Transit Tangents

Columbus, Ohio is undertaking an ambitious $8 billion transit plan known as LinkUS that will transform mobility across the region through 2050. We explore this voter-approved initiative that focuses on BRT corridors, active transportation, and transit-oriented development rather than light rail.• Three major BRT corridors forming the backbone of the system with plans for more• Most corridors will feature dedicated bus lanes, off-board fare payment, and signal priority• 500+ miles of new sidewalks and bikeways planned throughout Columbus• Focus on transit-oriented development and creating more walkable neighborhoods• Strong emphasis on equity, with corridors connecting neighborhoods in persistent poverty to essential services• West Broad Street corridor serves 7 grocery stores, 12 pharmacies, 9 schools, 20 daycares, and 4 hospitals• East Main Street corridor has 11 of 13 miles in dedicated busways• All three initial corridors expected to be operational by the early 2030's• Construction beginning as early as 2026 on the first corridorIf you're in Columbus, visit the LinkUS website to learn more about upcoming public meetings and provide feedback on the plans. You can even experience augmented reality visualizations of the proposed corridors.Send us a textSupport the show

Louis and Chris dive into seven American highways that should be removed to improve city life and reconnect communities divided by urban renewal projects of the past.• Kansas City's North Loop divides downtown from the historic River Market area, destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses• Syracuse's I-81 removal project is moving forward with plans to replace the downtown viaduct with a boulevard• New Orleans' Claiborne Expressway displaced 1,500 people and continues to harm adjacent neighborhoods• Baltimore's "Highway to Nowhere" spans just 14 city blocks but demolished 900 homes and serves no transportation purpose• Portland Maine's I-295 occupies valuable waterfront property that could be reclaimed for public use and housing• Oakland's 980 freeway runs through downtown at below capacity and sits on land that could address the housing crisis• Milwaukee's I-794 removal proposal has state support and would reconnect neighborhoods to downtown and the waterfrontIf you'd like to support the show directly, you can do so via our Patreon or by checking out our merch store. Let us know in the comments if there are other highways you think should be removed.Send us a textSupport the show

Transit projects across the country are making measurable progress despite earlier funding and political challenges. We revisit four transit initiatives from previous episodes to highlight the positive developments that show momentum for public transportation investments.• SunRail expansion in Orlando has secured the full $6 million needed for project development and environmental studies, with Universal contributing $2 million• Dynamic testing has begun on Maryland's Purple Line, which is now 76% complete with a projected opening in winter 2027• Dallas Area Transit Alliance (DATA) successfully fought against legislative attempts to cut DART's budget by 25%• Austin City Council approved support columns for future I-35 caps downtown and stitches near Airport Boulevard, adopting a phased approach to urban reconnection• These projects demonstrate the importance of public-private partnerships, grassroots advocacy, and strategic compromise in advancing transitIf you enjoy Transit Tangents, please like our videos, leave comments, and consider supporting us through Patreon or buying us a coffee through our website.Send us a textSupport the show

Transit Tangents explores Kansas City's public transportation system in a day-long adventure testing buses, bikes, and the streetcar across both Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas City, Kansas. We discover a surprising transit network with remarkable architectural treasures and vibrant neighborhoods connected by a completely fare-free system.• Kansas City operates the largest fare-free transit system in the United States, generating fair ridership but facing funding challenges• Historic Union Station serves as a magnificent transit hub that narrowly escaped demolition in the city's past• The Kansas City Streetcar shows consistently strong ridership even before its northern and southern extensions are completed• MAX bus routes provide relatively reliable service at 20-minute frequencies, while other routes run much less frequently• The city once had an extensive streetcar network until 1956, with the Country Club line now converted to a linear park• Multiple areas along transit routes showcase impressive development, from the Spanish-inspired Plaza to the Brookside neighborhood• Electric bikeshare provides a convenient alternative for short trips between transit routes• Weather conditions dramatically impact the transit experience, particularly at bus stops with limited shelter• Highway removal proposals for the North Loop present opportunities to reconnect downtown neighborhoods• Transit infrastructure crosses state lines with KCATA serving both the Missouri and Kansas sides of the metropolitan areaIf you like this episode, please make sure to like and subscribe. Support us on Patreon to catch episodes early and access additional content.Send us a textSupport the show

