Shows
Transit UnpluggedTransit Unplugged Insider: FTA Shakeups, Funding Cuts & What’s Coming NextIn this quarterly Transit Unplugged Insider, Paul Comfort and Julie Gates break down the most important developments shaping public transportation right now—from Washington leadership changes to emerging mobility technology.They cover the five biggest stories transit leaders need to know, including:FTA Leadership Shakeup – With no administrator or deputy currently in place, what does this leadership gap mean for the Federal Transit Administration and the industry at large? Federal Funding Uncertainty – Proposed budget changes with potential cuts exceeding 20% year-over-year . What’s at risk—and how is the industry responding...
2026-04-2931 minTransit UnpluggedHow Tiffany Gunter Drove a 40% Ridership Increase on SMART’s Busiest RoutesTiffany Gunter, GM + CEO of Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation, joins Paul Comfort to explain how SMART saw a 40% ridership increase on key high-volume corridors including Gratiot and Woodward. She shares the operational changes behind the gains—from stronger on-time performance and improved frequencies to cleaner shelters, onboard Wi-Fi, and a renewed focus on customer experience.Tiffany also shares her journey from transportation planner to CEO, and why hands-on leadership matters—including 3:30 AM terminal visits, riding with frontline teams, and tackling operational issues firsthand. She explains how SMART improved on-time performance from 65% to 76% in just...
2026-04-2235 minTransit UnpluggedSafety, Strategy, and Career Paths — Transit Leaders Share It All Live from ThinkTransitHow Transit CEOs Are Tackling Safety, Growth, and Leadership — Live from ThinkTransitThis week on Transit Unplugged, we take you live to Boston for a special CEO Roundtable recorded at the ThinkTransit Conference—featuring four of the most influential leaders in public transportation today.Host Paul Comfort sits down with:Jay Fox — Executive Director, Utah Transit Authority Nora Leerhsen — Acting President, Chicago Transit Authority Richard A. Davey — CEO, Massport (former MBTA & NYC Transit leader) Harry Wilson — Chair & CEO, MV Transportation Recorded in front of a live audience of transit professionals, this candid conversation...
2026-04-1540 minTransit UnpluggedHow to Run a $1.3B Transit System: Denver RTD’s COO Breaks It DownPaul Comfort talks with Patrick Preusser, Chief Operating Officer of Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD), to unpack the reality of delivering transit service across one of the largest and most complex systems in the U.S.Serving over 3 million people across 2,000+ square miles, RTD operates a multimodal network of bus, light rail, commuter rail, paratransit, and emerging microtransit services—all coordinated under a $1.3 billion operation.As part of our “The Doers” series, this conversation focuses on the leaders responsible for turning strategy into service—and Patrick offers a rare, inside look at wh...
2026-04-0826 minTransit UnpluggedHow to Grow Transit Ridership Beyond Pre-Pandemic Levels with Shofi Ull AzumThis week on Transit Unplugged, we continue our “The Doers” series—highlighting the transit leaders who are not just setting strategy, but delivering results on the ground.Paul Comfort sits down with Shofi Ull Azum, Chief Planning and Development Officer at Cherriots in Salem, Oregon—a mid-size agency achieving something few systems have managed: ridership that exceeds pre-pandemic levels by more than 12%.Shofi shares a tactical, inside look at how his team is turning planning, innovation, and partnerships into measurable growth—and what other agencies can learn from their approach.W...
2026-04-0131 minTransit UnpluggedTranslating Transit Funding Into Real Service with Amanda VandegriftIn this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort sits down with Amanda Vandegrift, Deputy CEO of Finance & Administration and Chief Financial Officer at WeGo Public Transit in Nashville.This conversation is part of our “The Doers” series—highlighting transit leaders who are not just setting vision, but actively delivering results on the ground.Amanda shares her unique journey from private-sector consultant—where she helped design Nashville’s “Choose How You Move” ballot initiative—to becoming the executive responsible for implementing it inside the agency.With a newly approved funding stream, a growing system, and risi...
2026-03-2525 minTransit UnpluggedDo Operators Make the Best Transit Leaders? Lessons from Michael Dylan PalIn this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort explores a question many transit agencies are asking today: Do operators make the best transit leaders?Paul’s guest, Michael Dylan Pal, Director of Public Transit for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) in Buffalo, has lived that journey firsthand.Pal began his career behind the wheel as a bus operator for New York City Transit, eventually rising through the ranks of the MTA, serving in senior leadership roles across multiple agencies, and later helping lead operations at Valley Metro in Phoenix before re...
