Transit Unplugged

Transit Unplugged Network

We share the stories, challenges, and successes of the top transit professionals from around the world. Learn how top transit leaders got to where they are with stories and insights from their careers. Get the inside story about public transit and transit trends from the people who run it. Transit Unplugged is hosted and produced by Paul Comfort and brought to you by Modaxo Learn more at https://transitunplugged.com/

  1. 6 days ago

    Reliability over Ridership: Stop Measuring Your System Against 2019

    What does success look like for transit agencies in a post-pandemic world? According to Christie Wegener, it may be time to stop measuring against 2019 altogether. In this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort speaks with Christie Wegener, Executive Director of the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA), about the changing realities of suburban transit, evolving commuter behavior, and why reliability may matter more than ridership. Christie explains how LAVTA serves as a critical feeder to BART while navigating the unique challenges of Bay Area travel patterns, remote work, and car-oriented suburban development. She also shares why she believes transit agencies need to rethink traditional KPIs like farebox recovery and pre-COVID ridership comparisons. The conversation also explores: Why transit agencies may need a new baseline for measuring success The operational challenges of coordinating with BART service How cloud-based transit signal priority could reduce travel times Lessons learned from LAVTA’s Uber/Lyft partnership and microtransit programs The realities of serving low-density suburban communities LAVTA’s new $64 million headquarters project Transit funding challenges facing the Bay Area Christie’s journey from social work and public policy into transit leadership Credits Host and Producer: Paul Comfort Executive Producer: Julie Gates Producer: Chris O’Keeffe Editor: Patrick Emile Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo, passionate about moving the world’s people. For more information, visit: www.Transit Unplugged.com 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.

    30 min

  2. 20 May

    What Happens When You Inherit a Transit Crisis?

    When Steve Fuentes arrived as the new President & CEO of Milwaukee County Transit System, he stepped directly into a perfect storm: major service cuts, labor tensions, budget deficits, and the looming transit fiscal cliff. In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Steve joins Paul Comfort to discuss how his 30-year journey at the Chicago Transit Authority — from part-time bus operator to senior leadership — prepared him for one of the toughest leadership transitions in public transportation today. Steve shares how Milwaukee is confronting post-pandemic ridership realities, redesigning service for modern travel patterns, and preparing for a full transit network redesign with Jarrett Walker & Associates. He also discusses labor negotiations, safety strategies, public safety officers, open-loop payments, and why transit leaders need to prepare now for the next generation of executive opportunities. Plus: Bears vs. Packers, leadership books, music tastes, and lessons learned from the jump to the CEO seat. 00:00 Milwaukee Setup 01:33 Meet Steve Fuentes 01:38 Boston Summit Highlights 01:52 Nora and Leadership Lesson 03:09 CTA Career Journey 04:36 Why Take the CEO Leap 05:49 Chicago Sports Rivalry 06:49 Starting at MCTS 07:37 Walking Into Crisis 09:00 Union Deal and Reset 09:38 Budget Cliff and Cuts 11:40 Network Redesign Plan 17:35 Lightning Round Upgrades 20:57 Personal Favorites and Farewell Credits Host and Producer: Paul Comfort Executive Producer: Julie Gates Producer: Chris O’Keeffe Editor: Patrick Emile Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo, passionate about moving the world’s people. For more information, visit: www.Transit Unplugged.com 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.

    25 min

  3. 13 May

    World Cup Transit: How Cities Are Preparing for 2026

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to North America—and for public transportation agencies across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the countdown is already underway. In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort speaks with transportation journalist Dan Zukowski of Smart Cities Dive about the enormous mobility challenge behind one of the world’s biggest sporting events. From Los Angeles and Boston to New York-New Jersey and Atlanta, transit agencies are preparing to move hundreds of thousands of visitors safely, efficiently, and seamlessly through their cities. Dan breaks down how agencies are expanding service, coordinating with law enforcement, improving customer wayfinding, and preparing for the unique pressures of international visitors arriving during weekday rush hours. The conversation also explores how the World Cup could become a defining moment for public transportation in America—and potentially leave behind lasting improvements for riders long after the final match. Paul and Dan discuss: How host cities are preparing transit systems for FIFA 2026 Why mobility is central to the success of mega-events LA Metro’s long-term “Twenty-Eight by 28” infrastructure strategy The role of transit ambassadors and multilingual wayfinding Crowd management, security, and game-day operations How agencies are coordinating buses, trains, bikes, scooters, Uber, and more The opportunity to win over new riders through positive transit experiences What cities could learn ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics If transit works well during the World Cup, it won’t just move fans—it could reshape how cities and residents think about public transportation for years to come. 🎧 Also in this episode: Insights from Smart Cities Dive’s transportation coverage The future of multimodal mobility and regional coordination Why major sporting events are becoming transit proving grounds This episode offers a fascinating look at the planning, logistics, and strategy required to deliver mobility on a global stage. Host and Producer: Paul Comfort Executive Producer: Julie Gates Producer: Chris O’Keeffe Editor: Patrick Emile Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye 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.

