00:19:02,357 --> 00:19:02,957 I think. 401 00:19:03,257 --> 00:19:06,577 Our network is really special and we do have this real focus on 402 00:19:06,577 --> 00:19:09,967 passengers and Paul, you're talking about the free tram zone, which is 403 00:19:09,967 --> 00:19:11,667 in our central business district. 404 00:19:12,027 --> 00:19:13,787 And it's so popular. 405 00:19:13,847 --> 00:19:17,037 As you say, people can just hop on and hop off and not worry about a ticket. 406 00:19:17,047 --> 00:19:20,757 And it's really designed to move people safely and efficiently. 407 00:19:20,757 --> 00:19:23,867 But what I love about Melbourne, like we have so many visitors every 408 00:19:23,867 --> 00:19:28,747 year, millions of visitors and we're Australia's major events capital. 409 00:19:29,022 --> 00:19:31,932 I like to think sometimes maybe we're the events capital of the world, I'm 410 00:19:31,932 --> 00:19:36,632 not sure, but, you know, for your global audience, you would know events like the 411 00:19:36,632 --> 00:19:40,612 Tennis Australian Open, which is on at the moment, and we've got the Formula One 412 00:19:40,612 --> 00:19:45,352 Grand Prix, we're the, the main home city for the Australian Football League, the 413 00:19:45,352 --> 00:19:49,062 AFL, which is huge here, and so we have visitors in our city and we're moving 414 00:19:49,062 --> 00:19:53,012 them all around as well, so, you know, it's a really important role that we play. 415 00:19:53,012 --> 00:19:55,872 For To get people to where they need to go in the most safe 416 00:19:55,872 --> 00:19:57,032 and efficient way possible. 417 00:19:57,272 --> 00:20:01,082 And we're focused on delivering an outstanding passenger experience. 418 00:20:01,362 --> 00:20:04,352 And for anyone who hasn't been to Melbourne, I'd encourage them to 419 00:20:04,352 --> 00:20:07,972 come if you're, if you're a public transport advocate and we'll host 420 00:20:07,972 --> 00:20:11,542 you because it's such a fascinating city to see on how we move around. 421 00:20:11,842 --> 00:20:13,622 It's such an icon to work for. 422 00:20:13,632 --> 00:20:16,832 So what, what attracted you to work for Yarra Trams? 423 00:20:16,862 --> 00:20:19,162 What's, what was the big pull for you? 424 00:20:19,462 --> 00:20:23,337 Well, I think there's a couple of things, Kelly, and I mean you both know 425 00:20:23,337 --> 00:20:27,167 I've worked in this public transport industry for over 10 years, both private 426 00:20:27,167 --> 00:20:31,907 and public sector, and it means so much to me personally, and I'm not 427 00:20:31,907 --> 00:20:33,947 sure I've shared this with you before. 428 00:20:34,247 --> 00:20:38,157 But when I was young, like one of my earliest memories when I was 429 00:20:38,157 --> 00:20:42,257 four or five years old is catching the tram with my grandma, who I 430 00:20:42,257 --> 00:20:44,677 called Baba, Macedonian background. 431 00:20:45,007 --> 00:20:48,357 And for my grandma, she was a migrant. 432 00:20:48,657 --> 00:20:52,277 She came from Europe, I think when she was nine years old and 433 00:20:52,277 --> 00:20:55,627 she didn't know the language and she never learned how to drive. 434 00:20:55,927 --> 00:20:57,497 And that was just a thing back then. 435 00:20:57,607 --> 00:21:01,597 There were lots of women who relied on their husband to drive them around 436 00:21:01,627 --> 00:21:03,007 and, but obviously they go to work. 437 00:21:03,007 --> 00:21:06,777 And so for my grandmother, so she lived in Northcote, which is an 438 00:21:06,787 --> 00:21:10,817 inner city suburb in Melbourne, serviced by the 86 tram route. 439 00:21:10,957 --> 00:21:15,057 And I remember being so young and going with her and we'd hop on the tram. 440 00:21:15,057 --> 00:21:18,397 And back then you had conductors you'd pay your coins to, to get your ticket. 