Transit Unplugged

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.

Looking Ahead: David Zipper on the Forces Shaping Transit in 2026

As Transit Unplugged closes out 2025, host Paul Comfort sits down with David Zipper for a wide-ranging, end-of-year conversation on where public transportation has been — and where it’s headed next. A senior fellow at the MIT Mobility Initiative and one of the most influential transportation voices writing today, David brings a rare perspective shaped by public service, venture capital, academia, and journalism. He has authored more than 200 articles in outlets including Bloomberg, Vox, and The Atlantic, examining how transportation, technology, and society intersect. In this episode, Paul and David reflect on the defining trends of 2025 and look ahead to the challenges and opportunities transit agencies will face in 2026. You’ll hear: Why robotaxis at scale may create new congestion and operational challenges for citiesThe promise — and pitfalls — of the emerging “abundance” framework in transportation policyHow ridership patterns have stabilized into a new post-pandemic normalWhy mission creep threatens transit agencies from both the political left and rightWhat New York City’s congestion pricing success could mean for other U.S. citiesA candid assessment of electric bus deployment and why flexibility mattersHow AI-powered bus lane enforcement is already improving service reliabilityWhy autonomous rail may be one of the most important sleeper trends in transitThe evolving role of micromobility and e-bike share in expanding transit accessWhy transit’s future depends on staying focused on fast, frequent, reliable service This is a thoughtful, occasionally provocative discussion that challenges conventional wisdom while staying grounded in real-world operations — and a fitting way to close out a transformative year for the transit industry. About the Guest: David Zipper is a senior fellow at the MIT Mobility Initiative and a contributing writer for Bloomberg CityLab and Vox. He previously served in city government in New York and Washington, DC, and has advised organizations across the public and private sectors on transportation strategy and regulation. He also co-hosts the podcast Look Both Ways, where he explores the future of urban mobility. Learn more at davidzipper.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. 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 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.

Inside Transit Right Now: Funding, Safety, Mega Events, and What’s Coming Next

In this Transit Unplugged Insider episode, Paul Comfort sits down with Executive Producer Julie Gates for a wide-ranging, behind-the-scenes conversation on what transit leaders should be paying attention to right now — and what’s coming next. This quarterly Insider edition slows the pace and zooms out, offering context from Washington, conference halls, boardrooms, and agency leadership conversations happening across North America. Top Five Things Every Transit Leader Needs to Know Paul breaks down the most pressing developments shaping transit today, including: Recent FTA policy changes affecting grant eligibility and agency riskWhere transportation reauthorization stands as the 2026 deadline approachesThe current state of federal grant programs, including Low-No and Bus Facilities fundingHow mega events like the FIFA World Cup and the LA 2028 Olympics are reshaping transit planningWhat it will take for host cities — especially Los Angeles — to meet unprecedented operational demands Hot Topics Across the Industry From conversations with CEOs, policymakers, and system leaders, Paul and Julie explore: Why Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) continues to dominate expansion conversations What transit agencies can learn from Canada’s funding model and manufacturing shiftsThe growing complexity of fleet strategy, propulsion choices, and market pressures What’s Keeping Transit CEOs Up at Night A candid look at the challenges agency leaders are navigating right now: Passenger and operator safety in a high-visibility media environmentRising concerns around cybersecurity and system resilience The practical realities of AI adoption in transit operations Behind the Scenes at Transit Unplugged Julie and Paul share updates from across the Transit Unplugged universe, including: A look at recent and upcoming Transit Unplugged TV episodes — from Italy to Montreal and beyond What’s ahead for the Transit Unplugged podcast in the new yearUpdates on sister shows including The Aviation Report and Parking LiveExpanding distribution across YouTube, cable, streaming platforms, and newsletters Looking Ahead The conversation closes with reflections on leadership, industry collaboration, and what the next chapter holds — including a preview of Paul’s upcoming personal development book (available for pre-order: https://www.amazon.com/Find-Your-Factor-Personal-Treasure/dp/1636988857) and a look ahead to the major moments that will put transit on the global stage in the years to come. Host + Producer: Paul Comfort Executive Producer: Julie Gates Producer: Chris O'KeeffeAssociate 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 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.

"We’re looking at developing a national code for transit and passenger rail systems.”

