Transit Unplugged

Latest Episodes:

The Unmatched Power of Transit: A Conversation with Nora Leerhsen Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

In 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 the Windy City—and Nora is at the helm during a pivotal time. A lawyer and former educator who rose through the ranks from compliance officer to chief of staff and now acting president, Nora shares her deep belief in transit's power to uplift cities and people alike.

They discuss:

How CTA is hitting post-pandemic ridership highs during special events like Lollapalooza
The launch of the Frequent Network, boosting service on 20 core bus routes
Nora’s unique path to leadership—and why a legal background helps navigate complexity
CTA's all-hands approach to safety, from targeted police missions to new rider engagement programs
The long-awaited Red Line Extension, bringing rail access to underserved South Side communities
How partnerships with Metra, Pace, and RTA are shaping a more unified regional system

And yes—there’s even a nod to Ferris Bueller and the iconic rumble of the L.

“Transit is unmatched in the impact it can have on a city and on its trajectory,” says Nora. Tune in for a candid, energizing conversation about the past, present, and future of Chicago’s transit backbone.

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 & Newsletter Editor — Chris O’Keefe
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.

Inside the MTA with Demetrius Crichlow: Leading the Largest Transit System in America Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

We’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 sugarcoat the challenges. He opens up about leading through a crisis of public trust, tackling rising crime, modernizing aging infrastructure, and navigating tough conversations about race, fairness, and opportunity inside large institutions.

Highlights include:

How fare evasion was reduced by 27%
Why putting people first means choosing talent over tenure
What CBTC (communications-based train control) means for NYC
The hidden complexity of drainage, substations, and keeping a 24/7 system running
Why congestion pricing is more than just a revenue stream
A bold leadership approach built on respect, experience, and strategic change

Whether you’re leading a small system or managing a megacity’s transit infrastructure, this episode offers insights that will stay with you.

Podcast 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 & Newsletter Editor — Chris O’Keefe

Associate Producer — Cyndi Raskin

Podcast Intern — Desmond Gates

Special thanks to:

Brand Design — Tina Olagundoye

Social Media — Tatyana Mechkarova

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

Disclaimer

The Human Side of Transit: AI, Creativity, and Kindness with Elea Carey and Mike Bismeyer Aug 27, 2025

Show notes

We’re getting the band back together.

In this special episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul catches up with longtime contributors Mike Bismeyer (a.k.a. the King of Kindness) and Elea Carey, marketing strategist and founder of Transit Happy. These two familiar voices helped shape the podcast during the pandemic—and now they’re shaping the industry.

Mike shares how kindness has become a key leadership trait, and how mentorship continues to change his career and others'. Elea gets into what works—and doesn’t—with marketing in 2025, and how social media and AI are shifting the landscape for transit agencies.

Together, the group dives deep on:

Using kindness as a competitive advantage
Building sustainable, people-first transit culture
The real risks and rewards of AI in marketing
Why relationships—not tech—are the future of our industry

This one’s personal, practical, and packed with ideas you’ll want to steal for your own agency.

Reach out to them here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleacarey/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kindnessiscoolbythebiz/

Podcast 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 & Newsletter Editor — Chris O’Keefe

Associate Producer — Cyndi Raskin

Podcast Intern — Desmond Gates

Special thanks to:

Brand Design — Tina Olagundoye

Social Media — Tatyana Mechkarova

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

Disclaimer

What Transit Leaders Need Now: Voices from the SWTA Conference Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

This Week on Transit Unplugged

On the Road in New Orleans: SWTA Summer Conference Spotlight

In this special conference edition of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort is on location at the SWTA Summer University Conference in New Orleans, where he dives deep into the challenges and opportunities facing small and mid-sized transit systems across the Southwest.