441 00:21:18,627 --> 00:21:23,107 You know, it, it's not, um, you know, the fancy ticketing systems that we have now. 442 00:21:23,422 --> 00:21:28,852 but we would hop on the tram and we'd go either two ways, one up the hill, and 443 00:21:28,852 --> 00:21:32,912 we'd go to, you know, the shopping centre, she might stop in at the doctor's, or 444 00:21:32,912 --> 00:21:36,802 we would go the other way into the city, into a department store that back then 445 00:21:36,802 --> 00:21:41,582 was the luxury department store Myer, and it was so special to me, and it was 446 00:21:41,592 --> 00:21:46,702 only probably when I began working in transport that I really made this link of 447 00:21:46,702 --> 00:21:52,252 how public transport is such an essential service and for people who don't have 448 00:21:52,342 --> 00:21:56,462 other choices of how to get around, it fundamentally unlocks their ability to 449 00:21:56,462 --> 00:22:02,562 participate in society, you know, so my grandma was using it to go shopping, to 450 00:22:02,562 --> 00:22:05,092 go to the doctors, to go see friends. 451 00:22:05,392 --> 00:22:08,382 And if the tram route wasn't there, I'm actually not sure how 452 00:22:08,382 --> 00:22:09,502 she would have gotten around. 453 00:22:09,862 --> 00:22:13,152 And so for me, I've actually got this really special 454 00:22:13,172 --> 00:22:14,852 connection to our tram network. 455 00:22:14,942 --> 00:22:16,362 Like I'm such a tram fan. 456 00:22:16,752 --> 00:22:21,552 And, so I mean, the, the opportunity to work at Yarra Trams was It's just 457 00:22:21,802 --> 00:22:25,892 absolutely irresistible to me because it merges the public transport, merges 458 00:22:25,892 --> 00:22:28,962 that passion I have for those memories I have with my grandma and the tram 459 00:22:28,962 --> 00:22:31,262 network, and I'm a big tram catcher now. 460 00:22:31,282 --> 00:22:35,692 So, you know, I'm a, I'm a customer, but I also have that privilege of, of 461 00:22:35,692 --> 00:22:37,722 working there to help deliver services. 462 00:22:38,072 --> 00:22:41,182 The company you work with, Yara Journeymakers, it, the parent 463 00:22:41,182 --> 00:22:44,232 company, right, is a, is a combination of two companies? 464 00:22:44,232 --> 00:22:44,247 Yara Journeymakers. 465 00:22:44,547 --> 00:22:51,460 Yeah, so Yarra Journeymakers, is a joint venture between TransDev, which 466 00:22:51,460 --> 00:22:55,780 you would know is a global operator in the public transport space, lots 467 00:22:55,780 --> 00:23:00,120 of, international expertise that they've brought, and also John Holland. 468 00:23:00,170 --> 00:23:04,827 And um, I think it's incredible for us that we've recently become 469 00:23:04,867 --> 00:23:07,237 the proud operator of Yarra Trams. 470 00:23:07,547 --> 00:23:13,107 It's incredible to be able to leverage the different expertise, of our parent 471 00:23:13,107 --> 00:23:16,987 companies who operate in different cities and, and maintain rolling 472 00:23:16,997 --> 00:23:22,047 stock and, you know, just really have that ability to draw in from peers. 473 00:23:22,347 --> 00:23:26,967 And we're really focused on, getting the basics right, reliability and punctuality. 474 00:23:26,967 --> 00:23:31,077 As you know, Paul, people want their services to be on time. 475 00:23:31,077 --> 00:23:32,277 They want to know what's coming. 476 00:23:32,577 --> 00:23:35,967 And we've also got a really big focus on customer experience and 477 00:23:35,967 --> 00:23:40,157 including in making sure that we give customers the information they 478 00:23:40,157 --> 00:23:42,107 need to plan where they need to go. 479 00:23:42,407 --> 00:23:47,807 So, you know, one of our key Commitments is to improve real time information. 480 00:23:48,107 --> 00:23:51,177 And that's all about, as you would know, it's the technology and data 481 00:23:51,187 --> 00:23:55,137 that underpins it right through to the information that people are receiving, 482 00:23:55,437 --> 00:23:59,937 whether it's on their app of choice, on the screens at the stops, you know, 483 00:23:59,957 --> 00:24:03,647 we're making sure that our customers will have the info that they need. 484 00:24:03,717 --> 00:24:04,867 And that's really exciting. 485 00:24:05,153 --> 00:24:08,003 And it's your job as director of engagement. 486 00:24:08,013 --> 00:24:11,243 I want you to tell me what that is, but with your background, you know, 487 00:24:11,253 --> 00:24:14,783 having been, all the things that you've done, right, from the podcasting 488 00:24:14,813 --> 00:24:17,783 to the head of the association, to the head of future mobility at the 489 00:24:17,783 --> 00:24:21,583 Victoria Department of Transportation and Planning, all those things seems 490 00:24:21,583 --> 00:24:23,273 to have led you to a job like this. 491 00:24:23,293 --> 00:24:24,133 What is your job? 492 00:24:24,133 --> 00:24:25,073 Tell us what you do there. 