Transit Unplugged

Miami is making big moves in public transportation. From a groundbreaking all-electric bus rapid transit corridor to the largest bus network redesign in four decades, Miami-Dade County is rethinking how millions of residents and visitors move through one of America's most dynamic metropolitan regions. This week on Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort welcomes Stacy Miller, Director and CEO of the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works, for a look inside the projects transforming mobility across South Florida. At the center of that transformation is MetroExpress, a 20-mile, fully electric bus rapid transit corridor connecting Florida City to Dadeland South. With dedicated lanes, air-conditioned stations, and rail-like infrastructure, the new service is already carrying more than 10,000 daily riders and saving passengers approximately 30 minutes each way compared with driving on the adjacent roadway. But MetroExpress is only part of the story. Miller also discusses Miami-Dade's Better Bus Network, its first major new bus operations center in more than 40 years, and an ambitious modernization program for Metrorail and Metromover. Drawing on more than three decades of experience at the Florida Department of Transportation, she shares her approach to managing one of the nation's largest and most complex transportation departments while preparing for emerging technologies and changing mobility needs. In this episode: - How Miami's Metro Express is delivering faster, all-electric rapid transit - Why the Better Bus Network prioritized frequency, reliability, and accessibility - Building a new generation of infrastructure to support electric fleets - Modernizing Metrorail, Metromover, and aging transit facilities - Connecting riders across buses, rail, and first-mile/last-mile services - Stacy Miller's vision for a more connected, efficient, and adaptable transportation system From bold capital investments to the everyday challenge of delivering reliable service, this conversation offers a look at what it takes to transform transit at metropolitan scale. Listen now to discover how Miami-Dade is building its next chapter in public transportation. Credits Host and Producer: Paul Comfort Executive Producer: Julie Gates Producer: Chris O’Keeffe Production Assistant: Desmond Gates 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. For more information, visit: www.Transit Unplugged.com 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.

What does it take to move 70,000 riders a day while keeping innovation, reliability, and customer experience at the center of every decision? This week on Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with Jack Khzouz, CEO of Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE Bus) and Senior Vice President at Transdev North America, to explore one of the largest contracted public transportation operations in the United States. Serving Nassau County, Long Island, and parts of Queens, NICE operates a fleet of approximately 550 vehicles, delivers 23 million fixed-route rides annually, and provides another 350,000 paratransit trips. But what makes NICE especially interesting is its operating model: Transdev handles far more than day-to-day bus service, working alongside Nassau County on everything from technology and customer engagement to planning, procurement, and regulatory compliance. Jack shares his rider-first approach to leadership, explaining why operational decisions should begin with the passenger experience rather than internal convenience. He also discusses how NICE uses data to improve on-time performance, responds to changing post-pandemic ridership patterns, and experiments with new service models. From expanding express routes and launching hybrid fixed-route/on-demand service to introducing OMNY contactless payments, NICE is embracing innovation while tackling some of transit's biggest challenges. The conversation also explores the growing demand for paratransit, the need to rethink how accessible transportation is delivered, and the role of public-private partnerships in making transit more responsive to the communities it serves. Plus, Jack reflects on his unconventional path into transit leadership, from riding buses as a child in Southern California to helping launch NICE Bus 15 years ago. In this episode: - Why NICE Bus approaches transit operations with a startup mentality - How a rider-first philosophy shapes decisions and service improvements - Using data to improve reliability and create a more consistent rider experience - Responding to changing ridership patterns with express routes and on-demand service - Making fare payment easier through OMNY integration - Addressing rising paratransit demand and the need for sustainable solutions - The advantages of a deeply integrated public-private operating partnership - What's next for NICE, including depot modernization and community-based mobility Credits Host and Producer: Paul Comfort Executive Producer: Julie Gates Producer: Chris O’Keeffe Production Assistant: Desmond Gates 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. For more information, visit: www.Transit Unplugged.com 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.