2026-03-1833 minTransit UnpluggedSafer Stations, More Riders: How St. Louis Cut Transit Crime by 50%Welcome to the first part of a series we're calling "The Doers"!Public safety is one of the most urgent issues facing transit systems today. In this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort sits down with Kevin Scott, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Security at Bi-State Development / St. Louis Metro Transit, to discuss a bold initiative that is reshaping safety across the region’s light rail network.Scott explains how St. Louis developed its Secure Platform Plan, a comprehensive strategy that combines infrastructure upgrades, technology, and partnerships with law en...
2026-03-1129 minTransit UnpluggedEpisode 400: Mark Miller on the Origins of Transit Unplugged — Plus a 10-Year Look BackIn this special milestone episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort celebrates Episode 400 and nearly a decade of conversations with the leaders shaping public transportation around the world.To kick off the episode, Paul sits down with Mark Miller, President of Constellation Software and Executive Chairman of the Volaris Group. Mark reflects on the early days of the podcast, the thinking behind creating a platform for industry dialogue, and why connecting transit leaders across agencies and continents continues to matter.The episode also features a 10-year retrospective on the growth of Transit Unplugged, including a...
2026-03-0445 minTransit Unplugged"Our Greatest Asset Is Our Employees”: Geisha Ester on Why Workforce Is the Future of TransitTransit’s future is all about people.In this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort talks with Geisha Ester, Executive Director of the National Transit Institute (NTI) at Rutgers University, about why workforce development has become the industry’s most important investment — and how agencies and professionals can take advantage of it right now.NTI, funded by the Federal Transit Administration, delivers no-cost training for transit professionals across the United States, helping agencies upskill their teams, strengthen succession planning, and prepare for a rapidly changing mobility landscape.Geisha shares:H...
2026-02-2524 minTransit UnpluggedThe Real Impact of Transit Research — and How to Use It for Your SystemRecorded live at the Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting, this special episode of Transit Unplugged tackles a big question: Does research actually improve public transportation?Host Paul Comfort is joined by three leaders who are turning studies into real-world results:Art Guzzetti, Vice President, Policy, American Public Transportation Association (APTA)Kate Ko, PhD, Vice President, WSPMichael Walk, Research Scientist, Texas A&M Transportation InstituteTogether they break down how the Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) moves ideas from problem statements to implementation — and why agencies th...
2026-02-1838 minTransit Unplugged“Raise Your Hand.” Bridgette Beato on Power, Mentorship, and Building Careers That LastRecorded live at the Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, this episode of Transit Unplugged features a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation with Bridgette Beato, Chair of WTS (Women’s Transportation Seminar) and Founder and CEO of Lumenor Consulting Group.Bridgette joins host Paul Comfort to unpack the evolving role of women in public transportation—and the systems, networks, and intentional choices that help leaders thrive at every stage of their careers. From WTS’s nearly 50-year history to its current global footprint of more than 10,000 members, Bridgette explains how the organization attracts, advances, and retain...
2026-02-1128 minTransit Unplugged"We’re Really Hitting Our Stride.” Roger Harris, President of Amtrak On this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort is joined by Roger Harris, President of Amtrak, for an in-depth look at what’s driving momentum at America’s national railroad. Roger breaks down a remarkable 2025 for Amtrak—highlighting record ridership, revenue growth, and historic capital investment—and shares what’s ahead in 2026 as the organization stays focused on one core priority: running a great railroad.Paul and Roger explore how Amtrak operates as both a passenger rail provider and a critical infrastructure partner—especially in the complex Northeast Corridor ecosystem where commuter agencies and intercity rail depend on shared ne...
2026-02-0425 minTransit UnpluggedThe Transit Guy’s 2026 Outlook: Automation, AI, Night Trains and MoreTransit Unplugged wraps a six-part “State of Transit” series to kick off 2026, Paul Comfort is joined by Hayden Clarkin — transportation engineer, mobility consultant, Mass Transit Magazine Top 40 Under 40 honoree, and one of the industry’s most-followed voices online, known as “The Transit Guy.” In a wide-ranging conversation from New York City, Paul and Hayden break down the biggest forces shaping transit right now — from automation and AI to Amtrak expansion, station revitalization, and the growing push for better rider information and wayfinding. In this episode, we cover: Why transit automation is gaining momentum — and why new lines should be designed for it...