493 00:24:25,373 --> 00:24:29,423 Yeah, so Paul, I'm really lucky because I have a job. 494 00:24:29,967 --> 00:24:33,107 Almost feels like it was made for me, right? 495 00:24:33,247 --> 00:24:34,127 Yes, I believe that. 496 00:24:34,427 --> 00:24:35,172 That's so good. 497 00:24:35,472 --> 00:24:36,352 It's incredible. 498 00:24:36,362 --> 00:24:39,192 So I look after government and stakeholder relations. 499 00:24:39,212 --> 00:24:43,078 I work with our CEO, Vincent Destot, and the incredible peers 500 00:24:43,078 --> 00:24:44,938 I have in our leadership team. 501 00:24:45,198 --> 00:24:47,448 I don't think I've ever worked in a team like this. 502 00:24:47,458 --> 00:24:51,488 Everyone brings experience and capability, but so collaborative. 503 00:24:52,385 --> 00:24:57,875 And, In my role, I am supporting our organization to ensure that we have 504 00:24:58,275 --> 00:25:03,155 great working relationships with all of the key stakeholder partners we have. 505 00:25:03,385 --> 00:25:06,605 So, our clients, the Department of Transport, we operate the 506 00:25:06,605 --> 00:25:09,645 network through a franchise contract on behalf of the state. 507 00:25:09,945 --> 00:25:13,275 but as you know, we're, we work in a multi modal network. 508 00:25:13,645 --> 00:25:18,552 So, There are other operators, Metro Trains, the bus companies, and of course 509 00:25:18,582 --> 00:25:22,892 in operating a multimodal network, we need to be talking to those operators 510 00:25:23,152 --> 00:25:27,932 and really working together around how do we best support passengers 511 00:25:27,932 --> 00:25:29,352 who are moving around our network. 512 00:25:29,652 --> 00:25:33,422 But also the lessons learned like how can we be helping each other 513 00:25:33,422 --> 00:25:36,902 or you know what's a hot topic that you're working on and what could we 514 00:25:36,902 --> 00:25:39,612 learn from that and I think there's such great opportunity with that. 515 00:25:39,912 --> 00:25:43,852 But also we work a lot with local government so our tram network 516 00:25:43,882 --> 00:25:48,327 operates all across Melbourne, as I said, there's 24 routes. 517 00:25:48,767 --> 00:25:53,157 And so with that, we work with our local partners as well. 518 00:25:53,397 --> 00:25:58,537 but also community organizations, you know, we have a really vast array of 519 00:25:58,547 --> 00:26:00,447 stakeholders and it's really important. 520 00:26:00,747 --> 00:26:06,417 And also I think, what's great about my role is I continue to be connected into, 521 00:26:06,477 --> 00:26:11,767 you key people who represent different industry associations or groups so we 522 00:26:11,767 --> 00:26:16,227 can remain connected into what are the latest trends, what's best practice, 523 00:26:16,247 --> 00:26:20,327 what are the lessons learned, and I think that's so incredibly important. 524 00:26:20,337 --> 00:26:25,277 So I feel super lucky, you know, I love this role and I still get to work with 525 00:26:25,567 --> 00:26:28,997 so many different people I know across the industry and it's really exciting. 526 00:26:29,297 --> 00:26:32,467 Michelle, you're really well known in Australia for being a 527 00:26:32,467 --> 00:26:34,317 great advocate for female leaders. 528 00:26:34,317 --> 00:26:38,067 Can you tell us a bit about that passion and what you think is important? 529 00:26:38,367 --> 00:26:39,617 Yeah, thanks Kelly. 530 00:26:39,657 --> 00:26:41,448 So, I mean, we know each other. 531 00:26:41,478 --> 00:26:47,128 So, you know, actually women in transport and profiling women and supporting younger 532 00:26:47,128 --> 00:26:52,838 women in developing their careers and helping in any way I can to give them 533 00:26:52,838 --> 00:26:59,573 the confidence to work in this industry is a super passion of mine, and I think 534 00:26:59,613 --> 00:27:05,383 that I've always been an advocate for women, and then in entering transport, 535 00:27:05,683 --> 00:27:09,433 as with many of these industries that have technical components, what 536 00:27:09,433 --> 00:27:15,493 I found is that the representation of women It was certainly not 50 50. 537 00:27:15,493 --> 00:27:21,323 And back in 2019, I actually, when I was the CEO of the Public Transport 538 00:27:21,323 --> 00:27:24,653 Association in Australia and New Zealand back then, I started a 539 00:27:24,653 --> 00:27:27,403 podcast and I host that podcast. 