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.

Paul and Roger explore how Amtrak operates as both a passenger rail provider and a critical infrastructure partner—especially in the complex Northeast Corridor ecosystem where commuter agencies and intercity rail depend on shared networks, tunnels, and bridges. Roger also digs into how smarter scheduling, strong demand, and modernized service planning are fueling growth—while new investment helps deliver more consistent reliability and a stronger customer experience.

They also preview what’s coming next, including the NextGen Acela rollout, the future of Airo fleet modernization, and new service momentum like the Amtrak Mardi Gras route. Plus, Roger shares how Amtrak is preparing to support major national moments ahead—including World Cup travel and America 250.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

What drove Amtrak’s record performance in 2025

Why “running a great railroad” means consistency, tools, and reliability

How Amtrak supports commuter partners as an infrastructure provider

What’s next for NextGen Acela and Airo fleet modernization

How Amtrak is preparing for World Cup crowds and America 250

Host + Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer: Chris O'Keeffe

Editor: Patrick Emile

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected]

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo, its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent. This production belongs to Modaxo and may contain information subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights. This content is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Modaxo disclaims all warranties and liability arising from the use of this material.

Transit Unplugged wraps a six-part “State of Transit” series to kick off 2026, 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. In this episode, we cover: Why transit automation is gaining momentum — and why new lines should be designed for it from day one What WMATA’s Automatic Train Operation progress could mean for capacity, reliability, and cost efficiency Where AI can create real value today (and where the hype still outpaces reality) What privatization could look like in North America — and what we can learn from global models Why night trains are resurging in Europe, and whether a similar model could work here The future of Amtrak, corridor expansion, and the challenges of state-by-state rail planning The return of iconic train stations — and why station location matters as much as architecture How wayfinding and real-time information can make transit easier for everyone (including first-timers) If you’re looking for a fast, smart snapshot of where transit is headed next, this episode is your roadmap.

Follow Hayden Clarkin: “The Transit Guy”:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/haydenclarkin/ https://www.instagram.com/thetransitguy/

https://thetransitguy.substack.com/

Host + Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer: Chris O'Keeffe

Editor: Patrick Emile Associate

Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected]

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo, its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent. This production belongs to Modaxo and may contain information subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights. This content is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Modaxo disclaims all warranties and liability arising from the use of this material.

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.

Dave also reflects on Halifax’s unique transit story (including its historic harbor ferries) and explains why Canada’s post-pandemic demand patterns are rewriting the rules—creating new pressure to match service levels with changing rider behavior.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

1. How Canadian transit governance differs from the U.S. model
2. Why operating funding is one of the biggest challenges facing agencies across Canada
3. What ridership recovery looks like now—and why off-peak and weekend travel is rising
4. The “new normal” for demand: Wednesday peaks, lighter Mondays and Fridays
5. The workforce crunch impacting reliability, operations, and service delivery
6. Why electrification matters, but shouldn’t distract from service fundamentals
7. What’s happening with hydrogen pilots and alternative propulsion strategies
8. How microtransit and on-demand service are filling service gaps
9. The growing federal emphasis on aligning transit investment with housing and land use

Featured Guest

Dave Reage

Chair, Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA)

Formerly with Halifax Transit (18 years), including nine years leading the agency

Also Mentioned

1. CUTA (Canadian Urban Transit Association)
2. Halifax, Nova Scotia
3. Montreal / Quebec City
4. Canadian Public Transit Fund
5. Transit-oriented development and housing integration

Host + Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer: Chris O'Keeffe

Editor: Patrick Emile

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected]

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo, its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent. This production belongs to Modaxo and may contain information subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights. This content is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Modaxo disclaims all warranties and liability arising from the use of this material.

What does 2026 look like for small urban and rural transit agencies across America—and what happens when costs rise faster than funding can keep up?

In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort is joined by Julie Brown, General Manager of Rogue Valley Transportation District (RVTD) in southern Oregon, President of the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA), and Chair of the Oregon Transportation Commission.

Julie pulls back the curtain on the real, day-to-day pressures facing agencies like hers—from funding uncertainty at the state level to escalating labor and vehicle costs, rising insurance rates, and the growing cybersecurity risks that come with modern transit tech.

She also challenges the industry to move beyond ridership as the defining success metric, and instead tell a more human story about what transit actually makes possible: access to work, healthcare, independence, and quality of life—especially as the “silver tsunami” reshapes mobility needs nationwide.

Key topics include:

1. Why RVTD expanded from 10 routes to 16—and why they had to cut back to 6 routes
2. The real-world impact of layoffs and service reductions
3. The exploding cost of vehicle replacement (and what sustainability requirements mean on the ground)
4. Insurance increases hitting agencies and contractors alike
5. Cybersecurity threats tied to fare systems and onboard technology
6. What CTAA is tracking in Washington as reauthorization conversations continue
7. Why the future of transit must be measured in human outcomes, not just raw numbers

If you care about how transit actually survives—and evolves—outside of the biggest metro systems, this conversation is essential listening.

