Transit Unplugged

• “We’re Ready Now.” – Jay Fox on the 2034 Olympics and Utah’s Big Transit Moment

  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 OlympicsJay 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 ProjectUTA 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 GrowthUTA 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 ModelJay 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 economyAll from an operating budget of roughly $480M. Why UTA’s Riders Are Getting YoungerJay explains how university partnerships, free-fare programs, and campus connectivity are transforming ridership patterns — and why student riders today become lifelong riders tomorrow.Global CollaborationUTA 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 ComfortExecutive Producer: Julie GatesProducer: Paul ComfortEditor: Patrick EmileAssociate Producer: Cyndi RaskinBrand design: Tina OlagundoyeSocial Media: Tatyana MechkarovaIf you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected] us on social media:https://www.linkedin.com/company/transit-unplugged/https://x.com/transitunplughttps://www.threads.net/@transitunpluggedhttps://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

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• Stadler U.S. CEO Martin Ritter on Hydrogen Trains, U.S. Manufacturing & the Future of Rail

  This Week on Transit UnpluggedPaul 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 CreditsHost & Producer: Paul ComfortExecutive Producer: Julie GatesProducer: Chris O’KeeffeEditor: Patrick EmileAssociate Producer: Cyndi RaskinConsultants: Dan Meisner & Jonas Woost, BumperBrand design: Tina OlagundoyeSocial Media: Tatyana MechkarovaTransit 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.

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• This 150-Year-Old “Railway” System Is Betting Big on Compressed Natural Gas

  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 itHow HSR Next will reshape the network, expand frequency, and support suburban growthWhat it takes to deliver 50% more transit service over seven yearsThe environmental and operational impact of going fully CNGHow municipal investment and federal capital programs influence long-term planningRidership trends — and how immigration policy and education markets affect demandThe role of equity, access, and job connectivity in modern network redesignsHow community partnerships and strategic planning positioned HSR for its “golden era”Episode CreditsHost & Producer: Paul ComfortExecutive Producer: Julie GatesProducer: Chris O’KeeffeEditor: Patrick EmileAssociate Producer: Cyndi RaskinConsultants: Dan Meisner & Jonas Woost, BumperBrand design: Tina OlagundoyeSocial Media: Tatyana MechkarovaTransit 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.

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• “More People on My Buses, More Space on the Road for You”

  On this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with Maureen Cosyn Heath, Director of Transit for the City of Mississauga and the leader of MiWay, the third-largest municipal transit agency in Ontario.Mississauga has grown rapidly to more than 775,000 residents, and MiWay is evolving right alongside the city—operating 500 buses, supporting 1,700+ employees, and preparing for major system updates including a hydrogen bus pilot, a battery-electric fleet project, and the upcoming Hazel McCallion LRT (Light Rail Transit) line.Maureen shares insights on:Why ridership should be measured in value, not just taps and fares How MiWay is shifting toward zero-emission technology What it takes to communicate big budgets to elected officials The importance of frontline operators and technicians Her career path from customer service to leading one of Canada’s largest systems “More people on my buses, more space on the road for you.” — Maureen Cosyn HeathRecorded live in Ontario at the Vontas Canada User Summit, this conversation highlights a transit agency preparing for its next chapter—and a leader focused on fundamentals, connection, and community impact. Credits + DisclaimerHost & Producer: Paul ComfortExecutive Producer: Julie GatesProducer: Chris O’KeeffeEditor: Patrick EmileAssociate Producer: Cyndi RaskinConsultants: Dan Misener & Jonas Woost (Bumper)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.

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• “ Rural Public Transportation Really is a Lifeline.”

  On this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with Ginny Smith, Executive Director of the Cape Girardeau 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 with limited resources.In This Conversation, You’ll Learn:Why transit in rural communities is truly a lifeline, especially for seniors and workers without vehiclesHow Cape Girardeau runs vanpool routes to large employers across county lines to connect people with stable jobsThe impact of taking over Southeast Missouri State University’s transit service and launching live bus tracking for students and residentsHow partnerships like FlixBus/Greyhound restore regional travel access to St. Louis and beyondHow the system is using AI-based safety and vehicle monitoring tools to support operators and prevent breakdownsThe financial reality of rural transit funding — and the creative strategies needed when state dollars are cutCREDITSHost & Producer: Paul ComfortExecutive Producer: Julie GatesProducer: Chris O’KeeffeEditor: Patrick EmileAssociate Producer: Cyndi RaskinConsultants: Dan Misener & Jonas Woost (Bumper)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.

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