Main Interview:

Perri D’Armond – Director, Fort Bend Transit (Fort Bend County, TX)

Perri shares how one of America’s fastest-growing and most diverse counties is reimagining transit service. She discusses:

Fort Bend's explosive growth from 350,000 to nearly 900,000 residents since 2000

The success of their new downtown Houston commuter service, even post-COVID

A real-world use of transit for seniors and ADA riders — including the memorable line: "I don’t care if I’m taking you to play bingo…"

How local context shapes flexible service models, from park-and-ride to rural demand response

Her career path from ag education to economic development to transit leadership

Special Guests:

Rich Sampson – Executive Director, Southwest Transit Association (SWTA)

Rich gives us a front-row seat to the key challenges and trends for transit in the SWTA region, including:

Calls to raise federal match ratios for smaller systems

Changing ridership patterns in post-pandemic suburban networks

What makes SWTA’s events stand out — and what’s next for the organization

Dinero’ Washington – CEO, SporTran & Chair, LPTA (Louisiana Public Transportation Association)

Dinero’ outlines Louisiana’s big transit wins:

A new $23M admin center and multimodal hub in Shreveport

Statewide investment in ferry programs, CNG, and BRT

The importance of unified support from DOTD and agencies alike

This episode captures the energy of transit leaders on the ground, collaborating across state lines and service types to deliver real solutions — with community impact front and center.

Subscribe & Stay Connected

Like what you heard? Subscribe to Transit Unplugged on your favorite podcast platform, or sign up for the newsletter at TransitUnplugged.com

for weekly updates from the field.

Podcast Credits

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo

Creator, Host, + Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer + Newsletter Editor: Chris O’Keeffe

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Podcast Intern: Desmond Gates

Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

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

Subscribe to the newsletter:

transitunplugged.com/subscribe-to-the-transit-unplugged-newsletter

98% On-Time & 50 Minutes Saved — Justin Vonashek on Metro-North’s Super-Express Era Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

On the heels of his February appointment, Metro-North Railroad President Justin Vonashek sits down with Paul Comfort to break down a banner year for the MTA’s northern commuter powerhouse. From 98 percent on-time performance to new “Super-Express” trains that shave up to 50 minutes a day off the New Haven run, Justin walks through the big wins, bigger capital program, and the three metrics he believes define rail’s future in North America: reliability, frequency, and trip time.

In This Episode

The 98% standard — how Metro-North elevated on-time performance across 230k daily trips
Super-Express strategy — six AM/PM trains, revamped signaling, and a 90-minute New Haven–GCT target
Grand Central Terminal as a “temple to transit”
Their nearly $8 billion capital plan (2025-29) — dual-mode Siemens Chargers, battery-electric locos, signal renewals, ADA station upgrades, and the Grand Central artery
Penn Station Access for Bronx riders and reverse-commute opportunities into Connecticut

Resources & Links

Metro-North Railroad — https://new.mta.info/agency/metro-north-railroad
MTA Capital Program 2025-2029 overview https://future.mta.info/capitalplan/
Transit Unplugged episode archive — https://transitunplugged.com

Subscribe & Stay Connected

Like what you hear? Subscribe to Transit Unplugged on your favorite podcast app, or sign up for the newsletter at TransitUnplugged.com for weekly field notes from across the industry.

Podcast 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 & Newsletter Editor — Chris O’Keefe

Associate Producer — Cyndi Raskin

Podcast Intern — Desmond Gates

Special thanks to:

Brand Design — Tina Olagundoye

Social Media — Tatyana Mechkarova

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

Disclaimer

50 Years of MV Transportation: Harry Wilson on Culture, AI, and What’s Next Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

MV Transportation just hit a milestone few transit firms reach—its 50th anniversary.

