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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Transit Unplugged By Modaxo Podcasts
Hosted by Julie Gates, The Transit Unplugged Weekly News Minute gives you insight into top headlines facing the transit industry today. For more transit insights and career journeys, subscribe to Transit Unplugged https://www.transitunplugged.com/
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Driving the Future of Transit: CEO Roundtable from APTA TRANSform 2025
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40:01Recorded Live at the APTA TRANSform Conference in Boston In this special live edition of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort moderates an inspiring CEO Roundtable with five industry leaders shaping the future of mobility. Recorded on-site at APTA TRANSform 2025 in Boston, the conversation dives into the real-world challenges and opportunities faci…
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Calgary revives the Vote Bus, boosting voter accessibility. Foothill Transit expands its hydrogen fueling. The MTA offers transit memorabilia. APTA celebrates CX Day, prioritizing transit customers.
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7.5M DAILY riders for a population of 5M? Winston Toh on Singapore’s Miraculous Transit Model
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29:06
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29:06This week on Transit Unplugged: We head to Singapore, where public transit covers every inch of the island—and carries an astonishing 7.5 million riders daily. Host Paul Comfort sits down with Winston Toh, Managing Director of Tower Transit Singapore, one of four operators under the Land Transport Authority (LTA). With 800 buses across 60 routes, T…
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Metro-North Railroad introduces new, faster trains that reduce pollution. Boston is ranked as the best US city for public transportation. Spokane welcomes double-decker buses. Ottawa ComicCon features a costumed Mandalorian on OC Transpo.
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What San Antonio Needs from Transit Right Now — with VIA’s Jon Gary Herrera
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31:30
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31:30San Antonio is growing—and fast. In this Super September episode, host Paul Comfort sits down with Jon Gary Herrera, the newly appointed President and CEO of VIA Metropolitan Transit, to talk about how one of America’s fastest-growing cities is reimagining transit. From expanding regional collaboration to centering equity in system planning, Jon Ga…
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The Federal Transit Administrator urges safety updates. Dallas opens its Silver Line. Ottawa pilots real-time bus info screens. Chicago's transit-themed holiday sweaters are now available for pre-order.
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LIVE EPISODE: "The ADA is the floor, not the ceiling." — Dignity & Choice in Paratransit
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31:38
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31:38LIVE from the American Public Transportation Association's TRANSform conference, host Paul Comfort moderates a live panel on one of the most mission-critical—but often overlooked—parts of the transit ecosystem: paratransit. Presented in partnership with UZURV – The Adaptive Transportation Network Company (TNC), this candid and high-energy conversat…
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SEPTA receives funding to restore services after budget cuts. Sound Transit operates the first light rail car on a floating bridge. The Gordie Howe Bridge prepares to open, enhancing trade. APTA Transform hosts a panel and a puppy cuddle zone.
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The Unmatched Power of Transit: A Conversation with Nora Leerhsen
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28:18
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28:18In this Super September episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort heads to Chicago to sit down with Nora Leerhsen, Acting President of the Chicago Transit Authority—America’s second-largest public transit system. With more than 11,000 employees, a million daily riders, and an expanding footprint, the CTA plays a massive role in the life of th…
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Vancouver’s Biggest Bus Expansion Since 2018
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0:59
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0:59APTA's Fact Book confirms public transit is a $93B industry, boosting the economy and creating jobs. Vancouver's TransLink expands service, while Eugene's LTD pilots increased frequency. The Bay Area celebrates Transit Month.
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Inside the MTA with Demetrius Crichlow: Leading the Largest Transit System in America
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29:42
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29:42We’re kicking off Super September with a heavy-hitter: Demetrius Crichlow, President of New York City Transit. In this powerful episode, Crichlow sits down with Paul Comfort to reflect on his 20+ year rise through the MTA—from climbing signal poles at Long Island Rail Road to overseeing the nation’s largest transit system. Crichlow doesn’t sugarcoa…
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Labor Day brings schedule changes. SacRT offers free rides for students. Uber plans train rides via the Chunnel. Penn Station's multibillion-dollar makeover is set to begin in 2027, led by Amtrak's Andy Byford.
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The Human Side of Transit: AI, Creativity, and Kindness with Elea Carey and Mike Bismeyer
31:56
31:56
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31:56We’re getting the band back together. In this special episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul catches up with longtime contributors Mike Bismeyer (a.k.a. the King of Kindness) and Elea Carey, marketing strategist and founder of Transit Happy. These two familiar voices helped shape the podcast during the pandemic—and now they’re shaping the industry. Mik…
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Transit News: SEPTA Cuts, Sound Transit, Dogs on Ferries!
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0:58
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0:58Transit faces funding cuts as fares rise. Seattle celebrates a groundbreaking, while Toronto expands affordable housing near transit. And, dogs ride inside Washington State Ferries!
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What Transit Leaders Need Now: Voices from the SWTA Conference
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29:14
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29:14This 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 Sout…
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Transit News: Molinaro, CT Transit, and Fare Evasion
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0:58
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0:58Transit news flashes: A commitment to slash bus costs! CT Transit hits 50, while TransLink unleashes collector cards. San Francisco throws shade at fare evaders—and the Dodgers. Catch the latest in transit!
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98% On-Time & 50 Minutes Saved — Justin Vonashek on Metro-North’s Super-Express Era
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22:39
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22:39On 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, big…
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Transit News: Molinaro, Heat Relief, and Psychedelic Buses!
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0:59
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0:59Marc Molinaro's confirmation as FTA administrator marks a new era! Valley Metro battles record heat with passenger relief. Plus, MV Transportation hits 50, and San Francisco throws it back with psychedelic buses.By Julie Gates
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50 Years of MV Transportation: Harry Wilson on Culture, AI, and What’s Next
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25:32MV 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…
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Transit News: FTA Grants, APTA Tech, & Singing Bus Operators!
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0:59
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0:59Transit agencies get flexibility on no-emissions grants, plus APTA Tech kicks off in Miami. OC Bus drops an unforgettable earworm with a dancing bus operator—you've been warned. "You will put it on repeat." And, Transit Unplugged wins a Spotlight Award!By Julie Gates
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Beyond Ridership – Part 2: Innovation & Smart Procurement with Rikesh Shah
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27:53
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27:53Last 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 d…
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Free Shuttles, Streetcar Expansions & a Warning from TriRail
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0:59
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0:59From budget battles to viral transit wins—here’s what’s making headlines: • TriRail may shut down after $27M in cuts • KC Streetcar extension set to open this October • Maryland Transit releases a bold new rider experience plan • Brightline shuttles fans to Coldplay’s Miami show • Tampa Airport breaks the internet with one brilliant post Transit ne…
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Are Transit KPI’s Broken? Value, AI, and Why We Need to Stop Chasing Ridership
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32:37
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32:37Only 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 deli…
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Transit Gets Multilingual, Ice Cream for Riders, and a $4B Blowout
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0:59
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0:59We unpack the FRA's funding pullback from California High-Speed Rail. Also, TransLink employees are assisting riders speaking over 40 languages. We celebrate National Ice Cream Day with Rhode Island's fun transit promotion.By Julie Gates
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Reclaiming Your Creativity Through Transit, Chatting w/ the Editor of Mass Transit Magazine, and Will LA Be Ready for the Olympics?
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22:23
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22:23In 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 innovati…
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