The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to North America—and for public transportation agencies across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the countdown is already underway.

In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort speaks with transportation journalist Dan Zukowski of Smart Cities Dive about the enormous mobility challenge behind one of the world’s biggest sporting events. From Los Angeles and Boston to New York-New Jersey and Atlanta, transit agencies are preparing to move hundreds of thousands of visitors safely, efficiently, and seamlessly through their cities.

Dan breaks down how agencies are expanding service, coordinating with law enforcement, improving customer wayfinding, and preparing for the unique pressures of international visitors arriving during weekday rush hours. The conversation also explores how the World Cup could become a defining moment for public transportation in America—and potentially leave behind lasting improvements for riders long after the final match.

Paul and Dan discuss:

• How host cities are preparing transit systems for FIFA 2026
• Why mobility is central to the success of mega-events
• LA Metro’s long-term “Twenty-Eight by 28” infrastructure strategy
• The role of transit ambassadors and multilingual wayfinding
• Crowd management, security, and game-day operations
• How agencies are coordinating buses, trains, bikes, scooters, Uber, and more
• The opportunity to win over new riders through positive transit experiences
• What cities could learn ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

If transit works well during the World Cup, it won’t just move fans—it could reshape how cities and residents think about public transportation for years to come.

🎧 Also in this episode:

• Insights from Smart Cities Dive’s transportation coverage
• The future of multimodal mobility and regional coordination
• Why major sporting events are becoming transit proving grounds

This episode offers a fascinating look at the planning, logistics, and strategy required to deliver mobility on a global stage.

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.

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.

Commuter rail is being reinvented—and at Virginia Railway Express (VRE), that shift starts with one big idea: becoming a true regional rail system.

Katie Choe, CEO of VRE, joins Paul Comfort to explain how the agency is moving beyond its traditional peak-hour, commuter-focused model toward a more flexible, all-day, bi-directional network designed for today’s travel patterns.

At the center of that transformation is VRE’s System Plan 2050, a roadmap to expand service, increase frequency, and serve a broader mix of riders—from daily commuters to evening, weekend, and recreational travelers.

In this episode, Katie breaks down:

• What it really means to shift from commuter rail to regional rail
• How VRE plans to deliver a 60% increase in service by 2030
• The challenge of operating on shared freight corridors—and how new capacity changes the game
• Why diversifying beyond federal commuters is critical to long-term growth
• How agencies can make incremental service improvements now, before major infrastructure is complete

The conversation also highlights one of VRE’s biggest differentiators: customer experience. From meeting first-time riders at the station to achieving more than 60% participation in annual rider surveys, VRE has built a level of trust that directly informs how the system evolves.

With a background spanning Massport, the City of Boston, and the MBTA, Katie brings a systems-level view to the role—balancing infrastructure, operations, and rider needs as VRE navigates this transition.

What’s next?

While major expansion is on the horizon, VRE isn’t waiting. The team is already exploring extended evening service, special event trains, and new ways to attract riders in the near term—all part of the shift toward a more dynamic, regional system.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.

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 quarterly Transit Unplugged Insider, Paul Comfort and Julie Gates break down the most important developments shaping public transportation right now—from Washington leadership changes to emerging mobility technology.

They cover the five biggest stories transit leaders need to know, including:

FTA Leadership Shakeup – With no administrator or deputy currently in place, what does this leadership gap mean for the Federal Transit Administration and the industry at large?

Federal Funding Uncertainty – Proposed budget changes with potential cuts exceeding 20% year-over-year . What’s at risk—and how is the industry responding?

Reauthorization Outlook – Why the next major transportation bill may not pass this year, and what that delay could mean for agencies planning long-term investments .

Innovation Acceleration – From autonomous vehicles to electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, new technologies are rapidly moving from pilot programs to real-world deployment .

ThinkTransit Takeaways – Key insights from executive leaders across North America on cybersecurity, AI, safety, and operational strategy.

You’ll also hear:

Why rising fuel prices could drive increased transit ridership

How agencies are preparing for funding and policy uncertainty

What 500,000 weekly autonomous rides signal about the future of mobility

Why having a cybersecurity response plan is now essential

This episode is your insider briefing on the policies, people, and technologies shaping transit in 2026—with context you won’t hear anywhere else.

00:00 Insider Episode Kickoff

01:09 Big Changes at FTA

01:32 Leadership Vacuum Explained

02:22 Matt Webber Retires

03:00 Jamie Fister Steps In

03:30 Who Will Lead Next

04:25 Transit Funding Shakeup

05:01 Why the Budget Drops

06:45 APTA Pushback Strategy

07:26 Reauthorization Clock Ticking

10:35 Gas Prices and Ridership

12:18 EV Fees and Innovation Pivot

12:50 VTOLs and Advanced Air Mobility

17:12 Autonomous Vehicles Go Mainstream

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.

