How Tiffany Gunter Drove 40% Ridership Growth at SMART

This week, we’ve got a standout conversation with Tiffany Gunter, GM and CEO of Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART), who breaks down how her team drove a 40% ridership increase on some of their busiest corridors. It’s a clear example of what focused, operational leadership can deliver—and what it takes to make those gains stick.

Plus, revisit our latest Transit Unplugged TV episode in St. Pete/Clearwater, and catch the ThinkTransit CEO roundtable if you haven’t yet.

This Week on The Podcast

Tiffany Gunter, GM + CEO of Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART), 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.

ICYMI: TUTV in St. Pete + Clearwater!

🔥1.6 Million Views and Counting!🔥

Paul Comfort takes you on ferries, trolleys, and electric buses, courtesy of PSTA (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority) — one of the most innovative transit systems in the country. Along the way, he digs into grouper sandwiches at Frenchy’s, flaming saganaki and baklava cheesecake at Hellas in Tarpon Springs, and a cold craft pour at Dunedin Brewery — Florida’s very first microbrewery.

ICYMI: CEO Roundtable

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.

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