🎙️ This Week on Transit Unplugged

On the Road in New Orleans: SWTA Summer Conference Spotlight

In this special conference edition of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort is on location at the SWTA Summer University Conference in New Orleans, where he dives deep into the challenges and opportunities facing small and mid-sized transit systems across the Southwest.

🎧 Main Interview:

Perri D’Armond – Director, Fort Bend Transit (Fort Bend County, TX)

Perri shares how one of America’s fastest-growing and most diverse counties is reimagining transit service. She discusses:

Fort Bend's explosive growth from 350,000 to nearly 900,000 residents since 2000

The success of their new downtown Houston commuter service, even post-COVID

A real-world use of transit for seniors and ADA riders — including the memorable line: "I don’t care if I’m taking you to play bingo…"

How local context shapes flexible service models, from park-and-ride to rural demand response

Her career path from ag education to economic development to transit leadership

🎤 Special Guests:

Rich Sampson – Executive Director, Southwest Transit Association (SWTA)

Rich gives us a front-row seat to the key challenges and trends for transit in the SWTA region, including:

Calls to raise federal match ratios for smaller systems

Changing ridership patterns in post-pandemic suburban networks

What makes SWTA’s events stand out — and what’s next for the organization

Dinero’ Washington – CEO, SporTran & Chair, LPTA (Louisiana Public Transportation Association)

Dinero’ outlines Louisiana’s big transit wins:

A new $23M admin center and multimodal hub in Shreveport

Statewide investment in ferry programs, CNG, and BRT

The importance of unified support from DOTD and agencies alike

This episode captures the energy of transit leaders on the ground, collaborating across state lines and service types to deliver real solutions — with community impact front and center.

📣 Subscribe & Stay Connected

Like what you heard? Subscribe to Transit Unplugged on your favorite podcast platform, or sign up for the newsletter at TransitUnplugged.com

for weekly updates from the field.

🎧 Podcast Credits

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo

Creator, Host, + Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer + Newsletter Editor: Chris O’Keeffe

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Podcast Intern: Desmond Gates

🎨 Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

📱 Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

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

📰 Subscribe to the newsletter:

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On 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.

• The 98% standard — how Metro-North elevated on-time performance across 230k daily trips
• Super-Express strategy — six AM/PM trains, revamped signaling, and a 90-minute New Haven–GCT target
• Grand Central Terminal as a “temple to transit”
• Their nearly $8 billion capital plan (2025-29) — dual-mode Siemens Chargers, battery-electric locos, signal renewals, ADA station upgrades, and the Grand Central artery
• Penn Station Access for Bronx riders and reverse-commute opportunities into Connecticut
•  

• Metro-North Railroad — https://new.mta.info/agency/metro-north-railroad
• MTA Capital Program 2025-2029 overview https://future.mta.info/capitalplan/
• Transit Unplugged episode archive — https://transitunplugged.com

Like what you hear? Subscribe to Transit Unplugged on your favorite podcast app, or sign up for the newsletter at TransitUnplugged.com for weekly field notes from across the industry.

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

Creator, Host & Producer — Paul Comfort

Executive Producer — Julie Gates

Producer & Newsletter Editor — Chris O’Keefe

Associate Producer — Cyndi Raskin

Podcast Intern — Desmond Gates

Special thanks to:

Brand Design — Tina Olagundoye

Social Media — Tatyana Mechkarova

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

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent. This production belongs to Modaxo and may contain information subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual-property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it

MV 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 agencies chase flexibility and innovation.
• AI on the Front Line —Predictive tools that have cut operator turnover nearly in half and the 30+ workstreams MV is piloting right now.
• Boardroom to Depot —Former FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez joins MV’s board; founder Feysan Lodde inducted into the APTA Hall of Fame.
• Looking Ahead —Why Wilson thinks the next 5–10 years will bring more change than the last 50—and how MV plans to help agencies navigate it.