Host + Producer: Paul Comfort Executive Producer: Julie Gates Producer: Chris O'Keeffe Editor: Patrick Emile Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected] 📩 Sign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter: https://transitunplugged.com/subscrib Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo, its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent. This production belongs to Modaxo and may contain information subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights. This content is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Modaxo disclaims all warranties and liability arising from the use of this material.

As Transit Unplugged kicks off 2026, host Paul Comfort sits down with Bennett Resnik, Senior Vice President in the Critical Infrastructure Group at Venn Strategies, for a wide-ranging conversation on the federal forces shaping public transportation in the year ahead.

This episode marks the first installment in a multi-part State of Transit series, offering listeners a clear, insider perspective from Washington, DC. Bennett brings deep experience from Capitol Hill to break down what transit leaders should be paying attention to right now — and what’s coming next.

In this episode, we explore:

1. The upcoming Surface Transportation Reauthorization — what it is, why it matters, and realistic timelines for passage
2. How the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) changed transit funding — and why the next bill will likely look very different
3. The evolving federal stance on zero-emission buses, including battery electric, hydrogen, CNG, and hybrid fleets
4. How shifting policy priorities are influencing manufacturers, procurement decisions, and fleet strategies
5. The current and future impact of Buy America requirements, including costs, compliance, and domestic manufacturing
6. What ongoing federal budget negotiations and continuing resolutions mean for transit agencies in 2026
7. Why global events like the Olympics and FIFA World Cup are increasingly shaping federal transportation planning

Throughout the conversation, Paul and Bennett connect federal policy decisions to on-the-ground realities for transit agencies — from capital planning and vehicle procurement to safety, reliability, and long-term investment.

🏛️ ThinkTransit Executive Summit

Transit executives interested in diving deeper into these topics are invited to attend the ThinkTransit Executive Summit, taking place this March in Boston as part of the ThinkTransit Conference.

The Executive Summit brings together senior transit leaders for a candid, in-person, Chatham House Rules discussion on:

1. Safety, security, and fare evasion
2. Cybersecurity and AI in transit operations
3. Federal policy, funding, and the future of mobility

👉 Learn more and register here:

https://trapezegroup.com/thinktransit/executive-summit/

Host + Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer: Chris O'Keeffe

Editor: Patrick Emile

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected]

📩 Sign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter:

https://transitunplugged.com/subscribe

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo, its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent. This production belongs to Modaxo and may contain information subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights. This content is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Modaxo disclaims all warranties and liability arising from the use of this material.

As Transit Unplugged closes out 2025, host Paul Comfort sits down with David Zipper for a wide-ranging, end-of-year conversation on where public transportation has been — and where it’s headed next.

A senior fellow at the MIT Mobility Initiative and one of the most influential transportation voices writing today, David brings a rare perspective shaped by public service, venture capital, academia, and journalism. He has authored more than 200 articles in outlets including Bloomberg, Vox, and The Atlantic, examining how transportation, technology, and society intersect.

In this episode, Paul and David reflect on the defining trends of 2025 and look ahead to the challenges and opportunities transit agencies will face in 2026. You’ll hear:

1. Why robotaxis at scale may create new congestion and operational challenges for cities
2. The promise — and pitfalls — of the emerging “abundance” framework in transportation policy
3. How ridership patterns have stabilized into a new post-pandemic normal
4. Why mission creep threatens transit agencies from both the political left and right
5. What New York City’s congestion pricing success could mean for other U.S. cities
6. A candid assessment of electric bus deployment and why flexibility matters
7. How AI-powered bus lane enforcement is already improving service reliability
8. Why autonomous rail may be one of the most important sleeper trends in transit
9. The evolving role of micromobility and e-bike share in expanding transit access
10. Why transit’s future depends on staying focused on fast, frequent, reliable service

This is a thoughtful, occasionally provocative discussion that challenges conventional wisdom while staying grounded in real-world operations — and a fitting way to close out a transformative year for the transit industry.

About the Guest: David Zipper is a senior fellow at the MIT Mobility Initiative and a contributing writer for Bloomberg CityLab and Vox. He previously served in city government in New York and Washington, DC, and has advised organizations across the public and private sectors on transportation strategy and regulation. He also co-hosts the podcast Look Both Ways, where he explores the future of urban mobility. Learn more at davidzipper.com.

_________________________________________________________

Host + Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer: Chris O'Keeffe

Editor: Patrick Emile

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Brand design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected].

