The Transit Guy on the Future + Thanks to Those Who Saved Lives in the Storm

This week holds two truths at once. On the podcast, Paul sits down with Hayden Clarkin—The Transit Guy—for a future-focused conversation about where transit is headed, from automation and AI to stations, wayfinding, and long-term investment. And in the present moment, during a punishing winter storm, transit systems and frontline employees stepped up in ways that mattered immediately—getting people to warming centers, transporting residents to shelters, and quite literally saving lives. Looking ahead is essential. So is recognizing the people who showed up when it counted.

This Week on The Podcast

Paul Comfort is joined by Hayden Clarkin — transportation engineer, mobility consultant, Mass Transit Magazine Top 40 Under 40 honoree, and one of the industry’s most-followed voices online, known as “The Transit Guy.” In a wide-ranging conversation from New York City, Paul and Hayden break down the biggest forces shaping transit right now — from automation and AI to Amtrak expansion, station revitalization, and the growing push for better rider information and wayfinding.

ICYMI: Montreal Uncut!

Step beyond the main episode with this special companion feature and dive deeper into Montreal’s transit story with full-length conversations from industry leaders and innovators whose insights couldn’t fit in the original broadcast. Hear more from experts at STM, ARTM, Transdev Canada, Nova Bus, and Expretio Technologies as they share candid stories, challenges, and visions for the future of public transportation in Montreal and beyond.

The News Minute

Curious about the latest headlines in the transit industry? Check out our Transit Unplugged News Minute with Julie Gates. She covers the biggest stories in the industry every week. Click to view, and subscribe so you don’t miss a thing. This week:

• ❄️ Public transit is saving lives during a massive winter storm.
• As millions face power outages and freezing temperatures across the U.S., transit agencies are stepping up when communities need them most:
• 🚌 VIA Metropolitan Transit offered fare-free rides to warming centres 🚌 Metro transported people to shelters 🚌 Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority deployed stationary warming buses
• 💙 Huge thanks to every frontline transit worker.

ICYMI: Dave Reage

What’s the state of transit in Canada right now—and what’s next? In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with Dave Reage, Chair of the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) and a longtime transit leader with deep experience in Halifax Transit. Dave shares a national view of Canada’s biggest transit priorities—from funding and financial stability to ridership shifts, workforce challenges, and the evolving role of technology and innovation.

Preorder: Find Your X Factor 

by Paul Comfort

Paul’s new book is available for pre-order now! Find Your X Factor “reveals the path to discovering the unique intersection of natural strengths and core passions,” and “offers a powerful blueprint for thriving with meaning and momentum.” Lock in your copy now!