As Transit Unplugged kicks off 2026, host Paul Comfort sits down with Bennett Resnik, Senior Vice President in the Critical Infrastructure Group at Venn Strategies, for a wide-ranging conversation on the federal forces shaping public transportation in the year ahead.

This episode marks the first installment in a multi-part State of Transit series, offering listeners a clear, insider perspective from Washington, DC. Bennett brings deep experience from Capitol Hill to break down what transit leaders should be paying attention to right now — and what’s coming next.

In this episode, we explore:

1. The upcoming Surface Transportation Reauthorization — what it is, why it matters, and realistic timelines for passage
2. How the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) changed transit funding — and why the next bill will likely look very different
3. The evolving federal stance on zero-emission buses, including battery electric, hydrogen, CNG, and hybrid fleets
4. How shifting policy priorities are influencing manufacturers, procurement decisions, and fleet strategies
5. The current and future impact of Buy America requirements, including costs, compliance, and domestic manufacturing
6. What ongoing federal budget negotiations and continuing resolutions mean for transit agencies in 2026
7. Why global events like the Olympics and FIFA World Cup are increasingly shaping federal transportation planning

Throughout the conversation, Paul and Bennett connect federal policy decisions to on-the-ground realities for transit agencies — from capital planning and vehicle procurement to safety, reliability, and long-term investment.

🏛️ ThinkTransit Executive Summit

Transit executives interested in diving deeper into these topics are invited to attend the ThinkTransit Executive Summit, taking place this March in Boston as part of the ThinkTransit Conference.

The Executive Summit brings together senior transit leaders for a candid, in-person, Chatham House Rules discussion on:

1. Safety, security, and fare evasion
2. Cybersecurity and AI in transit operations
3. Federal policy, funding, and the future of mobility

👉 Learn more and register here:

https://trapezegroup.com/thinktransit/executive-summit/

Host + Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer: Chris O'Keeffe

Editor: Patrick Emile

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected]

📩 Sign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter:

https://transitunplugged.com/subscribe

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo, its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent. This production belongs to Modaxo and may contain information subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights. This content is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Modaxo disclaims all warranties and liability arising from the use of this material.