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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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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From Operator to Officer: Dwight Ferrell on Leading SMART Transit Across Southeast Michigan
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26:24From driving a bus in Dallas to leading one of the largest transit systems in the Midwest, Dwight Ferrell’s story is the blueprint for leadership rooted in experience. In this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort rides along with Dwight, General Manager of the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART), for a candid …
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NYC Tolls , Bike Lane Enforcement , Free Rides!
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0:58We're covering NYC's congestion toll fight, Sacramento's bike lane enforcement with AI, and Earth Day free rides on transit. Reduce carbon footprint with us!By Julie Gates
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Moving the Masses: M.J. Maynard on the Power of Las Vegas Transit’s One-of-a-Kind Agency Model
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31:16This week on Transit Unplugged, Paul visits Las Vegas to talk with M.J. Maynard, CEO of the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC). From managing traffic for massive events like the Las Vegas Marathon and Formula 1, to running one of the busiest bus-only transit systems in the U.S., M.J. gives us a behind-the-scenes look at wha…
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Transit News, Ed Sheeran & Jimmy Fallon Go Undercover in the Subway
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0:59Join us as we celebrate TTC's staggering milestone of 34 billion trips! Plus, discover how New Jersey Transit is tackling homelessness and see Ed Sheeran and Jimmy Fallon light up the subway with an unexpected musical performance!By Julie Gates
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From Hydrogen to the World Cup: John Rossant on the Future of Mobility
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30:14In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with John Rossant, founder and CEO of CoMotion, to explore what’s next for cities, transit, and technology. From preparing for mega-events like the World Cup to pioneering hydrogen-powered aviation, John shares how CoMotion is helping shape the future of urban mobility—with a pasta recipe…
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Disability Access, New Line Launch & NYC Subway Revamp
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0:58Join us as we explore exciting updates from the APTA Mobility Conference in Austin, Maryland's Purple Line tests, and B.C. Transit's improvements for commuters with disabilities. Plus, a look at New York's subway map update after 50 years!By Julie Gates
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Texas Transit Trends: Live from the Texas Transit Association Conference in McAllen
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36:38Please subscribe to our newsletter! This week on Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort hosts a special episode recorded live at the 2025 Texas Transit Association Conference in McAllen, Texas. In this roundtable, Paul speaks with five accomplished Texas transit leaders about the realities of running transit systems across Texas—from expansive rural regio…
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Transit CEOs Tackle D.C., Kids with Autism Announce on Subways, and April Fool's Day Fun!
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0:59Join us as we dive into the APTA seminar where 160 transit leaders strategize impactful solutions for public transportation. Plus, discover how students with autism are making their voices heard on subway announcements! Get ready for some fun surprises this April Fool's Day!By Julie Gates
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Optimal Mix: Light Rail vs. Bus Rapid Transit with Professor Niels van Oort
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38:34Join Paul Comfort on this episode of Transit Unplugged for an insightful conversation with Professor Niels van Oort, Associate Professor of Public Transport and Shared Mobility at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands and co-director of the Smart Public Transport Lab. Paul and Niels explore critical considerations in transit planning, i…
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Urgent Call: Chicago Transit Faces Budget Crisis!
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0:59In this Transit Unplugged News Minute, Chicago leaders warn of a looming transit collapse due to a $770 million budget gap. Plus, learn about New York's MetroCard phase-out and SEPTA's new stroller-friendly initiative for families. Join us for the latest updates!By Julie Gates
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Mobility Redefined: Exploring Global Transit Trends with Dr. Kaan Yildizgöz
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36:10In this special episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort welcomes Dr. Kaan Yildizgöz, host of Mobility Redefined, the new sister podcast of Transit Unplugged. Dr. Yildizögz, a leading global expert in public transportation and former senior director at UITP, shares his personal journey into transportation, driven by childhood memories in his fath…
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St. Patrick's Day Transit Highlights: Green Rivers & Free Rides
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0:59Join us for our Transit Unplugged News Minute! Discover how Chicago turns its river green, Reno's fare-free rides, and the upcoming Think Transit Conference. Plus, celebrate National Transit Employee Appreciation Day with Monterey Salinas Transit!By Julie Gates
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Exploring Tucson's Transit Future with Mikel Oglesby
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37:09Take a behind-the-scenes look at Tucson, Arizona’s SunTran transit system with General Manager Mikel Oglesby. Host Paul Comfort and Mikel explore the city’s transit modes, budget, and future projects, including the innovative Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) plans. Discover Mikel's unique journey in public transit, from his childhood riding buses with his f…
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How TransTransit & the economy, Latinos in Transit, Montreal's Gorilla Parkit Boosts Economy!
