Transit Unplugged

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 Kickoff01:09 Big Changes at FTA01:32 Leadership Vacuum Explained02:22 Matt Webber Retires03:00 Jamie Fister Steps In03:30 Who Will Lead Next04:25 Transit Funding Shakeup05:01 Why the Budget Drops06:45 APTA Pushback Strategy07:26 Reauthorization Clock Ticking10:35 Gas Prices and Ridership12:18 EV Fees and Innovation Pivot12:50 VTOLs and Advanced Air Mobility17:12 Autonomous Vehicles Go MainstreamCreditsHost and Producer: Paul ComfortExecutive Producer: Julie GatesProducer: Chris O’KeeffeEditor: Patrick EmileAssociate Producer: Cyndi RaskinBrand Design: Tina OlagundoyeTransit 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.

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 CEOWhy “presence matters” in transit leadershipHow SMART rapidly improved on-time performanceGamifying performance with the “OTP Challenge”Growing ridership through better service and amenitiesDetroit’s comeback and transit’s role in regional growthFree rides for students and future workforce developmentWhy storytelling matters for public transportation today00:00 Meet Tiffany Gunter01:30 Think Transit Reunion03:00 Finding the X Factor03:42 Transit Career Origin05:37 Hands On Leadership10:14 Detroit Transit Landscape13:52 Culture of Care17:53 Down With OTP18:45 Daily Performance Huddles20:01 Leaderboards And Buy In21:51 Detroit Comeback Story25:07 Big Events Transit Surge25:55 Cutting the highlighted section below bc this has already happened27:30 Future Plans And Free Rides31:40 Leadership Lessons And Wrap32:29 Not sure if this should be includedCreditsHost and Producer: Paul ComfortExecutive Producer: Julie GatesProducer: Chris O’KeeffeEditor: Patrick EmileAssociate Producer: Cyndi RaskinBrand Design: Tina OlagundoyeTransit 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.

How Transit CEOs Are Tackling Safety, Growth, and Leadership — Live from ThinkTransitThis 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.CreditsHost and Producer: Paul ComfortExecutive Producer: Julie GatesProducer: Chris O’KeeffeEditor: Patrick EmileAssociate Producer: Cyndi RaskinBrand Design: Tina OlagundoyeTransit 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.

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 agencyHow RTD manages daily service for 135,000+ ridersThe key KPIs driving performance—from on-time service to cost efficiencyWhy Denver embraced frequent regional rail before it became industry standardHow transit agencies are adapting to new ridership patterns post-pandemicThe role of technology, safety, and data dashboards in modern operationsWhat’s ahead for Denver, including BRT expansion, rail reconstruction, and major development projectsA system built for scale—and the futureFrom 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.CreditsHost and Producer: Paul ComfortExecutive Producer: Julie GatesProducer: Chris O’KeeffeEditor: Patrick EmileAssociate Producer: Cyndi RaskinBrand Design: Tina OlagundoyeTransit 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.

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 EpisodeWhat actually drives ridership growthWhy 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 programsHow 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 foundationWhy 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 experienceReal-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 futureWhy 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 TakeawayRidership 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.CreditsHost and Producer: Paul ComfortExecutive Producer: Julie GatesProducer: Chris O’KeeffeEditor: Patrick EmileAssociate Producer: Cyndi RaskinBrand Design: Tina OlagundoyeTransit 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.