    25 min

  4. 6 May

    Reinventing Commuter Rail for a Post-9-to-5 World

    Commuter rail is being reinvented—and at Virginia Railway Express (VRE), that shift starts with one big idea: becoming a true regional rail system. Katie Choe, CEO of VRE, joins Paul Comfort to explain how the agency is moving beyond its traditional peak-hour, commuter-focused model toward a more flexible, all-day, bi-directional network designed for today’s travel patterns. At the center of that transformation is VRE’s System Plan 2050, a roadmap to expand service, increase frequency, and serve a broader mix of riders—from daily commuters to evening, weekend, and recreational travelers. In this episode, Katie breaks down: What it really means to shift from commuter rail to regional rail How VRE plans to deliver a 60% increase in service by 2030 The challenge of operating on shared freight corridors—and how new capacity changes the game Why diversifying beyond federal commuters is critical to long-term growth How agencies can make incremental service improvements now, before major infrastructure is complete The conversation also highlights one of VRE’s biggest differentiators: customer experience. From meeting first-time riders at the station to achieving more than 60% participation in annual rider surveys, VRE has built a level of trust that directly informs how the system evolves. With a background spanning Massport, the City of Boston, and the MBTA, Katie brings a systems-level view to the role—balancing infrastructure, operations, and rider needs as VRE navigates this transition. What’s next? While major expansion is on the horizon, VRE isn’t waiting. The team is already exploring extended evening service, special event trains, and new ways to attract riders in the near term—all part of the shift toward a more dynamic, regional system.Credits Host and Producer: Paul Comfort Executive Producer: Julie Gates Producer: Chris O’Keeffe Editor: Patrick Emile Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye 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.

    24 min

  5. 29 Apr

    Transit Unplugged Insider: FTA Shakeups, Funding Cuts & What’s Coming Next

    In 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? Reauthorization Outlook – Why the next major transportation bill may not pass this year, and what that delay could mean for agencies planning long-term investments . Innovation Acceleration – From autonomous vehicles to electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, new technologies are rapidly moving from pilot programs to real-world deployment . ThinkTransit Takeaways – Key insights from executive leaders across North America on cybersecurity, AI, safety, and operational strategy. You’ll also hear: Why rising fuel prices could drive increased transit ridership How agencies are preparing for funding and policy uncertainty What 500,000 weekly autonomous rides signal about the future of mobility Why having a cybersecurity response plan is now essential This episode is your insider briefing on the policies, people, and technologies shaping transit in 2026—with context you won’t hear anywhere else. 00:00 Insider Episode Kickoff 01:09 Big Changes at FTA 01:32 Leadership Vacuum Explained 02:22 Matt Webber Retires 03:00 Jamie Fister Steps In 03:30 Who Will Lead Next 04:25 Transit Funding Shakeup 05:01 Why the Budget Drops 06:45 APTA Pushback Strategy 07:26 Reauthorization Clock Ticking 10:35 Gas Prices and Ridership 12:18 EV Fees and Innovation Pivot 12:50 VTOLs and Advanced Air Mobility 17:12 Autonomous Vehicles Go Mainstream Credits Host and Producer: Paul Comfort Executive Producer: Julie Gates Producer: Chris O’Keeffe Editor: Patrick Emile Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye 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.