2026-01-2832 minTransit UnpluggedHalifax, Hydrogen, and the Future of Canadian TransitWhat’s the state of transit in Canada right now—and what’s next?In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with Dave Reage, Chair of the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) and a longtime transit leader with deep experience in Halifax Transit. Dave shares a national view of Canada’s biggest transit priorities—from funding and financial stability to ridership shifts, workforce challenges, and the evolving role of technology and innovation.Dave also reflects on Halifax’s unique transit story (including its historic harbor ferries) and explains why Canada’s post-pandemic demand pattern...
2026-01-2127 minTransit UnpluggedFunding, Labor, and Survival: Julie Brown on Transit in 2026What does 2026 look like for small urban and rural transit agencies across America—and what happens when costs rise faster than funding can keep up?In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort is joined by Julie Brown, General Manager of Rogue Valley Transportation District (RVTD) in southern Oregon, President of the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA), and Chair of the Oregon Transportation Commission.Julie pulls back the curtain on the real, day-to-day pressures facing agencies like hers—from funding uncertainty at the state level to escalating labor and vehicle costs, rising insurance rates, and...
2026-01-1422 minTransit UnpluggedLooking Ahead: David Zipper on the Forces Shaping Transit in 2026As Transit Unplugged closes out 2025, host Paul Comfort sits down with David Zipper for a wide-ranging, end-of-year conversation on where public transportation has been — and where it’s headed next. A senior fellow at the MIT Mobility Initiative and one of the most influential transportation voices writing today, David brings a rare perspective shaped by public service, venture capital, academia, and journalism. He has authored more than 200 articles in outlets including Bloomberg, Vox, and The Atlantic, examining how transportation, technology, and society intersect. In this episode, Paul and David reflect on the defining trends of 2025 and...
2025-12-3140 minTransit Unplugged“We’re Ready Now.” – Jay Fox on the 2034 Olympics and Utah’s Big Transit MomentIn this week’s episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with Jay Fox, Executive Director of the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) — one of the fastest-growing, highest-performing transit agencies in the United States and APTA’s 2025 Transit System of the Year.Jay brings a remarkable background across FAA, FTA, Amtrak, and SEPTA — and now leads the agency serving one of the most dynamic, youthful, and transit-hungry regions in America.Together, Paul and Jay dive into:Preparing for the 2034 Winter OlympicsJay shares why UTA told the IOC: “We’re read...
2025-12-1028 minTransit UnpluggedStadler U.S. CEO Martin Ritter on Hydrogen Trains, U.S. Manufacturing & the Future of RailThis Week on Transit UnpluggedPaul Comfort sits down with Martin Ritter, CEO of Stadler U.S., one of the most innovative and fastest-growing train manufacturers in North America. From a modest foothold in the early 2000s to a nearly 600,000 sq. ft. factory in Utah, Stadler is reshaping how America thinks about rolling stock — and redefining what’s possible in U.S.-based manufacturing.In this conversation, Martin pulls back the curtain on:How Stadler grew from an 18-person Swiss workshop to a 17,500-person global rail powerhouse Why agencies love their FLIRT multiple-unit trains — and how...
2025-12-0334 minTransit UnpluggedThis 150-Year-Old “Railway” System Is Betting Big on Compressed Natural GasOn this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with Nancy Purser, Acting Director of the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). After 15 years with the agency, Nancy now leads one of Ontario’s most historic and ambitious transit systems — one that’s preparing for transformative growth.Nancy shares how HSR is executing HSR Next: Moving Hamilton Forward, a seven-year network redesign that will expand service by 50%, add new routes and on-demand zones, and better connect residents — especially those in equity-deserving and suburban communities — to jobs, education, and opportunity.She also discusses HSR’s shift to a 100% CNG f...
2025-11-2622 minTransit Unplugged“More People on My Buses, More Space on the Road for You”On this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with Maureen Cosyn Heath, Director of Transit for the City of Mississauga and the leader of MiWay, the third-largest municipal transit agency in Ontario.Mississauga has grown rapidly to more than 775,000 residents, and MiWay is evolving right alongside the city—operating 500 buses, supporting 1,700+ employees, and preparing for major system updates including a hydrogen bus pilot, a battery-electric fleet project, and the upcoming Hazel McCallion LRT (Light Rail Transit) line.Maureen shares insights on:Why ridership should be me...
