A Conversation with Amtrak’s Roger Harris
There’s a real sense of momentum in the air right now. Across the industry, transit leaders are moving from recovery to confidence—from stabilizing systems to sharpening strategy. This week’s conversation captures that shift perfectly, with a candid, forward-looking discussion on what it means to run a great railroad today, and a reminder that the most important progress often starts when leaders step back, compare notes, and think big together. As we look toward the upcoming ThinkTransit Executive Summit (will we see you there?), this moment feels less like a checkpoint—and more like the start of the next chapter.
This Week on The Podcast
On this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort is joined by Roger Harris, President of Amtrak, for an in-depth look at what’s driving momentum at America’s national railroad. Roger breaks down a remarkable 2025 for Amtrak—highlighting record ridership, revenue growth, and historic capital investment—and shares what’s ahead in 2026 as the organization stays focused on one core priority: running a great railroad.
Coming Soon: Salt Lake City!
In our new trailer, explore Salt Lake City, Utah through its people, places, and one of the most impressive public transportation systems in the United States. From the Utah State Capitol and Temple Square to historic Ogden, world‑class ski resorts, and iconic local restaurants, this journey shows how transit connects culture, history, and everyday life across Northern Utah.
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:
- ⏳🚦 Transit is on standby across the U.S.
- ⏳ Federal transit funding for 2026 is still waiting on final approval, with a partial government shutdown already delaying some grants.
- ⚽ With the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Tickets Buy, Sell & Swap🇺🇸🇨🇦🇲🇽 just 4 months away, the Kansas City region is launching new transit services to support host cities.
- 🏈 In the Bay Area, Bay Area Rapid Transit is boosting service for this weekend’s Super Bowl.
