This week on Transit Unplugged, we’re bringing you an international perspective. Paul Comfort sits down with Laurence Broseta, International CEO of Keolis Group, for a front-row look at how one of the world’s largest operators is reimagining public transit.

With operations in 13 countries, Keolis is doing more than running trains and buses—they’re building tools like visualization rooms to improve ops in real-time, championing revolutionary technology, and leading major projects like Grand Paris Express and Canada’s high-speed ALTO corridor.

Laurence shares what it’s like adapting the European subcontractor model to North America. She also gives us a glimpse into Keolis’ recruitment strategy, their evolving leadership culture, and how they’re pushing beyond sustainability goals to future-proof ridership.

If you want to know what transit looks like when it’s run like a global system—this is the episode.

00:00 Introduction and Conference Overview

01:27 Interview with Laurence Broseta Begins

02:43 Keolis Group and Global Operations

06:44 Visualization Rooms and Operational Excellence

10:34 Keolis in North America: Challenges and Successes

13:52 Leadership and Recruitment at Keolis

16:51 High-Speed Rail in Canada: The ALTO Project

18:24 Global High-Speed Rail Developments

23:56 North American Transit Operations

26:02 Future of Public Transportation

28:14 Conclusion and Farewell

Creator, Host & Producer — Paul Comfort

Executive Producer — Julie Gates

Producer — Chris O'Keeffe

Editor — Patrick Emile

Associate Producer — Cyndi Raskin

Special thanks to:

Brand Design — Tina Olagundoye

Social Media — Tatyana Mechkarova

📩 Got 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 Inc., 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 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 exclusive edition of Transit Unplugged Insider, host Paul Comfort sits down with executive producer Julie Gates to unpack the biggest developments across the public transportation world—things you won’t hear anywhere else.

Inside this episode:

• What the federal shutdown really means for transit funding—and which programs are frozen
• Why some agencies are pulling back from electric buses
• How safety is taking a front seat and what the current Administration is using to measure it
• The rise of AI, cybersecurity, and automation inside transit ops
• What we’re hearing about operator shortages, microtransit expansion, and system redesigns
• And what’s next for Transit Unplugged TV, Parking Live, and the brand-new Aviation Report

Creator, Host & Producer — Paul Comfort

Executive Producer — Julie Gates

Producer — Chris O'Keeffe

Associate Producer — Cyndi Raskin

Special thanks to:

Brand Design — Tina Olagundoye

Social Media — Tatyana Mechkarova

📩 Got 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 Inc., 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 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.

Passing the Torch at GRITS:

In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort speaks live from the Kentucky Transit Association Trade Show with Dan Lanham and Michael Hughes of GRITS transit service. As Dan prepares to retire after nearly two decades and Michael steps up from Assistant Director to take over, they discuss the smooth leadership transition process. Dan reflects on his tenure and plans for retirement while Michael outlines his vision and priorities for the future, emphasizing the importance of hiring the right people and maintaining employee retention. The conversation also highlights the multi-month preparation and training that ensured a seamless transition and continued success for the agency.

Creator, Host & Producer — Paul Comfort

Executive Producer — Julie Gates

Producer — Chris O'Keeffe

Associate Producer — Cyndi Raskin

Special thanks to:

Brand Design — Tina Olagundoye

Social Media — Tatyana Mechkarova

📩 Got 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 Inc., 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 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 head to Singapore, where public transit covers every inch of the island—and carries an astonishing 7.5 million riders daily.

Host Paul Comfort sits down with Winston Toh, Managing Director of Tower Transit Singapore, one of four operators under the Land Transport Authority (LTA). With 800 buses across 60 routes, Tower Transit is at the center of a system designed with precision—and powered by centralized planning.

Winston shares:

• Why bus ridership (3.8M daily) surpasses rail (3.4M) in Singapore
• How LTA ensures full national coverage and low fares (as little as $0.69 for seniors)
• Why “every inch of the land is covered” with integrated bus and rail systems
• The role of AI-enabled safety tools, including fatigue detection and driver incentive programs
• How Tower Transit fosters a people-first culture, with 80% staff engagement and Singapore Best Employer status
• The company’s goal to become “the Singapore Airlines of the bus industry”

Whether you’re an operator, planner, or policymaker, this episode offers a blueprint for equitable, efficient, and tech-forward mobility.

Creator, Host & Producer — Paul Comfort

Executive Producer — Julie Gates

Producer — Chris O'Keeffe

Edited and Mixed by — Chris O’Keeffe + Patrick Emile

Associate Producer — Cyndi Raskin

Special thanks to:

Brand Design — Tina Olagundoye

Social Media — Tatyana Mechkarova

📩 Got 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 Inc., 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 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.

Recorded Live at the APTA TRANSform Conference in Boston

In this special live edition of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort moderates an inspiring CEO Roundtable with five industry leaders shaping the future of mobility. Recorded on-site at APTA TRANSform 2025 in Boston, the conversation dives into the real-world challenges and opportunities facing transit systems today—and the leadership vision driving change.

Joining Paul are:

Ben Limmer (Connecticut DOT)

Kenneth McDonald (Long Beach Transit and APTA CEO of the Year)

Jessica Mefford-Miller (Valley Metro)

Ben Stupka (RTA of Southeast Michigan), and Amanda Wanke (DART – Des Moines).

