“Rural Public Transportation Really is a Lifeline.”

Even on the road in Salt Lake City — cameras rolling and conversations flowing — our team keeps coming back to the same idea: transit is everywhere, and it connects everything. Whether it’s a rural county stitching together opportunity, a large regional urban transit system showing its impact, or researchers mapping out the future, the stories we’re capturing remind us how much movement shapes daily life.

Wherever you are this week, we hope you’re seeing your corner of the world a little differently — and noticing the ways transit helps bring it all together.

PREMIERE: Inside Connecticut

Paul explores the vibrant heart of Connecticut—featuring exclusive interviews with the lead singers from Styx and REO Speedwagon! From the golden dome of Hartford’s Capitol to the legendary Mark Twain House, this episode includes iconic sights, local dining favorites, and behind-the-scenes access to the state’s public transit.

This Week on the Podcast

Paul sits down with Ginny Smith, Executive Director of the Cape Girardeau (Missouri) 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 while prioritizing efficiency.

ICYMI: TCRP DAY

In this special live episode of Transit Unplugged, recorded at Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Day in Washington DC, Paul Comfort sits down with a powerhouse panel of transit leaders: 

• Matt Daus — Partner & Chair, Transportation Practice Group (Windels Marx)
• 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) 

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:

• Americans voted “YES” for public transit! Over 80% of ballot measures passed across the U.S. — a huge win for better mobility, greener cities, and more connected communities.
• Mass Transit Magazine reports that North American bus manufacturers are bracing for the new 10% bus tariff introduced on November 
• Canada’s best in transit took centre stage! The Canadian Urban Transit Association – CUTA hosted its annual #CUTA Awards, honoring 18 winners including BC Transit, MiWay, Transdev, ARTM – Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain, and Edmonton Transit Service – ETS. 🏆 👏 A special shout-out to Transit Unplugged alum Mike Bismeyer, winner of the Distinguished Service Award!
• Coast Transit Authority is offering FREE unlimited rides for veterans on Veterans Day — a heartfelt thank-you for their service. ❤️🤍💙
• Plus, all eyes are on #CoMotionLA this week and American Public Transportation Association APTA’s National Transit Career Day on November 13 — celebrating the people powering public transport! 💪