Austin’s public transit is changing fast, and some of those changes are going to sting before they help. We break down the newest CapMetro updates across the Red Line, MetroRapid, and system-wide fare increases, with an eye toward what’s driving the decisions and what riders can realistically expect in 2026 through 2029. If you ride CapMetro, we want your take. Subscribe, share this with an Austin transit friend, and leave a review so more people can find the show.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297318/fan_mail/new">Send us Fan Mail</a><a rel="payment" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/transittangents">Support the show</a>

Austin’s public transit is changing fast, and some of those changes are going to sting before they help. We break down the newest CapMetro updates across the Red Line, MetroRapid, and system-wide fare increases, with an eye toward what’s driving the decisions and what riders can realistically expect in 2026 through 2029. If you ride CapMetro, we want your take. Subscribe, share this with an Austin transit friend, and leave a review so more people can find the show. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

Austin’s public transit is changing fast, and some of those changes are going to sting before they help. We break down the newest CapMetro updates across the Red Line, MetroRapid, and system-wide fare increases, with an eye toward what’s driving the decisions and what riders can realistically expect in 2026 through 2029. If you ride CapMetro, we want your take. Subscribe, share this with an Austin transit friend, and leave a review so more people can find the show.<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297318/fan_mail/new" rel="noopener noreferrer">Send us Fan Mail</a><a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/transittangents" rel="noopener noreferrer">Support the show</a>

CapMetro Updates: Red Line, Rapid Buses, and Fare Hikes

A 30-mile Kansas City monorail that runs from KCI to downtown, then stretches toward the Plaza and the Kansas City Zoo sounds like something out of a retro-future postcard. But once you look past the “wow” factor, the real questions show up fast: Where’s the map, what does it actually cost to build, and is this the best way to spend limited transit dollars in a city that already has momentum with its streetcar and buses? We walk through how this proposal is getting to voters through a petition-driven ballot measure, including a quarter-cent sales tax lasting about 40 years and an extension of an existing tax tied to bus funding. From there, we stress-test the headline claim that a monorail could cost about $50 million per mile. We compare it to real-world projects like the Las Vegas Monorail, Sao Paulo’s monorail cost overruns, and high-priced airport people movers, plus Kansas City’s own streetcar extensions that benefit from proven technology and local know-how. If you care about Kansas City public transportation, transit planning, and what it takes to move from a flashy idea to a buildable project, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share the episode, and leave a review, then tell us: would you rather bet on a monorail or invest in better buses and streetcar expansion first?<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297318/fan_mail/new">Send us Fan Mail</a><a rel="payment" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/transittangents">Support the show</a>

A 30-mile Kansas City monorail that runs from KCI to downtown, then stretches toward the Plaza and the Kansas City Zoo sounds like something out of a retro-future postcard. But once you look past the “wow” factor, the real questions show up fast: Where’s the map, what does it actually cost to build, and is this the best way to spend limited transit dollars in a city that already has momentum with its streetcar and buses? We walk through how this proposal is getting to voters through a petition-driven ballot measure, including a quarter-cent sales tax lasting about 40 years and an extension of an existing tax tied to bus funding. From there, we stress-test the headline claim that a monorail could cost about $50 million per mile. We compare it to real-world projects like the Las Vegas Monorail, Sao Paulo’s monorail cost overruns, and high-priced airport people movers, plus Kansas City’s own streetcar extensions that benefit from proven technology and local know-how. If you care about Kansas City public transportation, transit planning, and what it takes to move from a flashy idea to a buildable project, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share the episode, and leave a review, then tell us: would you rather bet on a monorail or invest in better buses and streetcar expansion first? Send us Fan Mail Support the show

