Transit Tangents

Louis announces his move to Germany for two years, as the Transit Tangents Pod plans to continue with a mix of European and American content.

• Germany's Deutschland ticket offers access to the entire country's public transit for a monthly fee
• German transit operates on multiple tiers: ICE (high-speed), IC (intercity), RE/RB (regional), plus local networks
• High-speed ICE trains connect major cities at...

The traffic management centers across the United States are mission control for our highway systems, working 24/7 to detect incidents and coordinate emergency responses to keep traffic flowing.

• Behind-the-scenes look at a Traffic Management Center (TMC) that monitors interstate highways with 300+ cameras
• Overview of how TMCs detect traffic incidents using radar and probe-based data from cell phones
• Insight in...

Transit advocates are watching with concern as several high-profile transit projects across America face uncertain futures under the Trump administration, from New York's congestion pricing to California's high-speed rail.

• NYC's congestion pricing has shown remarkable early success with 70% fewer honking complaints, 50% fewer traffic injuries, and increased transit ridership
• The MTA's $500 milli...

The saga of high-speed rail in Texas takes another dramatic turn as the Trump administration revokes $60 million in funding previously allocated to Amtrak for the Texas Central project. Despite this setback, we explore why the Dallas-Houston line might actually be closer to reality than ever before.

• Texas high-speed rail initiatives date back to the 1990s when Southwest Airlines played a significant role in derailing ear...

Urban Lab, a Kansas City-based urbanist group, hopes to inspire city leaders to reimagine streets, developments, and public spaces. Founded by architect Matt Hasek, this grassroots organization has grown organically by creating compelling visual representations that help people see how urban spaces could be different.

• Kansas City has more highway miles per capita than nearly anywhere else in the United States
• The c...

Swyft Cities has developed a revolutionary transit concept called Whoosh that combines the benefits of gondolas with autonomous vehicles to create a flexible, efficient transit solution for short urban trips.

• Not a traditional gondola but an autonomous vehicle system using overhead cables
• Vehicles operate independently, picking up passengers at ground level and traveling directly to destinations without intermediat...

Kansas City's streetcar system has transformed downtown with $4 billion in development since opening in 2016, and now two major extensions will nearly triple the system's reach to the university district and riverfront.

• 2.2-mile downtown streetcar line has carried over 14 million passengers since 2016
• Extensions will add 3.5 miles south to University of Missouri-Kansas City and 0.7 miles north to the rive...

Happy April everyone!

Oh Arlington, Texas — the shimmering crown jewel of American urban planning, where the concept of “public transit” strikes fear and loathing into the very soul of its leaders. Truly, a masterclass in how not to move people around.

Let’s start with the obvious: no buses. No trains. Not even a lonely streetcar to pretend someone cared. But hey, they do have a microtransit experiment, in the form of VIA, which is b...

We attend South by Southwest's transportation track to discover what this cutting-edge collection of thought leaders envisions as the future of mobility.

Key Takeaways:
• Electric vehicles are a critical part of the future but may not be enough
• Battery technology advancements through AI aim to improve efficiency for both EVs and flying vehicles
• American EV leadership isn't competitive when compare...

The Chicago Red Line extension is finally breaking ground after fifty years of planning, promising to transform mobility for underserved communities on Chicago's far south side with a $5.7 billion investment in transit infrastructure.

• Five and a half mile extension from 95th Street to 130th Street serving Altgeld Gardens
• Four new stations bringing rail service to approximately 100,000 residents
• Project c...

Texas legislators have introduced bills that could slash DART funding by up to 50%, threatening the survival of Dallas's transit system in one of America's fastest-growing regions. 

• Six Dallas suburban cities initially supported cutting DART funding by 25%, with Plano leading the charge
• Unable to get enough board votes, Plano representatives took their fight to the Texas Legislature
• House Bill 3187 would...

This episode highlights our challenge of exploring Dallas exclusively via public transit. Our journey reveals the good and bad of navigating a major city without a car while incorporating the unique sights of the Dallas landscape. 

- Testing DART's capabilities in real-time 
- Encountering Dallas's landmarks, including the zoo and Bishop Arts District 
- Our experiences with transit frequency and efficien...

Exciting developments are on the horizon in Minneapolis-St Paul. We dive into the new Gold Line BRT and its potential to redefine transit in the area, exploring its benefits and limitations compared to similar lines. 

• Overview of the Gold Line and its dedicated infrastructure 
• Comparison of Gold Line with B-Line and their operational differences 
• Importance of transit-oriented development along the Gold Line ...

Brightline's success in Florida not only enhances travel between Miami and Orlando but also spurs potential advancements in the state's public transit system. As the Sunshine Corridor expansion plans unfold, the discussion uncovers how private initiatives can effectively stimulate public investments and reshape commuting in the region.

• Overview of Brightline's operational success and ridership growth 
...

Join us as we explore Washington, D.C., using only public transit. This episode introduces listeners to the city's diverse transportation options. From the automated Red Line to quirky streetcars and bike shares, the hosts share experiences while highlighting which modes are effective and what makes the DC transit landscape unique. 

• Navigating through DC's transit system using metro, buses, and streetcars 
• Insights...

The Purple Line represents Maryland’s significant investment in public transit, aiming to connect diverse suburban communities to the greater DC metro area. The episode covers its route, potential ridership, cost issues, and broader implications for urban transit in the U.S. 
• Overview of the Purple Line life and vision from Bethesda to New Carrollton
• Importance of transit-oriented development along the route
• Curre...

The episode explores Austin's Project Connect, a light rail initiative designed to improve transportation and connectivity throughout the city. 

With the 16,000-page draft environmental impact study released, we provide a detailed overview of station highlights and their potential impact.

• Station breakdown starting from Yellow Jacket Station 
• Key features of connectivity and sustainability 
• Comm...

This episode continues our overview of Project Connect's 16,000-page environmental impact study.  We focus on station placements, expected ridership, and potential displacement of local businesses. We raise key concerns about community impact while highlighting the significance of improved public transportation for Austin's future. 

• Overview of Project Connect Draft EIS and light rail system 
• Discussion o...

Exciting changes are on the horizon for Seattle's light rail system, with significant expansions aimed at connecting isolated lines and enhancing commuter experiences. The episode highlights the current state of the light rail network and the promising developments that will redefine urban transit in the region.

• Overview of upcoming light rail expansions in Seattle 
• Current state and geography of Seattle'...