Sign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter: https://transitunplugged.com/subscrib...

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo, and may contain information that may be subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information, and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.

In this Transit Unplugged Insider episode, Paul Comfort sits down with Executive Producer Julie Gates for a wide-ranging, behind-the-scenes conversation on what transit leaders should be paying attention to right now — and what’s coming next. This quarterly Insider edition slows the pace and zooms out, offering context from Washington, conference halls, boardrooms, and agency leadership conversations happening across North America.

Top Five Things Every Transit Leader Needs to Know

Paul breaks down the most pressing developments shaping transit today, including:

1. Recent FTA policy changes affecting grant eligibility and agency risk
2. Where transportation reauthorization stands as the 2026 deadline approaches
3. The current state of federal grant programs, including Low-No and Bus Facilities funding
4. How mega events like the FIFA World Cup and the LA 2028 Olympics are reshaping transit planning
5. What it will take for host cities — especially Los Angeles — to meet unprecedented operational demands
6. 
   

Hot Topics Across the Industry

From conversations with CEOs, policymakers, and system leaders, Paul and Julie explore:

1. Why Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) continues to dominate expansion conversations
2. What transit agencies can learn from Canada’s funding model and manufacturing shifts
3. The growing complexity of fleet strategy, propulsion choices, and market pressures

What’s Keeping Transit CEOs Up at Night

A candid look at the challenges agency leaders are navigating right now:

1. Passenger and operator safety in a high-visibility media environment
2. Rising concerns around cybersecurity and system resilience
3. The practical realities of AI adoption in transit operations

Behind the Scenes at Transit Unplugged

Julie and Paul share updates from across the Transit Unplugged universe, including:

1. A look at recent and upcoming Transit Unplugged TV episodes — from Italy to Montreal and beyond
2. What’s ahead for the Transit Unplugged podcast in the new year
3. Updates on sister shows including The Aviation Report and Parking Live
4. Expanding distribution across YouTube, cable, streaming platforms, and newsletters

Looking Ahead

The conversation closes with reflections on leadership, industry collaboration, and what the next chapter holds — including a preview of Paul’s upcoming personal development book (available for pre-order: https://www.amazon.com/Find-Your-Factor-Personal-Treasure/dp/1636988857) and a look ahead to the major moments that will put transit on the global stage in the years to come.

Host + Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer: Chris O'Keeffe

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Brand design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected].

Sign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter: https://transitunplugged.com/subscrib...

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo, and may contain information that may be subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information, and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.

Canada is investing hundreds of billions of dollars in new transit and passenger rail projects—but until now, there’s been no unified national standards framework to guide how those systems are designed and built.

In this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort sits down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic and Cross-Sector Programs at CSA Group (Canadian Standards Association), to explore how Canada is working to change that.

Ana-Maria shares how CSA Group—Canada’s national standards organization—is developing a four-part national code for transit and passenger rail systems, covering everything from urban transit and conventional rail to future high-speed rail projects. The goal: reduce risk, improve consistency, and bring greater predictability to some of the most complex infrastructure projects in the country.

The conversation explores:

• Why Canada lacks a unified transit and rail standards framework today
• How other regions (Europe, Australia, Japan, and the U.S.) approach rail standards
• The difference between voluntary standards and regulation—and how standards often become codified
• How CSA plans to integrate existing international standards while addressing major gaps
• What transit agencies, consultants, contractors, and governments can expect next
• How industry professionals can get involved in shaping the code
• A brief update on Canada’s emerging high-speed rail ambitions, including the Toronto–Québec City corridor

This is a rare look behind the scenes at how the “rules of the road” for transit systems are created—and why they matter long before the first train ever runs.

Host: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer: Paul Comfort

Editor: Patrick Emile

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Brand design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected].

Follow us on social media:

/ transit-unplugged 

https://x.com/transitunplug

https://www.threads.net/@transitunplu...

/ transitunplugged 

Sign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter: https://transitunplugged.com/subscrib...

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo, and may contain information that may be subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information, and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.

In this week’s episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with Jay Fox, Executive Director of the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) — one of the fastest-growing, highest-performing transit agencies in the United States and APTA’s 2025 Transit System of the Year.

Jay brings a remarkable background across FAA, FTA, Amtrak, and SEPTA — and now leads the agency serving one of the most dynamic, youthful, and transit-hungry regions in America.

Together, Paul and Jay dive into:

Preparing for the 2034 Winter Olympics

Jay shares why UTA told the IOC: “We’re ready now.”

UTA’s rail, BRT corridors, FrontRunner upgrades, and multimodal network already form a complete backbone for Olympic mobility — with more enhancements on the way.