To mark the occasion, host Paul Comfort interviews Harry Wilson, the firm’s Executive Chairman, about:

A 50‑Year Origin Story —How Alex and Feysan Lodde's single van in San Francisco grew into the largest American‑owned transit contractor in North America.
“The New MV” Culture —Why Wilson and COO Kevin Klika rebuilt training from scratch (six‑week GM bootcamp), added performance incentives, and created hundreds of employee‑shareholders.
Contracting in 2025 —Cost pressure, fiscal cliffs, ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicles) transitions, AI pilots: why Wilson believes outsourcing will expand as agencies chase flexibility and innovation.
AI on the Front Line —Predictive tools that have cut operator turnover nearly in half and the 30+ workstreams MV is piloting right now.
Boardroom to Depot —Former FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez joins MV’s board; founder Feysan Lodde inducted into the APTA Hall of Fame.
Looking Ahead —Why Wilson thinks the next 5–10 years will bring more change than the last 50—and how MV plans to help agencies navigate it.

Resources & Links
MV Transportation 50‑Year Timeline https://www.mvtransit.com/about-us/mv-story
Transit Unplugged interview with Nuria Fernandez https://transitunplugged.com/transit-unplugged-podcast/nuria-fernandez-santa-clara-valley-transportation-authority/
Subscribe to the newsletter at TransitUnplugged.com

Podcast Credits

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo

Creator, Host, + Producer: Paul Comfort
Executive Producer: Julie Gates
Producer + Newsletter Editor: Chris O’Keeffe
Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin
Podcast Intern: Desmond Gates

Special thanks to:

Brand Design — Tina Olagundoye

Social Media — Tatyana Mechkarova

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.

Beyond Ridership – Part 2: Innovation & Smart Procurement with Rikesh Shah Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

Last week, Mark Aesch and Alvin McBorrough unpacked a striking statistic: only 4 % of Americans ride transit, yet 84 % of people say they value it. This week we keep that conversation going with Rikesh Shah, former Chief Innovation Officer at Transport for London. Together with host Paul Comfort, Rikesh explores how customer‑focused metrics, open data, and smarter procurement can turn that 84 % of “transit supporters” into satisfied users—and why leadership has to set the stage for risk‑taking and co‑creation.

From Volume to Value —Why ridership shouldn’t be the sole north‑star KPI, and how London’s open‑data program shifted travel behavior for the better.
Customer‑First Metrics —Using design‑thinking and qualitative research to uncover the real pain points of diverse riders (and non‑riders).
Making Cities a Test Bed —How transparent “problem statements” and outcome‑based procurement invite startups, scale‑ups, and tier‑ones to co‑create solutions.
Smart Procurement 101 —Engage procurement early, signal future tenders, and use one streamlined process that covers pilot, scale‑up, and rollout.
Leadership & Risk —What CEOs can do today to foster entrepreneurial cultures, align internal teams, and de‑risk innovation without overprescribing specs.
Lessons from London —Congestion charging, Ultra‑Low Emission Zones, and open innovation under successive mayors—and what U.S. cities can adopt.
 Podcast Credits

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo

Creator, Host, + Producer: Paul Comfort
Executive Producer: Julie Gates
Producer + Newsletter Editor: Chris O’Keeffe
Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin
Podcast Intern: Desmond Gates

Special thanks to:

Brand Design — Tina Olagundoye

Social Media — Tatyana Mechkarova

 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.

Are Transit KPI’s Broken? Value, AI, and Why We Need to Stop Chasing Ridership Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

Only 4% of Americans ride transit—but 84% of people in communities with transit say they value it.

In this episode, Paul Comfort digs into the details with Mark Aesch (CEO, TransPro Consulting) and Alvin McBorrough (CEO, OGx Consulting). Together they unpack two big levers for agency performance: measuring what actually matters and using AI to deliver it more efficiently.

Featuring:

Mark Aesch – CEO, TransPro Consulting

Why ridership is a misleading primary metric; shifting from volume to value; what the 84% really care about (jobs access, service for older adults/people with disabilities, low‑income mobility); and how current federal incentives (unlinked passenger trips, revenue miles) work against customer satisfaction. Mark also previews how FTA reform could move agencies from “happy buses” to “happy customers.”

Alvin McBorrough – CEO, OGx Consulting

Practical AI use cases transit agencies can deploy now: real‑time passenger tools (ETAs, chatbots), predictive maintenance, route optimization, computer vision for safety, demand forecasting, and digital twins for planning. Turning “data rich, information poor” operations into smarter decisions—and doing more with less.