540 00:27:27,403 --> 00:27:30,688 It's called Women Who Move Nations, and it is continued to be produced 541 00:27:30,708 --> 00:27:32,458 by public transport associations. 542 00:27:32,468 --> 00:27:37,168 So Lauren Strife for the CEO, who I know is also on this podcast, kindly 543 00:27:37,208 --> 00:27:41,858 lets me still interview women and because she knows how important it is 544 00:27:41,858 --> 00:27:46,918 to me and through that profile senior women and hear about their careers, 545 00:27:47,168 --> 00:27:49,418 but also their thoughts on transport. 546 00:27:49,738 --> 00:27:51,088 Where's transport going? 547 00:27:51,088 --> 00:27:52,168 What are the trends? 548 00:27:52,328 --> 00:27:55,738 What's the work that they do to improve the end outcome 549 00:27:55,748 --> 00:27:57,548 for customers of the network? 550 00:27:57,548 --> 00:28:00,258 So that is a real passion project of mine. 551 00:28:00,278 --> 00:28:03,368 And I mean, we have thousands of listeners and people writing 552 00:28:03,368 --> 00:28:04,828 to me from all around the world. 553 00:28:05,208 --> 00:28:09,378 I recently had a woman write to me and she said, the reason why 554 00:28:09,398 --> 00:28:13,808 I went for a promotion at work is because I was inspired by this 555 00:28:13,818 --> 00:28:15,678 podcast episode I listened to. 556 00:28:15,678 --> 00:28:17,498 So that was just super heartwarming. 557 00:28:17,498 --> 00:28:17,948 So great.. 558 00:28:18,218 --> 00:28:19,558 Yeah, I just love that. 559 00:28:19,598 --> 00:28:22,758 And I think, I mean, I've been involved in so many different initiatives. 560 00:28:22,788 --> 00:28:27,468 I started a women in mobility network in Australia, bringing women together, 561 00:28:27,718 --> 00:28:31,128 over dinner and lunches to be able to connect and know each other. 562 00:28:31,428 --> 00:28:34,528 I started a women's network in the department of transport 563 00:28:34,528 --> 00:28:35,968 and planning when I was there. 564 00:28:36,152 --> 00:28:39,422 Um, I've sat on the federal government's, national women in 565 00:28:39,422 --> 00:28:41,542 transport CEO advisory board. 566 00:28:41,842 --> 00:28:46,657 I don't like to promote myself too much, but I've as part of this, I'm always 567 00:28:46,657 --> 00:28:50,307 telling women in my network, you need to, highlight the achievements you 568 00:28:50,307 --> 00:28:54,137 have and actually something for me that means a lot to me is that last year I 569 00:28:54,137 --> 00:28:58,817 was awarded, our public sector network, Women in STEM award for mentoring, in 570 00:28:58,817 --> 00:29:03,687 Victoria and, that was really great because I actually, I think through 571 00:29:03,687 --> 00:29:07,877 that, help to profile the importance of mentoring women in our industry. 572 00:29:08,257 --> 00:29:10,157 You know, Paul, Kelly. 573 00:29:10,457 --> 00:29:16,747 The statistics are still not great about female representation in transport, 574 00:29:16,757 --> 00:29:22,927 so just to give you a snippet, in Australia, 4 percent of CEOs who work 575 00:29:23,047 --> 00:29:26,847 across the transport industry, so broader than public transport, but in 576 00:29:26,847 --> 00:29:31,397 transport, only 4 percent of female, It's a pretty dire statistic, let's 577 00:29:31,397 --> 00:29:36,827 be real, right, and 20 percent of executive roles are held by females. 578 00:29:37,127 --> 00:29:41,137 Now, so, I talked earlier about what attracted me to Yarra Trams and one 579 00:29:41,137 --> 00:29:45,257 is like my personal passion around the importance that the tram network plays 580 00:29:45,267 --> 00:29:48,877 for people to be able to get around to where they need to go, but the other 581 00:29:48,877 --> 00:29:55,660 thing is, is that our organization is is taking the responsibility to 582 00:29:55,660 --> 00:29:58,350 increase diversity really seriously. 583 00:29:58,620 --> 00:30:03,680 Our senior leadership team is 50 50 female, male, our chief operating officer 584 00:30:03,860 --> 00:30:07,160 and deputy CEO, Liz Reddy is amazing. 