Transportopia: Public Transport Stories & Ideas

Transportopia News and Views: Episode 14 Jan. 282025

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 implementing new technologies and policies. The Episode also includes an excerpt from next week's full episode feature War on Cars Podcast hosts Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon, who recently released their book Life After Cars.
 
Takeaways
Core federal funding for public transportation is largely intact.
Transit agencies are managing operating costs and workforce shortages.
There is a trend towards more rapid bus transit and enhanced corridors.
Electric buses are becoming standard in fleet planning.
Electrification is central to future transit planning.
Fare-free bus proposals are gaining political traction.
New York's MTA has increased fares despite fare-free discussions.
Advocates argue for treating transit as essential infrastructure.
Transit funding debates are about more than just fares.
Agencies face challenges with charging infrastructure for electric buses.
Show Notes & Source Links
Federal Transit Funding
American Public Transportation Association (APTA): Federal funding and policy updateshttps://www.apta.com
Federal Transit Administration: Transit funding programshttps://www.transit.dot.gov/funding
Transit Expansion Trends
Overview of upcoming U.S. transit project openings and expansion trendshttps://www.linkedin.com/posts/rabbit-link_13-transit-projects-expected-to-open-in-the-activity-7419861373377089536-JVsQ
Axios: Coverage of major rail openings and delays (Seattle example)https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/23/seattle-bellevue-light-rail-opening-east-link-delay-i90
Electric Buses & Fleet Electrification
Sustainable Bus: Global electric bus news and analysishttps://www.sustainable-bus.com
FTA Low or No Emission (Low-No) Programhttps://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/grants/low-or-no-emission-program
NYC Fare Policy & Fare-Free Bus Debate
Newsweek: NYC fare increases amid free-bus proposalshttps://www.newsweek.com/zohran-mamdani-faces-backlash-as-bus-fares-rise-in-new-york-city-11310481
Streetsblog NYC: Fare-free bus results and advocacy perspectivehttps://nyc.streetsblog.org/2026/01/23/letter-to-mamdani-from-maryland-free-buses-are-working-great
Coming Next Week
Interview with The War on Cars podcast hosts Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordonhttps://thewaroncars.org
 

Transportopia Episode 13: 2025 Mass Transit Magazine Cover Stories Review with Brandon Lewis

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, from zero-emission buses in California to rural mobility in New Mexico. The conversation emphasizes the importance of customer experience and the ongoing challenges transit agencies face, including funding uncertainties and the integration of new technologies like AI in enhancing safety and security. Visit transportopia.org to read our blog and other resources. 
Resources:
Brandon's article on the 2025 Mass Transit Cover Stories
The Infrastructure Technology Podcast 

Transportopia Episode 12: The Intersection of Transit and Housing featuring AP Reporter Michael Casey

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 Massachusetts, the challenges of zoning laws, and the political narratives surrounding transit and housing. Michael shares insights from his reporting, highlighting human stories that illustrate the real-world implications of these policies. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration among developers, policymakers, and communities to create sustainable urban environments that prioritize accessibility and equity. Plus a look at this weeks Transportopia News and Views.
 

Transportopia Episode 11: News and Views: What we're Thankful for in Public Transit

Thanksgiving week special bonus edition of Transportopia Podcast News and Views with host Rick L'Amie. We take a look at recent developments in public transit that make us thankful. We'll be back next week with a full episode. Until then on this short work week, have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving from the Transportopia team! And tell us what makes you thankful in the world of transit. Drop us a note at transportopia.org. 

Transportopia Episode 10 Reimagining Public Transit: Insights from Jarrett Walker

In this episode of Transportopia, host Rick L’Amie engages with urbanist consultant and Human Transit author Jarrett Walker, discussing the evolution of public transit in light of recent societal changes. They explore the impact of the pandemic, the importance of access to opportunity, freedom, and the psychological barriers that affect transit use. Walker emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to transit planning that considers land use, community needs, and the future of mobility, including the potential role of driverless vehicles. Plus the weekly transit news roundup and analysis.
Resources:
Human Transit WebsiteAP Article by Michael Casey: No car? No problem. Building apartments near public transit could help address the housing crisis 
Transportini Mocktail Recipe 

Transportopia Episode 9 News and Views Nov. 12 2025

Following a break for the Veteran's Day holiday, this bonus transit news and views episode explores the current challenges facing transit systems, highlighting the pressures from suburban revolts, tariff shocks, and rider activism. It emphasizes the importance of trust, consistency, and access in building effective transit systems that connect communities to opportunities. The episode previews next week's full episode with an excerpt from Human Transit author Jarrett Walker on the political challenges many transit systems face.
 
 

Transportopia Podcast Episode 8: When Driving is not an Option

Summary
In this episode of Transportopia, host Rick L’Amie discusses the critical issue of non-driving in America with Anna Zivarts, director of the Nondrivers Alliance and author of When Driving is not an Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency. They explore the challenges faced by non-drivers, including those with disabilities, the elderly, and those who cannot afford cars. Zivarts shares her journey from being a casual transit user to an advocate for non-drivers, emphasizing the importance of reliable public transit and the need for representation in transit decision-making. The conversation highlights real stories of individuals affected by transit policies and the necessity of community engagement in improving transit systems. Zivarts also discusses successful transit systems and the importance of listening to current riders to enhance ridership. The episode concludes with a call to action for community leaders to empower non-drivers and improve public transportation for all. Resources:Anna Zivarts Web Page with links to her book and writings
NonDrivers Alliance Web Page
Flying Bird Botanicals - Anna's drink for this episode!
National Week Without Driving website
 

Transportopia Episode 7 News and Views Oct. 28 2025

A summary of recent public transit related news with Transportopia Host Rick L'Amie. A bonus episode of the Transportopia podcast. This week's news features:
The opening of the DART Silver Line to DFW Airport
Proactive transit safety trends across the country
Washington D.C.'s Mobility Innovation District
Telling better public transit stories.

Transportopia Episode 6 Transit Crime and Safety

In this episode of Transportopia, host Rick L’Amie discusses the critical issue of safety and security in public transportation with Professor Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris. They explore the impact of design, technology, and community partnerships on transit safety, particularly in light of recent tragedies. The conversation highlights the importance of creating welcoming environments that reduce fear and enhance the overall experience for riders, especially women. Professor Loukaitou-Sideris shares insights from her research on crime prevention through environmental design and the need for transit agencies to address the needs of vulnerable populations. Practical steps for improving safety and fostering community trust are also discussed, along with resources for further research on the topic. Learn more about the professor and her research here.  
Chapters
00:00 Exploring Transit Safety and Security03:51 The Impact of Tragedy on Transit Safety05:42 Designing for Safety: Environmental Considerations12:52 Addressing Women's Safety in Transit19:29 Partnerships for Vulnerable Populations24:43 Practical Steps for Transit Agencies26:44 Conclusion and Resources

Transportopia Episode 5 News and Views: Oct. 14. 2025

A summary of recent public transit related news with Transportopia Podcast host Rick L'Amie. This week featuring news from DART in Dallas, the MTA in New York City, MARC in Maryland, Brazil and more. View the new PSA from Cardi B for the MTA aimed at discouraging deadly "subway surfing." Discover more at transportopia.org. Coming next week, a full episode featuring a conversation about transit safety challenges across the U.S.