2025-11-1932 minTransit Unplugged“ Rural Public Transportation Really is a Lifeline.”On this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with Ginny Smith, Executive Director of the Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority. Ginny shares how rural transit systems provide essential access to jobs, healthcare, education, and independence for the people they serve. From vanpools that connect workers to regional employers, to a new university transit partnership, to technology investments that improve safety and rider experience, Cape Girardeau is a powerful example of how small systems innovate with limited resources.In This Conversation, You’ll Learn:Why transit in rural communities is truly a lifeline, especially for se...
2025-11-1223 minTransit UnpluggedTracking KPI's in a Visualization RoomThis week on Transit Unplugged, we’re bringing you an international perspective. Paul Comfort sits down with Laurence Broseta, International CEO of Keolis Group, for a front-row look at how one of the world’s largest operators is reimagining public transit.With operations in 13 countries, Keolis is doing more than running trains and buses—they’re building tools like visualization rooms to improve ops in real-time, championing revolutionary technology, and leading major projects like Grand Paris Express and Canada’s high-speed ALTO corridor.Laurence shares what it’s like adapting the European subcontractor model to North Americ...
2025-10-2929 minTransit Unplugged"I Need Some Fatherly Advice." - A Transit Leadership Transition StoryPassing the Torch at GRITS:In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort speaks live from the Kentucky Transit Association Trade Show with Dan Lanham and Michael Hughes of GRITS transit service. As Dan prepares to retire after nearly two decades and Michael steps up from Assistant Director to take over, they discuss the smooth leadership transition process. Dan reflects on his tenure and plans for retirement while Michael outlines his vision and priorities for the future, emphasizing the importance of hiring the right people and maintaining employee retention. The conversation also highlights the multi-month preparation and...
2025-10-2222 minTransit UnpluggedTransit Unplugged Insider: Exclusive Intel on Shutdowns, Safety, and AIIn this exclusive edition of Transit Unplugged Insider, host Paul Comfort sits down with executive producer Julie Gates to unpack the biggest developments across the public transportation world—things you won’t hear anywhere else.Inside this episode:What the federal shutdown really means for transit funding—and which programs are frozen Why some agencies are pulling back from electric busesHow safety is taking a front seat and what the current Administration is using to measure itThe rise of AI, cybersecurity, and automation inside transit opsWhat we’re hearing about operator shortages, microtransit expansion, and system redesigns...
2025-10-1531 minTransit Unplugged7.5M DAILY riders for a population of 5M? Winston Toh on Singapore’s Miraculous Transit ModelThis week on Transit Unplugged:We head to Singapore, where public transit covers every inch of the island—and carries an astonishing 7.5 million riders daily.Host Paul Comfort sits down with Winston Toh, Managing Director of Tower Transit Singapore, one of four operators under the Land Transport Authority (LTA). With 800 buses across 60 routes, Tower Transit is at the center of a system designed with precision—and powered by centralized planning.Winston shares:Why bus ridership (3.8M daily) surpasses rail (3.4M) in Singapore How LTA ensures full national coverage and low fares (as littl...
2025-10-0129 minTransit UnpluggedWhat San Antonio Needs from Transit Right Now — with VIA’s Jon Gary HerreraSan Antonio is growing—and fast. In this Super September episode, host Paul Comfort sits down with Jon Gary Herrera, the newly appointed President and CEO of VIA Metropolitan Transit, to talk about how one of America’s fastest-growing cities is reimagining transit.From expanding regional collaboration to centering equity in system planning, Jon Gary brings a thoughtful and bold vision to VIA’s next chapter. He shares what he’s learned from nearly two decades in public service—including his time at LA Metro, Capitol Hill, and the private sector—and why he believes public transit is essential...
2025-09-2431 minTransit UnpluggedLIVE EPISODE: “The ADA is the floor, not the ceiling.” — Dignity & Choice in ParatransitLIVE 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:...
2025-09-1631 minTransit UnpluggedThe Unmatched Power of Transit: A Conversation with Nora LeerhsenIn this Super September episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort heads to Chicago to sit down with Nora Leerhsen, Acting President of the Chicago Transit Authority—America’s second-largest public transit system.With more than 11,000 employees, a million daily riders, and an expanding footprint, the CTA plays a massive role in the life of the Windy City—and Nora is at the helm during a pivotal time. A lawyer and former educator who rose through the ranks from compliance officer to chief of staff and now acting president, Nora shares her deep belief in transit's power to upl...
