Transit Tangents

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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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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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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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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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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