Transportopia: Public Transport Stories & Ideas

The Transportopia News and Views Bonus episode between full shows examines four major transit stories: a record-breaking ridership surge during the 2026 World Cup across U.S. host cities; Brightline’s narrow escape from missed payments as it wrestles with $5.5 billion in debt; the near-certainty that the 21st Century Road to Housing Act will become law, linking zoning and transit planning; and a p...

This encore episode of Transportopia features Professor Anastasia Lukaitou‑Sideris discussing transit safety after a high‑profile incident in Charlotte. The conversation with Host Rick L'Amie focuses on how design, lighting, visibility, targeted staffing, technology, and community partnerships can reduce both crime and the fear of crime for riders and operators. Professor Lukaitou‑Sideris highligh...

The World Cup drove unprecedented transit ridership across U.S. host cities, while New York unveiled an $8 billion redesign for Penn Station that mixes grandeur with controversy. Meanwhile, a proposed federal bill could cut transit funding just as Bogota launches its long-awaited metro, highlighting the stakes for transit investment and political will. Transportopia News and Views with Rick L'Amie...

This episode of Transportopia explores Imagry 's camera-and-AI autonomous bus system and its focus on solving the global shortage of bus drivers and improving public transit. The Israeli-based tech startup with offices in San Jose, CA will soon launch its first US autonomous bus deployments in Florida and Nevada. Host Rick L'Amie interviews Imagry CEO Eran Ofir about mapless, on-board autonomy, sa...

In this bonus News and Views episode, Rick L'Amie breaks down four major transit stories: the historic groundbreaking for Phase 2 of the 2nd Avenue Subway in East Harlem, Illinois’ creation of a powerful new regional transit authority, Brightline’s looming bankruptcy, and Sonoma-Marin voters extending rail funding for SMART. Taken together these stories show how public, private, and local choices...

Transportopia host Rick L'Amie rides the G and 7 with his daughter Lauren as she describes life as a longtime New York City transit rider. They discuss the quirky G train jog, seasonal shutdowns, and the city’s 24-hour subway that makes car-free living possible. Lauren reflects on moving from Austin, selling her car, and how transit shapes daily life — from schlepping furniture on the train to mou...

This episode of Transportopia News and Views breaks down the biggest surface transportation bill in years, New York’s congestion pricing first-year results, California’s controversial 140 mph bullet-bus study, and the winners of the 2026 International Bus Roadeo in Salt Lake City. Host Rick L’Amie connects policy headlines with real-world practice, highlighting how funding, results, speed, and the...

In this episode of Transportopia, Rick L'Amie dives into transit fandom—from viral personalities like Francis Bourgeois and creators like Miles in Transit to virtual communities on Roblox, simulation games like Mini Metro and Subway Builder, and transit-inspired art and collectibles. He explores how these hobbies create emotional connections to cities, transform transit into visual culture and com...

In this episode of Transportopia News and Views we cover three major transport moves: Los Angeles opened new Purple Line subway stations under Wilshire Boulevard, New York City redesigned the Manhattan approach to the Brooklyn Bridge to separate cyclists and pedestrians and announced plans for a 10-mile bike boulevard in Brooklyn, and Denver advanced plans for bus rapid transit on Colorado Bouleva...

This Encore episode of Transportopia features Aaron Weinstein, founder of Transit CX, in a conversation about transforming public transit through customer experience. They define CX in the transit context and explore the full door-to-door rider journey, from trip planning and first-mile access to on-board comfort, accessibility, and post-trip interactions. Aaron and host Rick L'Amie discuss tools...

This episode of Transportopia News and Views covers four key transit stories: the federal government releasing nearly $60 million for New York's 2nd Avenue subway extension, MARTA launching its Rapid A-Line BRT in Atlanta, Mayor Zoran Mamdani postponing full implementation of his Fast and Free Buses pledge due to budget constraints, and Sacramento Regional Transit studying a redevelopment of a par...

