- 22 minutes 12 secondsHow VIA Is Growing Ridership by Growing Service
San Antonio is growing fast—and VIA Metropolitan Transit is growing right along with it.
For this special episode of Transit Unplugged, we’re going back to our Transit Unplugged TV visit to San Antonio and bringing you three extended, uncut conversations with the VIA leaders shaping the future of mobility in the city.
VIA President and CEO Jon Gary Herrera talks about what makes San Antonio unique, VIA’s role in connecting people to opportunity, and the rapid growth of VIA Link microtransit.
Then, Deputy CEO Tremell Brown takes Paul inside VIA’s operations and shares his remarkable journey from bus operator to the agency’s executive team. They talk about the people, facilities, safety operations, and nearly 500 buses that keep San Antonio moving every day.
Finally, Senior Vice President of Planning and Development Rod Sanchez looks ahead to VIA’s Green Line, a new bus rapid transit line designed around dedicated lanes, off-board payment, transit signal priority, and frequent service.
Pulled from our Transit Unplugged TV uncut episode, these conversations offer a closer look at how VIA is expanding service, embracing new mobility options, and preparing public transportation for the future of a fast-growing city.
In this episode:
• Jon Gary Herrera, President and CEO, VIA Metropolitan Transit
• Tremell Brown, Deputy CEO, VIA Metropolitan Transit
• Rod Sanchez, Senior Vice President of Planning and Development, VIA Metropolitan Transit
00:00 Welcome to Transit Unplugged
00:39 Why Full Interviews
00:55 San Antonio VIA Spotlight
01:11 Meet the Leaders
01:44 Inside San Antonio
02:30 What Makes It Unique
03:22 River Walk and Alamo
04:06 Why It's Called VIA
04:52 System Overview and Growth
05:56 How VIA Link Works
07:10 Downtown Zone for Visitors
07:53 San Antonio Growth Stats
09:02 Herrera Leadership Milestone
09:38 Military Town History
11:48 Wrap John Interview
12:05 Trammell Brown Onboard
12:43 From Operator to Deputy CEO
13:12 Bus Yard and Operations
14:25 Police and Paratransit
15:47 Podcast Break and Credits
16:20 Rod Sanchez Introduction
16:44 Historic Park Setting
17:18 Planning Role and Vision
18:30 Green Line BRT Features
19:19 Route and 2028 Timeline
20:25 Final Thoughts and Next City
21:19 Show Credits and Sponsor
Credits
Host and Producer: Paul Comfort
Executive Producer: Julie Gates
Producer: Chris O’Keeffe
Production Assistant: Desmond Gates
Editor: Patrick Emile
Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin
Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye
Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo, passionate about moving the world’s people.
For more information, visit: www.Transit Unplugged.com
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.
12 August 2026, 10:00 am - 30 minutes 24 secondsWhat Changes When You Become the CEO? Lessons from CDTA’s Frank Annicaro
In this episode, Frank joins Paul Comfort to discuss what it's really like to move from leading bus operations at one of the world's largest transit agencies to running an entire organization. He shares how Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) is building on a legacy of innovation while tackling today's biggest challenges—from the post-pandemic fiscal cliff to workforce development, transit-oriented development, and expanding mobility options beyond traditional bus service.
Frank also explains why the best solutions often come from the people closest to the work, and how his team balanced the budget while improving efficiency and protecting service.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- What changes when you move from senior operations leadership to the CEO role
- How CDTA addressed its budget challenges after COVID relief funding expired
- Why investing in employees is a top priority
- CDTA's approach to bus rapid transit, microtransit, bikeshare and electric carshare
- The agency's vision for transit-oriented development in New York's Capital Region
- Leadership lessons from following a long-serving, award-winning CEO
- Why empowering frontline teams leads to better organizational decisions
00:00 Welcome to Transit Unplugged
00:20 Introducing Frank Annicaro
01:52 CDTA Service Overview
03:34 Innovative Car Share Program
05:19 Bike Share Success
06:45 Agency Budget and Employees
07:29 Frank's Career Journey
08:52 Board Governance Structure
09:44 Transitioning from MTA
11:06 Leadership Challenges and Growth
13:50 Following a Legacy
17:04 What's Next for CDTA
19:09 Facing Budget Deficits
20:40 The Fiscal Cliff
22:13 Team-Based Problem Solving
23:58 Lightning Round Begins
24:42 Music and Concerts
25:56 Transit Leaders and TOD
26:38 Personal Passions and Advice
28:03 Closing Thoughts
Credits
Host and Producer: Paul Comfort
Executive Producer: Julie Gates
Producer: Chris O’Keeffe
Production Assistant: Desmond Gates
Editor: Patrick Emile
Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin
Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye
Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo, passionate about moving the world’s people.
