In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with John Rossant, founder and CEO of CoMotion, to explore what’s next for cities, transit, and technology. From preparing for mega-events like the World Cup to pioneering hydrogen-powered aviation, John shares how CoMotion is helping shape the future of urban mobility—with a pasta recipe thrown in for good measure.

They discuss:

• The evolving role of public-private partnerships in transit
• Why CoMotion Miami feels more like a tech summit than a transit conference
• How cities can creatively finance sustainable mobility as federal funds tighten
• And the global push toward hydrogen-powered transport—from Monaco to Miami

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

02:19 CoMotion: A Hub for Future Mobility

03:31 Comfort Food Cookbook and Personal Stories

05:19 Upcoming CoMotion Miami Conference

05:50 New Realities and Opportunities in Mobility

08:18 Public and Private Sector Collaboration

15:16 Mega Events and Transit Solutions

22:49 Hydrogen as the Future of Sustainable Mobility

28:32 Conclusion and Event Details

🎟️ Want to experience the future of mobility firsthand?

Learn more and get your tickets to CoMotion Miami at: comotionmiami.com

Don’t miss this insightful conversation at the intersection of innovation, policy, and pasta.

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo

🎙️ Host & Producer: Paul Comfort

🎧 Podcast Editor & Newsletter Guy: Chris O'Keeffe

💼 Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Special thanks to:

🎨 Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

📱 Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

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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

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This week on Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort hosts a special episode recorded live at the 2025 Texas Transit Association Conference in McAllen, Texas.

In this roundtable, Paul speaks with five accomplished Texas transit leaders about the realities of running transit systems across Texas—from expansive rural regions to fast-growing cities. They share how they’re serving students, seniors, tourists, and workers alike—while facing challenges like extreme heat, limited funding, and changing rider expectations.

Featured Panelists:

• Serena Stevenson – General Manager, Waco Transit System; Chair, Texas Transit Association
• Mario Delgado – Transit and Downtown Services Director, Metro McAllen
• Derrick Majchszak – CEO, Corpus Christi RTA
• Vince Huerta – Director of Transportation, ETCOG GoBus
• Allen Hunter – Executive Director, Texas Transit Association

Highlights from the discussion:

• “10,000 square miles of service” – Vince Huerta shares how GoBus operates across 14 rural counties and how they’re building in-house maintenance capacity to improve service reliability.
• “From the islands to the military base” – Derrick Majchszak explains how Corpus Christi RTA connects barrier island workers, students, and military personnel across a sprawling service area.
• “We’re the bridge between urban and rural” – Serena Stevenson talks about integrating Waco’s fixed routes, microtransit, and university service to close first/last mile gaps.
• “We don’t feel like a small town” – Mariel Delgado details how Metro McAllen serves a growing cross-border population, offers university service to UTRGV (University of Texas Rio Grande Valley), and is planning for BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) and TOD (Transit-Oriented Development).
• “Invest in transit today for the system you want tomorrow” – The panel emphasizes the need for proactive funding, community partnerships, and creative solutions to meet Texas’ evolving mobility needs.

From bus stop design to funding advocacy, and from CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) fueling strategies to regional job access, this episode dives into what it takes to deliver safe, reliable, and rider-focused transit—Texas style.

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo https://www.modaxo.com

Host: Paul Comfort

Producer: Paul Comfort

Editor: Chris O'Keeffe

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Special thanks to:

Brand design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

Marketing content, Transit Unplugged Newsletter, & transit puns: Cyndi Raskin

If you have a question or comment, email us at info@transitunplugged.com.

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Join Paul Comfort on this episode of Transit Unplugged for an insightful conversation with Professor Niels van Oort, Associate Professor of Public Transport and Shared Mobility at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands and co-director of the Smart Public Transport Lab. Paul and Niels explore critical considerations in transit planning, including the effectiveness of light rail versus bus rapid transit (BRT), integration with cycling and micro-mobility, and global best practices for creating high-quality transit systems.

Niels shares details about his innovative transportation planning game designed to help students and professionals balance various mobility modes and societal goals. He also discusses the benefits, challenges, and appropriate contexts for implementing light rail and BRT systems, emphasizing the importance of seamless integration with active transport modes like cycling.

