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 Olympics

Jay 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 Project

UTA 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 Growth

UTA 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 Model

Jay 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 economy

All from an operating budget of roughly $480M.

Why UTA’s Riders Are Getting Younger

Jay explains how university partnerships, free-fare programs, and campus connectivity are transforming ridership patterns — and why student riders today become lifelong riders tomorrow.

Global Collaboration

UTA 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 Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer: Paul Comfort

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.

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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

Paul Comfort sits down with Martin Ritter, CEO of Stadler U.S., one of the most innovative and fastest-growing train manufacturers in North America. From a modest foothold in the early 2000s to a nearly 600,000 sq. ft. factory in Utah, Stadler is reshaping how America thinks about rolling stock — and redefining what’s possible in U.S.-based manufacturing.

In this conversation, Martin pulls back the curtain on:

• How Stadler grew from an 18-person Swiss workshop to a 17,500-person global rail powerhouse
• Why agencies love their FLIRT multiple-unit trains — and how distributed propulsion changes the game
• Hydrogen, battery-electric, and ultra-efficient diesel-electric: the real story behind next-gen rail propulsion
• How Stadler achieved FRA compliance while keeping trains lighter, quieter, and more efficient
• The company’s youth apprenticeship program, modeled after Switzerland’s world-renowned system
• What it means for Stadler U.S. to become a standalone division
• The milestone ahead: delivering trains for the 2034 Salt Lake Olympic Games

This episode is a rare, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most talked-about rail manufacturers in the United States — and a preview of what Paul and the crew will capture during our upcoming visit to the Utah factory for Transit Unplugged TV.

Episode Credits

Host & Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer: Chris O’Keeffe

Editor: Patrick Emile

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Consultants: Dan Meisner & Jonas Woost, Bumper

Brand design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

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.

On this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with Nancy Purser, Acting Director of the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). After 15 years with the agency, Nancy now leads one of Ontario’s most historic and ambitious transit systems — one that’s preparing for transformative growth.

Nancy shares how HSR is executing HSR Next: Moving Hamilton Forward, a seven-year network redesign that will expand service by 50%, add new routes and on-demand zones, and better connect residents — especially those in equity-deserving and suburban communities — to jobs, education, and opportunity.

She also discusses HSR’s shift to a 100% CNG fleet by the end of 2026, emerging exploration into renewable natural gas, the city’s newest indoor fueling and storage facility, and what it means to become the greenest transit fleet in Ontario.

Plus, Nancy opens up about her path into transit, the power of customer-focused service, and how dragon boat racing keeps her energized outside of work.

In This Conversation, You’ll Learn:

Why Hamilton chose to preserve the historic HSR name — and why riders love it

How HSR Next will reshape the network, expand frequency, and support suburban growth

What it takes to deliver 50% more transit service over seven years

The environmental and operational impact of going fully CNG

How municipal investment and federal capital programs influence long-term planning

Ridership trends — and how immigration policy and education markets affect demand

The role of equity, access, and job connectivity in modern network redesigns

How community partnerships and strategic planning positioned HSR for its “golden era”

Episode Credits

Host & Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer: Chris O’Keeffe

Editor: Patrick Emile

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Consultants: Dan Meisner & Jonas Woost, Bumper

Brand design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

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.

On this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with Maureen Cosyn Heath, Director of Transit for the City of Mississauga and the leader of MiWay, the third-largest municipal transit agency in Ontario.

Mississauga has grown rapidly to more than 775,000 residents, and MiWay is evolving right alongside the city—operating 500 buses, supporting 1,700+ employees, and preparing for major system updates including a hydrogen bus pilot, a battery-electric fleet project, and the upcoming Hazel McCallion LRT (Light Rail Transit) line.

Maureen shares insights on:

Why ridership should be measured in value, not just taps and fares

How MiWay is shifting toward zero-emission technology

What it takes to communicate big budgets to elected officials

The importance of frontline operators and technicians

Her career path from customer service to leading one of Canada’s largest systems

“More people on my buses, more space on the road for you.” — Maureen Cosyn Heath

Recorded live in Ontario at the Vontas Canada User Summit, this conversation highlights a transit agency preparing for its next chapter—and a leader focused on fundamentals, connection, and community impact.

🎙️ Credits + Disclaimer

Host & Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer: Chris O’Keeffe

Editor: Patrick Emile

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Consultants: Dan Misener & Jonas Woost (Bumper)

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.

On this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with Ginny Smith, Executive Director of the Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority. Ginny shares how rural transit systems provide essential access to jobs, healthcare, education, and independence for the people they serve. From vanpools that connect workers to regional employers, to a new university transit partnership, to technology investments that improve safety and rider experience, Cape Girardeau is a powerful example of how small systems innovate with limited resources.

In This Conversation, You’ll Learn:

• Why transit in rural communities is truly a lifeline, especially for seniors and workers without vehicles
• How Cape Girardeau runs vanpool routes to large employers across county lines to connect people with stable jobs
• The impact of taking over Southeast Missouri State University’s transit service and launching live bus tracking for students and residents
• How partnerships like FlixBus/Greyhound restore regional travel access to St. Louis and beyond
• How the system is using AI-based safety and vehicle monitoring tools to support operators and prevent breakdowns
• The financial reality of rural transit funding — and the creative strategies needed when state dollars are cut

• Host & Producer: Paul Comfort
• Executive Producer: Julie Gates
• Producer: Chris O’Keeffe
• Editor: Patrick Emile
• Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin
• Consultants: Dan Misener & Jonas Woost (Bumper)

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 special live episode of Transit Unplugged, recorded at TCRP Day in Washington, DC, Paul Comfort sits down with a powerhouse panel of transit leaders:

• Sarah Meyer — EVP, Chief Customer Officer at Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
• Jamaal Schoby — Senior Program Manager at Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP)
• Art Guzzetti — Vice President, Policy at American Public Transportation Association (APTA)
• Matt Daus — Partner & Chair, Transportation Practice Group (Windels Marx)

They dive into the critical role of research in shaping the future of public transit—how the Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) delivers actionable insights, not just academic studies. From fare policy to safety, from AI to workforce development, hear how these leaders are using data and research to make real-world decisions that impact millions of riders.

Whether you're in operations, policy, planning, or innovation, this episode will show you why research isn’t just important—it’s urgent.

https://nap.nationalacademies.org/trb/165/transit-cooperative-research-program-research-report

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.

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.