What’s really going on behind the scenes of U.S. public transportation policy? In this special edition of Transit Unplugged Insider, Executive Producer Julie Gates turns the mic on our usual host, Paul Comfort, for a revealing look at the shifting political and funding landscape in Washington—and what every transit executive needs to know right now.

From what’s actually happening with FTA leadership to surprising details about the Trump administration’s transit funding priorities, Paul breaks down the top three issues impacting the future of public transportation. This is the intel your grant writer, government affairs lead, and CEO will want to hear.

Also in this episode: the latest on congestion pricing in NYC, what’s happening with reauthorization, and why safety is the defining metric of this political moment.

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo

• Creator, Host, + Producer: Paul Comfort
• Executive Producer: Julie Gates
• Producer + Newsletter Editor: Chris O’Keeffe
• Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin
• Podcast Intern: Desmond Gates

Special thanks to:

🎨 Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

📱 Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

Got a question or comment? Email us at: info@transitunplugged.com

📰 Subscribe to the newsletter:

transitunplugged.com/subscribe-to-the-transit-unplugged-newsletter

📲 Follow us:

LinkedIn

X (Twitter)

Threads

Instagram

YouTube

⚠️ 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. This production belongs to Modaxo and may contain information 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 episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul talks with Samuel Ribeiro, Managing Director of Tower Transit in the UK, part of global transport powerhouse Kelsian Group. With operations spanning Liverpool and the Channel Islands, Samuel shares how lessons from bus systems across four continents—from Australia to Singapore, Brazil to London—are helping Tower Transit improve public transport service in the UK.

They dive into:

• The nuances of operating in franchised models like in the UK's London and Jersey systems
• How global innovation is shared across Kelsian's operations
• Samuel’s unusual path from international banking into public transport
• The strategic role Tower Transit plays in regions like Liverpool, ahead of major franchising shifts

And yes—there’s a delightful Jersey potato tangent too.

Whether you're a transit operator, policy maker, or just enjoy hearing how buses are quietly running the world, this is one to tune into.

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo

🎙️ Host & Producer: Paul Comfort

💼 Executive Producer: Julie Gates

🎧 Producer & Newsletter Editor: Chris O'Keeffe

📝 Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Production Intern: Desmond Gates

Special thanks to:

🎨 Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye

📱 Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

Got a question or comment? Email us at mediagroup@modaxo.com

Subscribe to the Transit Unplugged Newsletter: transitunplugged.com/subscribe-to-the-transit-unplugged-newsletter

Social

YouTube

X (Twitter)

Instagram

LinkedIn

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.