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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This 150-Year-Old "Railway" System Is Betting Big on Compressed Natural Gas
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22:20On this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with Nancy Purser, Acting Director of the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). After 15 years with the agency, Nancy now leads one of Ontario’s most historic and ambitious transit systems — one that’s preparing for transformative growth. Nancy shares how HSR is executing HSR Next: Moving Hamilt…
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Record-breaking riders, $10K bonuses, and Black Friday train deals
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0:59Amtrak breaks ridership records, the U.S. Department of Transportation issues $10,000 bonuses, Thanksgiving travel surges, and Black Friday rail deals roll out across Canada. Welcome to this week’s Transit Unplugged News Minute with Julie Gates. In this episode: • Amtrak celebrates a record-breaking year with more than 34 million trips, setting new…
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"More People on My Buses, More Space on the Road for You”
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32:00
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32:00On this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with Maureen Cosyn Heath, Director of Transit for the City of Mississauga and the leader of MiWay, the third-largest municipal transit agency in Ontario. Mississauga has grown rapidly to more than 775,000 residents, and MiWay is evolving right alongside the city—operating 500 buses, suppo…
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Government Shutdown Ends — Here’s What It Meant for U.S. Transit
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0:59This week’s Transit Unplugged News Minute covers how U.S. transit continued delivering essential services through the government shutdown, despite grant delays and reimbursement interruptions. APTA urges President Trump to reject the U.S. DOT proposal to eliminate the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund, warning it would harm riders and …
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" Rural Public Transportation Really is a Lifeline."
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23:50On this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with Ginny Smith, Executive Director of the Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority. Ginny shares how rural transit systems provide essential access to jobs, healthcare, education, and independence for the people they serve. From vanpools that connect workers to regional employers, to a n…
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This week with Julie Gates on Transit Unplugged News Minute: Americans voted yes for public transit, with over 80% of ballot measures approved across the U.S. Experts weigh in on the new 10% U.S. bus tariff taking effect this month. The Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) celebrated the best in Canadian transit at the CUTA Awards, recognising…
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These Research Reports Could Change Transit Forever
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55:09
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55:09In this special live episode of Transit Unplugged, recorded at TCRP Day in Washington, DC, Paul Comfort sits down with a powerhouse panel of transit leaders: Sarah Meyer — EVP, Chief Customer Officer at Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Jamaal Schoby — Senior Program Manager at Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Art Gu…
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It’s a big week for movement — of people, progress, and purpose
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0:59
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0:59🗳️ City of Danville, Virginia — free rides on Election Day 🚇 Metropolitan Transportation Authority — new elevators and walkways at Grand Central 🚄 Amtrak — $30M in upgrades for North Dakota stations 🍁 Meanwhile in Montreal, our Paul Comfort joins industry leaders at Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA)’s Fall Conference to host the CEO Roundta…
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This week on Transit Unplugged, we’re bringing you an international perspective. Paul Comfort sits down with Laurence Broseta, International CEO of Keolis Group, for a front-row look at how one of the world’s largest operators is reimagining public transit. With operations in 13 countries, Keolis is doing more than running trains and buses—they’re …
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From free rides to 3D-printed bus parts — transit is charging ahead!
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0:59
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0:59Maryland Transit Administration is helping federal employees during the government shutdown with free MARC Train and Commuter Bus rides. Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works just launched America’s longest all-electric BRT, complete with air-conditioned shelters and free Wi-Fi. Dallas Area Rapid Transit (Official DART pag…
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"I Need Some Fatherly Advice." - A Transit Leadership Transition Story
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22:50Passing the Torch at GRITS: In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort speaks live from the Kentucky Transit Association Trade Show with Dan Lanham and Michael Hughes of GRITS transit service. As Dan prepares to retire after nearly two decades and Michael steps up from Assistant Director to take over, they discuss the smooth leadership tran…
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TransLink operator Kelly Podlubny is now the 2025 World Laughing Champion! SamTranss (San Mateo County Transit District) introduces new policies to suspend riders who behave unsafely. California Governor Gavin Newsom’s AB 394 gives courts the power to ban those who assault transit workers. RTC of Southern Nevada now empowers security officers to re…
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Transit Unplugged Insider: Exclusive Intel on Shutdowns, Safety, and AI
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31:06
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31:06In this exclusive edition of Transit Unplugged Insider, host Paul Comfort sits down with executive producer Julie Gates to unpack the biggest developments across the public transportation world—things you won’t hear anywhere else. Inside this episode: What the federal shutdown really means for transit funding—and which programs are frozen Why some …
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David Fink is officially confirmed as the new head of the @Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) — leading the next chapter of America’s rail future. In Buffalo, NY, transit scores a touchdown with plans for a new Buffalo Bills stadium featuring a dedicated transit hub for fans. Amtrak is back on the Gulf Coast, restoring passenger service between …
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Driving the Future of Transit: CEO Roundtable from APTA TRANSform 2025
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40:01
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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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31:30San 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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