The Research Triangle area of North Carolina keeps trying—and failing—to develop effective transit solutions despite strong voter support for improvements. After a promising light rail project was derailed by Duke University in 2019, the region has pivoted to Bus Rapid Transit projects with mixed success.• Voters approved a half-cent sales tax in 2011-2012 specifically for transit improvements including the 17.7-mile Durham Orange Light Rail• Duke University refused to sign necessary agreements in 2019, effectively killing the light rail project that would have connected three universities• Raleigh has developed plans for four BRT lines extending from downtown in all directions• Despite a groundbreaking ceremony in 2023, Raleigh's BRT project has faced two failed contractor selection attempts and completion is now projected for 2030• Durham is pursuing its own BRT plans but remains in earlier planning stages• A proposed 43-mile commuter rail connecting West Durham through Raleigh to Clayton lost federal funding support in 2023• The Triangle region already has Amtrak service with about five daily trains between towns, but frequency and reliability need improvementIf you want to support the show, be sure to like and subscribe to our videos and share them with others. You can also support us via Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee, or purchase Transit Tangents merchandise from our store.Send us a textSupport the show

Louis announces his move to Germany for two years, as the Transit Tangents Pod plans to continue with a mix of European and American content.• Germany's Deutschland ticket offers access to the entire country's public transit for a monthly fee• German transit operates on multiple tiers: ICE (high-speed), IC (intercity), RE/RB (regional), plus local networks• High-speed ICE trains connect major cities at 250 km/h but face punctuality issues at 66% on-time performance• German cities feature integrated U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (commuter rail), and Straßenbahn (tram) systems• Small 120,000-person city of Jena has 5 tram lines and 13 bus routes serving nearly as many daily passengers as all of Austin• Texas is geographically twice the size of Germany yet lacks comprehensive transit connections between cities• Frankfurt metro (2.7M people) has extensive transit comparable to similarly sized US cities like Austin, Charlotte, DenverThe hosts are planning a special Northeast Corridor Acela tour from Boston to Baltimore in June – stay tuned and support via Patreon if you want to help make trips like this happen.Send us a textSupport the show

The traffic management centers across the United States are mission control for our highway systems, working 24/7 to detect incidents and coordinate emergency responses to keep traffic flowing.• Behind-the-scenes look at a Traffic Management Center (TMC) that monitors interstate highways with 300+ cameras• Overview of how TMCs detect traffic incidents using radar and probe-based data from cell phones• Insight into the emergency response process when incidents are identified• Discussion of technology innovations like JAWS (Julie's Automated Waste Removal System) that uses snowplows to clear debris safely• Explanation of how TMCs coordinate with multiple agencies for weather events and major gatherings• Details on how Waze reports are automatically integrated into DOT maintenance systems• Discussion of connected vehicle technology that alerts drivers to emergency vehicles ahead• Ride-along experience with an emergency responder assisting stranded motoristsSend us a textSupport the show

Transit advocates are watching with concern as several high-profile transit projects across America face uncertain futures under the Trump administration, from New York's congestion pricing to California's high-speed rail.• NYC's congestion pricing has shown remarkable early success with 70% fewer honking complaints, 50% fewer traffic injuries, and increased transit ridership• The MTA's $500 million annual revenue from congestion pricing funds critical improvements to accessibility, bus frequency, and subway infrastructure• California High-Speed Rail construction continues despite funding threats, with $14 billion already invested and 15,000 jobs created• San Antonio's Green Line BRT project would deliver vital 10-15 minute frequency service along a 12-mile corridor in America's largest city without rail• Virginia's railway expansion includes crucial bottleneck improvements to the Long Bridge, which operates at 95% capacity• Austin's highway cap project faces uncertainty with rising costs reaching $1.4 billion while the underlying I-35 expansion proceeds unimpeded• Projects across the country face delays and funding challenges as previously awarded grants undergo reviewShare your thoughts on which transit projects in your area might be at risk and which projects you think should be prioritized! We'd love to hear from you in the comments.Send us a textSupport the show

