Transit Unplugged

Transit Unplugged Network
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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/

  1. 4일 전

    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.

    35분

  2. 4월 15일

    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.

    41분

  3. 4월 8일

    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.

    27분

  4. 4월 1일

    How to Grow Transit Ridership Beyond Pre-Pandemic Levels with Shofi Ull Azum

    This 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. What You’ll Learn in This Episode What actually drives ridership growth Why adding weekend and evening service unlocked new demand How aligning service with real community needs—not assumptions—changes outcomes The role of fare policy, frequency, and accessibility in rebuilding ridership The power of targeted programs How a youth zero-fare program now drives up to 25–30% of ridership Why investing in younger riders is really about building long-term transit culture How partnerships with schools and state funding made it possible Reliability as the foundation Why on-time performance is the baseline for trust How Cherriots improved performance to 88% on-time—above their target The operational fixes that made the biggest difference (including reducing early departures) Using technology to modernize the rider experience Real-time tracking and GTFS-RT deployment Traffic signal priority to improve reliability on high-ridership corridors The importance of clean, accurate data for smarter planning decisions Building a multimodal future Why transit agencies need to evolve beyond fixed routes How microtransit, bike share, and partnerships with TNCs fit into the system The goal: becoming a true regional mobility integrator Key Takeaway Ridership growth isn’t accidental—it’s the result of intentional service design, strong partnerships, and a relentless focus on reliability and access. As Shofi puts it, success comes from giving people real options—and building a system that fits how they actually live and move today. 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.

    31분

  5. 3월 25일

    Translating Transit Funding Into Real Service with Amanda Vandegrift

    In 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 rising ridership, Nashville offers a real-world case study in how agencies can move from planning to execution—and actually deliver on what voters approved. What You’ll Learn: How to move from a transit referendum to real-world implementation What it takes to shift an agency from maintenance mode to growth How WeGo is achieving double-digit ridership gains Why staffing and recruitment must come before expansion How a low-income fare program can drive access and usage The role of microtransit partnerships like WeGo Link with Uber How to build financial stability with a $47M reserve fund Why today’s transit CFO is a strategic operator—not just a numbers role From Ballot to Bus Service Amanda played a key role in developing Nashville’s “Choose How You Move” initiative—a half-cent sales tax increase designed to fund billions in transit improvements. Now inside the agency, she’s helping implement: Expanded bus service and increased frequency New transit centers and corridor investments First-mile/last-mile solutions through microtransit A free transit program for qualifying riders Long-term system growth backed by dedicated funding The early results are already showing up, with ridership increases ranging from 10% to 30% as service improves and barriers are removed. Innovation Spotlight: First/Last Mile That Works WeGo’s partnership model with Uber is helping bridge the gap between riders and fixed-route service: 19 service zones (and expanding) $2 rides—or free for eligible users Direct connections to high-frequency routes Delivered at a relatively low cost to the agency It’s a scalable example of how agencies can extend their reach without overextending fixed-route service. Host: 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. 00:00 Welcome to Nashville 00:14 Expansion Culture and CFO Role 00:22 Meet Amanda Vandergrift 02:15 Working with Steve Bland 03:34 Two Agencies One Brand 05:08 Contracting and Access Service 06:22 From Consultant to CFO 08:27 Choose How You Move Wins 09:22 Quick Wins and Free Fares 11:29 Wego Link Uber Zones

    26분

  6. 3월 18일

    Do Operators Make the Best Transit Leaders? Lessons from Michael Dylan Pal

    In 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 returning to New York to oversee transit in the Buffalo–Niagara region. In this conversation, Pal reflects on how starting on the front lines shaped his leadership philosophy—and why understanding the daily realities of operators can make a real difference when managing a complex transit system. Today, Pal leads the NFTA Metro system, which provides bus, light rail, and paratransit service to the Buffalo–Niagara region—supporting more than a million residents and carrying roughly 50,000–60,000 riders on a typical weekday. Paul and Michael discuss: How Pal’s career started as a bus operator in Brooklyn What transit leaders can learn from working on the front lines The transition from Phoenix’s desert system to Buffalo’s winter operations Major projects underway in Buffalo, including the DL&W Station redevelopment Plans for the Amherst rail extension The upcoming Bailey Bus Rapid Transit corridor Fleet modernization, electric buses, and future propulsion strategies Pal also shares how Buffalo is experiencing a new wave of investment and growth, and how transit is playing a key role in connecting people to jobs, education, and opportunity across Western New York. For Pal, the lesson is simple: the best transit leaders never forget what it’s like to serve riders and support operators every day. Host: 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.

    34분

  7. 3월 11일

    Safer 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 enforcement to strengthen security on the MetroLink light rail system. The results are already striking: stations where the program has been implemented have seen a 50% reduction in criminal incidents and a significant increase in ridership. During the conversation, Scott walks through how the plan evolved from a detailed security assessment that produced 99 recommendations, and how those insights helped guide long-term improvements across the system. The episode also explores the powerful connection between actual safety improvements and the perception of safety — and why both are critical to attracting riders back to transit. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why St. Louis shifted from an open platform light rail system to secured stations How gating, fencing, and expanded CCTV coverage are changing security operations The role of security partnerships with local law enforcement and contracted security teams Why perception of safety matters just as much as actual incident reduction How safer stations are helping drive ridership growth across the system Scott also shares how the agency is upgrading fare collection systems alongside the security infrastructure, creating a modernized transit experience for riders while strengthening enforcement against fare evasion. As transit agencies nationwide prioritize safety and security, the St. Louis experience offers valuable lessons for systems considering similar investments. Links Learn more about the Secure Platform Plan: https://www.metrostlouis.org Credits Host and Producer: Paul Comfort Executive Producer: Julie Gates Producer: Chris O’Keeffe Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin Editor: Patrick Emile 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. 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.

    29분

  8. 3월 4일

    Episode 400: Mark Miller on the Origins of Transit Unplugged — Plus a 10-Year Look Back

    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.

    45분
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4.4
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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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