For more information, visit: www.Transit Unplugged.com
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.
29 July 2026, 10:00 am - 36 minutes 23 secondsRail Renaissance: The Projects Transforming Public Transportation
https://youtu.be/M1PeM6D1ciw
The future of passenger rail is being built right now—and Transit Unplugged takes you inside one of the industry's biggest events to see it firsthand.
Recorded on location at the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Rail Conference in Baltimore, this special video episode features exclusive conversations with the leaders driving some of North America's most ambitious rail projects. From the Purple Line in Maryland and MARC Train's growing commuter network to Honolulu's fully automated Skyline system and California High-Speed Rail, this is a front-row seat to the ideas, investments, and innovations shaping the next generation of public transportation.
Along the way, host Paul Comfort also takes viewers behind the scenes of the conference itself, exploring networking events, industry receptions, Baltimore's light rail system in action, and the conversations that are defining the future of mobility.
Guests include:
- Paul Skoutelas, President & CEO, American Public Transportation Association (APTA)
- Ray Biggs, Senior Project Director, Maryland Transit Administration's Purple Line
- Joshua Wolf, Administrator, Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) Train
- Michael Dylan Pal, Director of Public Transit, Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority
- Mike Degenaars, General Manager, Rail, Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority
- J. Roger Morton, Director, Honolulu Department of Transportation Services
- Neil Shah, Executive Vice President, Keolis North America
In this episode:
- Why passenger rail investment continues to grow across North America
- The latest progress on Maryland's Purple Line
- MARC Train's expansion plans and record weekend ridership
- Honolulu's driverless Skyline metro and what's next
- California High-Speed Rail's newest operating partnership
- Rail's role in economic development, sustainability, and regional mobility
- Behind-the-scenes access to one of the transit industry's premier conferences
Whether you're a transit executive, planner, policymaker, or simply passionate about mobility, this special episode offers an inside look at where rail is headed next.
Credits
Host and Producer: Paul Comfort
Executive Producer: Julie Gates
Producer: Chris O’Keeffe
Editor: Patrick Emile
Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin
Camera: Cyndi Raskin
Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye
Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo, passionate about moving the world’s people.
For more information, visit: www.Transit Unplugged.com
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.
15 July 2026, 10:00 am - 39 minutes 41 secondsHow Do You Reinvent a Transit Agency? Inside SEPTA’s New Playbook
https://youtu.be/ZDsPkG_ruQc
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) General Manager Scott Sauer joins Paul Comfort to discuss leading one of North America's most complex transit agencies through a period of transformation. After beginning his career as a trolley operator at just 19 years old, Sauer now oversees the nation's sixth-largest transit system as it modernizes aging infrastructure, grows ridership, prepares for major international events, and works toward becoming a best-in-class transit agency.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- How SEPTA is rebuilding ridership and customer confidence
- Why "Back to Basics" has become the agency's guiding philosophy
- The challenge of replacing 40- and 50-year-old rail vehicles
- How AI is beginning to improve transit maintenance and operations
- What it takes to move tens of thousands of fans during the FIFA World Cup and America's 250th anniversary celebrations
- Why Scott believes employee-driven strategic planning creates stronger organizations
- Lessons from nearly four decades of leadership inside SEPTA
Whether you're a transit executive, public sector leader, or simply interested in how major transportation systems evolve, this conversation offers practical insights into leadership, modernization, and delivering better service every day.