• Course—Planning Public Transport Services: https://ppts-course.org/
• Serious game ‘Finding the optimal mix’: https://deoptimalemix.nl/en/
• Light Rail Transit Systems; 61 Lessons in Sustainable Urban Development: https://shop.elsevier.com/books/light-rail-transit-systems/der-bijl/978-0-12-814784-9
• Better buses: BRT and other bus modes: https://www.ovmagazine.nl/boeken/betere-bus
• Weblog public transport research output: https://nielsvanoort.weblog.tudelft.nl/
• Smart Public Transport Lab: www.SmartPTLab.TUDelft.nl
• You can read more about Dr. Oort’s work here: https://www.tudelft.nl/en/ceg/about-faculty/departments/transport-planning/staff/personal-pages/oort-n-van

Additionally, communication experts Rebecca Klein and Keith Scott from TALLsmall Productions (https://tallsmallproductions.org/) provide practical guidance on mentorship, highlighting strategies for effective mentor-mentee relationships, open communication, and meaningful feedback.

Highlights:

• Insights into the comparative advantages of Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Bus Rapid...

In this special episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort welcomes Dr. Kaan Yildizgöz, host of Mobility Redefined, the new sister podcast of Transit Unplugged. Dr. Yildizögz, a leading global expert in public transportation and former senior director at UITP, shares his personal journey into transportation, driven by childhood memories in his father's bus workshop, and his academic expertise in ride-hailing and mobility.

Paul and Kaan dive into global mobility trends, exploring key issues such as decarbonization of bus fleets, resilience in transit governance and funding, digitalization, and workforce challenges across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. Discover how transportation leaders worldwide tackle these universal challenges with innovative solutions and best practices.

Also in this episode, communication experts Rebecca Klein and Keith Scott offer practical strategies for navigating change management, emphasizing the power of active listening and consistent messaging to guide teams effectively through transitions.

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo https://www.modaxo.com

Host: Paul Comfort

Producer: Paul Comfort

Producer: Chris O'Keeffe

Media Support: Cyndi Raskin

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Special Thanks To

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

Transit Unplugged Newsletter & Media Support: Cyndi Raskin

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.

Take a behind-the-scenes look at Tucson, Arizona’s SunTran transit system with General Manager Mikel Oglesby. Host Paul Comfort and Mikel explore the city’s transit modes, budget, and future projects, including the innovative Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) plans. Discover Mikel's unique journey in public transit, from his childhood riding buses with his father to becoming a leader in the industry. The episode also features insightful discussions on alternative fuel technologies, fare-free systems, and the nuances of managing a large transit agency. Plus, get tips on career resilience and effective communication from experts Rebecca Klein and Keith Scott. Don’t miss this enriching episode filmed on location during the Southwest Transit Association Conference 2025. Listen now!

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:02:00 - Exploring Tucson's Transit System

00:04:00 - Fare-Free Transit and Future Plans

00:08:00 - Innovative Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project

00:14:00 - Career Resilience and Communication Tips

00:19:00 - Introduction to Mikel Oglesby

00:20:00 - Mikel's Early Career in Transit

00:23:00 - Achievements at Sunline Transit Agency

00:25:00 - Transition to TriRail and Detroit

00:29:00 - Current Role and Future Plans in Tucson

00:31:00 - Impact of FTA Changes and Industry Predictions

00:33:00 - Southwest Transit Association Conference

Credits:

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo https://www.modaxo.com

Host: Paul Comfort

Producer: Paul Comfort

Writer: Cyndi Raskin

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Special thanks to:

Brand design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

Transit Unplugged Newsletter & Media Support: Cyndi Raskin

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.

In this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort interviews Stephen Gardner, CEO of Amtrak, at their Washington, DC headquarters. They discuss Amtrak's record ridership of 32.8 million passengers in the past year, recent capital investments totaling $4.5 billion, and the introduction of new Acela trains. Gardner shares insights into Amtrak's strategy to double ridership by 2040, high-speed rail initiatives, and the unique structure of Amtrak as a federally-owned yet commercially-operated entity. Key projects such as the Frederick Douglass Tunnel in Baltimore and the upcoming Gulf Coast service are also highlighted, along with Amtrak's approach to modernizing and expanding its network. The episode concludes with a look into the future of rail travel and the importance of strategic partnerships.

