On the heels of his February appointment, Metro-North Railroad President Justin Vonashek sits down with Paul Comfort to break down a banner year for the MTA’s northern commuter powerhouse. From 98 percent on-time performance to new “Super-Express” trains that shave up to 50 minutes a day off the New Haven run, Justin walks through the big wins, bigger capital program, and the three metrics he believes define rail’s future in North America: reliability, frequency, and trip time.In This EpisodeThe 98% standard — how Metro-North elevated on-time performance across 230k daily tripsSuper-Express strategy — six AM/PM trains, revamped signaling, and a 90-minute New Haven–GCT targetGrand Central Terminal as a “temple to transit”Their nearly $8 billion capital plan (2025-29) — dual-mode Siemens Chargers, battery-electric locos, signal renewals, ADA station upgrades, and the Grand Central arteryPenn Station Access for Bronx riders and reverse-commute opportunities into Connecticut Resources & LinksMetro-North Railroad — https://new.mta.info/agency/metro-north-railroadMTA Capital Program 2025-2029 overview https://future.mta.info/capitalplan/Transit Unplugged episode archive — https://transitunplugged.comSubscribe & Stay ConnectedLike what you hear? Subscribe to Transit Unplugged on your favorite podcast app, or sign up for the newsletter at TransitUnplugged.com for weekly field notes from across the industry.Podcast CreditsTransit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo, passionate about moving the world’s people.Creator, Host & Producer — Paul ComfortExecutive Producer — Julie GatesProducer & Newsletter Editor — Chris O’KeefeAssociate Producer — Cyndi RaskinPodcast Intern — Desmond Gates Special thanks to:Brand Design — Tina OlagundoyeSocial Media — Tatyana MechkarovaGot a question or comment? Email us at info@transitunplugged.comDisclaimerThe 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. This production belongs to Modaxo and may contain information 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
