What will define the next year of mobility—and which technologies are actually ready to move from hype to reality?

In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with John Rossant, CEO of CoMotion, for a wide-ranging look at the technologies, policies, and partnerships shaping transportation as 2027 approaches. Rossant explains why he believes autonomy will become a defining feature across urban mobility, from robotaxis and autonomous transit to artificial intelligence making transportation systems more efficient. He also explores the growing relationship between autonomous vehicles and public transit—and why the future may depend on making those modes work together seamlessly. The conversation also looks ahead to the 10th edition of CoMotion Los Angeles, where public agencies, private-sector innovators, startups, and global mobility leaders will come together in Los Angeles. Rossant discusses advances in electric vehicles, hydrogen, delivery robots, aviation, and mobility policy, while Paul and John explore what Los Angeles learned from the World Cup and what those lessons could mean as the region prepares for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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

Production Assistant: Desmond Gates

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.

What does the future of public transportation leadership look like? And who are the emerging professionals already making a difference?

On this special episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort is joined by Megan Perrero, Editor-in-Chief of @MassTransitMagazine , to celebrate the publication's 2026 40 Under 40 honorees. Now in its 18th year, the program recognizes 40 outstanding transit professionals under the age of 40 for their commitment, innovation, involvement, and contributions to the public transit industry.

Paul and Megan sit down with four honorees whose career paths demonstrate just how many ways there are to make an impact in transit:

- Amanda Barlow, Co-Founder and Principal Consultant at Cardinal HR Solutions, discusses the importance of workforce development, organizational culture, and relationships in effective leadership. She shares why leadership is something you practice, not simply a title you hold.

- Jessenia Fernandes, Director of Safety and Training at Merrimack Valley Transit (MeVa), shares her journey from bus operator to agency leadership. She explains how building training programs from the ground up and removing language barriers have helped frontline employees grow into successful careers.

- John Duklewski, Executive Director of the Transportation Association of Maryland (TAM), explores the power of statewide transit associations to connect professionals, strengthen agencies, and advocate for funding. He recounts how a legislative victory helped protect Maryland's locally operated transit systems from significant budget cuts.

- Latashia S. Vauss, Board Minutes Coordinator at New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit), offers a look behind the scenes of transit governance. She discusses how modernizing internal processes, strengthening communication, and supporting board operations can make a meaningful difference throughout an agency.

Throughout the conversations, a common theme emerges: successful transit leadership is built on curiosity, collaboration, mentorship, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

From frontline training to legislative advocacy, these four professionals are demonstrating that innovation doesn't always require a new technology or a major capital project. Sometimes, it begins with asking better questions, improving an outdated process, or helping someone else succeed.

Whether you're beginning a career in public transportation, exploring a new professional path, or looking for ways to strengthen your own leadership skills, this episode offers valuable perspectives from some of the industry's rising leaders.

Learn more about the 2026 40 Under 40 honorees at MassTransitMag.com.

Subscribe to Transit Unplugged for conversations with the leaders and innovators shaping the future of mobility at TransitUnplugged.com.

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.

How can transit agencies give riders more options while still strengthening the core network?

In this special episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort returns to St. Pete/Clearwater for extended conversations originally filmed for Transit Unplugged TV, exploring how transit leaders across Pinellas County, FL are approaching everything from Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and microtransit to ferries, paratransit, and first- and last-mile connections.

Paul talks with Brad Miller, CEO of Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), about an increasingly multimodal system and the investments shaping its future. He also meets Leon Smiley, PSTA’s most senior bus operator, who reflects on 35 years behind the wheel and the importance of helping people every day.

Darden Rice, Chief Planning and Community Affairs Officer, shares how the all-electric Spark service is connecting growing parts of St. Petersburg and discusses plans to expand waterborne transit across Tampa Bay. Paul also visits the future Clearwater Station, a new downtown hub designed to bring transit, trails, and the surrounding community together.

Then, Bonnie Sato, Director of Mobility Services, explains how services like Grouper and Snapper are filling gaps in the network—and how partnerships with Uber and Lyft have expanded first- and last-mile service and transformed the agency’s approach to paratransit.

Along the way, Whit Blanton of Forward Pinellas discusses the connection between transportation, land use, and regional planning, while Amanda Baird, Director of Communications and Marketing, explains how institutional partnerships are making transit easier to access for students, workers, and visitors.

These conversations were originally filmed for the Transit Unplugged TV St. Pete/Clearwater episode, which has become the series’ most-watched episode on YouTube with more than 1.6 million views.

Listen in for lessons on creating a more flexible, connected transit network—and meeting riders with the right mobility option for the trip they need to make.

In this episode:

- Brad Miller, CEO, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority

- Leon Smiley, Bus Operator, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority

- Darden Rice, Chief Planning and Community Affairs Officer, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority

- Whit Blanton, Executive Director, Forward Pinellas

- Bonnie Sato, Director of Mobility Services, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority

- Amanda Baird, Director of Communications and Marketing, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority

00:00 Summer Specials Intro

00:26 Why Long Form Specials

00:43 Meet Brad Miller

01:45 Touring PSTA Headquarters

01:56 PSTA Overview Tour

02:31 Leon Smiley Spotlight

02:49 35 Years Behind the Wheel

03:08 Routes and Extra Board

03:34 Operator Family Culture

03:48 Favorite Buses and Builds

04:14 Driver Advice Wrap

04:37 Darden Rice Joins

04:52 Spark Electric Premium Line

05:31 How Transit Boards Lead

06:31 Next Up Tampa Bay Ferry

07:12 Podcast Network Break

07:45 Clearwater Station Construction

08:34 Designing a Multimodal Hub

09:13 MPO Role and Funding

10:35 Pinellas Trail Big Amenity

10:55 Grouper and Snapper On Demand

13:57 Uber Lyft Transit Partnership

14:59 Marketing with Amanda Baird

15:23 Spark Connections at Grand Central

15:50 UPASS Free Ride Program

16:46 Wrap Up and Credits

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.