Transit Unplugged

"We’re Really Hitting Our Stride.” Roger Harris, President of Amtrak ​

On this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort is joined by Roger Harris, President of Amtrak, for an in-depth look at what’s driving momentum at America’s national railroad. Roger breaks down a remarkable 2025 for Amtrak—highlighting record ridership, revenue growth, and historic capital investment—and shares what’s ahead in 2026 as the organization stays focused on one core priority: running a great railroad.Paul and Roger explore how Amtrak operates as both a passenger rail provider and a critical infrastructure partner—especially in the complex Northeast Corridor ecosystem where commuter agencies and intercity rail depend on shared networks, tunnels, and bridges. Roger also digs into how smarter scheduling, strong demand, and modernized service planning are fueling growth—while new investment helps deliver more consistent reliability and a stronger customer experience.They also preview what’s coming next, including the NextGen Acela rollout, the future of Airo fleet modernization, and new service momentum like the Amtrak Mardi Gras route. Plus, Roger shares how Amtrak is preparing to support major national moments ahead—including World Cup travel and America 250.In this episode, you’ll hear:What drove Amtrak’s record performance in 2025 Why “running a great railroad” means consistency, tools, and reliability How Amtrak supports commuter partners as an infrastructure provider What’s next for NextGen Acela and Airo fleet modernization How Amtrak is preparing for World Cup crowds and America 250Host + Producer: Paul ComfortExecutive Producer: Julie GatesProducer: Chris O'KeeffeEditor: Patrick EmileAssociate Producer: Cyndi RaskinBrand Design: Tina OlagundoyeSocial Media: Tatyana MechkarovaIf you have a question or comment, email us at info@transitunplugged.comDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo, 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. This content is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Modaxo disclaims all warranties and liability arising from the use of this material.

The Transit Guy’s 2026 Outlook: Automation, AI, Night Trains and More

Transit Unplugged wraps a six-part “State of Transit” series to kick off 2026, Paul Comfort is joined by Hayden Clarkin — transportation engineer, mobility consultant, Mass Transit Magazine Top 40 Under 40 honoree, and one of the industry’s most-followed voices online, known as “The Transit Guy.” In a wide-ranging conversation from New York City, Paul and Hayden break down the biggest forces shaping transit right now — from automation and AI to Amtrak expansion, station revitalization, and the growing push for better rider information and wayfinding. In this episode, we cover: Why transit automation is gaining momentum — and why new lines should be designed for it from day one What WMATA’s Automatic Train Operation progress could mean for capacity, reliability, and cost efficiency Where AI can create real value today (and where the hype still outpaces reality) What privatization could look like in North America — and what we can learn from global models Why night trains are resurging in Europe, and whether a similar model could work here The future of Amtrak, corridor expansion, and the challenges of state-by-state rail planning The return of iconic train stations — and why station location matters as much as architecture How wayfinding and real-time information can make transit easier for everyone (including first-timers) If you’re looking for a fast, smart snapshot of where transit is headed next, this episode is your roadmap. Follow Hayden Clarkin: “The Transit Guy”: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haydenclarkin/ https://www.instagram.com/thetransitguy/ https://thetransitguy.substack.com/ Host + Producer: Paul Comfort Executive Producer: Julie Gates Producer: Chris O'Keeffe Editor: Patrick Emile Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova If you have 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, 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. This content is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Modaxo disclaims all warranties and liability arising from the use of this material.

Halifax, Hydrogen, and the Future of Canadian Transit

What’s the state of transit in Canada right now—and what’s next?In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with Dave Reage, Chair of the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) and a longtime transit leader with deep experience in Halifax Transit. Dave shares a national view of Canada’s biggest transit priorities—from funding and financial stability to ridership shifts, workforce challenges, and the evolving role of technology and innovation.Dave also reflects on Halifax’s unique transit story (including its historic harbor ferries) and explains why Canada’s post-pandemic demand patterns are rewriting the rules—creating new pressure to match service levels with changing rider behavior.In this episode, you’ll hear:How Canadian transit governance differs from the U.S. modelWhy operating funding is one of the biggest challenges facing agencies across CanadaWhat ridership recovery looks like now—and why off-peak and weekend travel is risingThe “new normal” for demand: Wednesday peaks, lighter Mondays and FridaysThe workforce crunch impacting reliability, operations, and service deliveryWhy electrification matters, but shouldn’t distract from service fundamentalsWhat’s happening with hydrogen pilots and alternative propulsion strategiesHow microtransit and on-demand service are filling service gapsThe growing federal emphasis on aligning transit investment with housing and land useFeatured GuestDave ReageChair, Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA)Formerly with Halifax Transit (18 years), including nine years leading the agencyAlso MentionedCUTA (Canadian Urban Transit Association)Halifax, Nova ScotiaMontreal / Quebec CityCanadian Public Transit FundTransit-oriented development and housing integrationHost + Producer: Paul ComfortExecutive Producer: Julie GatesProducer: Chris O'KeeffeEditor: Patrick EmileAssociate Producer: Cyndi RaskinBrand Design: Tina OlagundoyeSocial Media: Tatyana MechkarovaIf you have a question or comment, email us at info@transitunplugged.comDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo, 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. This content is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Modaxo disclaims all warranties and liability arising from the use of this material.

