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: Recent FTA policy changes affecting grant eligibility and agency riskWhere transportation reauthorization stands as the 2026 deadline approachesThe current state of federal grant programs, including Low-No and Bus Facilities fundingHow mega events like the FIFA World Cup and the LA 2028 Olympics are reshaping transit planningWhat it will take for host cities — especially Los Angeles — to meet unprecedented operational demands Hot Topics Across the Industry From conversations with CEOs, policymakers, and system leaders, Paul and Julie explore: Why Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) continues to dominate expansion conversations What transit agencies can learn from Canada’s funding model and manufacturing shiftsThe 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: Passenger and operator safety in a high-visibility media environmentRising concerns around cybersecurity and system resilience 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: A look at recent and upcoming Transit Unplugged TV episodes — from Italy to Montreal and beyond What’s ahead for the Transit Unplugged podcast in the new yearUpdates on sister shows including The Aviation Report and Parking LiveExpanding 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. H