The saga of high-speed rail in Texas takes another dramatic turn as the Trump administration revokes $60 million in funding previously allocated to Amtrak for the Texas Central project. Despite this setback, we explore why the Dallas-Houston line might actually be closer to reality than ever before.• Texas high-speed rail initiatives date back to the 1990s when Southwest Airlines played a significant role in derailing early efforts• Texas Central, the current iteration of the project, would connect Dallas to Houston in 90 minutes using trains capable of 205 mph• After years of lawsuits, Texas Central gained crucial eminent domain authority by being classified as a utility• Amtrak briefly took over the project in 2024 before Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy pulled federal funding• A private investment firm, Kleinheinz Capital Partners, has stepped in as lead investor just one day after federal funding was withdrawn• The project could potentially be finalized by year-end with construction taking approximately 80-86 months• Despite organized opposition groups like "Texans Against High Speed Rail," the project now has all legal frameworks in placeCheck out our merch store for Transit Tangents shirts and sweatshirts, or support us directly via Patreon for access to bonus content and early episodes.Send us a textSupport the show

Urban Lab, a Kansas City-based urbanist group, hopes to inspire city leaders to reimagine streets, developments, and public spaces. Founded by architect Matt Hasek, this grassroots organization has grown organically by creating compelling visual representations that help people see how urban spaces could be different.• Kansas City has more highway miles per capita than nearly anywhere else in the United States• The city once had 350 miles of streetcar, now reduced to just 2.2 miles of streetcar• Urban Lab creates detailed visualizations of specific Kansas City locations rather than generic urban spaces• Their work includes reimagining the historic Plaza area, the Grand Boulevard corridor, and proposals for highway removal• One of their designs is currently being implemented by the city, with 80-85% of their model likely to be realized• Urban Lab's process focuses on both building on existing momentum and introducing new concepts to spark conversation• Their visualizations target both the general public and city officials who can implement changeYou can learn more about Urban Lab here. Send us a textSupport the show

Swift Cities has developed a revolutionary transit concept called Woosh that combines the benefits of gondolas with autonomous vehicles to create a flexible, efficient transit solution for short urban trips.• Not a traditional gondola but an autonomous vehicle system using overhead cables• Vehicles operate independently, picking up passengers at ground level and traveling directly to destinations without intermediate stops• Costs approximately $5-20 million per mile compared to billions for light rail• Developed while solving mobility challenges for Google's corporate campuses• Fills the transit gap between bus capacity (1,200 passengers/hour) and light rail (8,000+ passengers/hour)• Perfect for 1-5 mile trips which represent 50-55% of all daily travel• Modular design allows systems to start small (3-4 stations) and expand incrementally• Can be constructed quickly with first operational systems expected by 2027• Works best in commercial corridors, entertainment districts, and medium-density areas• Enables development of walkable, mixed-use districts without car dependencyIf you're interested in learning more about Swift Cities and the Woosh system, visit swiftcities.com or find them on social media platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn.Send us a textSupport the show

Kansas City's streetcar system has transformed downtown with $4 billion in development since opening in 2016, and now two major extensions will nearly triple the system's reach to the university district and riverfront.• 2.2-mile downtown streetcar line has carried over 14 million passengers since 2016• Extensions will add 3.5 miles south to University of Missouri-Kansas City and 0.7 miles north to the riverfront• Fleet expanding from 6 to 14 streetcars to maintain 10-12 minute service frequencies• Comprehensive infrastructure improvements include new water/sewer lines, sidewalks, and green spaces• Downtown residential population has grown to approximately 36,000 people• Maintenance facility tour revealed specialized equipment for streetcar upkeep• Ridership profile expected to diversify with more students and recreational users• Mixed-traffic operations require ongoing adaptations including some parking removal• Some sections of the extensions will feature dedicated transit lanesCheck out the Kansas City Streetcar at kcstreetcar.org or find them on all social media platforms at @kcstreetcar to keep up with their progress.Send us a textSupport the show