Credits
Host and Producer: Paul Comfort
Executive Producer: Julie Gates
Producer: Chris O’Keeffe
Editor: Patrick Emile
Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin
Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye
Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo, passionate about moving the world’s people.
For more information, visit: www.Transit Unplugged.com
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.
1 July 2026, 10:00 am - 23 minutes 51 secondsLessons from an Intentional Transit CEO Succession
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dv39AxBZFMY
Leadership transitions are inevitable, but successful ones are far from guaranteed. In this special on-location episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort visits Delaware Transit Corporation (DART First State) to explore a rare example of intentional succession in action.
Outgoing CEO John Sisson reflects on a 32-year career and the legacy he leaves after more than a decade leading one of America's most unique statewide transit systems. Joining him is incoming CEO Lilia Montoya, who arrives from California for her first CEO role and benefits from something few leaders receive: a month of overlap with the person she's succeeding.
Together, they discuss why succession planning matters, how organizations can preserve institutional knowledge while embracing fresh ideas, and why leadership isn't only about how you serve—it's also about how you leave.
For outgoing leaders, this episode offers lessons in stewardship, trust, and preparing the next generation. For incoming leaders, it provides insight into building relationships, honoring a legacy, and establishing a vision for the future.
Along the way, Paul explores Delaware's integrated statewide transit model, seasonal beach service, paratransit and microtransit innovations, and the close collaboration between DART First State and DelDOT that makes the agency one of the most distinctive in North America.
In this episode:
- Why intentional succession is part of leadership
- John Sisson's reflections on a 32-year transit career
- Lilia Montoya's journey to her first CEO role
- The value of leadership overlap and knowledge transfer
- Balancing continuity with new ideas
- Lessons for both incoming and outgoing executives
- Delaware's statewide approach to transit
- Beach service, paratransit, and microtransit innovations
- How DelDOT and DART First State work together to deliver mobility
- Why leadership legacies are measured not only by what leaders build, but by what they leave behind
Credits
Host and Producer: Paul Comfort
Executive Producer: Julie Gates
Producer: Chris O’Keeffe
Editor: Patrick Emile
Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin
Camera: Cyndi Raskin
Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye
Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo, passionate about moving the world’s people.
For more information, visit: www.Transit Unplugged.com
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.
24 June 2026, 10:00 am - 27 minutes 42 secondsIs Transportation Healthcare?
https://youtu.be/32WxfrlanJw
Access to healthcare doesn't start at the doctor's office—it starts with transportation.
In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with Steven Feist, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Coordinated Transportation Solutions (CTS), to explore the world of Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) and its growing role in healthcare access. Steven explains how transportation brokers connect Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries with the rides they need to reach appointments, treatments, pharmacies, and other critical services.
The conversation examines how NEMT has evolved over the past two decades, from paper manifests and phone-based eligibility checks to sophisticated platforms powered by GPS tracking, mobile apps, APIs, and virtual agents. Steven also shares how CTS partners with transit agencies such as SEPTA and coordinates with ADA paratransit providers to create more efficient, cost-effective transportation networks.
Paul and Steven discuss:
- What NEMT is and why it matters The relationship between healthcare access and transportation
- How transportation brokers coordinate rides across multiple modes
- Partnerships between NEMT providers and public transit agencies
- The role of ADA paratransit in medical transportation
- Technology's impact on trip scheduling, eligibility, and customer service
- Economies of scale in statewide and regional transportation programs
- The future of autonomous vehicles and telehealth in NEMT
- Why breaking down transportation silos is essential for better health outcomes
Whether you work in transit, healthcare, mobility management, or public policy, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the most important—and often overlooked—segments of the transportation industry.
Credits
Host and Producer: Paul Comfort
Executive Producer: Julie Gates
Producer: Chris O’Keeffe
Editor: Patrick Emile
Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin
Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye
Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo, passionate about moving the world’s people.
For more information, visit: www.Transit Unplugged.com
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.