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.

Tiffany Gunter, GM + CEO of Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation, joins Paul Comfort to explain how SMART saw a 40% ridership increase on key high-volume corridors including Gratiot and Woodward. She shares the operational changes behind the gains—from stronger on-time performance and improved frequencies to cleaner shelters, onboard Wi-Fi, and a renewed focus on customer experience.

Tiffany also shares her journey from transportation planner to CEO, and why hands-on leadership matters—including 3:30 AM terminal visits, riding with frontline teams, and tackling operational issues firsthand. She explains how SMART improved on-time performance from 65% to 76% in just weeks by focusing the organization on clear goals, communication, and a little friendly competition.

The conversation also explores Detroit’s resurgence, microtransit expansion, youth fare initiatives, and why telling a positive story about transit has never been more important.

In This Episode:

Tiffany’s career path from planner to CEO

Why “presence matters” in transit leadership

How SMART rapidly improved on-time performance

Gamifying performance with the “OTP Challenge”

Growing ridership through better service and amenities

Detroit’s comeback and transit’s role in regional growth

Free rides for students and future workforce development

Why storytelling matters for public transportation today

00:00 Meet Tiffany Gunter

01:30 Think Transit Reunion

03:00 Finding the X Factor

03:42 Transit Career Origin

05:37 Hands On Leadership

10:14 Detroit Transit Landscape

13:52 Culture of Care

17:53 Down With OTP

18:45 Daily Performance Huddles

20:01 Leaderboards And Buy In

21:51 Detroit Comeback Story

25:07 Big Events Transit Surge

25:55 Cutting the highlighted section below bc this has already happened

27:30 Future Plans And Free Rides

31:40 Leadership Lessons And Wrap

32:29 Not sure if this should be included

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.

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.

How Transit CEOs Are Tackling Safety, Growth, and Leadership — Live from ThinkTransit

This week on Transit Unplugged, we take you live to Boston for a special CEO Roundtable recorded at the ThinkTransit Conference—featuring four of the most influential leaders in public transportation today.

Host Paul Comfort sits down with:

• Jay Fox — Executive Director, Utah Transit Authority
• Nora Leerhsen — Acting President, Chicago Transit Authority
• Richard A. Davey — CEO, Massport (former MBTA & NYC Transit leader)
• Harry Wilson — Chair & CEO, MV Transportation

Recorded in front of a live audience of transit professionals, this candid conversation explores what it really takes to lead large-scale transit systems in 2026.

From law and finance to teaching and federal service, each CEO shares the unconventional journey that led them to the top—and what they learned along the way.

Running a major transit system isn’t just operations—it’s politics, people, culture, and constant decision-making at scale.

A powerful, nuanced discussion on safety—from frontline presence and policing to the deeper issues of mental health and homelessness shaping the conversation today.

Why high-performing teams—not individuals—drive results, and how agencies are building cultures of continuous improvement.

• Airport-to-terminal security via transit (Massport innovation)
• System-wide culture transformation and teamwork (MV Transportation)
• Continuous improvement at scale (UTA)
• Reframing public perception through storytelling and pride (CTA)

• Transit is more than transportation—it reflects society itself.
• Safety requires more than enforcement—it demands strategy, presence, and partnership.
• Great agencies are built on culture, not just operations.
• Leaders must balance vision with execution—every single day.

This is a rare, unfiltered look inside the minds of transit CEOs—how they think, how they lead, and how they’re navigating one of the most complex and essential industries in the world.

Whether you're an operator, policymaker, or future leader, this episode offers a masterclass in modern 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.

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.

Paul Comfort talks with Patrick Preusser, Chief Operating Officer of Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD), to unpack the reality of delivering transit service across one of the largest and most complex systems in the U.S.

Serving over 3 million people across 2,000+ square miles, RTD operates a multimodal network of bus, light rail, commuter rail, paratransit, and emerging microtransit services—all coordinated under a $1.3 billion operation.

As part of our “The Doers” series, this conversation focuses on the leaders responsible for turning strategy into service—and Patrick offers a rare, inside look at what that really means.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

What a Chief Operating Officer actually does in a major transit agency

How RTD manages daily service for 135,000+ riders

The key KPIs driving performance—from on-time service to cost efficiency

Why Denver embraced frequent regional rail before it became industry standard

How transit agencies are adapting to new ridership patterns post-pandemic

The role of technology, safety, and data dashboards in modern operations

What’s ahead for Denver, including BRT expansion, rail reconstruction, and major development projects

A system built for scale—and the future

From direct rail service to Denver International Airport to major upcoming investments like the East Colfax BRT line, RTD is positioning itself for long-term growth in one of America’s fastest-evolving regions.