585 00:30:07,190 --> 00:30:09,870 She's one of the most incredible people that I've worked with. 586 00:30:09,920 --> 00:30:15,390 And you know, to have that senior person in our organization, and to be honest, she 587 00:30:15,390 --> 00:30:19,090 is one of the most senior females working in an operational role in Australia. 588 00:30:19,280 --> 00:30:23,850 There isn't that many of them, that is great because she's an inspiration 589 00:30:24,080 --> 00:30:25,950 and our board is chaired by a woman. 590 00:30:26,250 --> 00:30:28,890 And four out of seven of our board members are women, right? 591 00:30:28,890 --> 00:30:30,080 So that's just incredible. 592 00:30:30,080 --> 00:30:32,340 I mean, I can't do the maths on that, but four out of seven, 593 00:30:32,340 --> 00:30:33,960 it's definitely over 50%, right? 594 00:30:34,260 --> 00:30:38,360 so, you know, we've got a driver workforce that's 31 percent female. 595 00:30:38,380 --> 00:30:42,760 We've got targets internally for, you know, what we want the gender 596 00:30:42,780 --> 00:30:44,400 representation to look like. 597 00:30:44,450 --> 00:30:45,580 And it's a big focus for us. 598 00:30:45,580 --> 00:30:49,520 So look, the thing is, Paul, you know, the stats I shared about what's happening in 599 00:30:49,520 --> 00:30:54,900 Australia overall, We have seen change, you know, there is change happening and 600 00:30:54,900 --> 00:30:58,440 there's certainly women coming through the pipeline, but there's still work to do. 601 00:30:58,740 --> 00:30:59,770 There's no doubt about that. 602 00:31:00,070 --> 00:31:01,510 Thanks for sharing that passion with us. 603 00:31:01,510 --> 00:31:02,820 It definitely is important. 604 00:31:03,090 --> 00:31:03,340 All right. 605 00:31:03,350 --> 00:31:05,620 So now we're going to switch to a more, a couple of fun 606 00:31:05,620 --> 00:31:07,600 topics to wrap up our interview. 607 00:31:07,900 --> 00:31:10,610 You know, one of the things that was interesting about my visit 608 00:31:10,610 --> 00:31:13,530 there to Australia, I know people know this, you know, in their 609 00:31:13,530 --> 00:31:15,120 mind, but it's a long way there. 610 00:31:15,120 --> 00:31:18,530 It's 23 hours from the east coast of the United States to fly there. 611 00:31:18,540 --> 00:31:21,380 And it's literally, you know, they call it the land down under here in the U. 612 00:31:21,380 --> 00:31:23,560 S. Maybe you call us the land up over. 613 00:31:23,560 --> 00:31:28,570 I don't know what you call the U. S., but it is completely the opposite of us. 614 00:31:28,710 --> 00:31:30,790 I mean, you're warm down there, right? 615 00:31:30,820 --> 00:31:34,325 I've got eight inches of snow outside my window and, People can't see it, 616 00:31:34,325 --> 00:31:37,215 but Kelly's got the beach behind her in the picture and you all are 617 00:31:37,215 --> 00:31:38,555 on the summer break down there. 618 00:31:38,585 --> 00:31:40,055 So there's a lot of difference. 619 00:31:40,055 --> 00:31:42,745 As a matter of fact, Kelly and I did like a little, Abbott and Costello 620 00:31:42,755 --> 00:31:46,695 routine on the episode of, of Transit Unplugged TV about the opposites 621 00:31:46,695 --> 00:31:48,525 between Australia and the US. 622 00:31:48,580 --> 00:31:53,210 But one thing that's common between both of us is both places love coffee, right? 623 00:31:53,210 --> 00:31:55,020 So Melbourne's considered a big coffee city. 624 00:31:55,020 --> 00:31:59,410 Like you mentioned, seven times in a row voted the most livable city and 625 00:31:59,410 --> 00:32:01,090 you all have great food down there. 626 00:32:01,100 --> 00:32:03,010 Just if you're, it's a foodies paradise. 627 00:32:03,360 --> 00:32:06,930 So I was really happy a couple of years ago when you joined us along with Howard 628 00:32:06,930 --> 00:32:10,450 Collins and a couple other folks from down there in my comfort food cookbook. 629 00:32:10,450 --> 00:32:12,450 And what was the recipe you did there? 630 00:32:12,450 --> 00:32:16,400 And then, and then, what's your like go to meal on the weekend when you're 631 00:32:16,400 --> 00:32:17,630 not working, what do you like to make? 632 00:32:17,930 --> 00:32:18,500 Yeah, Paul. 633 00:32:18,520 --> 00:32:21,850 Well, we are foodie paradise, and we're very proud of that. 634 00:32:21,850 --> 00:32:23,870 We think we have the best food in Australia. 635 00:32:24,070 --> 00:32:25,430 we do, Kelly, we do. 636 00:32:25,440 --> 00:32:26,740 I know you don't live in Melbourne. 