• Resources & Links
• MV Transportation 50‑Year Timeline https://www.mvtransit.com/about-us/mv-story
• Transit Unplugged interview with Nuria Fernandez https://transitunplugged.com/transit-unplugged-podcast/nuria-fernandez-santa-clara-valley-transportation-authority/
• Subscribe to the newsletter at TransitUnplugged.com

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo

• Creator, Host, + Producer: Paul Comfort
• Executive Producer: Julie Gates
• Producer + Newsletter Editor: Chris O’Keeffe
• Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin
• Podcast Intern: Desmond Gates

Special thanks to:

Brand Design — Tina Olagundoye

Social Media — Tatyana Mechkarova

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent. This production belongs to Modaxo and may contain information subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.

Last 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 travel behavior for the better.
• Customer‑First Metrics —Using design‑thinking and qualitative research to uncover the real pain points of diverse riders (and non‑riders).
• Making Cities a Test Bed —How transparent “problem statements” and outcome‑based procurement invite startups, scale‑ups, and tier‑ones to co‑create solutions.
• Smart Procurement 101 —Engage procurement early, signal future tenders, and use one streamlined process that covers pilot, scale‑up, and rollout.
• Leadership & Risk —What CEOs can do today to foster entrepreneurial cultures, align internal teams, and de‑risk innovation without overprescribing specs.
• Lessons from London —Congestion charging, Ultra‑Low Emission Zones, and open innovation under successive mayors—and what U.S. cities can adopt.
•  Podcast Credits

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo

• Creator, Host, + Producer: Paul Comfort
• Executive Producer: Julie Gates
• Producer + Newsletter Editor: Chris O’Keeffe
• Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin
• Podcast Intern: Desmond Gates

Special thanks to:

Brand Design — Tina Olagundoye

Social Media — Tatyana Mechkarova

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent. This production belongs to Modaxo and may contain information subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.

Only 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 Consulting

Why 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 disabilities, low‑income mobility); and how current federal incentives (unlinked passenger trips, revenue miles) work against customer satisfaction. Mark also previews how FTA reform could move agencies from “happy buses” to “happy customers.”

Alvin McBorrough – CEO, OGx Consulting

Practical AI use cases transit agencies can deploy now: real‑time passenger tools (ETAs, chatbots), predictive maintenance, route optimization, computer vision for safety, demand forecasting, and digital twins for planning. Turning “data rich, information poor” operations into smarter decisions—and doing more with less.

Resources & Links:

https://www.transproconsulting.com/

https://www.middlegeorgiarc.org/transportation/

TransitUnplugged.com

Subscribe & Stay Connected:

Like what you heard? Subscribe to Transit Unplugged on your favorite podcast platform, or sign up for the newsletter at TransitUnplugged.com for weekly updates from the field.

Podcast Credits:

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo

• Creator, Host, + Producer: Paul Comfort
• Executive Producer: Julie Gates
• Producer + Newsletter Editor: Chris O’Keeffe
• Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin
• Podcast Intern: Desmond Gates

Special thanks to:

Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

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

Subscribe to the newsletter:

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

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent. This production belongs to Modaxo and may contain information subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.

In this special roving-reporter edition of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort takes you inside the 2025 CTAA Expo in San Diego, where he caught up with some of the brightest minds in community and rural transit. From paratransit operations to industry journalism to frontline safety, these conversations reflect the energy, challenges, and innovation happening beyond the big-city systems.

Featuring:

Megan Perrero – Editor in Chief, Mass Transit Magazine

On shaping the next era of industry media, supporting up-and-comers through the 40 Under 40 program, and the evolving role of transit journalism.

Rudy Salo – Transportation Finance Attorney, Writer, and Podcast Host

On reclaiming your commute as creative time, what we lose in car culture, and how LA is preparing its transit network for the 2028 Olympics.

Maximilien Duvra – Transit Operations Manager, Prince George’s County, MD

On balancing zero-emission goals with rural realities, operating a mixed-propulsion fleet, and the pros and cons of fare-free service.

Ashley Carriker – CFO, Queen City Transit Solutions

On the growing demand for driver protection, the evolution of bus barrier design, and putting frontline worker safety at the forefront.