17 June 2026, 10:00 am - 42 minutes 16 secondsFormer FTA Chief Marc Molinaro on the Future of Federal Transit Funding
https://youtu.be/4nmn0hLJHbQ
Former Federal Transit Administration Administrator Marc Molinaro joins Paul Comfort for an in-depth conversation about federal transit policy, funding, and the future of public transportation.
Drawing on his experience as both a member of Congress and the leader of the FTA, Molinaro offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the agency operates, what transit agencies should understand about federal grants, and why building consensus in Washington is often more complicated than it appears.
The discussion explores the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee's recently approved surface transportation reauthorization proposal, evolving federal priorities around safety, security, accessibility, and project delivery, and the growing role of bus rapid transit in connecting urban, suburban, and rural communities.
Whether you're a transit executive, policymaker, or industry observer, this episode provides valuable insight into how federal decisions shape local transit systems across North America.
In This Episode
- What the FTA actually does day-to-day
- How federal transit grants are evaluated and managed
- Lessons learned from leading the FTA
- The future of surface transportation reauthorization
- Safety, security, and accessibility priorities
- Bus Rapid Transit vs. Light Rail investment trends
- Why transit legislation advances through "evolution, not revolution"
- What transit leaders often misunderstand about Washington
Credits
Host and Producer: Paul Comfort
Executive Producer: Julie Gates
Producer: Chris O’Keeffe
Editor: Patrick Emile
Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin
Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye
Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo, passionate about moving the world’s people.
For more information, visit: www.Transit Unplugged.com
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.
10 June 2026, 10:00 am - 28 minutes 5 secondsWhat People Get Wrong About Rural Transit
What does public transit look like when you're serving 20 counties across Central and East Texas?
In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort continues his series featuring new transit CEOs with a conversation with Wendy Weedon, CEO of the Brazos Transit District. After spending 17 years with the organization, Wendy stepped into the top leadership role in September and now oversees one of Texas' most diverse transit systems.
Wendy discusses the unique challenges of balancing urban, rural, paratransit, demand response, microtransit, and non-emergency medical transportation services across a vast service area. She explains why community transit is often more than transportation—it's a lifeline connecting people to healthcare, employment, education, and independence.
The conversation also explores workforce challenges, the growing role of AI in transit operations, the realities of serving aging rural populations, and why transit professionals are driven by a deep commitment to public service.
Plus, Wendy shares insights into her leadership philosophy, her first year as CEO, and a few personal stories—including the pets that keep life interesting at home.
In This Episode
Wendy Weedon's journey from employee to CEO at Brazos Transit District
Serving a 20-county region across urban and rural Texas
Why community transit is often a lifeline, not just a transportation option
Balancing accessibility, efficiency, and limited resources
Workforce recruitment and retention challenges
The growing role of AI in transit customer service
Leadership lessons from a first-year CEO
Why mobility remains essential for independence and quality of life
Credits
Host and Producer: Paul Comfort
Executive Producer: Julie Gates
Producer: Chris O’Keeffe
Editor: Patrick Emile
Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin
Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye
Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo, passionate about moving the world’s people.
For more information, visit: www.Transit Unplugged.com
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.
3 June 2026, 10:00 am - 30 minutes 22 secondsReliability over Ridership: Stop Measuring Your System Against 2019
What does success look like for transit agencies in a post-pandemic world? According to Christie Wegener, it may be time to stop measuring against 2019 altogether.
In this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort speaks with Christie Wegener, Executive Director of the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA), about the changing realities of suburban transit, evolving commuter behavior, and why reliability may matter more than ridership.
Christie explains how LAVTA serves as a critical feeder to BART while navigating the unique challenges of Bay Area travel patterns, remote work, and car-oriented suburban development. She also shares why she believes transit agencies need to rethink traditional KPIs like farebox recovery and pre-COVID ridership comparisons.