637 00:32:26,840 --> 00:32:27,430 no, I agree. 638 00:32:27,480 --> 00:32:28,010 I agree. 639 00:32:28,310 --> 00:32:32,260 so, well, Paul, the cookbook, and I felt very honored that you 640 00:32:32,260 --> 00:32:33,770 asked me to provide a recipe. 641 00:32:34,170 --> 00:32:38,750 The recipe I provided in that is actually spanikopita, which is spinach pie as a 642 00:32:38,750 --> 00:32:40,710 recipe I learned from my grandma, right? 643 00:32:40,710 --> 00:32:41,360 That's right. 644 00:32:41,670 --> 00:32:43,430 So she was a very inspiring woman to me. 645 00:32:43,730 --> 00:32:46,300 now, you know, the thing is about Aussies. 646 00:32:46,600 --> 00:32:50,180 In the land, in the land down under, which we don't call ourselves. 647 00:32:50,180 --> 00:32:51,650 We know that people globally do. 648 00:32:51,650 --> 00:32:51,990 Yeah. 649 00:32:52,000 --> 00:32:56,640 And we don't call the U S the land up under, we just call you the U S FYI. 650 00:32:57,040 --> 00:32:57,310 Yeah. 651 00:32:57,610 --> 00:33:00,530 I didn't hear anybody say that when I was there, but it's good. 652 00:33:00,620 --> 00:33:01,340 Yeah. 653 00:33:01,640 --> 00:33:04,790 So we've got this great Aussie culture of having a barbecue. 654 00:33:05,090 --> 00:33:10,100 It's a real barbecue on the weekend when there's a kind of a public holiday or 655 00:33:10,100 --> 00:33:12,290 a cultural event, the barbie comes out. 656 00:33:12,580 --> 00:33:14,790 And so like, for me, I just love a barbie. 657 00:33:14,790 --> 00:33:18,600 I love the steaks on the barbie, the sausages, the salads we do. 658 00:33:18,870 --> 00:33:21,850 And it always has to end with a pavlova. 659 00:33:21,930 --> 00:33:23,400 Do you know what a pavlova is? 660 00:33:23,400 --> 00:33:24,330 No, tell me that. 661 00:33:24,630 --> 00:33:26,200 Yeah, I thought it was a bit Aussie. 662 00:33:26,500 --> 00:33:27,950 It is the best dessert ever. 663 00:33:28,000 --> 00:33:32,380 It's like a big circle of meringue and then you top it with fresh 664 00:33:32,380 --> 00:33:35,320 cream and berries and passion fruit. 665 00:33:35,320 --> 00:33:37,330 Some people might put some kiwi on there. 666 00:33:37,330 --> 00:33:38,550 You can get creative, right? 667 00:33:38,550 --> 00:33:39,150 Whatever fruit. 668 00:33:39,450 --> 00:33:41,570 Mango, whatever fruit you got in the fruit bowl. 669 00:33:41,730 --> 00:33:42,140 Yeah. 670 00:33:42,480 --> 00:33:44,930 but it's just delicious and it's such an Aussie thing. 671 00:33:45,370 --> 00:33:45,560 Yeah. 672 00:33:45,630 --> 00:33:47,740 So you have your barbecues and then your pavlova. 673 00:33:48,180 --> 00:33:48,800 All right. 674 00:33:48,810 --> 00:33:49,420 That sounds good. 675 00:33:49,420 --> 00:33:50,430 Did we try that Kelly? 676 00:33:50,430 --> 00:33:51,510 I, I tried so many. 677 00:33:51,530 --> 00:33:52,960 No, we did not try pavlova. 678 00:33:53,260 --> 00:33:53,680 All right. 679 00:33:53,720 --> 00:33:54,890 Maybe for next time. 680 00:33:54,940 --> 00:33:56,270 All right, Kelly, close us out. 681 00:33:56,570 --> 00:33:59,170 Well, thank you so much for joining us, Michelle. 682 00:33:59,190 --> 00:34:03,400 And I really, you know, you talked about your passion for promoting female leaders 683 00:34:03,400 --> 00:34:07,320 and I've seen that in real life, in my workplace where people are getting. 684 00:34:07,650 --> 00:34:10,220 opportunities for mentoring and opportunities to be part of the 685 00:34:10,220 --> 00:34:13,540 emerging mobility leaders with PTANS, which has just been fantastic. 686 00:34:13,540 --> 00:34:17,520 So, I want to personally thank you for your work, because I think you 687 00:34:17,520 --> 00:34:20,470 are making a difference and, you know, you're getting your voice 688 00:34:20,470 --> 00:34:24,440 heard in lots of important places and it's just been great to have you on. 689 00:34:24,540 --> 00:34:27,770 it's really exciting to hear you're at Yarra Trams, the icon, 690 00:34:27,770 --> 00:34:29,240 you know, absolute Melbourne icon. 691 00:34:29,240 --> 00:34:32,110 We can't wait to see, how it all goes there for you. 692 00:34:32,370 --> 00:34:35,430 So thank you for joining us and thanks, Paul, for making 693 00:34:35,430 --> 00:34:36,790 this opportunity possible. 694 00:34:37,090 --> 00:34:38,400 Thank you so much, Kelly. 