FrontRunner 2X: The Generational Rail Project

UTA is pushing to move from 25% to 50% double-tracking, enabling:

-15-minute peak service

-A new infill station

-A new maintenance facility

-Pathways to Sunday service

…all while ridership continues to soar.

A Multimodal System Built for Growth

UTA operates:

-131 miles of rail (commuter, light rail, streetcar)

-Three BRT lines (including OGX, electric and wildly successful)

-Extensive bus, microtransit, vanpool, and paratransit services

-A booming Ski Bus network that keeps the canyons moving

Transit ROI: The Utah Model

Jay breaks down the hard numbers on economic impact:

-$9.6B in economic output generated

-$377M in tax revenue returned

-79,000 jobs supported

-Ever $1 invested netted a $5.11 returned to the regional economy

All from an operating budget of roughly $480M.

Why UTA’s Riders Are Getting Younger

Jay explains how university partnerships, free-fare programs, and campus connectivity are transforming ridership patterns — and why student riders today become lifelong riders tomorrow.

Global Collaboration

UTA is working with LA Metro, LA28, and Milan/Cortina teams to prepare for back-to-back Olympic cycles (2026, 2028, 2034), exchanging insights on operations, vehicle staging, and major-event transport logistics.

This is one of the most wide-ranging, energizing episodes we’ve recorded — and a perfect companion to our upcoming Transit Unplugged TV episode filmed on location in Utah.

Host: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer: Paul Comfort

Editor: Patrick Emile

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Brand design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected].

Follow us on social media:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/transit-unplugged/

https://x.com/transitunplug

https://www.threads.net/@transitunplugged

https://www.instagram.com/transitunplugged/

Sign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter: https://transitunplugged.com/subscribe-to-the-transit-unplugged-newsletter/

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo, and may contain information that may be subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information, and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.

This Week on Transit Unplugged

Paul Comfort sits down with Martin Ritter, CEO of Stadler U.S., one of the most innovative and fastest-growing train manufacturers in North America. From a modest foothold in the early 2000s to a nearly 600,000 sq. ft. factory in Utah, Stadler is reshaping how America thinks about rolling stock — and redefining what’s possible in U.S.-based manufacturing.

In this conversation, Martin pulls back the curtain on:

• How Stadler grew from an 18-person Swiss workshop to a 17,500-person global rail powerhouse 
• Why agencies love their FLIRT multiple-unit trains — and how distributed propulsion changes the game 
• Hydrogen, battery-electric, and ultra-efficient diesel-electric: the real story behind next-gen rail propulsion 
• How Stadler achieved FRA compliance while keeping trains lighter, quieter, and more efficient 
• The company’s youth apprenticeship program, modeled after Switzerland’s world-renowned system 
• What it means for Stadler U.S. to become a standalone division 
• The milestone ahead: delivering trains for the 2034 Salt Lake Olympic Games 

This episode is a rare, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most talked-about rail manufacturers in the United States — and a preview of what Paul and the crew will capture during our upcoming visit to the Utah factory for Transit Unplugged TV.

Episode Credits

Host & Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer: Chris O’Keeffe

Editor: Patrick Emile

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Consultants: Dan Meisner & Jonas Woost, Bumper

Brand design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo — passionate about moving the world’s people.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo, and may contain information that may be subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information, and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.

On this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with Nancy Purser, Acting Director of the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). After 15 years with the agency, Nancy now leads one of Ontario’s most historic and ambitious transit systems — one that’s preparing for transformative growth.

Nancy shares how HSR is executing HSR Next: Moving Hamilton Forward, a seven-year network redesign that will expand service by 50%, add new routes and on-demand zones, and better connect residents — especially those in equity-deserving and suburban communities — to jobs, education, and opportunity.

She also discusses HSR’s shift to a 100% CNG fleet by the end of 2026, emerging exploration into renewable natural gas, the city’s newest indoor fueling and storage facility, and what it means to become the greenest transit fleet in Ontario.

Plus, Nancy opens up about her path into transit, the power of customer-focused service, and how dragon boat racing keeps her energized outside of work.

In This Conversation, You’ll Learn:

Why Hamilton chose to preserve the historic HSR name — and why riders love it

How HSR Next will reshape the network, expand frequency, and support suburban growth

What it takes to deliver 50% more transit service over seven years

The environmental and operational impact of going fully CNG

How municipal investment and federal capital programs influence long-term planning

Ridership trends — and how immigration policy and education markets affect demand

The role of equity, access, and job connectivity in modern network redesigns

How community partnerships and strategic planning positioned HSR for its “golden era”

Episode Credits

Host & Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer: Chris O’Keeffe

Editor: Patrick Emile

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Consultants: Dan Meisner & Jonas Woost, Bumper

Brand design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo — passionate about moving the world’s people.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo, and may contain information that may be subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information, and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.