Happy April everyone!Oh Arlington, Texas — the shimmering crown jewel of American urban planning, where the concept of “public transit” strikes fear and loathing into the very soul of its leaders. Truly, a masterclass in how not to move people around.Let's start with the obvious: no buses. No trains. Not even a lonely streetcar to pretend someone cared. But hey, they do have a microtransit experiment, in the form of VIA, which is basically Uber with a city-branded logo. Revolutionary! Nothing says “world-class public transit” like handing people a voucher code and hoping they figure it out. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, this host city is really going to FAFO. Want to walk? Adorable. Arlington sidewalks are optional—just like their commitment to multimodal transportation. And biking? Sure, if you enjoy the thrill of dodging pickup trucks moving at 85 mph on roads designed exclusively for vehicular domination.But don't worry, you can get to the Cowboys game as long as you drive. Or teleport. Or rent a camel. Because even when there's a football game and thousands of cars crawling toward JerryWorld like a scene from Mad Max, mobility is a DIY project.In conclusion, Arlington's transit system is a bold experiment in pretending transit doesn't exist. A true pioneer in the field of "Let's Just Not." Five stars — for comedy value. Zero stars for everything else.Send us a textSupport the show

We attend South by Southwest's transportation track to discover what this cutting-edge collection of thought leaders envisions as the future of mobility.Key Takeaways:• Electric vehicles are a critical part of the future but may not be enough• Battery technology advancements through AI aim to improve efficiency for both EVs and flying vehicles• American EV leadership isn't competitive when compared to China's rapid advancement• Autonomous buses could address driver shortages but still require human attendants for passenger assistance• Personal flying vehicles (eVTOLs) will offer 15-minute flight times across cities• Successful rail networks require long-term planning beyond political cycles• Transportation solutions need to be flexible, adaptable, and designed for diverse populationsIf you like this episode, please consider leaving a rating. If you want to support the show directly, you can do so via our Patreon.Send us a textSupport the show

The Chicago Red Line extension is finally breaking ground after fifty years of planning, promising to transform mobility for underserved communities on Chicago's far south side with a $5.7 billion investment in transit infrastructure.• Five and a half mile extension from 95th Street to 130th Street serving Altgeld Gardens• Four new stations bringing rail service to approximately 100,000 residents• Project costs over $1 billion per mile, with $2 billion coming from federal grants• Expected to reduce commute times by 30 minutes and generate $1.7 billion in development• Construction begins 2025 with projected opening in 2029• Debates continue about whether BRT or commuter rail alternatives could have provided similar benefits at lower costs• Political concerns about transit funding and the potential for future administrations to target high-cost urban projectsCheck out our new merchandise store for Transit Tangents swag! Support us on Patreon for early episodes, Discord access, and stickers sent directly to you.Send us a textSupport the show

Texas legislators have introduced bills that could slash DART funding by up to 50%, threatening the survival of Dallas's transit system in one of America's fastest-growing regions. • Six Dallas suburban cities initially supported cutting DART funding by 25%, with Plano leading the charge• Unable to get enough board votes, Plano representatives took their fight to the Texas Legislature• House Bill 3187 would reduce the sales tax funding and allow diversion of additional money to non-transit projects• If passed, this bill could effectively cut DART funding by 44-50%, making system survival impossible• The Dallas Area Transit Alliance (DATA) is organizing concerned citizens to fight these cutsContact your state representatives and join DATA to help protect public transit funding in Texas. Visit DATA's links in the description to get involved.Send us a textSupport the show

This episode highlights our challenge of exploring Dallas exclusively via public transit. Our journey reveals the good and bad of navigating a major city without a car while incorporating the unique sights of the Dallas landscape. - Testing DART's capabilities in real-time - Encountering Dallas's landmarks, including the zoo and Bishop Arts District - Our experiences with transit frequency and efficiency - Observations on the lack of direct transit routes and bus connections - Insights into the history and transformation of Dallas neighborhoods - Recommendations for future transit adventures and improvements If you'd like to support the show and help us continue our transit explorations, please consider joining us on Patreon! Send us a textSupport the show

Exciting developments are on the horizon in Minneapolis-St Paul. We dive into the new Gold Line BRT and its potential to redefine transit in the area, exploring its benefits and limitations compared to similar lines. • Overview of the Gold Line and its dedicated infrastructure • Comparison of Gold Line with B-Line and their operational differences • Importance of transit-oriented development along the Gold Line route • Insights into ridership expectations and community impact • Discussion on how urban planning can influence future transit projects If you enjoyed this conversation and want to help us grow, please consider supporting our show via Patreon or checking out our merch store! Send us a textSupport the show

