Transit Unplugged

Hosted by Paul Comfort, SVP Modaxo

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300

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Aug 2026

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About the show

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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August 12, 202622 min

How VIA Is Growing Ridership by Growing Service

San Antonio is growing fast—and VIA Metropolitan Transit is growing right along with it. For this special episode of Transit Unplugged, we’re going back to our Transit Unplugged TV visit to San Antonio and bringing you three extended, uncut conversations with the VIA leaders shaping the future of mobility in the city. VIA President and CEO Jon Gary Herrera talks about what makes San Antonio unique, VIA’s role in connecting people to opportunity, and the rapid growth of VIA Link microtransit. Then, Deputy CEO Tremell Brown takes Paul inside VIA’s operations and shares his remarkable journey from bus operator to the agency’s executive team. They talk about the people, facilities, safety operations, and nearly 500 buses that keep San Antonio moving every day. Finally, Senior Vice President of Planning and Development Rod Sanchez looks ahead to VIA’s Green Line, a new bus rapid transit line designed around dedicated lanes, off-board payment, transit signal priority, and frequent service. Pulled from our Transit Unplugged TV uncut episode, these conversations offer a closer look at how VIA is expanding service, embracing new mobility options, and preparing public transportation for the future of a fast-growing city. In this episode: • Jon Gary Herrera, President and CEO, VIA Metropolitan Transit • Tremell Brown, Deputy CEO, VIA Metropolitan Transit • Rod Sanchez, Senior Vice President of Planning and Development, VIA Metropolitan Transit 00:00 Welcome to Transit Unplugged 00:39 Why Full Interviews 00:55 San Antonio VIA Spotlight 01:11 Meet the Leaders 01:44 Inside San Antonio 02:30 What Makes It Unique 03:22 River Walk and Alamo 04:06 Why It's Called VIA 04:52 System Overview and Growth 05:56 How VIA Link Works 07:10 Downtown Zone for Visitors 07:53 San Antonio Growth Stats 09:02 Herrera Leadership Milestone 09:38 Military Town History 11:48 Wrap John Interview 12:05 Trammell Brown Onboard 12:43 From Operator to Deputy CEO 13:12 Bus Yard and Operations 14:25 Police and Paratransit 15:47 Podcast Break and Credits 16:20 Rod Sanchez Introduction 16:44 Historic Park Setting 17:18 Planning Role and Vision 18:30 Green Line BRT Features 19:19 Route and 2028 Timeline 20:25 Final Thoughts and Next City 21:19 Show Credits and Sponsor 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.

July 29, 202630 min

What Changes When You Become the CEO? Lessons from CDTA’s Frank Annicaro

In this episode, Frank joins Paul Comfort to discuss what it's really like to move from leading bus operations at one of the world's largest transit agencies to running an entire organization. He shares how Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) is building on a legacy of innovation while tackling today's biggest challenges—from the post-pandemic fiscal cliff to workforce development, transit-oriented development, and expanding mobility options beyond traditional bus service. Frank also explains why the best solutions often come from the people closest to the work, and how his team balanced the budget while improving efficiency and protecting service. In this episode, you'll learn: - What changes when you move from senior operations leadership to the CEO role - How CDTA addressed its budget challenges after COVID relief funding expired - Why investing in employees is a top priority - CDTA's approach to bus rapid transit, microtransit, bikeshare and electric carshare - The agency's vision for transit-oriented development in New York's Capital Region - Leadership lessons from following a long-serving, award-winning CEO - Why empowering frontline teams leads to better organizational decisions 00:00 Welcome to Transit Unplugged 00:20 Introducing Frank Annicaro 01:52 CDTA Service Overview 03:34 Innovative Car Share Program 05:19 Bike Share Success 06:45 Agency Budget and Employees 07:29 Frank's Career Journey 08:52 Board Governance Structure 09:44 Transitioning from MTA 11:06 Leadership Challenges and Growth 13:50 Following a Legacy 17:04 What's Next for CDTA 19:09 Facing Budget Deficits 20:40 The Fiscal Cliff 22:13 Team-Based Problem Solving 23:58 Lightning Round Begins 24:42 Music and Concerts 25:56 Transit Leaders and TOD 26:38 Personal Passions and Advice 28:03 Closing Thoughts 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.