695 00:34:38,400 --> 00:34:42,000 I just want to say it's been so great to connect with such an 696 00:34:42,000 --> 00:34:43,920 amazing female in this industry. 697 00:34:43,920 --> 00:34:47,620 I really do appreciate, you know, the connection we have as colleagues, as 698 00:34:47,620 --> 00:34:50,160 friends, and Paul, thank you so much. 699 00:34:50,310 --> 00:34:53,980 For this opportunity, you know, I absolutely love the work that you do 700 00:34:54,020 --> 00:34:56,890 and that you profile what's happening in transport around the world. 701 00:34:57,200 --> 00:34:59,910 and I still remember that podcast that we collaborated on. 702 00:35:00,200 --> 00:35:02,750 and so who knows, we might do one again in the future. 703 00:35:02,790 --> 00:35:04,710 but, you know, really appreciate that. 704 00:35:04,730 --> 00:35:08,460 And, I really am going to encourage all of the, audience on Women Who 705 00:35:08,460 --> 00:35:12,310 Move Nations to give your a podcast to listen to, because this visit 706 00:35:12,310 --> 00:35:13,980 to Australia has just been great. 707 00:35:14,280 --> 00:35:17,600 Thanks again, Michelle, for doing this, and send my best regards to all 708 00:35:17,600 --> 00:35:19,330 our colleagues there at Yarra Trams. 709 00:35:19,360 --> 00:35:23,630 I started out our episode of Transit Unplugged TV talking about all the great 710 00:35:23,640 --> 00:35:27,590 things in Melbourne and then, you know, wrap it all up with an Everyone Rides 711 00:35:27,590 --> 00:35:29,180 Yarra Tram because it is the truth. 712 00:35:29,410 --> 00:35:31,470 It's not just for people getting to work. 713 00:35:31,470 --> 00:35:32,590 It's not just for tourists. 714 00:35:32,770 --> 00:35:34,320 It's for everyone all day. 715 00:35:34,320 --> 00:35:38,630 It really, it really is the lifeline or the vein of the city, the artery of the 716 00:35:38,630 --> 00:35:41,825 city, I guess, that everyone uses, and that's That's the way we want public 717 00:35:41,825 --> 00:35:45,665 transit to be around the world, which is why I wanted to showcase Melbourne and 718 00:35:45,665 --> 00:35:49,705 Yarra Trams so much, because that's my vision as a transit evangelist, for how 719 00:35:49,725 --> 00:35:51,615 transit should be viewed around the world. 720 00:35:51,645 --> 00:35:56,075 Everyone sees it as a great way to get around, easy, customer 721 00:35:56,075 --> 00:35:58,925 service, everywhere you want to go, as often as you want to go. 722 00:35:59,075 --> 00:36:00,570 I mean, you guys got it going on. 723 00:36:00,870 --> 00:36:01,090 Yeah. 724 00:36:01,090 --> 00:36:01,600 Thank you. 725 00:36:01,600 --> 00:36:02,150 We do. 726 00:36:02,170 --> 00:36:04,650 Oh, look, it's such a privilege to work at Yarra Trams. 727 00:36:04,690 --> 00:36:08,670 I mean, I know that when people overseas think about transport in Australia, 728 00:36:08,730 --> 00:36:10,100 they think of Yarra Trams, right? 729 00:36:10,340 --> 00:36:11,230 And how cool is that? 730 00:36:11,230 --> 00:36:13,950 And as you say, I've never heard anyone say it's like the 731 00:36:13,950 --> 00:36:15,610 vein of our city, but it is. 732 00:36:15,650 --> 00:36:16,010 Yeah. 733 00:36:16,010 --> 00:36:16,960 It's the heart of it. 734 00:36:16,970 --> 00:36:18,520 It's the fabric of our city. 735 00:36:18,520 --> 00:36:19,240 It's iconic. 736 00:36:19,540 --> 00:36:20,270 yeah, so it's great. 737 00:36:20,270 --> 00:36:21,790 And I encourage everyone to come visit. 738 00:36:25,090 --> 00:36:25,320 Wow. 739 00:36:25,320 --> 00:36:26,810 Paul, weren't they just fabulous? 740 00:36:26,820 --> 00:36:29,530 Such a great selection of women from Australia. 741 00:36:29,815 --> 00:36:30,125 Yeah. 742 00:36:30,185 --> 00:36:32,325 Amazing interviews, amazing women leaders. 743 00:36:32,635 --> 00:36:37,335 my favorite part of going on these trips is, is not just the cool places 744 00:36:37,335 --> 00:36:40,755 we get to visit, the great food we get to eat, but the friends we make. 745 00:36:40,755 --> 00:36:43,335 And I feel like with all of these ladies, we've made friends with them. 746 00:36:43,335 --> 00:36:45,585 We're going to continue to, hear and see from them. 747 00:36:45,605 --> 00:36:48,795 And what's crazy, Kelly, is this, all these interviews really just 748 00:36:48,795 --> 00:36:50,305 wrap up our first part of Melbourne. 