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.

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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. 

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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.

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What if New York City's streets could finally be free of gridlock and its public transit system fully funded and accessible? On this episode of Transit Tangents, we learn how congestion pricing could revolutionize the MTA and discuss New York Governor Kathy Hochul's recent decision to pause this initiative. 

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How has the Olympic Games impacted transit in host cities around the world? On this episode, we dive into recent host cities, the 2024 Paris games happening this summer, and upcoming improvements for the 2028 games in Los Angeles. 

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Can an urban trail be a transit solution? In this episode, we dive into a few notable urban trails around North America. Learn about the legacy of these projects and how they changed their cities forever. 

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In the U.S., over 40,000 people die in traffic-related incidents every year. How can we fix this? Vision Zero may be the answer! From traffic calming to road diets, education, and policy decisions, we discuss it all on this episode!

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What is the best form of public transit and why is it a gondola? Others may try to dispute this claim, but in this episode, we explain why you should join the #GondolaGang and convince your friends to do the same. 

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Is a better, more sustainable suburb possible? In this episode we explore today's suburbs and what could be a better model for the future. 

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Will the US ever have true high-speed rail? In this episode, we dive into current systems, those under construction, and projects planned for the future. 

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In this episode, we discuss highway removal projects in Rochester, San Francisco, and Portland. What happened after removing the highways and which cities could be next?

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Diving into the alphabet soup of transit, we discuss which is better, BRT (bus rapid transit) or LRT (light rail).  BRT may be cheaper but is it better? Light Rail is the sexier option, but does it always make sense for every city? Find out on this episode of Transit Tangents!

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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. 

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In this episode we dive into transit in the Big Easy, New Orleans. From streetcars to bikes to buses, join us as we explore this incredible city using only public transit. 

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Chris and Louis are hitting the road from Austin to New Orleans. Listen to this week's episode as we count how many transit and transportation projects along the path are being funded by the Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Bill. 

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We interview Carmen Llanes, an Austin mayoral candidate, GAVA community organizer, and activist. We ask her about all things transit in Austin including I-35 expansion and Project Connect.

#1 Additional (For the non-Austinites): We PROMISE episodes are coming that are NOT focused on Austin. Stay Tuned!

#2 Additional (For the Austinites): Due to time constraints, we did not go as in-depth on Project Connect. You can see Carmen's full position here:

Carmen: "As I mentioned in our conversation, I think Project Connect in its original planned form is much closer to the vision of transit that Austin deserves than what we have been given the ability to fund and build in the taxation mechanism and reduced plan for implementation as most recently presented. The entire city is paying for Project Connect but the benefits are all slated for the central city, where we don't see a majority of our pressure to commute, and that's an unfortunate pattern in Austin's inequitable approach to financing its infrastructure. Now, without a direct route to the airport or a downtown plan that doesn't make crosstown traffic compete with the rail line, I think there is growing discontent from voters who supported something different from what we are now getting. There are a lot of questions now arising, and with the legal challenges, I fear that the whole plan's funding mechanism is at risk. 

As far as the impacts, I know too many people who were displaced by the sharp increase in taxes over the last five years, to places with even fewer transit options. Those increases coincided with a massive inflation in Austin's land values and a pandemic that disproportionately devastated communities also impacted by gentrification and economic displacement. Furthermore, most of these areas were already going to have to wait 10-20 years for any rail to come near them, and now those plans seem completely economically unfeasible. 

That said, all hope is not lost! We still deserve rapid transit and we still have a tax base and a population that widely supports that investment! We'll have to see what happens to the ATP. For now, they are required to invest a lot of this money into light rail which does place some limitations on what we might do with bus-rapid transit or other new infrastructure (autonomous vehicles, etc), but it also allows us, in the near future, to alleviate the need for buses along those specific areas and re-route those buses to crosstown and circulation routes that improve our ridership. If the funding mechanism is stopped in the courts, then we need to refashion this as quickly as possible to re-route the investment in true transit solutions. This cannot and will not be the end of Project Connect.

I also believe it's critical that we plan for more equitable prices and rates. Currently, riding the rail costs triple what riding the bus does and we can't go in with inequitable rates. We need to make this transit truly accessible so that it gets used. I think we could already start some free bus fares and routes and marketing of these things to get ridership up. I hear so many long-time Austinites say, "Bring back the Dillos!" which is debated by some, but it's a conversation we need to have! Our future of transit requires more participation and more conversation with those who know our transit system best. I know I'm still on a learning curve. "

You can learn more about Carmen's campaign here: www.carmen4mayor.com

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Cities are grappling with enforcing parking restrictions in bike lanes. Why is this dangerous? How can we fix it? Are citizen bounty programs the answer?  Also, Louis speaks to the Austin City Council about this very issue. 

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Have you noticed more bus and bike lanes, or narrower car lanes in your city? You may have first-hand experience with a "Road Diet." In this episode, we discuss where these projects are popping up, how they impact cities, and much more. 

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In this episode, we are joined by Claudia from Yellow Bike Austin as we continue to discuss how you can get involved in your community. Learn about Yellow Bike's mission and how they support the cycling community.

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In this episode we interview Adam Powell, a community organizer, advocate, and candidate for Austin City Council - Distrct 7. We discuss his journey in becoming a community organier and explore how to inspire others to stand up for better transit in their communities. 

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Transit Tangents is joined by Noah from Street Craft, a YouTube channel that explores Solution-oriented approaches to traffic engineering, urban planning, and city design. We ask Noah how he became interested in urbanism and how he thinks we can craft better streets. 

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In this episode we ask the question, "can you see Salt Lake City in a day using only public transit?" From the bus to the Trax, from the FrontRunner to the mountains, and all of the places in between, find out on this episode of Transit Tangents. 

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By now, even your city has probably been invaded by dockless scooters. What are they? Where did they come from? Are they better than dockable bikes? What is Micro-Mobility? Find out all of this and more in this week's episode. 

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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. 

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Louis and Chris meet up with Kelsey Huse, a transit advocate, self-described "freeway fighter," and disciple in the "cult of the e-Bike." Listen to our conversation about why Kelsey chose an e-bike over the bus, how she became involved in transit advocacy, and more. (Note: We are not sponsored by HEB…yet)

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On the second episode of our Salt Lake City series, we look into the Little Cottonwood Canyon proposed Gondola. Join us as we interview Julia Geisler, the executive director of the Salt Lake Climber's Alliance, on her organization's opposition to the UDOT project. 

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In this episode Chris and Louis travel to Salt Lake City where they explore how to use public transit to enjoy outdoor recreational activities. 

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In this episode we dive into recent federal legislation aimed at improving transportation and infrastructure across the country. 

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In this episode, Louis and Chris discuss the upcoming expansion of I-35 through the heart of Austin, Texas. Join us as we interview folks who are passionately fighting this TXDOT project.

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In this episode, we meet up with a long-time transit user to hear about their experiences riding the bus in Austin, TX, and get their hot tips for the transit curious. 

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In this episode we take on our first challenge of the podcast, teaching a first time bus rider how to navigate Austin, TX. 

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In this episode, you'll meet Louis and Chris, two city-obsessed nerds who want to share their love of all things related to transit.  

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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.

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=sharing

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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.org

KUT Article Referenced: https://www.kut.org/transportation/2024-07-03/austin-summer-camp-public-transit-bus-cap-metro-atx-kids-club

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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 Towns

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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.

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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. 

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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!

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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. 

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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 planning

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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. 

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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!

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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!

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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.

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