July 15, 202636 min

Rail Renaissance: The Projects Transforming Public Transportation

https://youtu.be/M1PeM6D1ciw The future of passenger rail is being built right now—and Transit Unplugged takes you inside one of the industry's biggest events to see it firsthand. Recorded on location at the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Rail Conference in Baltimore, this special video episode features exclusive conversations with the leaders driving some of North America's most ambitious rail projects. From the Purple Line in Maryland and MARC Train's growing commuter network to Honolulu's fully automated Skyline system and California High-Speed Rail, this is a front-row seat to the ideas, investments, and innovations shaping the next generation of public transportation. Along the way, host Paul Comfort also takes viewers behind the scenes of the conference itself, exploring networking events, industry receptions, Baltimore's light rail system in action, and the conversations that are defining the future of mobility. Guests include: - Paul Skoutelas, President & CEO, American Public Transportation Association (APTA) - Ray Biggs, Senior Project Director, Maryland Transit Administration's Purple Line - Joshua Wolf, Administrator, Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) Train - Michael Dylan Pal, Director of Public Transit, Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority - Mike Degenaars, General Manager, Rail, Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority - J. Roger Morton, Director, Honolulu Department of Transportation Services - Neil Shah, Executive Vice President, Keolis North America In this episode: - Why passenger rail investment continues to grow across North America - The latest progress on Maryland's Purple Line - MARC Train's expansion plans and record weekend ridership - Honolulu's driverless Skyline metro and what's next - California High-Speed Rail's newest operating partnership - Rail's role in economic development, sustainability, and regional mobility - Behind-the-scenes access to one of the transit industry's premier conferences Whether you're a transit executive, planner, policymaker, or simply passionate about mobility, this special episode offers an inside look at where rail is headed next. Credits Host and Producer: Paul Comfort Executive Producer: Julie Gates Producer: Chris O’Keeffe Editor: Patrick Emile Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin Camera: 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.

July 1, 202639 min

How Do You Reinvent a Transit Agency? Inside SEPTA’s New Playbook

https://youtu.be/ZDsPkG_ruQc Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) General Manager Scott Sauer joins Paul Comfort to discuss leading one of North America's most complex transit agencies through a period of transformation. After beginning his career as a trolley operator at just 19 years old, Sauer now oversees the nation's sixth-largest transit system as it modernizes aging infrastructure, grows ridership, prepares for major international events, and works toward becoming a best-in-class transit agency. In this episode, you'll learn: - How SEPTA is rebuilding ridership and customer confidence - Why "Back to Basics" has become the agency's guiding philosophy - The challenge of replacing 40- and 50-year-old rail vehicles - How AI is beginning to improve transit maintenance and operations - What it takes to move tens of thousands of fans during the FIFA World Cup and America's 250th anniversary celebrations - Why Scott believes employee-driven strategic planning creates stronger organizations - Lessons from nearly four decades of leadership inside SEPTA Whether you're a transit executive, public sector leader, or simply interested in how major transportation systems evolve, this conversation offers practical insights into leadership, modernization, and delivering better service every day. Credits Host and Producer: Paul Comfort Executive Producer: Julie Gates Producer: Chris O’Keeffe 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.

