Recorded live at the Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting, this special episode of Transit Unplugged tackles a big question: Does research actually improve public transportation?

Host Paul Comfort is joined by three leaders who are turning studies into real-world results:

Art Guzzetti, Vice President, Policy, American Public Transportation Association (APTA)

Kate Ko, PhD, Vice President, WSP

Michael Walk, Research Scientist, Texas A&M Transportation Institute

Together they break down how the Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) moves ideas from problem statements to implementation — and why agencies that use research make faster, smarter, and more rider-focused decisions.

You’ll hear:

The Baltimore bus network redesign that started with a research project

How automation will reshape — not eliminate — the transit workforce

New funding tools like value capture and congestion pricing

The link between operator culture, health, and retention

Why accessibility, safety, and customer experience are driving the next wave of studies

This is a behind-the-scenes look at the evidence, data, and collaboration that quietly power better transit for millions of riders.

If you work in transit and aren’t using this research — you’re leaving solutions on the table.

Credits

Host and Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer: Chris O’Keeffe

Editor: Patrick Emile

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

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.

Recorded live at the Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, this episode of Transit Unplugged features a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation with Bridgette Beato, Chair of WTS (Women’s Transportation Seminar) and Founder and CEO of Lumenor Consulting Group.

Bridgette joins host Paul Comfort to unpack the evolving role of women in public transportation—and the systems, networks, and intentional choices that help leaders thrive at every stage of their careers. From WTS’s nearly 50-year history to its current global footprint of more than 10,000 members, Bridgette explains how the organization attracts, advances, and retains women across all modes of transportation through scholarships, training, mentorship, and community.

The conversation also dives into Bridgette’s own career journey, from management information systems and large-scale technology implementations to launching and growing Lumenor Consulting into a multi-disciplinary firm supporting transit agencies across North America. Along the way, she reflects on entrepreneurship born out of necessity, the realities of small business growth in the public sector, and why intentional career planning matters—especially in moments of rapid industry transformation.

Paul and Bridgette explore the importance of mentorship, executive peer spaces, and raising your hand for opportunity, as well as the role organizations like WTS play in helping leaders navigate change, loneliness at the top, and the shifting landscape of technology, funding, and innovation in transit.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone thinking seriously about leadership, equity, and long-term career growth in transportation—and for those looking to understand how community and intention shape the future of the industry.

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 info@transitunplugged.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, 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.

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 info@transitunplugged.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, 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.