John Duklewski – Executive Director, Transportation Association of Maryland

On the importance of statewide transit associations, electrification readiness, and what to expect at TAM’s 2025 fall conference.

Paul also shares reflections from his decades attending CTAA, and why this conference continues to be essential for agencies outside the biggest metros.

• Mass Transit Magazine
• Good Is In The Details Podcast
• Prince George’s County Mobility Services
• Queen City Transit Solutions
• Transportation Association of Maryland
• CTAA – Community Transportation Association of America

Like what you heard? Subscribe to Transit Unplugged on your favorite podcast platform, or sign up for the newsletter at TransitUnplugged.com for weekly updates from the field.

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo

• Creator, Host, + Producer: Paul Comfort
• Executive Producer: Julie Gates
• Producer + Newsletter Editor: Chris O’Keeffe
• Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin
• Podcast Intern: Desmond Gates

Special thanks to:

Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

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

Subscribe to the newsletter:

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

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent. This production belongs to Modaxo and may contain information subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.

What’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, government affairs lead, and CEO will want to hear.

Also in this episode: the latest on congestion pricing in NYC, what’s happening with reauthorization, and why safety is the defining metric of this political moment.

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo

• Creator, Host, + Producer: Paul Comfort
• Executive Producer: Julie Gates
• Producer + Newsletter Editor: Chris O’Keeffe
• Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin
• Podcast Intern: Desmond Gates

Special thanks to:

Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

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

Subscribe to the newsletter:

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

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent. This production belongs to Modaxo and may contain information subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.

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

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

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

🎧 Podcast Credits:

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo

Creator, Host, + Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer + Newsletter Editor: Chris O’Keeffe

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Podcast Intern: Desmond Gates

Special thanks to:

🎨 Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

📱 Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

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

Subscribe to the Transit Unplugged Newsletter:

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

⚠️ Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo and may contain information that may be subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.

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 systems
• How global innovation is shared across Kelsian's operations
• Samuel’s unusual path from international banking into public transport
• The strategic role Tower Transit plays in regions like Liverpool, ahead of major franchising shifts

And yes—there’s a delightful Jersey potato tangent too.

Whether you're a transit operator, policy maker, or just enjoy hearing how buses are quietly running the world, this is one to tune into.

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo

🎙️ Host & Producer: Paul Comfort

💼 Executive Producer: Julie Gates

🎧 Producer & Newsletter Editor: Chris O'Keeffe

📝 Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Production Intern: Desmond Gates

Special thanks to:

🎨 Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

📱 Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

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

Subscribe to the Transit Unplugged Newsletter: transitunplugged.com/subscribe-to-the-transit-unplugged-newsletter

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo and may contain information that may be subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.

What does it take to build a transit system that powers a city—and wins global recognition for livability?

In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Ryan Daniel, CEO of St. Cloud Metro Bus, and Dave Kleis, Board Chair and former mayor of St. Cloud, Minnesota, share how their long-running partnership has driven bold innovation and national recognition. From launching a system-wide redesign to pioneering green hydrogen fuel, their work shows how public transit can be a catalyst for clean energy and economic development.

You’ll hear the inside story of how St. Cloud won the U.S. Conference of Mayors Award and the global “Most Livable City” title—twice. Plus, Dave offers rare behind-the-scenes insights into how a mayor selects a transit CEO during a national search, and Ryan shares the quote that guides his work:

“Where transportation goes, community grows.”

Whether you're aiming for executive leadership or understanding transit's role in the economic development of your region, this conversation delivers strategies, lessons, and inspiration to get you there.

Highlights:

• Why green hydrogen could be transit’s next big shift
• How St. Cloud went 100% CNG—and what’s next
• Keys to successful public engagement on system redesign
• What mayors and boards really look for in a CEO
• Winning national awards through innovation and vision

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo

Host & Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer & Newsletter Editor: Chris O'Keeffe

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Production Intern: Desmond Gates

Special thanks to:

Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

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

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Subscribe to the Transit Unplugged Newsletter:

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo and may contain information that may be subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.