As Transit Unplugged kicks off 2026, host Paul Comfort sits down with Bennett Resnik, Senior Vice President in the Critical Infrastructure Group at Venn Strategies, for a wide-ranging conversation on the federal forces shaping public transportation in the year ahead.

This episode marks the first installment in a multi-part State of Transit series, offering listeners a clear, insider perspective from Washington, DC. Bennett brings deep experience from Capitol Hill to break down what transit leaders should be paying attention to right now — and what’s coming next.

1. The upcoming Surface Transportation Reauthorization — what it is, why it matters, and realistic timelines for passage
2. How the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) changed transit funding — and why the next bill will likely look very different
3. The evolving federal stance on zero-emission buses, including battery electric, hydrogen, CNG, and hybrid fleets
4. How shifting policy priorities are influencing manufacturers, procurement decisions, and fleet strategies
5. The current and future impact of Buy America requirements, including costs, compliance, and domestic manufacturing
6. What ongoing federal budget negotiations and continuing resolutions mean for transit agencies in 2026
7. Why global events like the Olympics and FIFA World Cup are increasingly shaping federal transportation planning

Throughout the conversation, Paul and Bennett connect federal policy decisions to on-the-ground realities for transit agencies — from capital planning and vehicle procurement to safety, reliability, and long-term investment.

Transit executives interested in diving deeper into these topics are invited to attend the ThinkTransit Executive Summit, taking place this March in Boston as part of the ThinkTransit Conference.

The Executive Summit brings together senior transit leaders for a candid, in-person, Chatham House Rules discussion on:

1. Safety, security, and fare evasion
2. Cybersecurity and AI in transit operations
3. Federal policy, funding, and the future of mobility

👉 Learn more and register here:

https://trapezegroup.com/thinktransit/executive-summit/

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

📩 Sign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter:

https://transitunplugged.com/subscribe

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

As Transit Unplugged closes out 2025, host Paul Comfort sits down with David Zipper for a wide-ranging, end-of-year conversation on where public transportation has been — and where it’s headed next.

A senior fellow at the MIT Mobility Initiative and one of the most influential transportation voices writing today, David brings a rare perspective shaped by public service, venture capital, academia, and journalism. He has authored more than 200 articles in outlets including Bloomberg, Vox, and The Atlantic, examining how transportation, technology, and society intersect.

In this episode, Paul and David reflect on the defining trends of 2025 and look ahead to the challenges and opportunities transit agencies will face in 2026. You’ll hear:

1. Why robotaxis at scale may create new congestion and operational challenges for cities
2. The promise — and pitfalls — of the emerging “abundance” framework in transportation policy
3. How ridership patterns have stabilized into a new post-pandemic normal
4. Why mission creep threatens transit agencies from both the political left and right
5. What New York City’s congestion pricing success could mean for other U.S. cities
6. A candid assessment of electric bus deployment and why flexibility matters
7. How AI-powered bus lane enforcement is already improving service reliability
8. Why autonomous rail may be one of the most important sleeper trends in transit
9. The evolving role of micromobility and e-bike share in expanding transit access
10. Why transit’s future depends on staying focused on fast, frequent, reliable service

This is a thoughtful, occasionally provocative discussion that challenges conventional wisdom while staying grounded in real-world operations — and a fitting way to close out a transformative year for the transit industry.

About the Guest: David Zipper is a senior fellow at the MIT Mobility Initiative and a contributing writer for Bloomberg CityLab and Vox. He previously served in city government in New York and Washington, DC, and has advised organizations across the public and private sectors on transportation strategy and regulation. He also co-hosts the podcast Look Both Ways, where he explores the future of urban mobility. Learn more at davidzipper.com.

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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.

Sign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter: https://transitunplugged.com/subscrib...

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....

In this Transit Unplugged Insider episode, Paul Comfort sits down with Executive Producer Julie Gates for a wide-ranging, behind-the-scenes conversation on what transit leaders should be paying attention to right now — and what’s coming next. This quarterly Insider edition slows the pace and zooms out, offering context from Washington, conference halls, boardrooms, and agency leadership conversations happening across North America.

Top Five Things Every Transit Leader Needs to Know

Paul breaks down the most pressing developments shaping transit today, including:

1. Recent FTA policy changes affecting grant eligibility and agency risk
2. Where transportation reauthorization stands as the 2026 deadline approaches
3. The current state of federal grant programs, including Low-No and Bus Facilities funding
4. How mega events like the FIFA World Cup and the LA 2028 Olympics are reshaping transit planning
5. What it will take for host cities — especially Los Angeles — to meet unprecedented operational demands
6. 
   

Hot Topics Across the Industry

From conversations with CEOs, policymakers, and system leaders, Paul and Julie explore:

1. Why Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) continues to dominate expansion conversations
2. What transit agencies can learn from Canada’s funding model and manufacturing shifts
3. The growing complexity of fleet strategy, propulsion choices, and market pressures

What’s Keeping Transit CEOs Up at Night

A candid look at the challenges agency leaders are navigating right now:

1. Passenger and operator safety in a high-visibility media environment
2. Rising concerns around cybersecurity and system resilience
3. The practical realities of AI adoption in transit operations

Behind the Scenes at Transit Unplugged

Julie and Paul share updates from across the Transit Unplugged universe, including:

1. A look at recent and upcoming Transit Unplugged TV episodes — from Italy to Montreal and beyond
2. What’s ahead for the Transit Unplugged podcast in the new year
3. Updates on sister shows including The Aviation Report and Parking Live
4. Expanding distribution across YouTube, cable, streaming platforms, and newsletters

Looking Ahead

The conversation closes with reflections on leadership, industry collaboration, and what the next chapter holds — including a preview of Paul’s upcoming personal development book (available for pre-order: https://www.amazon.com/Find-Your-Factor-Personal-Treasure/dp/1636988857) and a look ahead to the major moments that will put transit on the global stage in the years to come....