Brightline's success in Florida not only enhances travel between Miami and Orlando but also spurs potential advancements in the state's public transit system. As the Sunshine Corridor expansion plans unfold, the discussion uncovers how private initiatives can effectively stimulate public investments and reshape commuting in the region.• Overview of Brightline's operational success and ridership growth • The positive impact of Brightline on public transit perceptions in Florida • The current state and planned expansions of Orlando's SunRail system • Insights on funding structures for future transit projects • Exploration of public-private partnerships and their role in transportation developmentSend us a textSupport the show

Join us as we explore Washington, D.C., using only public transit. This episode introduces listeners to the city's diverse transportation options. From the automated Red Line to quirky streetcars and bike shares, the hosts share experiences while highlighting which modes are effective and what makes the DC transit landscape unique. • Navigating through DC's transit system using metro, buses, and streetcars • Insights from a local expert commuter on the DC transit experience • Automation of the Red Line and its impact on the service • Challenges and nuances of riding the streetcar through mixed traffic • Discussion on the popularity and alternatives within Capitol Bike Share • Exploring the Navy Yard's redevelopment and its public transport connections • Sightseeing highlights along the National Mall • Comparison to other cities' transit systems and their effectiveness • Reflection on community engagement driven by transportation initiativesSend us a textSupport the show

The Purple Line represents Maryland's significant investment in public transit, aiming to connect diverse suburban communities to the greater DC metro area. The episode covers its route, potential ridership, cost issues, and broader implications for urban transit in the U.S. • Overview of the Purple Line life and vision from Bethesda to New Carrollton• Importance of transit-oriented development along the route• Current ridership statistics and future projections• Financial challenges and discussions around cost overruns• Impact of the Purple Line on commuting trends post-COVID• Potential for urban sprawl mitigation through effective public transport• Exploration of public-private partnerships and their implications• Fare integration challenges between different systemsSend us a textSupport the show

This episode continues our overview of Project Connect's 16,000-page environmental impact study.  We focus on station placements, expected ridership, and potential displacement of local businesses. We raise key concerns about community impact while highlighting the significance of improved public transportation for Austin's future. • Overview of Project Connect Draft EIS and light rail system • Discussion of north and south rail line routes and stations • Environmental impacts and displacement considerations • Impact on local businesses• Expected ridership numbers and travel time improvements • Political implications and potential threats to funding Send us a textSupport the show

The episode explores Austin's Project Connect, a light rail initiative designed to improve transportation and connectivity throughout the city. With the 16,000-page draft environmental impact study released, we provide a detailed overview of station highlights and their potential impact.• Station breakdown starting from Yellow Jacket Station • Key features of connectivity and sustainability • Community concerns regarding station locations • Discussion on the downtown development implications • The role of UT stations in serving a large student population • Encouragement for ongoing dialogue among stakeholdersSend us a textSupport the show

Exciting changes are on the horizon for Seattle's light rail system, with significant expansions aimed at connecting isolated lines and enhancing commuter experiences. The episode highlights the current state of the light rail network and the promising developments that will redefine urban transit in the region.• Overview of upcoming light rail expansions in Seattle • Current state and geography of Seattle's light rail system • Recent expansions and developments in suburban areas • Future plans connecting key regions and communities Send us a textSupport the show

Unlock the secrets of urban transformation with Cutter Gonzalez, a communication strategist from the Welcoming Neighbors Network. Discover the intricate dance between housing policies and public transit systems as we dissect the "housing theory of everything," showcasing how cities like Austin are setting the stage for reduced rents and denser living environments in anticipation of projects like Project Connect. We'll explore the symbiotic exchange of urban strategies between Austin and Boston, emphasizing a shift towards integrated planning that creates communities where culture, accessibility, and innovation thrive.Send us a textSupport the show

This episode highlights the top 10 public transportation projects set to launch in 2025, showcasing significant innovations across the United States that promise improved connectivity and efficiency. From modernization initiatives in Chicago and Boston to exciting new lines in Dallas and LA, these projects aim to enhance the commuting experience for all.  • Chicago's Red and Purple Line modernization for reliability and accessibility • Boston MBTA's elimination of slow zones for increased capacity and speed • MTA congestion pricing set to address traffic and fund transit • Amtrak's revival of New Orleans to Mobile rail service post-Katrina • Dallas Silver Line completion enhances suburban connectivity • Austin's rapid bus lines are part of the broader Project Connect initiative • LA's metro extensions driven by Olympic preparations and strategic planning • Honolulu's Skyway Phase Two raises questions about effective transit design • Kansas City's streetcar extensions aim to revive historic transit forms • Phoenix Light Rail expansion demonstrates successful proactive planningSend us a textSupport the show