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1:00🚆 Here’s what’s new in transportation this week with Transit Unplugged #NewsMinute and Julie Gates! 📢 Public Transit & the Economy: American Public Transportation Association leaders met with D.C. officials to highlight transit’s impact on jobs and investment. 🎓 LIT Leadership Academy: Congrats to the 42 new participants kicking off their leadershi…
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Inside Amtrak: Growth, Modernization, and High-Speed Rail with CEO Stephen Gardner
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35:20In this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort interviews Stephen Gardner, CEO of Amtrak, at their Washington, DC headquarters. They discuss Amtrak's record ridership of 32.8 million passengers in the past year, recent capital investments totaling $4.5 billion, and the introduction of new Acela trains. Gardner shares insights into Amtrak's…
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Daylight Savings, DART Van Awards & Transit News Highlights
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1:00Discover key updates in transit this week! From the U.S. Department of Transportation's oversight of daylight savings to DART's generous van awards for nonprofits and the APTA AdWheel winners, join us for the latest in public transportation news.By Julie Gates
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A Lifetime in the Business of Moving People with Tom Drozt
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26:15After decades at transit agencies across the U.S., Tom Drozt decided at 56 to retire, spend time with his family, work on his yard, and find some new passions to put his energy into. Turns out transit is his passion, so before long he was out of retirement and at MARTA in Atlanta running bus operations. Now the CEO of Ben Franklin Transit in Southe…
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All Eyes High Speed Rail and Congestion Charges
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0:58
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0:58The Trump administration is rescinding an agreement for New York’s Congestion Pricing and intends to cancel the program that reduces congestion and air pollution by charging a toll for vehicles to drive through Manhattan’s Central Business District. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority filed papers against the motion in federal court, and Gove…
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Brisbane’s Dynamic Transit System with City Councillor Ryan Murphy
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18:57
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18:57In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort interviews Ryan Murphy, the Chair of the City Council's Transportation Committee in Brisbane, while riding one of Brisbane’s famous CityCat ferries to talk about the vibrant and evolving transit system in this river city. Episode Highlights: CityCat Ferries: Discover the unique CityCat ferry servic…
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Electrifying Chile’s Transport: A Conversation with Transport Minister Juan Carlos Muñoz
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38:37This is a special episode of Transit Unplugged from our sister podcast, Mobility Redefined. Learn more about this great new show on their website: https://mobilityredefined.com/. Below are the original show notes for the episode: In this episode of Mobility Redefined, host Dr. Kaan Yildizgoz speaks with Juan Carlos Muñoz, Chile’s Minister of Transp…
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In this special episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort and co-host Kelly Chapman highlight the inspiring stories of four remarkable women leaders in Australian public transport. This is the third of five episodes coming from Paul’s recent 10-day tour of Australia. Don’t forget to also check out Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube for the TV episode…
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New FTA Administrator, drug testing for TNCs, no smoking means less crime, and it was a Super Transit Super Bowl
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1:00 Welcome to your Transit Unplugged News Minute. Former New York Congressman Marcus Molinaro has been tapped to become the next administrator of the Federal Transit Administration. He has served on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Source: Gothamist The FTA has released a Notice of Proposed Policy Statement, requiring transpo…
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Transportation Shakeup: New Rules that Could Impact TNCs
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33:25In 2016, Brad Miller, CEO of the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), had an idea. What if subsidized rides with Transportation Networking Companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft could help people in his community get where they needed to go. What if you could get a subsidized Uber ride at the end of your overnight shift when regular transit isn…
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New DOT Secretary sworn in, more police on the subway in NYC, COTA stops fares cold
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0:59Sean Duffy has been sworn-in as the 20th Secretary of the US Department of Transportation. He said, “We're in a global race to out-innovate and out-compete the rest of the world. We will craft clear regulations which balance safety, innovation and cutting-edge technology.” Source: CBS News To increase safety and public confidence in New York, they …
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