A 30-mile Kansas City monorail that runs from KCI to downtown, then stretches toward the Plaza and the Kansas City Zoo sounds like something out of a retro-future postcard. But once you look past the “wow” factor, the real questions show up fast: Where’s the map, what does it actually cost to build, and is this the best way to spend limited transit dollars in a city that already has momentum with its streetcar and buses? We walk through how this proposal is getting to voters through a petition-driven ballot measure, including a quarter-cent sales tax lasting about 40 years and an extension of an existing tax tied to bus funding. From there, we stress-test the headline claim that a monorail could cost about $50 million per mile. We compare it to real-world projects like the Las Vegas Monorail, Sao Paulo’s monorail cost overruns, and high-priced airport people movers, plus Kansas City’s own streetcar extensions that benefit from proven technology and local know-how. If you care about Kansas City public transportation, transit planning, and what it takes to move from a flashy idea to a buildable project, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share the episode, and leave a review, then tell us: would you rather bet on a monorail or invest in better buses and streetcar expansion first?<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297318/fan_mail/new" rel="noopener noreferrer">Send us Fan Mail</a><a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/transittangents" rel="noopener noreferrer">Support the show</a>

Kansas City Monorail Proposal

A shiny new rail proposal just dropped for the Austin to San Antonio corridor and the details are going to spark arguments. The headline sounds great: “higher speed” passenger rail along SH 130 with top speeds around 125 mph and a trip time near an hour. But the route starts at Austin’s airport, ends near the Alamodome, and completely skips two of the biggest demand generators between the metros: San Marcos and New Braunfels. If you care about real ridership, downtown access, and making rail competitive with I-35 traffic, those choices are not minor. We walk through why local leaders are drawn to the SH 130 idea anyway, especially the promise of avoiding negotiations with Union Pacific. Then we dig into the hard parts: why more than half the line may need to be elevated, how that drives the roughly $13.5 billion cost, and why “just upgrade the existing tracks” runs into the same wall again and again. Union Pacific freight rail has customers to serve, schedules to protect, and very little incentive to welcome more passenger trains. If Texas can spend tens of billions on highway expansion, what would it take to fund a regional rail spine in the Texas Triangle? Subscribe, share this with a friend who sits on I-35, and leave a review and a comment with the plan you’d choose.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297318/fan_mail/new">Send us Fan Mail</a><a rel="payment" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/transittangents">Support the show</a>

A shiny new rail proposal just dropped for the Austin to San Antonio corridor and the details are going to spark arguments. The headline sounds great: “higher speed” passenger rail along SH 130 with top speeds around 125 mph and a trip time near an hour. But the route starts at Austin’s airport, ends near the Alamodome, and completely skips two of the biggest demand generators between the metros: San Marcos and New Braunfels. If you care about real ridership, downtown access, and making rail competitive with I-35 traffic, those choices are not minor. We walk through why local leaders are drawn to the SH 130 idea anyway, especially the promise of avoiding negotiations with Union Pacific. Then we dig into the hard parts: why more than half the line may need to be elevated, how that drives the roughly $13.5 billion cost, and why “just upgrade the existing tracks” runs into the same wall again and again. Union Pacific freight rail has customers to serve, schedules to protect, and very little incentive to welcome more passenger trains. If Texas can spend tens of billions on highway expansion, what would it take to fund a regional rail spine in the Texas Triangle? Subscribe, share this with a friend who sits on I-35, and leave a review and a comment with the plan you’d choose. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

A shiny new rail proposal just dropped for the Austin to San Antonio corridor and the details are going to spark arguments. The headline sounds great: “higher speed” passenger rail along SH 130 with top speeds around 125 mph and a trip time near an hour. But the route starts at Austin’s airport, ends near the Alamodome, and completely skips two of the biggest demand generators between the metros: San Marcos and New Braunfels. If you care about real ridership, downtown access, and making rail competitive with I-35 traffic, those choices are not minor. We walk through why local leaders are drawn to the SH 130 idea anyway, especially the promise of avoiding negotiations with Union Pacific. Then we dig into the hard parts: why more than half the line may need to be elevated, how that drives the roughly $13.5 billion cost, and why “just upgrade the existing tracks” runs into the same wall again and again. Union Pacific freight rail has customers to serve, schedules to protect, and very little incentive to welcome more passenger trains. If Texas can spend tens of billions on highway expansion, what would it take to fund a regional rail spine in the Texas Triangle? Subscribe, share this with a friend who sits on I-35, and leave a review and a comment with the plan you’d choose.<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297318/fan_mail/new" rel="noopener noreferrer">Send us Fan Mail</a><a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/transittangents" rel="noopener noreferrer">Support the show</a>