749 00:36:50,305 --> 00:36:51,435 Where are we going after this? 750 00:36:51,838 --> 00:36:52,168 Yeah. 751 00:36:52,168 --> 00:36:55,228 After this, we head up North to Queensland, my home state. 752 00:36:55,293 --> 00:36:59,453 So really looking forward to bringing some stories from up around my homeland. 753 00:36:59,883 --> 00:37:03,093 Yeah, coming up soon, we'll have a couple other podcasts with Steve Butcher 754 00:37:03,103 --> 00:37:06,933 from John Holland, Australia, which is one of the partners in Yarra Trams, 755 00:37:06,963 --> 00:37:11,753 and Ryan Murphy from the Brisbane City Council, a great leader for transit 756 00:37:11,753 --> 00:37:15,163 there, head of their transportation committee on the City Council. 757 00:37:15,273 --> 00:37:20,193 We have podcasts coming up with them, and you can see them on our upcoming episode 758 00:37:20,193 --> 00:37:22,373 of Transit Unplugged TV from Brisbane. 759 00:37:22,562 --> 00:37:23,182 It's amazing. 760 00:37:23,182 --> 00:37:25,572 You know, it's, you and I did that little Abbott and Costello 761 00:37:25,572 --> 00:37:29,972 routine almost for our, Melbourne episode of Transit Unplugged TV. 762 00:37:30,122 --> 00:37:33,592 I was saying funny things, how we say them in America, and you said, 763 00:37:33,652 --> 00:37:35,002 oh, well, over here we say that. 764 00:37:35,272 --> 00:37:38,122 It's a really good one, I think, but, at the end, we toasted to the fact 765 00:37:38,122 --> 00:37:39,712 that the more things are different 766 00:37:40,015 --> 00:37:41,175 More things are the same. 767 00:37:41,425 --> 00:37:42,065 That's right. 768 00:37:42,348 --> 00:37:46,298 Whether we're talking best practices of transit in cities like Miami or 769 00:37:46,348 --> 00:37:50,928 LA, We're going to now hear great best practices from cities in Australia, like 770 00:37:51,828 --> 00:37:55,058 Such as Melbourne, Hobart, Brisbane, Sydney. 771 00:37:55,228 --> 00:37:55,738 Boom. 772 00:37:56,268 --> 00:37:59,128 It's all coming to you here exclusively on Transit Unplugged. 773 00:37:59,348 --> 00:38:03,168 Thanks, Kelly, for being my co host on this episode of Transit Unplugged, the 774 00:38:03,168 --> 00:38:05,288 world's leading transit executive podcast. 775 00:38:05,508 --> 00:38:09,088 And again, thank you for all the great work you did setting up the 40 776 00:38:09,148 --> 00:38:12,858 different events that we participated in in our 10 days in Australia. 777 00:38:13,162 --> 00:38:13,942 No worries, Paul. 778 00:38:13,942 --> 00:38:14,642 It was fun. 779 00:38:15,362 --> 00:38:17,252 A classic Australian response. 780 00:38:17,282 --> 00:38:17,692 No worries. 781 00:38:24,604 --> 00:38:27,524 Thank you for listening to Transit Unplugged, and thank you to Lauren 782 00:38:27,524 --> 00:38:32,364 Streifer, Jamie-Lee Owen, Katie Cooper, and Michelle Batsas for being on the show! 783 00:38:32,673 --> 00:38:36,840 Hi, I'm Tris Hussey, editor of the podcast, and a special thank you goes 784 00:38:36,840 --> 00:38:39,220 out to our guest co host Kelly Chapman. 785 00:38:39,508 --> 00:38:43,458 Kelly wrangled, planned, and coordinated the whole trip for Paul and the 786 00:38:43,458 --> 00:38:44,848 team while they were in Australia. 787 00:38:45,046 --> 00:38:49,786 And none of the five podcast episodes or two Transit Unplugged TV episodes 788 00:38:50,096 --> 00:38:51,616 could have happened without her. 789 00:38:51,713 --> 00:38:55,663 And coming up next week on the show, we have our final episode from Australia. 790 00:38:55,915 --> 00:38:58,992 This episode features Ryan Murphy, Chair of Transport 791 00:38:58,992 --> 00:39:00,352 for the Brisbane City Council. 792 00:39:00,625 --> 00:39:03,195 Paul and Ryan talk about Brisbane's amazing ferry system 793 00:39:03,195 --> 00:39:06,845 and everything the city is doing to get ready for the 2032 Olympics. 794 00:39:07,085 --> 00:39:10,625 And as it happens, on Transit Unplugged TV, we're featuring 795 00:39:10,625 --> 00:39:12,645 Brisbane on our latest episode. 796 00:39:13,396 --> 00:39:15,726 Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo. 797 00:39:15,726 --> 00:39:19,166 At Modaxo, we're passionate about moving the world's people, and at 798 00:39:19,166 --> 00:39:22,126 Transit Unplugged, we're passionate about telling those stories. 799 00:39:22,336 --> 00:39:25,606 So until next week, ride safe and ride happy.