Transit Unplugged

Latest Episodes:

“More People on My Buses, More Space on the Road for You” Nov 19, 2025

Show notes

On 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, supporting 1,700+ employees, and preparing for major system updates including a hydrogen bus pilot, a battery-electric fleet project, and the upcoming Hazel McCallion LRT (Light Rail Transit) line.

Maureen shares insights on:

Why ridership should be measured in value, not just taps and fares

How MiWay is shifting toward zero-emission technology

What it takes to communicate big budgets to elected officials

The importance of frontline operators and technicians

Her career path from customer service to leading one of Canada’s largest systems

“More people on my buses, more space on the road for you.” — Maureen Cosyn Heath

Recorded live in Ontario at the Vontas Canada User Summit, this conversation highlights a transit agency preparing for its next chapter—and a leader focused on fundamentals, connection, and community impact.

Credits + Disclaimer

Host & Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer: Chris O’Keeffe

Editor: Patrick Emile

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Consultants: Dan Misener & Jonas Woost (Bumper)

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.

“ Rural Public Transportation Really is a Lifeline.” Nov 12, 2025

Show notes

On 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 new university transit partnership, to technology investments that improve safety and rider experience, Cape Girardeau is a powerful example of how small systems innovate with limited resources.

In This Conversation, You’ll Learn:

Why transit in rural communities is truly a lifeline, especially for seniors and workers without vehicles
How Cape Girardeau runs vanpool routes to large employers across county lines to connect people with stable jobs
The impact of taking over Southeast Missouri State University’s transit service and launching live bus tracking for students and residents
How partnerships like FlixBus/Greyhound restore regional travel access to St. Louis and beyond
How the system is using AI-based safety and vehicle monitoring tools to support operators and prevent breakdowns
The financial reality of rural transit funding — and the creative strategies needed when state dollars are cut

CREDITS

Host & Producer: Paul Comfort
Executive Producer: Julie Gates
Producer: Chris O’Keeffe
Editor: Patrick Emile
Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin
Consultants: Dan Misener & Jonas Woost (Bumper)

These Research Reports Could Change Transit Forever Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

In 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 Guzzetti — Vice President, Policy at American Public Transportation Association (APTA)
Matt Daus — Partner & Chair, Transportation Practice Group (Windels Marx)

They dive into the critical role of research in shaping the future of public transit—how the Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) delivers actionable insights, not just academic studies. From fare policy to safety, from AI to workforce development, hear how these leaders are using data and research to make real-world decisions that impact millions of riders.

Whether you're in operations, policy, planning, or innovation, this episode will show you why research isn’t just important—it’s urgent.

https://nap.nationalacademies.org/trb/165/transit-cooperative-research-program-research-report

Tracking KPI's in a Visualization Room Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

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 building tools like visualization rooms to improve ops in real-time, championing revolutionary technology, and leading major projects like Grand Paris Express and Canada’s high-speed ALTO corridor.

Laurence shares what it’s like adapting the European subcontractor model to North America. She also gives us a glimpse into Keolis’ recruitment strategy, their evolving leadership culture, and how they’re pushing beyond sustainability goals to future-proof ridership.

If you want to know what transit looks like when it’s run like a global system—this is the episode.

00:00 Introduction and Conference Overview

01:27 Interview with Laurence Broseta Begins

02:43 Keolis Group and Global Operations

06:44 Visualization Rooms and Operational Excellence

10:34 Keolis in North America: Challenges and Successes

13:52 Leadership and Recruitment at Keolis

16:51 High-Speed Rail in Canada: The ALTO Project

18:24 Global High-Speed Rail Developments

23:56 North American Transit Operations

26:02 Future of Public Transportation

28:14 Conclusion and Farewell

Creator, Host & Producer — Paul Comfort

Executive Producer — Julie Gates

Producer — Chris O'Keeffe

Editor — Patrick Emile

Associate Producer — Cyndi Raskin

Special thanks to:

Brand Design — Tina Olagundoye

Social Media — Tatyana Mechkarova

📩 Got a question or comment? Email us at info@transitunplugged.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. This production belongs to Modaxo and may contain information 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.

"I Need Some Fatherly Advice." - A Transit Leadership Transition Story Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

Passing 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 transition process. Dan reflects on his tenure and plans for retirement while Michael outlines his vision and priorities for the future, emphasizing the importance of hiring the right people and maintaining employee retention. The conversation also highlights the multi-month preparation and training that ensured a seamless transition and continued success for the agency.

Creator, Host & Producer — Paul Comfort

Executive Producer — Julie Gates

Producer — Chris O'Keeffe

Associate Producer — Cyndi Raskin

Special thanks to:

Brand Design — Tina Olagundoye

Social Media — Tatyana Mechkarova

📩 Got a question or comment? Email us at info@transitunplugged.com

⚠️ Disclaimer

Transit Unplugged Insider: Exclusive Intel on Shutdowns, Safety, and AI Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

In 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 agencies are pulling back from electric buses
How safety is taking a front seat and what the current Administration is using to measure it
The rise of AI, cybersecurity, and automation inside transit ops
What we’re hearing about operator shortages, microtransit expansion, and system redesigns
And what’s next for Transit Unplugged TV, Parking Live, and the brand-new Aviation Report

Creator, Host & Producer — Paul Comfort

Executive Producer — Julie Gates

Producer — Chris O'Keeffe

Associate Producer — Cyndi Raskin

Special thanks to:

Brand Design — Tina Olagundoye

Social Media — Tatyana Mechkarova

📩 Got a question or comment? Email us at info@transitunplugged.com

⚠️ Disclaimer

Driving the Future of Transit: CEO Roundtable from APTA TRANSform 2025 Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

Recorded 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 facing transit systems today—and the leadership vision driving change.

