Transit Tangents

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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In this episode, we travel to Dallas to meet the passionate advocates behind the Dallas Area Transit Alliance (DATA), a grassroots organization committed to improving public transit. DATA President Conner Hulla and Vice President Tyler Wright join us to share the story of their movement's origins and their fight for better transit. We also dive into the ongoing battle over funding for DART where several North Texas cities have signaled their desire to reduce the amount of funding sent to the transit agency.  

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As we look to the future, we examine the potential impact of autonomous vehicles on our transportation systems. In America's car-centric society, these innovations hold immense promise but also pose significant challenges. 

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 Explore the evolving landscape of student transportation with insights from Kris Hafezizadeh, a seasoned expert with over two decades of experience at Austin Independent School District. Kris delves into the unique challenges facing school transportation today—from cost disparities to complex logistical issues—while sharing a forward-looking vision that prioritizes safety and embraces the shift toward electric school buses. 

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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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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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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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