00:00 Welcome to Transit Unplugged

00:05 Introduction to today's episode from host Paul Comfort

01:24 Interview with Stephen Gardner

01:34 Stephen Gardner's Background and Role at Amtrak

03:03 Understanding Amtrak's Unique Structure

07:42 Amtrak's Business Model and Operations

13:23 Challenges and Opportunities in Rail Expansion

23:02 High-Speed Rail and Future Projects

27:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Next week on Transit Unplugged, Paul chats with Mikel Oglesby, General Manager of SunTran, SunRail, and SunLink, in Tucson, AZ.

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo https://www.modaxo.com

Host: Paul Comfort

Producer: Paul Comfort

Writer: Cyndi Raskin

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Special thanks to:

Brand design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

Transit Unplugged Newsletter & Media Support: Cyndi Raskin

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.

After decades at transit agencies across the U.S., Tom Drozt decided at 56 to retire, spend time with his family, work on his yard, and find some new passions to put his energy into. Turns out transit is his passion, so before long he was out of retirement and at MARTA in Atlanta running bus operations. Now the CEO of Ben Franklin Transit in Southern Washington State, Tom is leading the agency with his people-first leadership style and helping people choose transit over cars.

Coming up next week we have Stephen Gardner, CEO of Amtrak, talking with Paul about the historic investments Amtrak is making to bring rail travel to the fore in the U.S.

And don’t forget to have your say in our Transit Unplugged listener survey. Just visit https://transitunplugged.com/survey/ to complete the short survey.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:05 Interview with Tom Drozt, CEO of Ben Franklin Transit

00:23 Tom's Background and Early Career

03:13 Career Challenges and Transitions

07:50 Joining Ben Franklin Transit

17:20 Current Initiatives and Projects

21:43 Leadership Philosophy and Future Vision

24:52 Conclusion and thank you

25:07 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

If you have a question or comment, email us at info@transitunplugged.com.

Follow us on social media: LinkedIn - Twitter - Threads- Instagram - Facebook

Sign up for 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 (“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.

In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort interviews Ryan Murphy, the Chair of the City Council's Transportation Committee in Brisbane, while riding one of Brisbane’s famous CityCat ferries to talk about the vibrant and evolving transit system in this river city.

Episode Highlights:

• CityCat Ferries: Discover the unique CityCat ferry service that operates along the Brisbane River, connecting 22 stations and carrying about 5 million passengers annually. Ryan shares how this service has become a beloved part of the city's tourism and commuter landscape.
• Innovative Metro Project: Learn about the groundbreaking Brisbane Metro project, featuring double articulated electric buses designed to alleviate congestion and enhance the capacity of the city's busway system. Ryan discusses the integration of these high-tech vehicles and their role in transforming Brisbane's public transport.
• Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): Ryan explains how Brisbane's extensive bus network, supported by dedicated busways, serves as the backbone of the city's transit system. He highlights the city's efforts to improve bus-to-rail connections and the significant reforms underway ahead of the 2032 Olympics.
• Historical and Future Growth: From its origins as a port city to its current status as a bustling metropolis, Brisbane's transit system has continually evolved. Ryan provides insights into the city's plans for future growth, including the Cross River Rail project and the ambitious goals set for the upcoming Olympics.

And don’t forget to catch Ryan, the city of Brisbane, and all the projects he talked about in the latest episode of Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube: https://youtu.be/M04d9d-xpzk

Have your say in the Transit Unplugged listener survey! It only takes a few minutes and we greatly appreciate your help and feedback. https://transitunplugged.com/survey/

00:00 Introduction to Ryan Murphy and Brisbane's Transport

00:38 Exploring Brisbane's Ferry System

05:14 Brisbane's Bus Network and BRT System

07:38 Personal Message from Paul...

08:17 Brisbane Metro: The Future of Public Transport

12:12 Rail Developments and the 2032 Olympics

15:06 Ryan Murphy's Background and Vision

16:21 Australia's Public Transport Priorities

17:59 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

If you have a question or comment, email us at info@transitunplugged.com.

Follow us on social media: LinkedIn - Twitter - Threads- Instagram - Facebook

Sign up for 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 (“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...