2025-09-1028 minTransit UnpluggedInside the MTA with Demetrius Crichlow: Leading the Largest Transit System in AmericaWe’re kicking off Super September with a heavy-hitter: Demetrius Crichlow, President of New York City Transit.In this powerful episode, Crichlow sits down with Paul Comfort to reflect on his 20+ year rise through the MTA—from climbing signal poles at Long Island Rail Road to overseeing the nation’s largest transit system.Crichlow doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges. He opens up about leading through a crisis of public trust, tackling rising crime, modernizing aging infrastructure, and navigating tough conversations about race, fairness, and opportunity inside large institutions. Highlights include:How fare evasion...
2025-09-0329 minTransit UnpluggedThe Human Side of Transit: AI, Creativity, and Kindness with Elea Carey and Mike BismeyerWe’re getting the band back together.In this special episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul catches up with longtime contributors Mike Bismeyer (a.k.a. the King of Kindness) and Elea Carey, marketing strategist and founder of Transit Happy. These two familiar voices helped shape the podcast during the pandemic—and now they’re shaping the industry.Mike shares how kindness has become a key leadership trait, and how mentorship continues to change his career and others'. Elea gets into what works—and doesn’t—with marketing in 2025, and how social media and AI are shifting the...
2025-08-2731 minTransit Unplugged98% On-Time & 50 Minutes Saved — Justin Vonashek on Metro-North’s Super-Express EraOn the heels of his February appointment, Metro-North Railroad President Justin Vonashek sits down with Paul Comfort to break down a banner year for the MTA’s northern commuter powerhouse. From 98 percent on-time performance to new “Super-Express” trains that shave up to 50 minutes a day off the New Haven run, Justin walks through the big wins, bigger capital program, and the three metrics he believes define rail’s future in North America: reliability, frequency, and trip time.In This EpisodeThe 98% standard — how Metro-North elevated on-time performance across 230k daily tripsSuper-Express strategy — six AM/PM trains, revamped sig...
2025-08-1322 minTransit Unplugged50 Years of MV Transportation: Harry Wilson on Culture, AI, and What’s NextMV Transportation just hit a milestone few transit firms reach—its 50th anniversary.To mark the occasion, host Paul Comfort interviews Harry Wilson, the firm’s Executive Chairman, about:A 50‑Year Origin Story —How Alex and Feysan Lodde's single van in San Francisco grew into the largest American‑owned transit contractor in North America.“The New MV” Culture —Why Wilson and COO Kevin Klika rebuilt training from scratch (six‑week GM bootcamp), added performance incentives, and created hundreds of employee‑shareholders.Contracting in 2025 —Cost pressure, fiscal cliffs, ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicles) transitions, AI pilots: why Wilson believes outsourcing will expand as ag...
2025-08-0525 minTransit UnpluggedBeyond Ridership – Part 2: Innovation & Smart Procurement with Rikesh ShahLast week, Mark Aesch and Alvin McBorrough unpacked a striking statistic: only 4 % of Americans ride transit, yet 84 % of people say they value it. This week we keep that conversation going with Rikesh Shah, former Chief Innovation Officer at Transport for London. Together with host Paul Comfort, Rikesh explores how customer‑focused metrics, open data, and smarter procurement can turn that 84 % of “transit supporters” into satisfied users—and why leadership has to set the stage for risk‑taking and co‑creation. From Volume to Value —Why ridership shouldn’t be the sole north‑star KPI, and how London’s open‑data program shifted...
2025-07-3027 minTransit UnpluggedAre Transit KPI’s Broken? Value, AI, and Why We Need to Stop Chasing RidershipOnly 4% of Americans ride transit—but 84% of people in communities with transit say they value it.In this episode, Paul Comfort digs into the details with Mark Aesch (CEO, TransPro Consulting) and Alvin McBorrough (CEO, OGx Consulting). Together they unpack two big levers for agency performance: measuring what actually matters and using AI to deliver it more efficiently. Featuring: Mark Aesch – CEO, TransPro ConsultingWhy ridership is a misleading primary metric; shifting from volume to value; what the 84% really care about (jobs access, service for older adults/people with disab...
2025-07-2332 minTransit UnpluggedTransit Unplugged INSIDER: Paul Comfort Answers 2025’s Biggest Industry QuestionsWhat’s really going on behind the scenes of U.S. public transportation policy? In this special edition of Transit Unplugged Insider, Executive Producer Julie Gates turns the mic on our usual host, Paul Comfort, for a revealing look at the shifting political and funding landscape in Washington—and what every transit executive needs to know right now.From what’s actually happening with FTA leadership to surprising details about the Trump administration’s transit funding priorities, Paul breaks down the top three issues impacting the future of public transportation. This is the intel your grant writer, governme...
