This Week on Transit Unplugged

Paul Comfort sits down with Martin Ritter, CEO of Stadler U.S., one of the most innovative and fastest-growing train manufacturers in North America. From a modest foothold in the early 2000s to a nearly 600,000 sq. ft. factory in Utah, Stadler is reshaping how America thinks about rolling stock — and redefining what’s possible in U.S.-based manufacturing.

In this conversation, Martin pulls back the curtain on:

• How Stadler grew from an 18-person Swiss workshop to a 17,500-person global rail powerhouse 
• Why agencies love their FLIRT multiple-unit trains — and how distributed propulsion changes the game 
• Hydrogen, battery-electric, and ultra-efficient diesel-electric: the real story behind next-gen rail propulsion 
• How Stadler achieved FRA compliance while keeping trains lighter, quieter, and more efficient 
• The company’s youth apprenticeship program, modeled after Switzerland’s world-renowned system 
• What it means for Stadler U.S. to become a standalone division 
• The milestone ahead: delivering trains for the 2034 Salt Lake Olympic Games 

This episode is a rare, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most talked-about rail manufacturers in the United States — and a preview of what Paul and the crew will capture during our upcoming visit to the Utah factory for Transit Unplugged TV.

Episode Credits

Host & Producer: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer: Chris O’Keeffe

Editor: Patrick Emile

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Consultants: Dan Meisner & Jonas Woost, Bumper

Brand design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

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.