In this episode of Transit Tangents, we roll back the clock to explore how Carl Fisher, a bold entrepreneur and transportation pioneer, helped spark America's love affair with movement—starting not with cars, but with bicycles. Before Fisher became synonymous with monumental road projects he was a passionate advocate for cycling who helped push for better roads.This episode is a tribute to two-wheeled transportation, the early advocates who demanded better infrastructure, and the visionary who saw the potential for something even greater. Whether you're a cyclist, a motorist, or just curious about how the roads beneath your wheels came to be, this episode will give you a whole new appreciation for the origins of modern transportation. Send us a textSupport the show

Houston, the fourth-largest city in the U.S., is often seen as an endless maze of sprawling suburbs and ring roads. But is it really just a car-centric metropolis? In this episode, we challenge that perception by exploring Houston's transit options—from light rail to buses—and discovering a city that might surprise you. Join us as we navigate the oil and gas capital's transportation network and uncover a different side of Houston!Send us a textSupport the show

Thank you all for joining us on this incredible journey—50 episodes of Transit Tangents! In this special milestone episode, we're revisiting some of our most compelling discussions and providing updates on each topic. From MTA's congestion pricing plans to the impact of the new U.S. Presidential administration and the progress of Austin's Project Connect, we've got you covered. Stay tuned as we bring you the latest insights and developments across the transit world!Send us a textSupport the show

How can a highway that once divided neighborhoods become a bridge for community connection? Join us on Transit Tangents as we unlock the transformative power of cap and stitch projects in urban planning. From Seattle's pioneering Freeway Park to Washington DC's innovative public-private partnerships, we unpack the mechanics and potential of covering sunken highways with decks that support everything from parks to bike lanes and even small buildings.Send us a textSupport the show

In this episode, we travel to Dallas to meet the passionate advocates behind the Dallas Area Transit Alliance (DATA), a grassroots organization committed to improving public transit. DATA President Conner Hulla and Vice President Tyler Wright join us to share the story of their movement's origins and their fight for better transit. We also dive into the ongoing battle over funding for DART where several North Texas cities have signaled their desire to reduce the amount of funding sent to the transit agency.  Send us a textSupport the show

As we look to the future, we examine the potential impact of autonomous vehicles on our transportation systems. In America's car-centric society, these innovations hold immense promise but also pose significant challenges. Send us a textSupport the show

 Explore the evolving landscape of student transportation with insights from Kris Hafezizadeh, a seasoned expert with over two decades of experience at Austin Independent School District. Kris delves into the unique challenges facing school transportation today—from cost disparities to complex logistical issues—while sharing a forward-looking vision that prioritizes safety and embraces the shift toward electric school buses. Send us a textSupport the show

Known as the roundabout capital of the United States, Carmel has redefined road safety and efficiency with over 150 roundabouts, heralding a new era of urban design. Join us as we explore how Carmel's commitment to roundabouts has led to remarkable safety improvements and significant economic savings. We'll also highlight Carmel's impressive biking infrastructure and its status as a top cycling city. Send us a textSupport the show

Bill McCamley, Executive Director of Transit Forward joins Transit Tangents to shed light on the critical role of community engagement and the collaborative efforts needed to keep ambitious projects, like Project Connect, on track. In this episode, we focus heavily on Austin but the experiences and lessons learned will be all too familiar to your city as well. Send us a textSupport the show

Join us as we traverse the streets of Austin, mastering the public transit system, including buses, trains, and bike share.In this episode, we take a day-long journey around Austin, relying solely on the city's public transit network. We discuss the system's strengths and challenges, providing tips for commuters and visitors alike. For the adventurous, we also explore Austin's bike share program, seamlessly combining it with transit to reach some of the city's hidden gems. Whether you're a local looking for ways to leave the car at home or a visitor exploring the city, this episode is packed with useful insights and real-time experiences. Tune in for practical advice, a few fun detours, and a deeper look at what makes Austin's public transit tick.Send us a textSupport the show