2025-07-0929 minTransit UnpluggedNo Uber, No Lyft, No Taxis—So They Built Their Own Transit SystemHow 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...
2025-07-0217 minTransit UnpluggedGlobal Lessons, Local Gains: What Can Public US Transit Systems Learn From Private Operators in UK And Asia?In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul talks with Samuel Ribeiro, Managing Director of Tower Transit in the UK, part of global transport powerhouse Kelsian Group. With operations spanning Liverpool and the Channel Islands, Samuel shares how lessons from bus systems across four continents—from Australia to Singapore, Brazil to London—are helping Tower Transit improve public transport service in the UK.They dive into:The nuances of operating in franchised models like in the UK's London and Jersey systemsHow global innovation is shared across Kelsian's operationsSamuel’s unusual path from international banking into public transportThe strate...
2025-06-2534 minTransit UnpluggedFrom Amtrak to Annapolis: Markus Moore’s Lifetime Career in TransitMarkus 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 Coun...
2025-06-0421 minTransit UnpluggedOzzy Gibson’s Unconventional Road to Transit LeadershipHow 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 mi...
2025-05-2823 minTransit UnpluggedOn the Bus with Coree Cuff Lonergan: Building Broward’s $4B Transit FutureWhat does it take to launch a $4.3 billion, multi-modal transit expansion? For Coree Cuff Lonergan, CEO of Broward County Transit, it takes vision, momentum—and a bit of patience. This week on Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort hops aboard with Coree for a rolling bus interview through Broward County, Florida. They talk big-picture leadership, boots-on-the-ground transit planning, and why Broward’s “PREMO” program is setting a new standard for regional mobility. From LEED Gold-Certified transit centers to special-event service for international cricket matches, to AI-powered community engagement—this episode shows what happens wh...
2025-05-2120 minTransit UnpluggedFrom 0 to 200: Jeremi Bumpus on Building 207 New Bus Stops with Tech and TenacityWhat happens when a millennial with a higher ed background takes the wheel of a legacy transit agency? You get 207 new bus stops, a real-time tracking app, and a fresh vision for Western Kentucky mobility. In this episode of Transit Unplugged Podcast, Paul Comfort talks with Jeremi Bumpus, Executive Director of Paducah Transit Authority, about leading change in a small but mighty system. Jeremi shares how he transitioned from higher education into transit, what it means for Paducah to move from rural to small urban funding, and how he and his team replaced an outdated “wav...
2025-05-0729 minTransit UnpluggedLeading Transit on Three Continents: Graeme Legh on Growth, Innovation, and Kelsian’s FutureIn this episode of Transit Unplugged Podcast, Paul Comfort talks with Graeme Legh, the new CEO of Kelsian Group, one of the world’s leading transit and mobility operators. From ferries off the coast of Australia to motorcoach operations across the U.S., Graeme shares how Kelsian is tackling growth, innovation, and sustainability across three continents.They discuss:Lessons from leading major transit companies around the worldHow Kelsian balances local brands with global strategyInnovations like electric fleets and multimodal operationsWhy public-private partnerships could define the next era of mobilityGraeme’s leadership mindset—and why simple, great servic...
2025-04-3026 minTransit UnpluggedFrom Operator to Officer: Dwight Ferrell on Leading SMART Transit Across Southeast MichiganFrom driving a bus in Dallas to leading one of the largest transit systems in the Midwest, Dwight Ferrell’s story is the blueprint for leadership rooted in experience. In this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort rides along with Dwight, General Manager of the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART), for a candid look at how he’s transforming transit across Southeast Michigan.With Modaxo Portfolio Leader Rod Jones on board, this episode covers:How Dwight’s career from bus operator to CEO informs his leadership styleThe explosive growth of SMART’s Flex microtra...
2025-04-2326 minTransit UnpluggedMoving the Masses: M.J. Maynard on the Power of Las Vegas Transit’s One-of-a-Kind Agency ModelThis week on Transit Unplugged, Paul visits Las Vegas to talk with M.J. Maynard, CEO of the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC). From managing traffic for massive events like the Las Vegas Marathon and Formula 1, to running one of the busiest bus-only transit systems in the U.S., M.J. gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what makes RTC truly unique.Unlike most transit agencies, RTC operates as a centralized hub for mobility—housing the region’s public transit provider, the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), traffic management, roadway funding agency, and even bike share oper...