Funding, Labor, and Survival: Julie Brown on Transit in 2026

What does 2026 look like for small urban and rural transit agencies across America—and what happens when costs rise faster than funding can keep up?In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort is joined by Julie Brown, General Manager of Rogue Valley Transportation District (RVTD) in southern Oregon, President of the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA), and Chair of the Oregon Transportation Commission.Julie pulls back the curtain on the real, day-to-day pressures facing agencies like hers—from funding uncertainty at the state level to escalating labor and vehicle costs, rising insurance rates, and the growing cybersecurity risks that come with modern transit tech.She also challenges the industry to move beyond ridership as the defining success metric, and instead tell a more human story about what transit actually makes possible: access to work, healthcare, independence, and quality of life—especially as the “silver tsunami” reshapes mobility needs nationwide.Key topics include:Why RVTD expanded from 10 routes to 16—and why they had to cut back to 6 routes The real-world impact of layoffs and service reductions The exploding cost of vehicle replacement (and what sustainability requirements mean on the ground) Insurance increases hitting agencies and contractors alike Cybersecurity threats tied to fare systems and onboard technology What CTAA is tracking in Washington as reauthorization conversations continue Why the future of transit must be measured in human outcomes, not just raw numbers If you care about how transit actually survives—and evolves—outside of the biggest metro systems, this conversation is essential listening.Host + Producer: Paul Comfort Executive Producer: Julie Gates Producer: Chris O'Keeffe Editor: Patrick Emile Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova If you have a question or comment, email us at info@transitunplugged.com 📩 Sign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter: https://transitunplugged.com/subscrib 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, 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. This content is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Modaxo disclaims all warranties and liability arising from the use of this material.

Inside the Next Transit Reauthorization with Bennett Resnik

As Transit Unplugged kicks off 2026, host Paul Comfort sits down with Bennett Resnik, Senior Vice President in the Critical Infrastructure Group at Venn Strategies, for a wide-ranging conversation on the federal forces shaping public transportation in the year ahead.This episode marks the first installment in a multi-part State of Transit series, offering listeners a clear, insider perspective from Washington, DC. Bennett brings deep experience from Capitol Hill to break down what transit leaders should be paying attention to right now — and what’s coming next.In this episode, we explore:The upcoming Surface Transportation Reauthorization — what it is, why it matters, and realistic timelines for passage How the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) changed transit funding — and why the next bill will likely look very different The evolving federal stance on zero-emission buses, including battery electric, hydrogen, CNG, and hybrid fleets How shifting policy priorities are influencing manufacturers, procurement decisions, and fleet strategies The current and future impact of Buy America requirements, including costs, compliance, and domestic manufacturing What ongoing federal budget negotiations and continuing resolutions mean for transit agencies in 2026 Why global events like the Olympics and FIFA World Cup are increasingly shaping federal transportation planning Throughout the conversation, Paul and Bennett connect federal policy decisions to on-the-ground realities for transit agencies — from capital planning and vehicle procurement to safety, reliability, and long-term investment.🏛️ ThinkTransit Executive SummitTransit executives interested in diving deeper into these topics are invited to attend the ThinkTransit Executive Summit, taking place this March in Boston as part of the ThinkTransit Conference.The Executive Summit brings together senior transit leaders for a candid, in-person, Chatham House Rules discussion on:Safety, security, and fare evasion Cybersecurity and AI in transit operations Federal policy, funding, and the future of mobility 👉 Learn more and register here:https://trapezegroup.com/thinktransit/executive-summit/Host + Producer: Paul ComfortExecutive Producer: Julie GatesProducer: Chris O'KeeffeEditor: Patrick EmileAssociate Producer: Cyndi RaskinBrand Design: Tina OlagundoyeSocial Media: Tatyana MechkarovaIf you have a question or comment, email us at info@transitunplugged.com📩 Sign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter:https://transitunplugged.com/subscribeDisclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo, 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. This content is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Modaxo disclaims all warranties and liability arising from the use of this material.