Transit Tangents

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...

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 sustainabilit...

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...

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 geog...

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 proje...

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 moderniz...

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-wh...

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 un...

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...

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 suppor...

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 wh...

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 Fan Mail Support 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 t...

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...

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 Fan Mail Support 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 pro...

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...

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 s...

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 tr...

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 critic...

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 Gatewa...

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 Fan Mail Support 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 Fan Mail Support 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 perso...

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 Pion...