Transportopia: Public Transport Stories & Ideas

Transportopia Episode 24: News and Views April 14, 2026

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.

Transportopia Episode 23: The Loneliest Transit Station in America

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. Learn more about the Atlas at www.transitorienteddiscoveries.com/atlas

Transportopia News and Views Episode 22 April 2, 2026

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.

Transportopia Episode 21: "The Voice of God"

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, highlighting how it reduces the need for physical enforcement and improves rider experience by watching passengers or trespassers at the stations. View the video clips on the Transportopia blog: 
https://www.transportopia.org/post/voice-of-god-episode-march-24-plus-news-and-views
 
Keywords:
public transit safety, Voice of God system, Sacramento Regional Transit, security technology, transit safety innovation, public address system, rider safety, transit security, law enforcement partnership, transit technology
key topics
Voice of God transit station video monitoring and public address system
Technology behind transit safety
Impact on rider behavior and safety
 

Transportopia Episode 20 News and Views March 17, 2026

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 on ridership
AI-enabled maintenance in transit systems
New transit infrastructure projects
Transit Employee Appreciation Day and custom song (AI)
APTA funding proposal announcement
Congress transportation authorization overview
Twin Cities ridership story
CDTA AI monitoring story
San Rafael transit hub story
Transit Employee Appreciation Day

Transportopia Encore Episode 19: Reimagining Public Transit with Jarrett Walker

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.
 
 
 

Transportopia Episode 18: News and Views

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 Station Modernizationhttps://www.transit.dot.gov/about/news/trumps-transportation-secretary-sean-p-duffy-invests-686-million-making-public-transit
Governing Magazine — How San Jose Got Buses to Run Fasterhttps://www.governing.com/transportation/how-san-jose-got-buses-to-run-faster
San Antonio Express-News — VIA Board Rejects Fare-Free Bus Pilot Proposalhttps://www.expressnews.com/news/article/via-board-fare-free-vote-21940323.php
Portal Bridge Replacement Project — Northeast Corridor Infrastructure Upgradehttps://www.njtransit.com/portalnorthbridge
12 On Your Side (Richmond) — GRTC Adjusts Bus Routes Amid Driver Shortagehttps://www.12onyourside.com/2026/03/02/grtc-adjusts-bus-routes-amid-driver-shortage/
The Transit Guy -- DC Streetcar Deserved its Endhttps://thetransitguy.substack.com/p/why-the-dc-streetcar-deserved-its
 

Transportopia Episode 17: Behind the Scenes of the War on Cars Podcast

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 the popular podcast co-hosts work together to create each episode. Plus, catch up on the latest transit industry news.
News and Views Source Links:
Sound Transit Link 2 Line testing
Minnesota expands Transit App statewide
South Florida Link at Boca TOD groundbreaking
Mass Transit 2026 Mobility Outlook
 

Transportopia Episode 16 News and Views Feb. 17, 2026

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, infrastructure investments, and climate goals, while also addressing regional politics and ridership recovery. Join us next week for part two of our interview with Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon of The War on Cars Podcast.
 

Transportopia Episode 15: The War on Cars

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 process of writing their popular book 'Life After Cars'. The discussion also touches on the future of transportation, including the role of autonomous vehicles and the importance of community advocacy in shaping a better urban environment.