The conversation also explores:
Why transit agencies may need a new baseline for measuring success
The operational challenges of coordinating with BART service
How cloud-based transit signal priority could reduce travel times
Lessons learned from LAVTA’s Uber/Lyft partnership and microtransit programs
The realities of serving low-density suburban communities
LAVTA’s new $64 million headquarters project
Transit funding challenges facing the Bay Area
Christie’s journey from social work and public policy into transit leadership
Credits
Host and Producer: Paul Comfort
Executive Producer: Julie Gates
Producer: Chris O’Keeffe
Editor: Patrick Emile
Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin
Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye
Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo, passionate about moving the world’s people.
For more information, visit: www.Transit Unplugged.com
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.
27 May 2026, 10:00 am - 24 minutes 42 secondsWhat Happens When You Inherit a Transit Crisis?
When Steve Fuentes arrived as the new President & CEO of Milwaukee County Transit System, he stepped directly into a perfect storm: major service cuts, labor tensions, budget deficits, and the looming transit fiscal cliff.
In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Steve joins Paul Comfort to discuss how his 30-year journey at the Chicago Transit Authority — from part-time bus operator to senior leadership — prepared him for one of the toughest leadership transitions in public transportation today.
Steve shares how Milwaukee is confronting post-pandemic ridership realities, redesigning service for modern travel patterns, and preparing for a full transit network redesign with Jarrett Walker & Associates. He also discusses labor negotiations, safety strategies, public safety officers, open-loop payments, and why transit leaders need to prepare now for the next generation of executive opportunities.
Plus: Bears vs. Packers, leadership books, music tastes, and lessons learned from the jump to the CEO seat.
00:00 Milwaukee Setup
01:33 Meet Steve Fuentes
01:38 Boston Summit Highlights
01:52 Nora and Leadership Lesson
03:09 CTA Career Journey
04:36 Why Take the CEO Leap
05:49 Chicago Sports Rivalry
06:49 Starting at MCTS
07:37 Walking Into Crisis
09:00 Union Deal and Reset
09:38 Budget Cliff and Cuts
11:40 Network Redesign Plan
17:35 Lightning Round Upgrades
20:57 Personal Favorites and Farewell
Credits
Host and Producer: Paul Comfort
Executive Producer: Julie Gates
Producer: Chris O’Keeffe
Editor: Patrick Emile
Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin
Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye
Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo, passionate about moving the world’s people.
For more information, visit: www.Transit Unplugged.com
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.
20 May 2026, 10:00 am - 25 minutes 4 secondsWorld Cup Transit: How Cities Are Preparing for 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to North America—and for public transportation agencies across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the countdown is already underway.
In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort speaks with transportation journalist Dan Zukowski of Smart Cities Dive about the enormous mobility challenge behind one of the world’s biggest sporting events. From Los Angeles and Boston to New York-New Jersey and Atlanta, transit agencies are preparing to move hundreds of thousands of visitors safely, efficiently, and seamlessly through their cities.
Dan breaks down how agencies are expanding service, coordinating with law enforcement, improving customer wayfinding, and preparing for the unique pressures of international visitors arriving during weekday rush hours. The conversation also explores how the World Cup could become a defining moment for public transportation in America—and potentially leave behind lasting improvements for riders long after the final match.
Paul and Dan discuss:
- How host cities are preparing transit systems for FIFA 2026
- Why mobility is central to the success of mega-events
- LA Metro’s long-term “Twenty-Eight by 28” infrastructure strategy
- The role of transit ambassadors and multilingual wayfinding
- Crowd management, security, and game-day operations
- How agencies are coordinating buses, trains, bikes, scooters, Uber, and more
- The opportunity to win over new riders through positive transit experiences
- What cities could learn ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
If transit works well during the World Cup, it won’t just move fans—it could reshape how cities and residents think about public transportation for years to come.
🎧 Also in this episode:
- Insights from Smart Cities Dive’s transportation coverage
- The future of multimodal mobility and regional coordination
- Why major sporting events are becoming transit proving grounds
This episode offers a fascinating look at the planning, logistics, and strategy required to deliver mobility on a global stage.
Host and Producer: Paul Comfort
Executive Producer: Julie Gates
Producer: Chris O’Keeffe
Editor: Patrick Emile
Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin
Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye
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.
13 May 2026, 10:00 am - More Episodes? Get the App