In this quarterly Transit Unplugged Insider, Paul Comfort and Julie Gates break down the most important developments shaping public transportation right now—from Washington leadership changes to emerging mobility technology.

They cover the five biggest stories transit leaders need to know, including:

FTA Leadership Shakeup – With no administrator or deputy currently in place, what does this leadership gap mean for the Federal Transit Administration and the industry at large?

Federal Funding Uncertainty – Proposed budget changes with potential cuts exceeding 20% year-over-year . What’s at risk—and how is the industry responding?

Reauthorization Outlook – Why the next major transportation bill may not pass this year, and what that delay could mean for agencies planning long-term investments .

Innovation Acceleration – From autonomous vehicles to electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, new technologies are rapidly moving from pilot programs to real-world deployment .

ThinkTransit Takeaways – Key insights from executive leaders across North America on cybersecurity, AI, safety, and operational strategy.

You’ll also hear:

Why rising fuel prices could drive increased transit ridership

How agencies are preparing for funding and policy uncertainty

What 500,000 weekly autonomous rides signal about the future of mobility

Why having a cybersecurity response plan is now essential

This episode is your insider briefing on the policies, people, and technologies shaping transit in 2026—with context you won’t hear anywhere else.

00:00 Insider Episode Kickoff

01:09 Big Changes at FTA

01:32 Leadership Vacuum Explained

02:22 Matt Webber Retires

03:00 Jamie Fister Steps In

03:30 Who Will Lead Next

04:25 Transit Funding Shakeup

05:01 Why the Budget Drops

06:45 APTA Pushback Strategy

07:26 Reauthorization Clock Ticking

10:35 Gas Prices and Ridership

12:18 EV Fees and Innovation Pivot

12:50 VTOLs and Advanced Air Mobility

17:12 Autonomous Vehicles Go Mainstream

Credits

Host and Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer: Chris O’Keeffe

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.

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.

Transit Unplugged Insider: FTA Shakeups, Funding Cuts & What’s Coming Next

Transit Unplugged

Transit Unplugged Insider: FTA Shakeups, Funding Cuts & What’s Coming Next