    32 min

  6. 22 Apr

    How Tiffany Gunter Drove a 40% Ridership Increase on SMART’s Busiest Routes

    Tiffany 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 weeks by focusing the organization on clear goals, communication, and a little friendly competition. The conversation also explores Detroit’s resurgence, microtransit expansion, youth fare initiatives, and why telling a positive story about transit has never been more important. In This Episode: Tiffany’s career path from planner to CEO Why “presence matters” in transit leadership How SMART rapidly improved on-time performance Gamifying performance with the “OTP Challenge” Growing ridership through better service and amenities Detroit’s comeback and transit’s role in regional growth Free rides for students and future workforce development Why storytelling matters for public transportation today 00:00 Meet Tiffany Gunter 01:30 Think Transit Reunion 03:00 Finding the X Factor 03:42 Transit Career Origin 05:37 Hands On Leadership 10:14 Detroit Transit Landscape 13:52 Culture of Care 17:53 Down With OTP 18:45 Daily Performance Huddles 20:01 Leaderboards And Buy In 21:51 Detroit Comeback Story 25:07 Big Events Transit Surge 25:55 Cutting the highlighted section below bc this has already happened 27:30 Future Plans And Free Rides 31:40 Leadership Lessons And Wrap 32:29 Not sure if this should be included Credits Host and Producer: Paul Comfort Executive Producer: Julie Gates Producer: Chris O’Keeffe Editor: Patrick Emile Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye 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.

    35 min

  7. 15 Apr

    Safety, Strategy, and Career Paths — Transit Leaders Share It All Live from ThinkTransit

    How Transit CEOs Are Tackling Safety, Growth, and Leadership — Live from ThinkTransit This 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 explores what it really takes to lead large-scale transit systems in 2026. What You’ll LearnLeadership Paths to the TopFrom law and finance to teaching and federal service, each CEO shares the unconventional journey that led them to the top—and what they learned along the way. What CEOs Actually DoRunning a major transit system isn’t just operations—it’s politics, people, culture, and constant decision-making at scale. The Reality of Safety in TransitA powerful, nuanced discussion on safety—from frontline presence and policing to the deeper issues of mental health and homelessness shaping the conversation today. Culture, Teams, and PerformanceWhy high-performing teams—not individuals—drive results, and how agencies are building cultures of continuous improvement. Big Ideas in MotionAirport-to-terminal security via transit (Massport innovation) System-wide culture transformation and teamwork (MV Transportation) Continuous improvement at scale (UTA) Reframing public perception through storytelling and pride (CTA) Key TakeawaysTransit is more than transportation—it reflects society itself. Safety requires more than enforcement—it demands strategy, presence, and partnership. Great agencies are built on culture, not just operations. Leaders must balance vision with execution—every single day. This is a rare, unfiltered look inside the minds of transit CEOs—how they think, how they lead, and how they’re navigating one of the most complex and essential industries in the world. Whether you're an operator, policymaker, or future leader, this episode offers a masterclass in modern transit leadership. Credits Host and Producer: Paul Comfort Executive Producer: Julie Gates Producer: Chris O’Keeffe Editor: Patrick Emile Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye 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.

    41 min

  8. 8 Apr

    How to Run a $1.3B Transit System: Denver RTD’s COO Breaks It Down

    Paul 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 what that really means. In this episode, you’ll learn: What a Chief Operating Officer actually does in a major transit agency How RTD manages daily service for 135,000+ riders The key KPIs driving performance—from on-time service to cost efficiency Why Denver embraced frequent regional rail before it became industry standard How transit agencies are adapting to new ridership patterns post-pandemic The role of technology, safety, and data dashboards in modern operations What’s ahead for Denver, including BRT expansion, rail reconstruction, and major development projects A system built for scale—and the future From direct rail service to Denver International Airport to major upcoming investments like the East Colfax BRT line, RTD is positioning itself for long-term growth in one of America’s fastest-evolving regions. Patrick also reflects on his journey through the industry—from starting as a transit user in Chicago to leading operations in Denver—and what it means to be one of the “doers” responsible for delivering service where it matters most: on the street. Listen now to learn how transit strategy becomes real-world service. Credits Host and Producer: Paul Comfort Executive Producer: Julie Gates Producer: Chris O’Keeffe Editor: Patrick Emile Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye 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.

    27 min
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We share the stories, challenges, and successes of the top transit professionals from around the world. Learn how top transit leaders got to where they are with stories and insights from their careers. Get the inside story about public transit and transit trends from the people who run it. Transit Unplugged is hosted and produced by Paul Comfort and brought to you by Modaxo Learn more at https://transitunplugged.com/

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