Transit Unplugged Weekly News Minute with Julie Gates

⚽ The FIFA World Cup 2026™ - Canada, Mexico and the United States is just three months away — and transit across North America is getting ready to move the fans. The Federal Transit Administration is investing $100M to support host cities. 🚌 In Canada, TransLink plans to add 600 extra bus trips every day to keep things moving. ❄️ And in New Jersey… a giant “snow mountain” at a Port Authority Tra...

🚍 In this week’s #TransitUnplugged News Minute with Julie Gates… 🇨🇦 Canadians are pushing back against proposed $5B transit funding cuts, warning of major impacts on riders and communities. 🚌 The U.S. Federal Transit Administration announces nearly $390M in grants for buses and transit facilities. ✊ Transit agencies marked Rosa Parks’ 113th birthday, highlighting her lasting legacy and the impo...

Change at the top — Marc Molinaro steps down after just six months as Administrator at the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). 🇨🇦 Hitachi Rail announces a nearly $30M investment to build a new Canadian headquarters in Toronto. hashtag#HitachiRail 💳 Seattle’s Sound Transit and ORCA fare system roll out tap-to-pay, allowing riders to use credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets for easier a...

🏈 Seattle Transit breaks ridership records as fans flood the Seahawks hashtag#SuperBowl parade — with Sound Transit and King County Metro Transit carrying hundreds of thousands in a single day. 🚌 Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is adding 100 new hybrid and battery-electric buses from New Flyer . 🚍 Atlanta’s MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) prepares to...

💰 Congress approved the FY2026 THUD bill — including $16.5B for transit and $2.9B for rail. 📱 In Canada, Société de transport de Montréal is expanding its text-to-report safety service after receiving 25,000 rider messages in its first year. 📈 And the North Carolina Department Of Transportation says restoring rail corridors could generate over $1B for the state economy. 💘 Plus, BART is running...

⏳ Federal transit funding for 2026 is still waiting on final approval, with a partial government shutdown already delaying some grants. ⚽ With the FIFA World Cup 2026™ - Canada, Mexico and the United States just 4 months away, the Kansas City region is launching new transit services to support host cities. 🏈 In the Bay Area, BART is boosting service for this weekend’s Super Bowl. 🎙️ This Transi...

As millions face power outages and freezing temperatures across the U.S., transit agencies are stepping up when communities need them most: 🚌 VIA Metropolitan Transit offered fare-free rides to warming centres 🚌 St. Louis Metro Transit transported people to shelters 🚌 TARTA deployed stationary warming buses 💙 Huge thanks to every frontline transit worker. 🎙️ This Transit Unplugged hashtag#News...

😂 BART is teaming up with SF Sketchfest to bring live comedy performances onboard trains. Yes — stand-up on public transport 🎧👏 🚍 For #MLKDay , many systems will run holiday schedules, with Los Angeles Metro and Houston Metro offering free rides to parades and events. Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County 🚇 Chicago Transit Authority is piloting activated carbon filters on railcars t...

🗽 Metropolitan Transportation Authority says congestion pricing in Manhattan is working — less traffic, cleaner air, safer streets, and $550M already reinvested into transit 🇨🇦 Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) approves its 2026 budget with a third fare freeze in a row 🍎 IndyGo makes its Food in Transit programme permanent — supporting riders beyond the journey ❤️ 🎥 All in this week’s Transit Un...

🛡️New York City: Crime on the subway is at its lowest level in 16 years — a huge win for rider confidence and safety. Metropolitan Transportation Authority 🎟️ Boston: New fare gates are live at South Station, helping ensure fair payment and a more accountable system for everyone. MBTA ⚡San Francisco: A major accessibility milestone as the city launches its first fully-electric paratransit vehicle...

🚍🎧Welcome to your Transit Unplugged #NewsMinute with Julie Gates 🚆 American Public Transportation Association is urging Congress to restore the Alternative Fuels Tax Credit, supporting transit agencies using compressed and liquid natural gas. 🍁 City of Toronto has officially opened the long-awaited Line 6 Finch West Light Rail Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) — with hundreds of eager riders li...

