Transit Unplugged

In 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 behind-the-scenes conversation with producer Chris O’Keeffe about the evolution of podcasting, the expansion into on-location recordings and video, and what it takes to reach the rare milestone of 400 episodes.

Later in the episode, Executive Producer Julie Gates joins Paul for a listener mailbag segment, answering audience questions about favorite episodes, memorable travel moments, and transit systems that continue to inspire innovation.

Over the past decade, Transit Unplugged has featured CEOs, agency leaders, policymakers, and innovators from across the globe—sharing ideas and best practices that help move the industry forward.

As Paul reminds listeners in this episode, public transportation is about far more than vehicles and infrastructure. At its core, transit is about serving people and connecting communities.

Credits

Host and Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer: Chris O’Keeffe

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

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

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.

Transit’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:

How you and your staff can access free, high-impact NTI courses

The most in-demand training areas, including procurement, service planning, safety, and leadership

How agencies are using NTI as a real succession-planning tool

Three ways to partner with NTI — as a participant, host agency, or instructor

Why workforce development is central to the industry’s future

She also tells her remarkable second-generation transit story, from high-school intern and rail conductor at Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) to Vice President of Training and Workforce Development — and now national leadership at NTI — and offers practical advice for emerging professionals and women pursuing leadership roles in transit.

🎓 Explore courses and get connected: NTIonline.com

This episode closes out our “Fantastic February” series highlighting the people and ideas moving public transportation forward.

Credits

Host and Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer: Chris O’Keeffe

Editor: Patrick Emile

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

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

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.

Recorded 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, WSP

Michael Walk, Research Scientist, Texas A&M Transportation Institute

Together they break down how the Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) moves ideas from problem statements to implementation — and why agencies that use research make faster, smarter, and more rider-focused decisions.

You’ll hear:

The Baltimore bus network redesign that started with a research project

How automation will reshape — not eliminate — the transit workforce

New funding tools like value capture and congestion pricing

The link between operator culture, health, and retention

Why accessibility, safety, and customer experience are driving the next wave of studies

This is a behind-the-scenes look at the evidence, data, and collaboration that quietly power better transit for millions of riders.

If you work in transit and aren’t using this research — you’re leaving solutions on the table.

Credits

Host and Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer: Chris O’Keeffe

Editor: Patrick Emile

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

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

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.

Recorded 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 retains women across all modes of transportation through scholarships, training, mentorship, and community.

The conversation also dives into Bridgette’s own career journey, from management information systems and large-scale technology implementations to launching and growing Lumenor Consulting into a multi-disciplinary firm supporting transit agencies across North America. Along the way, she reflects on entrepreneurship born out of necessity, the realities of small business growth in the public sector, and why intentional career planning matters—especially in moments of rapid industry transformation.

Paul and Bridgette explore the importance of mentorship, executive peer spaces, and raising your hand for opportunity, as well as the role organizations like WTS play in helping leaders navigate change, loneliness at the top, and the shifting landscape of technology, funding, and innovation in transit.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone thinking seriously about leadership, equity, and long-term career growth in transportation—and for those looking to understand how community and intention shape the future of the industry.

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]

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.

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 networks, tunnels, and bridges. Roger also digs into how smarter scheduling, strong demand, and modernized service planning are fueling growth—while new investment helps deliver more consistent reliability and a stronger customer experience.

They also preview what’s coming next, including the NextGen Acela rollout, the future of Airo fleet modernization, and new service momentum like the Amtrak Mardi Gras route. Plus, Roger shares how Amtrak is preparing to support major national moments ahead—including World Cup travel and America 250.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

What drove Amtrak’s record performance in 2025

Why “running a great railroad” means consistency, tools, and reliability

How Amtrak supports commuter partners as an infrastructure provider

What’s next for NextGen Acela and Airo fleet modernization

How Amtrak is preparing for World Cup crowds and America 250

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]

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.