Get ready for a spine-chilling ride as we bring you a special Halloween season episode of Transit Tangents! In this eerie edition, we're counting down the top 10 transit villains—the real-life monsters that haunt our public transit systems. From over-budget projects draining resources, to lawsuit-happy NIMBYs who stall progress at every turn, and public officials who just can't see the bigger picture, these villains are making your commute a nightmare. We'll dive into how these transit terrors wreak havoc on systems, delay vital projects, and cause headaches for riders everywhere.Join us as we expose these ghouls lurking behind the scenes and discuss what can be done to stop them before they strike again! If you've ever felt haunted by transit troubles, this episode is for you. Buckle up and hold on tight… it's going to be a bumpy, spooky ride!Send us a textSupport the show

What happens when a city's transit system is staring down a $30 million deficit, putting half its bus routes on the chopping block? Louisville is at a critical turning point, and our latest episode dives deep into the tough choices and creative solutions that could shape its public transit future. Whether you're a local resident, urban planner, or passionate about transit, this episode sheds light on why funding matters and explores the innovative approaches needed to keep Louisville moving forward. Don't miss this essential conversation on the future of mobility in the city.Send us a textSupport the show

What does it take to transform decades of car-centric planning? Join us as we delve into the pivotal rail votes that have shaped Austin's transit landscape. From the setback of the 2000 rail initiative to the resounding success of the 2020 Project Connect plan, which garnered nearly 60% of voter approval. Project Connect presents a comprehensive vision featuring light rail lines, bus rapid transit routes, a commuter rail, and an "Uber-like" pickup service. This ambitious plan is poised to redefine Austin as a true transit city.Send us a textSupport the show

Imagine a Texas where you can effortlessly travel by train from Austin to San Antonio, or even journey all the way to Monterrey, Mexico. On this episode of Transit Tangents, Judge Andy Brown of Travis County joins us to share his vision for transforming passenger rail service in Central Texas. He gives us an insider's perspective on the challenges and opportunities for developing these critical rail connections. We also highlight the collaborative spirit driving these rail projects forward, emphasizing the strong partnerships between local leaders like Judge Sakai in Bexar County and their counterparts in Mexico. Send us a textSupport the show

How will Charlotte's recent acquisition of a 25-mile rail line revolutionize its transit landscape? This week's episode of Transit reviews the transformative potential of the proposed Red Line project and how it could seamlessly integrate with Charlotte's existing Amtrak services like the Crescent, Piedmont, and Carolinian routes. We don't stop there; we also explore the ambitious Gateway Station project aimed at relocating Charlotte's rail hub to a more accessible downtown location. Join us for a comprehensive look at Charlotte's transit future and the exciting possibilities of reducing car dependency in the city.Send us a textSupport the show

In this episode, we revisit Salt Lake City, our first Transit Tangents "field trip," to explore the exciting transit expansions that are on the horizon. From new rail lines to revitalizing an old train station, we dive into it all. Send us a textSupport the show

From the Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes, this episode discusses the indispensable role of ferries in linking communities across the United States. Learn about federal support for ferry services, the vital subsidies they require, and the inventive ways various states are enhancing their ferry networks. Send us a textSupport the Show.

Can you recall the sheer excitement of seeing a monorail glide by at Disney World or the thrill of building your own transit empire in games like Roller Coaster Tycoon? We certainly can, and in this episode of Transit Tangents, we tap into that childhood wonder to explore the captivating world of monorails. From differentiating between maglevs, straddle-beam, and saddlebag systems to sharing personal stories of how these unique transit systems captured our imaginations, we offer a history of monorail systems in the US and explore why this transit of the future went off the rails... well, rail. Send us a Text Message.Support the Show.