What does the future of public transportation leadership look like? And who are the emerging professionals already making a difference? On this special episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort is joined by Megan Perrero, Editor-in-Chief of @MassTransitMagazine , to celebrate the publication's 2026 40 Under 40 honorees. Now in its 18th year, the program recognizes 40 outstanding transit professionals under the age of 40 for their commitment, innovation, involvement, and contributions to the public transit industry. Paul and Megan sit down with four honorees whose career paths demonstrate just how many ways there are to make an impact in transit: - Amanda Barlow, Co-Founder and Principal Consultant at Cardinal HR Solutions, discusses the importance of workforce development, organizational culture, and relationships in effective leadership. She shares why leadership is something you practice, not simply a title you hold. - Jessenia Fernandes, Director of Safety and Training at Merrimack Valley Transit (MeVa), shares her journey from bus operator to agency leadership. She explains how building training programs from the ground up and removing language barriers have helped frontline employees grow into successful careers. - John Duklewski, Executive Director of the Transportation Association of Maryland (TAM), explores the power of statewide transit associations to connect professionals, strengthen agencies, and advocate for funding. He recounts how a legislative victory helped protect Maryland's locally operated transit systems from significant budget cuts. - Latashia S. Vauss, Board Minutes Coordinator at New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit), offers a look behind the scenes of transit governance. She discusses how modernizing internal processes, strengthening communication, and supporting board operations can make a meaningful difference throughout an agency. Throughout the conversations, a common theme emerges: successful transit leadership is built on curiosity, collaboration, mentorship, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. From frontline training to legislative advocacy, these four professionals are demonstrating that innovation doesn't always require a new technology or a major capital project. Sometimes, it begins with asking better questions, improving an outdated process, or helping someone else succeed. Whether you're beginning a career in public transportation, exploring a new professional path, or looking for ways to strengthen your own leadership skills, this episode offers valuable perspectives from some of the industry's rising leaders. Learn more about the 2026 40 Under 40 honorees at MassTransitMag.com. Subscribe to Transit Unplugged for conversations with the leaders and innovators shaping the future of mobility at TransitUnplugged.com. Credits Host and Producer: Paul Comfort Executive Producer: Julie Gates Producer: Chris O’Keeffe Production Assistant: Desmond Gates 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. For more information, visit: www.Transit Unplugged.com 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.

What will define the next year of mobility—and which technologies are actually ready to move from hype to reality? In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with John Rossant, CEO of CoMotion, for a wide-ranging look at the technologies, policies, and partnerships shaping transportation as 2027 approaches. Rossant explains why he believes autonomy will become a defining feature across urban mobility, from robotaxis and autonomous transit to artificial intelligence making transportation systems more efficient. He also explores the growing relationship between autonomous vehicles and public transit—and why the future may depend on making those modes work together seamlessly. The conversation also looks ahead to the 10th edition of CoMotion Los Angeles, where public agencies, private-sector innovators, startups, and global mobility leaders will come together in Los Angeles. Rossant discusses advances in electric vehicles, hydrogen, delivery robots, aviation, and mobility policy, while Paul and John explore what Los Angeles learned from the World Cup and what those lessons could mean as the region prepares for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Learn more about CoMotion Credits Host and Producer: Paul Comfort Executive Producer: Julie Gates Producer: Chris O’Keeffe Production Assistant: Desmond Gates Editor: Patrick Emile Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye Production Assistant: Desmond Gates Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo, passionate about moving the world’s people. For more information, visit: www.Transit Unplugged.com 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.

Nashville asked for more public transportation. WeGo is delivering. In this episode, Paul Comfort talks with Andy Burke, Chief Operating Officer of WeGo Public Transit, about how Nashville is preparing for one of the largest transit expansions in the agency’s history. Following voter approval of the Choose How You Move transportation program and its half-cent sales tax, WeGo is adding approximately 7% more bus service hours each year as part of a long-term expansion that could dramatically increase transit service across the region. That means more buses—but also more operators, mechanics, training, technology, and infrastructure to support them. Andy explains how WeGo is building that capacity while protecting the reliability of the service riders already depend on. The agency is currently about 98% staffed for bus operators, while a three-year maintenance apprenticeship program is helping address one of the transit industry’s toughest workforce challenges: finding and developing skilled mechanics. So far, 11 apprentices have graduated from the program, and WeGo is exploring ways to expand that training model further. Paul and Andy also discuss WeGo’s plans to move toward 24/7 service, targeted for summer 2027, and the operational questions that come with eliminating the overnight window currently used to fuel, clean, and prepare buses for the next day. Technology is another major piece of the expansion. Andy shares how WeGo is breaking down departmental silos through a new enterprise systems team, developing WeGo Connect as a centralized source of information for employees, upgrading its enterprise asset management tools, and testing headway management on frequent bus corridors. Andy, who also chairs the Bus Operations Committee for the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), talks about his own leadership journey and the importance of keeping priorities focused as an organization grows. His advice: identify the two or three things that matter most, build a strong culture around the people doing the work, and keep listening to frontline employees. And after nearly 20 years in transit, Andy shares one more lesson that applies well beyond operations: the job can’t be your entire identity. From completing a half marathon to simply making room to slow down, he explains why taking care of yourself is part of sustaining a long career in the industry. It’s an inside look at what transit expansion really requires—and how WeGo is building the people, systems, and culture Nashville will need for its next era of public transportation. Credits Host and Producer: Paul Comfort Executive Producer: Julie Gates Producer: Chris O’Keeffe Production Assistant: Desmond Gates Editor: Patrick Emile Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye Production Assistant: Desmond Gates Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo, passionate about moving the world’s people. For more information, visit: www.Transit Unplugged.com 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.