June 24, 202623 min

Lessons from an Intentional Transit CEO Succession

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dv39AxBZFMY Leadership transitions are inevitable, but successful ones are far from guaranteed. In this special on-location episode of Transit Unplugged , Paul Comfort visits Delaware Transit Corporation (DART First State) to explore a rare example of intentional succession in action. Outgoing CEO John Sisson reflects on a 32-year career and the legacy he leaves after more than a decade leading one of America's most unique statewide transit systems. Joining him is incoming CEO Lilia Montoya, who arrives from California for her first CEO role and benefits from something few leaders receive: a month of overlap with the person she's succeeding. Together, they discuss why succession planning matters, how organizations can preserve institutional knowledge while embracing fresh ideas, and why leadership isn't only about how you serve—it's also about how you leave. For outgoing leaders, this episode offers lessons in stewardship, trust, and preparing the next generation. For incoming leaders, it provides insight into building relationships, honoring a legacy, and establishing a vision for the future. Along the way, Paul explores Delaware's integrated statewide transit model, seasonal beach service, paratransit and microtransit innovations, and the close collaboration between DART First State and DelDOT that makes the agency one of the most distinctive in North America. In this episode: Why intentional succession is part of leadership John Sisson's reflections on a 32-year transit career Lilia Montoya's journey to her first CEO role The value of leadership overlap and knowledge transfer Balancing continuity with new ideas Lessons for both incoming and outgoing executives Delaware's statewide approach to transit Beach service, paratransit, and microtransit innovations How DelDOT and DART First State work together to deliver mobility Why leadership legacies are measured not only by what leaders build, but by what they leave behind Credits Host and Producer: Paul Comfort Executive Producer: Julie Gates Producer: Chris O’Keeffe Editor: Patrick Emile Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin Camera: 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.

June 17, 202627 min

Is Transportation Healthcare?

https://youtu.be/32WxfrlanJw Access to healthcare doesn't start at the doctor's office—it starts with transportation. In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with Steven Feist, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Coordinated Transportation Solutions (CTS), to explore the world of Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) and its growing role in healthcare access. Steven explains how transportation brokers connect Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries with the rides they need to reach appointments, treatments, pharmacies, and other critical services. The conversation examines how NEMT has evolved over the past two decades, from paper manifests and phone-based eligibility checks to sophisticated platforms powered by GPS tracking, mobile apps, APIs, and virtual agents. Steven also shares how CTS partners with transit agencies such as SEPTA and coordinates with ADA paratransit providers to create more efficient, cost-effective transportation networks. Paul and Steven discuss: What NEMT is and why it matters The relationship between healthcare access and transportation How transportation brokers coordinate rides across multiple modes Partnerships between NEMT providers and public transit agencies The role of ADA paratransit in medical transportation Technology's impact on trip scheduling, eligibility, and customer service Economies of scale in statewide and regional transportation programs The future of autonomous vehicles and telehealth in NEMT Why breaking down transportation silos is essential for better health outcomes Whether you work in transit, healthcare, mobility management, or public policy, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the most important—and often overlooked—segments of the transportation industry. Credits Host and Producer: Paul Comfort Executive Producer: Julie Gates Producer: Chris O’Keeffe 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.

June 10, 202642 min

Former FTA Chief Marc Molinaro on the Future of Federal Transit Funding

https://youtu.be/4nmn0hLJHbQ Former Federal Transit Administration Administrator Marc Molinaro joins Paul Comfort for an in-depth conversation about federal transit policy, funding, and the future of public transportation. Drawing on his experience as both a member of Congress and the leader of the FTA, Molinaro offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the agency operates, what transit agencies should understand about federal grants, and why building consensus in Washington is often more complicated than it appears. The discussion explores the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee's recently approved surface transportation reauthorization proposal, evolving federal priorities around safety, security, accessibility, and project delivery, and the growing role of bus rapid transit in connecting urban, suburban, and rural communities. Whether you're a transit executive, policymaker, or industry observer, this episode provides valuable insight into how federal decisions shape local transit systems across North America. In This Episode What the FTA actually does day-to-day How federal transit grants are evaluated and managed Lessons learned from leading the FTA The future of surface transportation reauthorization Safety, security, and accessibility priorities Bus Rapid Transit vs. Light Rail investment trends Why transit legislation advances through "evolution, not revolution" What transit leaders often misunderstand about Washington Credits Host and Producer: Paul Comfort Executive Producer: Julie Gates Producer: Chris O’Keeffe 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.

