
Transit Unplugged · 2026-06-10 · 42 min
Former Federal Transit Administration Administrator Marc Molinaro joins Paul Comfort for an in-depth conversation about federal transit policy, funding, and the future of public transportation. Drawing on his experience as both a member of Congress and the leader of the FTA, Molinaro offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the agency operates, what transit agencies should understand about federal grants, and why building consensus in Washington is often more complicated than it appears. The discussion explores the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee's recently approved surface transportation reauthorization proposal, evolving federal priorities around safety, security, accessibility, and project delivery, and the growing role of bus rapid transit in connecting urban, suburban, and rural communities. Whether you're a transit executive, policymaker, or industry observer, this episode provides valuable insight into how federal decisions shape local transit systems across North America.