2025-04-1631 minTransit UnpluggedMobility Redefined: Exploring Global Transit Trends with Dr. Kaan YildizgözIn this special episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort welcomes Dr. Kaan Yildizgöz, host of Mobility Redefined, the new sister podcast of Transit Unplugged. Dr. Yildizögz, a leading global expert in public transportation and former senior director at UITP, shares his personal journey into transportation, driven by childhood memories in his father's bus workshop, and his academic expertise in ride-hailing and mobility. Paul and Kaan dive into global mobility trends, exploring key issues such as decarbonization of bus fleets, resilience in transit governance and funding, digitalization, and workforce challenges across Europe, Asia, Africa, and...
2025-03-1936 minTransit UnpluggedExploring Tucson's Transit Future with Mikel OglesbyTake a behind-the-scenes look at Tucson, Arizona’s SunTran transit system with General Manager Mikel Oglesby. Host Paul Comfort and Mikel explore the city’s transit modes, budget, and future projects, including the innovative Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) plans. Discover Mikel's unique journey in public transit, from his childhood riding buses with his father to becoming a leader in the industry. The episode also features insightful discussions on alternative fuel technologies, fare-free systems, and the nuances of managing a large transit agency. Plus, get tips on career resilience and effective communication from experts Rebecca Klein and Keith Scott. Don’t miss...
2025-03-1237 minTransit UnpluggedInside Amtrak: Growth, Modernization, and High-Speed Rail with CEO Stephen GardnerIn this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort interviews Stephen Gardner, CEO of Amtrak, at their Washington, DC headquarters. They discuss Amtrak's record ridership of 32.8 million passengers in the past year, recent capital investments totaling $4.5 billion, and the introduction of new Acela trains. Gardner shares insights into Amtrak's strategy to double ridership by 2040, high-speed rail initiatives, and the unique structure of Amtrak as a federally-owned yet commercially-operated entity. Key projects such as the Frederick Douglass Tunnel in Baltimore and the upcoming Gulf Coast service are also highlighted, along with Amtrak's approach to modernizing and expanding its network. The...
2025-03-0535 min
Transit UnpluggedA Lifetime in the Business of Moving People with Tom DroztAfter decades at transit agencies across the U.S., Tom Drozt decided at 56 to retire, spend time with his family, work on his yard, and find some new passions to put his energy into. Turns out transit is his passion, so before long he was out of retirement and at MARTA in Atlanta running bus operations. Now the CEO of Ben Franklin Transit in Southern Washington State, Tom is leading the agency with his people-first leadership style and helping people choose transit over cars.Coming up next week we have Stephen Gardner, CEO of Amtrak, talking with...
2025-02-2626 min
Transit UnpluggedBrisbane’s Dynamic Transit System with City Councillor Ryan MurphyIn this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort interviews Ryan Murphy, the Chair of the City Council's Transportation Committee in Brisbane, while riding one of Brisbane’s famous CityCat ferries to talk about the vibrant and evolving transit system in this river city.Episode Highlights:CityCat Ferries: Discover the unique CityCat ferry service that operates along the Brisbane River, connecting 22 stations and carrying about 5 million passengers annually. Ryan shares how this service has become a beloved part of the city's tourism and commuter landscape.Innovative Metro Project: Learn about the groundbreaking Brisbane Metro project, featuring double ar...
2025-02-1918 min
Transit UnpluggedElectrifying Chile’s Transport: A Conversation with Transport Minister Juan Carlos MuñozThis is a special episode of Transit Unplugged from our sister podcast, Mobility Redefined. Learn more about this great new show on their website: https://mobilityredefined.com/. Below are the original show notes for the episode:In this episode of Mobility Redefined, host Dr. Kaan Yildizgoz speaks with Juan Carlos Muñoz, Chile’s Minister of Transport and Telecommunications, about the nation’s journey to sustainable mobility. They discuss Chile’s ambitious 2050 carbon neutrality goal, the electrification of Santiago’s world-leading bus fleet, and efforts to expand these innovations nationwide.Minister Muñoz shares insights on integra...
2025-02-1438 min
Transit UnpluggedAustralian Women in Public TransportIn this special episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort and co-host Kelly Chapman highlight the inspiring stories of four remarkable women leaders in Australian public transport. This is the third of five episodes coming from Paul’s recent 10-day tour of Australia. Don’t forget to also check out Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube for the TV episodes as well.First, we hear from Lauren Streifer, Executive Director of the Public Transport Association of Australia and New Zealand (PTAANZ). Lauren's infectious energy and passion for public transport shine through as she discusses her ambitious goals for the indu...