Resources & Links:

https://www.transproconsulting.com/

https://www.middlegeorgiarc.org/transportation/

TransitUnplugged.com

Subscribe & Stay Connected:

Like what you heard? Subscribe to Transit Unplugged on your favorite podcast platform, or sign up for the newsletter at TransitUnplugged.com for weekly updates from the field.

Podcast Credits:

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo

Creator, Host, + Producer: Paul Comfort
Executive Producer: Julie Gates
Producer + Newsletter Editor: Chris O’Keeffe
Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin
Podcast Intern: Desmond Gates

Special thanks to:

Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

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

Subscribe to the newsletter:

transitunplugged.com/subscribe-to-the-transit-unplugged-newsletter

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.

Reclaiming Your Creativity Through Transit, Chatting w/ the Editor of Mass Transit Magazine, and Will LA Be Ready for the Olympics? Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

In this special roving-reporter edition of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort takes you inside the 2025 CTAA Expo in San Diego, where he caught up with some of the brightest minds in community and rural transit. From paratransit operations to industry journalism to frontline safety, these conversations reflect the energy, challenges, and innovation happening beyond the big-city systems.

Featuring:

Megan Perrero – Editor in Chief, Mass Transit Magazine

On shaping the next era of industry media, supporting up-and-comers through the 40 Under 40 program, and the evolving role of transit journalism.

Rudy Salo – Transportation Finance Attorney, Writer, and Podcast Host

On reclaiming your commute as creative time, what we lose in car culture, and how LA is preparing its transit network for the 2028 Olympics.

Maximilien Duvra – Transit Operations Manager, Prince George’s County, MD

On balancing zero-emission goals with rural realities, operating a mixed-propulsion fleet, and the pros and cons of fare-free service.

Ashley Carriker – CFO, Queen City Transit Solutions

On the growing demand for driver protection, the evolution of bus barrier design, and putting frontline worker safety at the forefront.

John Duklewski – Executive Director, Transportation Association of Maryland

On the importance of statewide transit associations, electrification readiness, and what to expect at TAM’s 2025 fall conference.

Paul also shares reflections from his decades attending CTAA, and why this conference continues to be essential for agencies outside the biggest metros.

Resources & Links:

Subscribe & Stay Connected:

Like what you heard? Subscribe to Transit Unplugged on your favorite podcast platform, or sign up for the newsletter at TransitUnplugged.com for weekly updates from the field.

Podcast Credits:

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo

Creator, Host, + Producer: Paul Comfort
Executive Producer: Julie Gates
Producer + Newsletter Editor: Chris O’Keeffe
Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin
Podcast Intern: Desmond Gates

Special thanks to:

Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

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

Subscribe to the newsletter:

transitunplugged.com/subscribe-to-the-transit-unplugged-newsletter

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.

Transit Unplugged INSIDER: Paul Comfort Answers 2025’s Biggest Industry Questions Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

What’s really going on behind the scenes of U.S. public transportation policy? In this special edition of Transit Unplugged Insider, Executive Producer Julie Gates turns the mic on our usual host, Paul Comfort, for a revealing look at the shifting political and funding landscape in Washington—and what every transit executive needs to know right now.

From what’s actually happening with FTA leadership to surprising details about the Trump administration’s transit funding priorities, Paul breaks down the top three issues impacting the future of public transportation. This is the intel your grant writer, government affairs lead, and CEO will want to hear.

Also in this episode: the latest on congestion pricing in NYC, what’s happening with reauthorization, and why safety is the defining metric of this political moment.

Podcast Credits:

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo

Creator, Host, + Producer: Paul Comfort
Executive Producer: Julie Gates
Producer + Newsletter Editor: Chris O’Keeffe
Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin
Podcast Intern: Desmond Gates

Special thanks to:

Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

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

Subscribe to the newsletter:

transitunplugged.com/subscribe-to-the-transit-unplugged-newsletter

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.