Canada is investing hundreds of billions of dollars in new transit and passenger rail projects—but until now, there’s been no unified national standards framework to guide how those systems are designed and built.In this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort sits down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic and Cross-Sector Programs at CSA Group (Canadian Standards Association), to explore how Canada is working to change that.Ana-Maria shares how CSA Group—Canada’s national standards organization—is developing a four-part national code for transit and passenger rail systems, covering everything from urban transit and conventional rail to future high-speed rail projects. The goal: reduce risk, improve consistency, and bring greater predictability to some of the most complex infrastructure projects in the country.The conversation explores:Why Canada lacks a unified transit and rail standards framework todayHow other regions (Europe, Australia, Japan, and the U.S.) approach rail standardsThe difference between voluntary standards and regulation—and how standards often become codifiedHow CSA plans to integrate existing international standards while addressing major gapsWhat transit agencies, consultants, contractors, and governments can expect nextHow industry professionals can get involved in shaping the codeA brief update on Canada’s emerging high-speed rail ambitions, including the Toronto–Québec City corridorThis is a rare look behind the scenes at how the “rules of the road” for transit systems are created—and why they matter long before the first train ever runs.Host: Paul ComfortExecutive Producer: Julie GatesProducer: Paul ComfortEditor: Patrick EmileAssociate Producer: Cyndi RaskinBrand design: Tina OlagundoyeSocial Media: Tatyana MechkarovaIf you have a question or comment, email us at info@transitunplugged.com.Follow us on social media:/ transit-unplugged https://x.com/transitunplughttps://www.threads.net/@transitunplu.../ transitunplugged 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 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.

“We’re Ready Now.” – Jay Fox on the 2034 Olympics and Utah’s Big Transit Moment

In this week’s episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with Jay Fox, Executive Director of the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) — one of the fastest-growing, highest-performing transit agencies in the United States and APTA’s 2025 Transit System of the Year.Jay brings a remarkable background across FAA, FTA, Amtrak, and SEPTA — and now leads the agency serving one of the most dynamic, youthful, and transit-hungry regions in America.Together, Paul and Jay dive into:Preparing for the 2034 Winter OlympicsJay shares why UTA told the IOC: “We’re ready now.”UTA’s rail, BRT corridors, FrontRunner upgrades, and multimodal network already form a complete backbone for Olympic mobility — with more enhancements on the way. FrontRunner 2X: The Generational Rail ProjectUTA is pushing to move from 25% to 50% double-tracking, enabling:-15-minute peak service -A new infill station -A new maintenance facility -Pathways to Sunday service…all while ridership continues to soar. A Multimodal System Built for GrowthUTA operates:-131 miles of rail (commuter, light rail, streetcar) -Three BRT lines (including OGX, electric and wildly successful) -Extensive bus, microtransit, vanpool, and paratransit services -A booming Ski Bus network that keeps the canyons moving Transit ROI: The Utah ModelJay breaks down the hard numbers on economic impact:-$9.6B in economic output generated -$377M in tax revenue returned -79,000 jobs supported -Ever $1 invested netted a $5.11 returned to the regional economyAll from an operating budget of roughly $480M. Why UTA’s Riders Are Getting YoungerJay explains how university partnerships, free-fare programs, and campus connectivity are transforming ridership patterns — and why student riders today become lifelong riders tomorrow.Global CollaborationUTA is working with LA Metro, LA28, and Milan/Cortina teams to prepare for back-to-back Olympic cycles (2026, 2028, 2034), exchanging insights on operations, vehicle staging, and major-event transport logistics.This is one of the most wide-ranging, energizing episodes we’ve recorded — and a perfect companion to our upcoming Transit Unplugged TV episode filmed on location in Utah.Host: Paul ComfortExecutive Producer: Julie GatesProducer: Paul ComfortEditor: Patrick EmileAssociate Producer: Cyndi RaskinBrand design: Tina OlagundoyeSocial Media: Tatyana MechkarovaIf you have a question or comment, email us at info@transitunplugged.com.Follow us on social media:https://www.linkedin.com/company/transit-unplugged/https://x.com/transitunplughttps://www.threads.net/@transitunpluggedhttps://www.instagram.com/transitunplugged/Sign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter: https://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 (“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