2025-02-1239 minTransit UnpluggedTransforming Australia’s Railways with Steve ButcherIn this week’s episode, host Paul Comfort sits down with Steve Butcher, Executive General Manager of Rail and Transport for John Holland. Paul and Steve caught up at the AusRail conference in Brisbane while Paul was on his 10-day tour of Australia. Steve shares his extensive career journey, starting at British Rail at age 16 all the way up to his current job at John Holland and dives into managing Yarra Trams, the Gold Coast Railway, and the Sydney Metro."Transforming lives through railways is what drives me every day." - Steve ButcherComing up ne...
2025-01-2921 minTransit UnpluggedNed Freeman and UZURV Helping Communities One Ride at a TimeNed Freeman joins host Paul Comfort to talk about UZURV and how it's changing how paratransit is delivered in the U.S. UZURV is an adaptive Transportation Network Company (TNC) that gives transit agencies more options for delivering paratransit in their communities. Ned and Paul talk about how UZURV uses its technology to offer on-demand, ADA compliant, and cost-effective paratransit solutions. UZURV’s model combines the flexibility of solutions like Uber, with all the regulatory rigor of an internal solution.You can learn more about UZURV on their website https://uzurv.com/Coming up next we...
2025-01-2229 minTransit UnpluggedHow the FTA Supports Transit Across the U.S. with Acting FTA Administrator Veronica VanterpoolIn a Transit Unplugged exclusive, Paul talks with Veronica Vanterpool, Acting Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) about the inner workings of the FTA, how the Regional Administrators help set priorities and connect agencies with funding, the transformative developments in public transportation over the past four years, and Veronica’s vision for transit in 2025.In the U.S., the FTA is responsible for large-scale oversight, rule-making, and, most importantly, funding for transit agencies across the country. The historic $15.5 billion in funding for transit has helped jumpstart and complete projects across the U.S., but as the Tr...
2025-01-1532 minTransit UnpluggedIn conversation with transit legend Howard CollinsThis week we are proud and excited to share an interview with a true public transit legend: Howard Collins, OBE. Howard's remarkable 47 year career has taken him from London's Tube and Sydney's trains to leading transit for the state of New South Wales in Australia. Howard sat down with Paul to talk and reflect on not just where transit has been, but where it's going with workforce development, funding, and making transit just better for everyone.This is a don't-miss interview you can draw insight and inspiration from no matter where in the world you are.
2025-01-0823 minTransit UnpluggedTransportation Trends That Will Shape 2025 with Rudy SaloIn this special New Year's Eve episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul is joined by transportation expert and futurist Rudy Salo to discuss what's going to shape the entire transportation sector in 2025. From robotaxis and EVs to autonomous vehicles, Rudy shares his thoughts on transportation in Los Angeles even before the Olympics start. Rudy also explains how a little-known facet of municipal bonds could threaten transit projects across the U.S.We kick off 2025 with the second of Paul's episodes from Australia and a true transportation legend Howard Collins, OBE. Howard talks with Paul about everything he's learned...
2024-12-3137 minTransit UnpluggedA Transit Unplugged Special: Looking back at 2024 and ahead to 2025We're turning the tables on host Paul Comfort this week with guest host and Transit Unplugged Executive Producer Julie Gates interviewing Paul on the best of 2024 from Transit Unplugged, what to watch for in 2025, and what they are thankful for. This is also our first video podcast on the podcast! You can watch the video version on YouTube and Spotify, and listen to the audio version everywhere else (the audio-only version will also be on YouTube). Let us know what you think of this new format in the comments on YouTube and Spotify.We're going to close...
2024-12-2418 minTransit UnpluggedPublic Transport in Australia: Turning Points, New Trends, and Big TransformationsWe're kicking off the first of five podcast episodes from Paul's 10-day trip to Australia. First up, we have John Storms of Transit Systems Victoria and Mark Peters of Transit Systems Australia giving us an overview of transit in Australia and their plans for the future. Much like North America, Australia has cities surrounded by sprawling, low-density suburbs that are challenging for any public transit system to serve. In their separate interviews with Paul, John and Mark talk frankly about these challenges and what needs to be done to address them.Coming up next week we have...
2024-12-1821 min