Transit 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 from day one What WMATA’s Automatic Train Operation progress could mean for capacity, reliability, and cost efficiency Where AI can create real value today (and where the hype still outpaces reality) What privatization could look like in North America — and what we can learn from global models Why night trains are resurging in Europe, and whether a similar model could work here The future of Amtrak, corridor expansion, and the challenges of state-by-state rail planning The return of iconic train stations — and why station location matters as much as architecture How wayfinding and real-time information can make transit easier for everyone (including first-timers) If you’re looking for a fast, smart snapshot of where transit is headed next, this episode is your roadmap.

Follow Hayden Clarkin: “The Transit Guy”:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/haydenclarkin/ https://www.instagram.com/thetransitguy/

https://thetransitguy.substack.com/

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]

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.

What’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 patterns are rewriting the rules—creating new pressure to match service levels with changing rider behavior.

1. How Canadian transit governance differs from the U.S. model
2. Why operating funding is one of the biggest challenges facing agencies across Canada
3. What ridership recovery looks like now—and why off-peak and weekend travel is rising
4. The “new normal” for demand: Wednesday peaks, lighter Mondays and Fridays
5. The workforce crunch impacting reliability, operations, and service delivery
6. Why electrification matters, but shouldn’t distract from service fundamentals
7. What’s happening with hydrogen pilots and alternative propulsion strategies
8. How microtransit and on-demand service are filling service gaps
9. The growing federal emphasis on aligning transit investment with housing and land use

Dave Reage

Chair, Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA)

Formerly with Halifax Transit (18 years), including nine years leading the agency

1. CUTA (Canadian Urban Transit Association)
2. Halifax, Nova Scotia
3. Montreal / Quebec City
4. Canadian Public Transit Fund
5. Transit-oriented development and housing integration

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]

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.

What 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 the growing cybersecurity risks that come with modern transit tech.

She also challenges the industry to move beyond ridership as the defining success metric, and instead tell a more human story about what transit actually makes possible: access to work, healthcare, independence, and quality of life—especially as the “silver tsunami” reshapes mobility needs nationwide.

Key topics include:

1. Why RVTD expanded from 10 routes to 16—and why they had to cut back to 6 routes
2. The real-world impact of layoffs and service reductions
3. The exploding cost of vehicle replacement (and what sustainability requirements mean on the ground)
4. Insurance increases hitting agencies and contractors alike
5. Cybersecurity threats tied to fare systems and onboard technology
6. What CTAA is tracking in Washington as reauthorization conversations continue
7. Why the future of transit must be measured in human outcomes, not just raw numbers

If you care about how transit actually survives—and evolves—outside of the biggest metro systems, this conversation is essential listening.

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/subscrib 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.

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.

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.

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.

As 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 look ahead to the challenges and opportunities transit agencies will face in 2026. You’ll hear:

1. Why robotaxis at scale may create new congestion and operational challenges for cities
2. The promise — and pitfalls — of the emerging “abundance” framework in transportation policy
3. How ridership patterns have stabilized into a new post-pandemic normal
4. Why mission creep threatens transit agencies from both the political left and right
5. What New York City’s congestion pricing success could mean for other U.S. cities
6. A candid assessment of electric bus deployment and why flexibility matters
7. How AI-powered bus lane enforcement is already improving service reliability
8. Why autonomous rail may be one of the most important sleeper trends in transit
9. The evolving role of micromobility and e-bike share in expanding transit access
10. Why transit’s future depends on staying focused on fast, frequent, reliable service

This is a thoughtful, occasionally provocative discussion that challenges conventional wisdom while staying grounded in real-world operations — and a fitting way to close out a transformative year for the transit industry.

About the Guest: David Zipper is a senior fellow at the MIT Mobility Initiative and a contributing writer for Bloomberg CityLab and Vox. He previously served in city government in New York and Washington, DC, and has advised organizations across the public and private sectors on transportation strategy and regulation. He also co-hosts the podcast Look Both Ways, where he explores the future of urban mobility. Learn more at davidzipper.com.

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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/subscrib...

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.