June 3, 202628 min

What People Get Wrong About Rural Transit

What does public transit look like when you're serving 20 counties across Central and East Texas? In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort continues his series featuring new transit CEOs with a conversation with Wendy Weedon, CEO of the Brazos Transit District. After spending 17 years with the organization, Wendy stepped into the top leadership role in September and now oversees one of Texas' most diverse transit systems. Wendy discusses the unique challenges of balancing urban, rural, paratransit, demand response, microtransit, and non-emergency medical transportation services across a vast service area. She explains why community transit is often more than transportation—it's a lifeline connecting people to healthcare, employment, education, and independence. The conversation also explores workforce challenges, the growing role of AI in transit operations, the realities of serving aging rural populations, and why transit professionals are driven by a deep commitment to public service. Plus, Wendy shares insights into her leadership philosophy, her first year as CEO, and a few personal stories—including the pets that keep life interesting at home. In This Episode Wendy Weedon's journey from employee to CEO at Brazos Transit District Serving a 20-county region across urban and rural Texas Why community transit is often a lifeline, not just a transportation option Balancing accessibility, efficiency, and limited resources Workforce recruitment and retention challenges The growing role of AI in transit customer service Leadership lessons from a first-year CEO Why mobility remains essential for independence and quality of life Credits Host and Producer: Paul Comfort Executive Producer: Julie Gates Producer: Chris O’Keeffe 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.

May 27, 202630 min

Reliability over Ridership: Stop Measuring Your System Against 2019

What does success look like for transit agencies in a post-pandemic world? According to Christie Wegener, it may be time to stop measuring against 2019 altogether. In this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort speaks with Christie Wegener, Executive Director of the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA), about the changing realities of suburban transit, evolving commuter behavior, and why reliability may matter more than ridership. Christie explains how LAVTA serves as a critical feeder to BART while navigating the unique challenges of Bay Area travel patterns, remote work, and car-oriented suburban development. She also shares why she believes transit agencies need to rethink traditional KPIs like farebox recovery and pre-COVID ridership comparisons. The conversation also explores: Why transit agencies may need a new baseline for measuring success The operational challenges of coordinating with BART service How cloud-based transit signal priority could reduce travel times Lessons learned from LAVTA’s Uber/Lyft partnership and microtransit programs The realities of serving low-density suburban communities LAVTA’s new $64 million headquarters project Transit funding challenges facing the Bay Area Christie’s journey from social work and public policy into transit leadership Credits Host and Producer: Paul Comfort Executive Producer: Julie Gates Producer: Chris O’Keeffe 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.

May 20, 202624 min

What Happens When You Inherit a Transit Crisis?

When Steve Fuentes arrived as the new President & CEO of Milwaukee County Transit System, he stepped directly into a perfect storm: major service cuts, labor tensions, budget deficits, and the looming transit fiscal cliff. In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Steve joins Paul Comfort to discuss how his 30-year journey at the Chicago Transit Authority — from part-time bus operator to senior leadership — prepared him for one of the toughest leadership transitions in public transportation today. Steve shares how Milwaukee is confronting post-pandemic ridership realities, redesigning service for modern travel patterns, and preparing for a full transit network redesign with Jarrett Walker & Associates. He also discusses labor negotiations, safety strategies, public safety officers, open-loop payments, and why transit leaders need to prepare now for the next generation of executive opportunities. Plus: Bears vs. Packers, leadership books, music tastes, and lessons learned from the jump to the CEO seat. 00:00 Milwaukee Setup 01:33 Meet Steve Fuentes 01:38 Boston Summit Highlights 01:52 Nora and Leadership Lesson 03:09 CTA Career Journey 04:36 Why Take the CEO Leap 05:49 Chicago Sports Rivalry 06:49 Starting at MCTS 07:37 Walking Into Crisis 09:00 Union Deal and Reset 09:38 Budget Cliff and Cuts 11:40 Network Redesign Plan 17:35 Lightning Round Upgrades 20:57 Personal Favorites and Farewell Credits Host and Producer: Paul Comfort Executive Producer: Julie Gates Producer: Chris O’Keeffe 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.