Paul Comfort reflects on building Transit Unplugged—how a lifelong love of communication and decades in transit led to 400 episodes, global visits, and a mission to let transit leaders tell their stories beyond crisis headlines. He shares lessons on customer-first service, technology’s role in ridership, and surprising systems from Singapore to Salt Lake City. The episode also explores Paul’s new...

Bonus episode  - a bi-weekly wrap up of major or interesting public transportation news over the past week with Transportopia host Rick L'Amie. This week's lead story - major federal transportation funding budget cuts.

In this episode, Transportopia Podcast host Rick L'Amie visits with fellow transit nerd David Schneider of Transit Oriented Discoveries to discuss the development of his National Transit Station Atlas and his competition to determine the loneliest transit station in America. Explore the intriguing reasons behind its recognition and the broader implications for transportation and community planning...

A brief look at some of the top stories recent stories in public transportation. This is an abbreviated edition this week due to Rick's travel schedule.

In this episode, Transportopia host Rick L'Amie speaks with Jessica Gonzalez, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Public information at Sacramento Regional Transit, about the innovative 'Voice of God' camera and public address system that enhances safety and behavior management at transit stations. She shares insights into the technology, implementation, and impact of this system, highlight...

This bi-weekly bonus news and views episode explores the upcoming federal transit funding debate, the impact of remote work on ridership, innovative uses of AI in transit maintenance, and celebrates transit employees. Speaking of AI. Like our Transit Employee Appreciation Day custom song? You can listen here on our YouTube Channel .  Key Topics: Federal transit funding debate Impact of remote work...

In this encore episode of our most downloaded episode, host Rick L'Amie and Human Transit author Jarrett Walker explore the evolution of public transit, the impact of societal changes, and innovative safety and access strategies. Discover how geometry, choice, and technology shape mobility and opportunity. Visit transportopia.org for more episodes and the Transportopia blog.      

This bi-weekly bonus News and Views episode explores the latest public transportation news , including innovative transit safety technologies, federal funding for transit infrastructure, and regional transit improvements across the US, featuring insights from transit experts and officials. Sources: U.S. Department of Transportation — $686 Million in Federal Transit Administration Grants for Statio...

This episode is part two or our in-depth conversation with Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon of the War on Cars Podcast . We go behind the scenes of their successful podcast to explore how transportation systems shape urban life, the cultural impact of cars, and the future of transit. Discover insights on transit innovation, policy shifts, and the cultural significance of mobility choices. Learn how...

In this episode of the Transportopia Podcast, host Rick L’Amie discusses key public transportation stories from across the U.S., focusing on the transit governance debate at Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), operating decisions in Connecticut, and the ongoing electrification of transportation. The episode highlights the challenges transit agencies face in balancing financial realities, infrastruct...

In this conversation, Rick L’Amie engages with Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon, co-hosts of the The War on Cars Podcast to discuss the evolving landscape of public transportation, the historical context of The War on Cars, and the implications of current transportation policies. They share personal experiences with transit, explore the impact of infrastructure on communities, and reflect on the pro...

In this episode of Transportopia News and Views, Rick L’Amie discusses the latest developments in public transportation, focusing on federal funding stability, trends in transit projects, the shift towards electric buses, and the ongoing debate around fare policies. The conversation highlights the importance of predictable federal support for transit agencies and the challenges they face in implem...

In this episode of Transportopia, host Rick L’Amie welcomes Brandon Lewis, associate editor at Mass Transit Magazine, to discuss the evolving landscape of public transit. They delve into recent fare hikes in New York City and the implications for trust and equity among riders. Brandon shares insights from his recent articles, highlighting stories that showcase how transit impacts people's lives, f...

Summary In this episode of the Transportopia Podcast, host Rick engages with Associated Press journalist Michael Casey to explore the intricate relationship between public transportation and housing. Based on Michael's recent AP story, No car? No problem. Building apartments near public transit could help address the housing crisis , they discuss the impact of the MBTA Communities Act in Massachus...