A New Plan for Passenger Rail in Central Texas... Again

A two-hour train ride from Chicago to St. Louis should sound normal. In the United States, it still sounds like science fiction, yet Illinois is quietly laying the groundwork for exactly that: a 220 mph high-speed rail corridor that could turn a 4 hour 45 minute Amtrak trip and a 5.5 hour drive into a fast, frequent rail connection between two major Midwest metros. We dig into why Illinois is a uniquely strong candidate for true high-speed rail. Chicago is already the nation’s rail crossroads, with long-distance Amtrak routes funneling through the city, strong state-supported corridors, and everyday rail usage via Metra and the Chicago L. That existing rail culture matters, because high-speed rail is not just about speed, it’s about making trains the default choice for regional travel and building on a network people already use. If you care about Midwest transportation, U.S. infrastructure, or the future of passenger rail, this one is for you. Subscribe for more deep dives, share the episode with a friend who loves trains (or hates traffic), and leave a review so more people can find the show.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297318/fan_mail/new">Send us Fan Mail</a><a rel="payment" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/transittangents">Support the show</a>

A two-hour train ride from Chicago to St. Louis should sound normal. In the United States, it still sounds like science fiction, yet Illinois is quietly laying the groundwork for exactly that: a 220 mph high-speed rail corridor that could turn a 4 hour 45 minute Amtrak trip and a 5.5 hour drive into a fast, frequent rail connection between two major Midwest metros. We dig into why Illinois is a uniquely strong candidate for true high-speed rail. Chicago is already the nation’s rail crossroads, with long-distance Amtrak routes funneling through the city, strong state-supported corridors, and everyday rail usage via Metra and the Chicago L. That existing rail culture matters, because high-speed rail is not just about speed, it’s about making trains the default choice for regional travel and building on a network people already use. If you care about Midwest transportation, U.S. infrastructure, or the future of passenger rail, this one is for you. Subscribe for more deep dives, share the episode with a friend who loves trains (or hates traffic), and leave a review so more people can find the show. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

A two-hour train ride from Chicago to St. Louis should sound normal. In the United States, it still sounds like science fiction, yet Illinois is quietly laying the groundwork for exactly that: a 220 mph high-speed rail corridor that could turn a 4 hour 45 minute Amtrak trip and a 5.5 hour drive into a fast, frequent rail connection between two major Midwest metros. We dig into why Illinois is a uniquely strong candidate for true high-speed rail. Chicago is already the nation’s rail crossroads, with long-distance Amtrak routes funneling through the city, strong state-supported corridors, and everyday rail usage via Metra and the Chicago L. That existing rail culture matters, because high-speed rail is not just about speed, it’s about making trains the default choice for regional travel and building on a network people already use. If you care about Midwest transportation, U.S. infrastructure, or the future of passenger rail, this one is for you. Subscribe for more deep dives, share the episode with a friend who loves trains (or hates traffic), and leave a review so more people can find the show.<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297318/fan_mail/new" rel="noopener noreferrer">Send us Fan Mail</a><a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/transittangents" rel="noopener noreferrer">Support the show</a>

Illinois High-Speed Rail

By now, even your city has probably been invaded by dockless scooters. What are they? Where did they come from? Are they better than dockable bikes? What is Micro-Mobility? Find out all of this and more in this week's episode. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297318/fan_mail/new">Send us Fan Mail</a><a rel="payment" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/transittangents">Support the show</a>

By now, even your city has probably been invaded by dockless scooters. What are they? Where did they come from? Are they better than dockable bikes? What is Micro-Mobility? Find out all of this and more in this week's episode. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

By now, even your city has probably been invaded by dockless scooters. What are they? Where did they come from? Are they better than dockable bikes? What is Micro-Mobility? Find out all of this and more in this week's episode.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297318/fan_mail/new" rel="noopener noreferrer">Send us Fan Mail</a><a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/transittangents" rel="noopener noreferrer">Support the show</a>