Welcome to this week’s Transit Unplugged #NewsMinute with Julie Gates. 🚆 Amtrak has restored Lake Shore Limited service between Albany and Boston after months of bus substitution caused by a land slip. 🏘️ Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has broken ground on new affordable housing at New Carrollton Station, including 112 homes for seniors. 🍁 Canadian Urban Transit Associati...

Policy shifts, greener buses, and a powerful legacy — it’s your Transit Unplugged #NewsMinute with Julie Gates! Federal Transit Administration update: The agency removed a provision requiring grant recipients to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement — a rule deemed unlawful. Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County scores $100M to expand its cleaner CNG bus fleet. #RosaPark...

Amtrak breaks ridership records, the U.S. Department of Transportation issues $10,000 bonuses, Thanksgiving travel surges, and Black Friday rail deals roll out across Canada. Welcome to this week’s Transit Unplugged News Minute with Julie Gates. In this episode: • Amtrak celebrates a record-breaking year with more than 34 million trips, setting new highs for both ridership and revenue. • Nearly 80...

This week’s Transit Unplugged News Minute covers how U.S. transit continued delivering essential services through the government shutdown, despite grant delays and reimbursement interruptions. APTA urges President Trump to reject the U.S. DOT proposal to eliminate the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund, warning it would harm riders and communities across the country. New Jersey Transit...

This week with Julie Gates on Transit Unplugged News Minute: Americans voted yes for public transit, with over 80% of ballot measures approved across the U.S. Experts weigh in on the new 10% U.S. bus tariff taking effect this month. The Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) celebrated the best in Canadian transit at the CUTA Awards, recognising BC Transit, MiWay, Transdev, ARTM, Edmonton Trans...

🗳️ City of Danville, Virginia — free rides on Election Day 🚇 Metropolitan Transportation Authority — new elevators and walkways at Grand Central 🚄 Amtrak — $30M in upgrades for North Dakota stations 🍁 Meanwhile in Montreal, our Paul Comfort joins industry leaders at Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) ’s Fall Conference to host the CEO Roundtable.

Maryland Transit Administration is helping federal employees during the government shutdown with free MARC Train and Commuter Bus rides. Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works just launched America’s longest all-electric BRT, complete with air-conditioned shelters and free Wi-Fi. Dallas Area Rapid Transit (Official DART page)is celebrating the first ride of the new Silver...

TransLink operator Kelly Podlubny is now the 2025 World Laughing Champion! SamTranss (San Mateo County Transit District) introduces new policies to suspend riders who behave unsafely. California Governor Gavin Newsom’s AB 394 gives courts the power to ban those who assault transit workers. RTC of Southern Nevada now empowers security officers to remove unruly passengers — and uses AI-based #ZeroEy...

David Fink is officially confirmed as the new head of the @Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) — leading the next chapter of America’s rail future. In Buffalo, NY, transit scores a touchdown with plans for a new Buffalo Bills stadium featuring a dedicated transit hub for fans. Amtrak is back on the Gulf Coast, restoring passenger service between Mobile and New Orleans for the first time since Hu...

Calgary revives the Vote Bus, boosting voter accessibility. Foothill Transit expands its hydrogen fueling. The MTA offers transit memorabilia. APTA celebrates CX Day, prioritizing transit customers.

Metro-North Railroad introduces new, faster trains that reduce pollution. Boston is ranked as the best US city for public transportation. Spokane welcomes double-decker buses. Ottawa ComicCon features a costumed Mandalorian on OC Transpo.

The Federal Transit Administrator urges safety updates. Dallas opens its Silver Line. Ottawa pilots real-time bus info screens. Chicago's transit-themed holiday sweaters are now available for pre-order.

SEPTA receives funding to restore services after budget cuts. Sound Transit operates the first light rail car on a floating bridge. The Gordie Howe Bridge prepares to open, enhancing trade. APTA Transform hosts a panel and a puppy cuddle zone.

APTA's Fact Book confirms public transit is a $93B industry, boosting the economy and creating jobs. Vancouver's TransLink expands service, while Eugene's LTD pilots increased frequency. The Bay Area celebrates Transit Month.