Together, they explore key themes:

The biggest transformations their agencies have experienced in the past two years

• How leaders pivot under pressure and lead through uncertainty

• Innovation in action—new projects and technologies transforming service

• A day in the life of a modern transit CEO

• Their vision for the next decade of mobility

💡 This uplifting roundtable is packed with practical insights, real-world leadership lessons, and inspiration for everyone working to move people—and communities—forward.

LIVE from the American Public Transportation Association's TRANSform conference, host Paul Comfort moderates a live panel on one of the most mission-critical—but often overlooked—parts of the transit ecosystem: paratransit.

Presented in partnership with UZURV – The Adaptive Transportation Network Company (TNC), this candid and high-energy conversation features leaders from across the country who are redefining what’s possible when innovation meets accessibility.

Guests:

• Mark Aesch, CEO, TransPro Consulting
• Eileen Collins Turvey, Director of Paratransit, TriMet (Portland, OR)
• Kevin Hernandez, Chief Operating Officer, GRTC (Richmond, VA)
• Ned Freeman, CEO, UZURV

Together, they discuss:

• Why paratransit isn’t just an “unfunded mandate”—it’s a cornerstone of transit’s value to the community
• How performance-based models and TNC partnerships are helping agencies cut costs and boost rider satisfaction
• New data showing paratransit users are the most satisfied transit customers in America
• What success looks like when we prioritize dignity, flexibility, and equity

 📍 "Do you know who the most happy transit customers in America are? Paratransit customers. They're happier than fixed route bus or BRT or Rail.” – Mark Aesch

🧭 “The ADA is the floor, not the ceiling. It's minimum compliance. And if that's what you're seeking, I'm not gonna tell you how to run your program.” – Eileen Collins Turvey

🚍 “ It's time to be innovative. We can't continue doing the same things we've been doing for 70 years." – Kevin Hernandez

💡 Whether you're running a transit system, shaping policy, or simply believe in building cities that work for everyone—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

✅ Credits

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

Creator, Host & Producer — Paul Comfort

Executive Producer — Julie Gates

Recorded, Produced and Mixed by — Chris O’Keeffe

Associate Producer — Cyndi Raskin

Special thanks to:

Brand Design — Tina Olagundoye

Social Media — Tatyana Mechkarova

Sound Design — Patrick Emile

📩 Got 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 Inc., 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 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.

San Antonio is growing—and fast. In this Super September episode, host Paul Comfort sits down with Jon Gary Herrera, the newly appointed President and CEO of VIA Metropolitan Transit, to talk about how one of America’s fastest-growing cities is reimagining transit.

From expanding regional collaboration to centering equity in system planning, Jon Gary brings a thoughtful and bold vision to VIA’s next chapter. He shares what he’s learned from nearly two decades in public service—including his time at LA Metro, Capitol Hill, and the private sector—and why he believes public transit is essential for prosperity, climate, and quality of life.

💡 Topics include:

• What brought Jon Gary to San Antonio—and why the time was right
• The opportunity (and pressure) of leading a transit system in a fast-growing city
• Why transit investments must reflect the lived experience of the people who use them
• The power of community accountability—and how it shapes service delivery
• VIA’s strategy for becoming a mobility ecosystem that works for all

🎙️ “We're in a moment where we need to be courageous about the future.” — Jon Gary Herrera

Whether you're a transit professional, city planner, or civic leader, this episode offers key insights into building resilient, future-focused mobility systems that meet the needs of diverse, growing communities.

✅ Credits

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

Creator, Host & Producer — Paul Comfort

Executive Producer — Julie Gates

Producer — Chris O'Keeffe

Edited and Mixed by — Chris O’Keeffe + Patrick Emile

Associate Producer — Cyndi Raskin

Special thanks to:

Brand Design — Tina Olagundoye

Social Media — Tatyana Mechkarova

📩 Got 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 Inc., 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 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 Super September episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort heads to Chicago to sit down with Nora Leerhsen, Acting President of the Chicago Transit Authority—America’s second-largest public transit system.

With more than 11,000 employees, a million daily riders, and an expanding footprint, the CTA plays a massive role in the life of the Windy City—and Nora is at the helm during a pivotal time. A lawyer and former educator who rose through the ranks from compliance officer to chief of staff and now acting president, Nora shares her deep belief in transit's power to uplift cities and people alike.

They discuss:

• How CTA is hitting post-pandemic ridership highs during special events like Lollapalooza
• The launch of the Frequent Network, boosting service on 20 core bus routes
• Nora’s unique path to leadership—and why a legal background helps navigate complexity
• CTA's all-hands approach to safety, from targeted police missions to new rider engagement programs
• The long-awaited Red Line Extension, bringing rail access to underserved South Side communities
• How partnerships with Metra, Pace, and RTA are shaping a more unified regional system

And yes—there’s even a nod to Ferris Bueller and the iconic rumble of the L.

“Transit is unmatched in the impact it can have on a city and on its trajectory,” says Nora. Tune in for a candid, energizing conversation about the past, present, and future of Chicago’s transit backbone.

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

• Creator, Host & Producer — Paul Comfort
• Executive Producer — Julie Gates
• Producer & Newsletter Editor — Chris O’Keefe
• Associate Producer — Cyndi Raskin

Special thanks to:

• Brand Design — Tina Olagundoye
• Social Media — Tatyana Mechkarova

Got a question or comment? Email us at info@transitunplugged.com

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. This production belongs to Modaxo and may contain information 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.