What if a simple bus ride could reveal the fascinating history of American transportation? Join us on Transit Tangents as we uncover the incredible story of intercity bus travel in the United States, starting with Carl Eric Wickman's entrepreneurial journey in 1914. From the humble beginnings of motorized stagecoaches to the revolutionary coast-to-coast routes established by the Yelloway Pioneer system in 1928, this episode promises to transport you back in time and shed light on how Greyhound became an iconic symbol of cross-country travel.Explore the dramatic rise and eventual decline of bus travel in America, focusing on the rivalry between Greyhound and Trailways. We'll discuss how World War II and the post-war suburban boom fueled the popularity of buses, only for it to wane in the face of automobiles, interstates, and airlines by the 1970s. Greyhound's surprising business diversification, including ventures into meatpacking with the Armour Company and unexpected forays into pharmaceuticals and cruise lines, is sure to captivate you as we trace its efforts to navigate changing times.Fast forward to the 1990s and 2000s, where we see a resurgence in intercity bus travel with new players like Megabus and Flixbus transforming the industry. Discover how technological advancements like online booking and smartphone apps have breathed new life into the bus travel experience, despite some humorous hiccups with onboard Wi-Fi. And don't miss our playful connections between Dial Soap, Vienna sausages, and Mickey Mouse as we celebrate the rich, evolving tapestry of intercity bus travel. Buckle up for an engaging ride through history and into the future of this quintessential American journey!Louis recreated the Yelloway Pioneer Map from 1928 that you can see on Google Maps here for those who are interested: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=15C9-rcuMo-txoKzIfq71Ke68mGuy9j0&usp=sharingSupport The Show: https://buymeacoffee.com/transittangentsSend us a Text Message.Support the Show.

Imagine a program where children gain confidence and independence simply by learning to navigate their city using public transit. Tammy Miller, the visionary executive director of ATX Kids Club, joins us on Transit Tangents to share how her Northeast public transit experiences inspired her to create this unique initiative in Austin, Texas. Through year-round adventures and field trips, ATX Kids Club encourages kids to explore their city with a sense of wonder, while also addressing and transforming perceptions about the safety and benefits of public transportation in Austin.Join as we uncover the heartwarming stories of young campers who, through mastering the public bus system, not only develop a sense of independence but also end up guiding their parents on bus routes! We discuss the lifelong advantages of early public transit exposure, from financial savings to environmental stewardship, and the expanded horizons it brings. Tammy's efforts reveal the hidden potential of public transit to shape a more accessible and sustainable future for Austin, embedding valuable life skills in the city's next generation. Don't miss this insightful conversation that showcases the incredible impact ATX Kids Club is making on the community.Learn more about ATX Kids Club at atxkidsclub.orgKUT Article Referenced: https://www.kut.org/transportation/2024-07-03/austin-summer-camp-public-transit-bus-cap-metro-atx-kids-clubSupport The Show: https://buymeacoffee.com/transittangentsSend us a Text Message.Support the Show.

Join us as we embark on a public transit adventure. We navigate San Antonio's multi-tiered bus system, which reveals the importance of buses in a town devoid of a rail network. Alongside insights from the Strong Towns San Antonio chapter, our ride through history and culture takes us to San Antonio's historic Spanish missions, the Pearl District, the Alamo and many more sites. We reflect on the potential of San Antonio's public transport and the local community's efforts toward improvement. More info on Strong TownsSend us a Text Message.Support the Show.

Reeling from the political whiplash of the last few weeks, we look to the future and discuss who Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, will choose as her running mate in the 2024 elections. We discuss each contender's transit record and decide who we think would be our best transit champion. Send us a Text Message.Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.What if toll roads were the key to sustainable infrastructure? Join us as we uncover the history and modern implications of tolling on U.S. roads. Starting from the origins of turnpikes, we trace the evolution of toll roads through the lens of historical milestones like the Philadelphia and Lancaster Turnpike—the first paved road in the U.S. From the rise of automated toll collection systems to the financial realities of road maintenance funded by gas taxes, registration fees, and tolls, we uncover the hidden costs and public subsidies that keep our roads running. Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.In this episode, we recount the origins of Amtrak, born out of failing private rail services and saved by the Rail Passengers Service Act of 1970. Despite the hurdles of "manufactured mismanagement" intended to sabotage it, Amtrak emerged resilient. We also dive into our firsthand adventure on the Texas Eagle line from Austin to San Antonio offering a current snapshot of Amtrak travel today.Share your Amtrak stories with us and support our journey by subscribing to Transit Tangents and exploring our new features on transittangents.com. Thank you for being a part of our community!Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Can cities really become more livable, convenient, and environmentally sustainable all within a 15-minute walk or bike ride? From the transformation of suburban strip malls into bustling town centers, like Austin's ACC Highland campus, to Paris's ambitious urban initiatives under Mayor Anne Hidalgo, we spotlight examples of successfully implemented 15-minute city principles.Support the Show.