Joining Paul are:

Ben Limmer (Connecticut DOT)

Kenneth McDonald (Long Beach Transit and APTA CEO of the Year)

Jessica Mefford-Miller (Valley Metro)

Ben Stupka (RTA of Southeast Michigan), and Amanda Wanke (DART – Des Moines).

Together, they explore key themes:

The biggest transformations their agencies have experienced in the past two years

• How leaders pivot under pressure and lead through uncertainty

• Innovation in action—new projects and technologies transforming service

• A day in the life of a modern transit CEO

• Their vision for the next decade of mobility

This uplifting roundtable is packed with practical insights, real-world leadership lessons, and inspiration for everyone working to move people—and communities—forward.

7.5M DAILY riders for a population of 5M? Winston Toh on Singapore’s Miraculous Transit Model Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

This 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, Tower Transit is at the center of a system designed with precision—and powered by centralized planning.

Winston shares:

Why bus ridership (3.8M daily) surpasses rail (3.4M) in Singapore
How LTA ensures full national coverage and low fares (as little as $0.69 for seniors)
Why “every inch of the land is covered” with integrated bus and rail systems
The role of AI-enabled safety tools, including fatigue detection and driver incentive programs
How Tower Transit fosters a people-first culture, with 80% staff engagement and Singapore Best Employer status
The company’s goal to become “the Singapore Airlines of the bus industry”

Whether you’re an operator, planner, or policymaker, this episode offers a blueprint for equitable, efficient, and tech-forward mobility.

Creator, Host & Producer — Paul Comfort

Executive Producer — Julie Gates

Producer — Chris O'Keeffe

Edited and Mixed by — Chris O’Keeffe + Patrick Emile

Associate Producer — Cyndi Raskin

Special thanks to:

Brand Design — Tina Olagundoye

Social Media — Tatyana Mechkarova

Got a question or comment? Email us at info@transitunplugged.com

Disclaimer

What San Antonio Needs from Transit Right Now — with VIA’s Jon Gary Herrera Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

San 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 Gary brings a thoughtful and bold vision to VIA’s next chapter. He shares what he’s learned from nearly two decades in public service—including his time at LA Metro, Capitol Hill, and the private sector—and why he believes public transit is essential for prosperity, climate, and quality of life.

Topics include:

What brought Jon Gary to San Antonio—and why the time was right
The opportunity (and pressure) of leading a transit system in a fast-growing city
Why transit investments must reflect the lived experience of the people who use them
The power of community accountability—and how it shapes service delivery
VIA’s strategy for becoming a mobility ecosystem that works for all

“We're in a moment where we need to be courageous about the future.” — Jon Gary Herrera

Whether you're a transit professional, city planner, or civic leader, this episode offers key insights into building resilient, future-focused mobility systems that meet the needs of diverse, growing communities.

Credits

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo, passionate about moving the world’s people.

Creator, Host & Producer — Paul Comfort

Executive Producer — Julie Gates

Producer — Chris O'Keeffe

Edited and Mixed by — Chris O’Keeffe + Patrick Emile

Associate Producer — Cyndi Raskin

Special thanks to:

Brand Design — Tina Olagundoye

Social Media — Tatyana Mechkarova

Got a question or comment? Email us at info@transitunplugged.com

Disclaimer

LIVE EPISODE: “The ADA is the floor, not the ceiling.” — Dignity & Choice in Paratransit Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

LIVE 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 conversation features leaders from across the country who are redefining what’s possible when innovation meets accessibility.

Guests:

Mark Aesch, CEO, TransPro Consulting
Eileen Collins Turvey, Director of Paratransit, TriMet (Portland, OR)
Kevin Hernandez, Chief Operating Officer, GRTC (Richmond, VA)
Ned Freeman, CEO, UZURV

Together, they discuss:

Why paratransit isn’t just an “unfunded mandate”—it’s a cornerstone of transit’s value to the community
How performance-based models and TNC partnerships are helping agencies cut costs and boost rider satisfaction
New data showing paratransit users are the most satisfied transit customers in America
What success looks like when we prioritize dignity, flexibility, and equity

"Do you know who the most happy transit customers in America are? Paratransit customers. They're happier than fixed route bus or BRT or Rail.” – Mark Aesch

“The ADA is the floor, not the ceiling. It's minimum compliance. And if that's what you're seeking, I'm not gonna tell you how to run your program.” – Eileen Collins Turvey

“ It's time to be innovative. We can't continue doing the same things we've been doing for 70 years." – Kevin Hernandez

Whether you're running a transit system, shaping policy, or simply believe in building cities that work for everyone—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.