Patrick also reflects on his journey through the industry—from starting as a transit user in Chicago to leading operations in Denver—and what it means to be one of the “doers” responsible for delivering service where it matters most: on the street.

Listen now to learn how transit strategy becomes real-world service.

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.

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.

This week on Transit Unplugged, we continue our “The Doers” series—highlighting the transit leaders who are not just setting strategy, but delivering results on the ground.

Paul Comfort sits down with Shofi Ull Azum, Chief Planning and Development Officer at Cherriots in Salem, Oregon—a mid-size agency achieving something few systems have managed: ridership that exceeds pre-pandemic levels by more than 12%.

Shofi shares a tactical, inside look at how his team is turning planning, innovation, and partnerships into measurable growth—and what other agencies can learn from their approach.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

What actually drives ridership growth

Why adding weekend and evening service unlocked new demand

How aligning service with real community needs—not assumptions—changes outcomes

The role of fare policy, frequency, and accessibility in rebuilding ridership

The power of targeted programs

How a youth zero-fare program now drives up to 25–30% of ridership

Why investing in younger riders is really about building long-term transit culture

How partnerships with schools and state funding made it possible

Reliability as the foundation

Why on-time performance is the baseline for trust

How Cherriots improved performance to 88% on-time—above their target

The operational fixes that made the biggest difference (including reducing early departures)

Using technology to modernize the rider experience

Real-time tracking and GTFS-RT deployment

Traffic signal priority to improve reliability on high-ridership corridors

The importance of clean, accurate data for smarter planning decisions

Building a multimodal future

Why transit agencies need to evolve beyond fixed routes

How microtransit, bike share, and partnerships with TNCs fit into the system

The goal: becoming a true regional mobility integrator

Key Takeaway

Ridership growth isn’t accidental—it’s the result of intentional service design, strong partnerships, and a relentless focus on reliability and access.

As Shofi puts it, success comes from giving people real options—and building a system that fits how they actually live and move today.

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.

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 sits down with Amanda Vandegrift, Deputy CEO of Finance & Administration and Chief Financial Officer at WeGo Public Transit in Nashville.

This conversation is part of our “The Doers” series—highlighting transit leaders who are not just setting vision, but actively delivering results on the ground.

Amanda shares her unique journey from private-sector consultant—where she helped design Nashville’s “Choose How You Move” ballot initiative—to becoming the executive responsible for implementing it inside the agency.

With a newly approved funding stream, a growing system, and rising ridership, Nashville offers a real-world case study in how agencies can move from planning to execution—and actually deliver on what voters approved.

What You’ll Learn:

How to move from a transit referendum to real-world implementation

What it takes to shift an agency from maintenance mode to growth

How WeGo is achieving double-digit ridership gains

Why staffing and recruitment must come before expansion

How a low-income fare program can drive access and usage

The role of microtransit partnerships like WeGo Link with Uber

How to build financial stability with a $47M reserve fund

Why today’s transit CFO is a strategic operator—not just a numbers role

From Ballot to Bus Service

Amanda played a key role in developing Nashville’s “Choose How You Move” initiative—a half-cent sales tax increase designed to fund billions in transit improvements.

Now inside the agency, she’s helping implement:

Expanded bus service and increased frequency

New transit centers and corridor investments

First-mile/last-mile solutions through microtransit

A free transit program for qualifying riders

Long-term system growth backed by dedicated funding

The early results are already showing up, with ridership increases ranging from 10% to 30% as service improves and barriers are removed.

Innovation Spotlight: First/Last Mile That Works

WeGo’s partnership model with Uber is helping bridge the gap between riders and fixed-route service:

19 service zones (and expanding)

$2 rides—or free for eligible users

Direct connections to high-frequency routes

Delivered at a relatively low cost to the agency

It’s a scalable example of how agencies can extend their reach without overextending fixed-route service.

Host: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer: Chris O’Keeffe

Editor: Patrick Emile

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo, passionate about moving the world’s people.

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.

00:00 Welcome to Nashville

00:14 Expansion Culture and CFO Role

00:22 Meet Amanda Vandergrift

02:15 Working with Steve Bland

03:34 Two Agencies One Brand

05:08 Contracting and Access Service

06:22 From Consultant to CFO

08:27 Choose How You Move Wins

09:22 Quick Wins and Free Fares

11:29 Wego Link Uber Zones