The Secret to Surpassing Pre-Pandemic Ridership
We’re writing this one in motion. After an energizing few days at the 2026 ThinkTransit Conference in Boston, the team is spread across Amtrak cars, MBTA Commuter Rail seats,…
How to Translate Transit Funding Into Real Service
Funding doesn’t deliver service—people do. This week on Transit Unplugged, we’re in Nashville with Amanda Vandegrift, one of the leaders responsible for turning a major public vote into real-world transit…
Do Operators Make the Best Transit Leaders?
There are many paths to transit leadership — and some of the most fulfilling start behind the wheel. This week, Paul Comfort sits down with Buffalo’s Michael Dylan Pal,…
Cutting Transit Crime by 50%
Public safety remains one of the most pressing challenges facing transit systems today — and this week’s episode highlights a real-world example of what happens when agencies take it…
Episode 400: A Decade of Transit Unplugged
This week we’re celebrating a major milestone: Episode 400 of Transit Unplugged. Host Paul Comfort sits down with Mark Miller to reflect on the origins of the podcast and how…
“Our Greatest Asset Is Our Employees” — Geisha Ester on Workforce Investment
How are you investing in your workforce? This week’s podcast episode with Geisha Ester of the National Transit Institute breaks down how agencies can access no-cost, FTA-funded training to…
ThinkTransit Executive Summit Wins First Place AdWheel Award from APTA for Best Event
ThinkTransit Executive Summit Wins APTA AdWheel Award for Best Event
The Research That’s Changing Transit — If You Know How to Use It
This week’s podcast episode is about research — the real-world kind that shapes capital plans, changes service, and helps you make the case for what comes next. Recorded live…
“Raise Your Hand!” — Leadership Lessons from Bridgette Beato
Leadership in transit isn’t accidental. It’s built — through mentorship, intentional choices, and the courage to raise your hand when the moment calls for it. This week’s podcast episode…
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…