Bike, Scoot, Boogie - Micromobility

Louis and Chris meet up with Kelsey Huse, a transit advocate, self-described "freeway fighter," and disciple in the "cult of the e-Bike." Listen to our conversation about why Kelsey chose an e-bike over the bus, how she became involved in transit advocacy, and more. (Note: We are not sponsored by HEB…yet)<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297318/fan_mail/new">Send us Fan Mail</a><a rel="payment" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/transittangents">Support the show</a>

Louis and Chris meet up with Kelsey Huse, a transit advocate, self-described "freeway fighter," and disciple in the "cult of the e-Bike." Listen to our conversation about why Kelsey chose an e-bike over the bus, how she became involved in transit advocacy, and more. (Note: We are not sponsored by HEB…yet) Send us Fan Mail Support the show

Louis and Chris meet up with Kelsey Huse, a transit advocate, self-described "freeway fighter," and disciple in the "cult of the e-Bike." Listen to our conversation about why Kelsey chose an e-bike over the bus, how she became involved in transit advocacy, and more. (Note: We are not sponsored by HEB…yet)<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297318/fan_mail/new" rel="noopener noreferrer">Send us Fan Mail</a><a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/transittangents" rel="noopener noreferrer">Support the show</a>

Join the Cult of the e-Bike

On the second episode of our Salt Lake City series, we look into the Little Cottonwood Canyon proposed Gondola. Join us as we interview Julia Geisler, the executive director of the Salt Lake Climber's Alliance, on her organization's opposition to the UDOT project. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297318/fan_mail/new">Send us Fan Mail</a><a rel="payment" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/transittangents">Support the show</a>

On the second episode of our Salt Lake City series, we look into the Little Cottonwood Canyon proposed Gondola. Join us as we interview Julia Geisler, the executive director of the Salt Lake Climber's Alliance, on her organization's opposition to the UDOT project. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

On the second episode of our Salt Lake City series, we look into the Little Cottonwood Canyon proposed Gondola. Join us as we interview Julia Geisler, the executive director of the Salt Lake Climber's Alliance, on her organization's opposition to the UDOT project.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297318/fan_mail/new" rel="noopener noreferrer">Send us Fan Mail</a><a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/transittangents" rel="noopener noreferrer">Support the show</a>

Salt Lake City - The Fight Against "Big Gondola"

In this episode Chris and Louis travel to Salt Lake City where they explore how to use public transit to enjoy outdoor recreational activities. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297318/fan_mail/new">Send us Fan Mail</a><a rel="payment" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/transittangents">Support the show</a>

In this episode Chris and Louis travel to Salt Lake City where they explore how to use public transit to enjoy outdoor recreational activities. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

In this episode Chris and Louis travel to Salt Lake City where they explore how to use public transit to enjoy outdoor recreational activities.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297318/fan_mail/new" rel="noopener noreferrer">Send us Fan Mail</a><a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/transittangents" rel="noopener noreferrer">Support the show</a>

Salt Lake City - From the Tarmac to the Trails

In this episode we dive into recent federal legislation aimed at improving transportation and infrastructure across the country. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297318/fan_mail/new">Send us Fan Mail</a><a rel="payment" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/transittangents">Support the show</a>

In this episode we dive into recent federal legislation aimed at improving transportation and infrastructure across the country. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

In this episode we dive into recent federal legislation aimed at improving transportation and infrastructure across the country.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297318/fan_mail/new" rel="noopener noreferrer">Send us Fan Mail</a><a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/transittangents" rel="noopener noreferrer">Support the show</a>

We Passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, Now What?

In this episode, Louis and Chris discuss the upcoming expansion of I-35 through the heart of Austin, Texas. Join us as we interview folks who are passionately fighting this TXDOT project.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297318/fan_mail/new">Send us Fan Mail</a><a rel="payment" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/transittangents">Support the show</a>

In this episode, Louis and Chris discuss the upcoming expansion of I-35 through the heart of Austin, Texas. Join us as we interview folks who are passionately fighting this TXDOT project. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

In this episode, Louis and Chris discuss the upcoming expansion of I-35 through the heart of Austin, Texas. Join us as we interview folks who are passionately fighting this TXDOT project.<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297318/fan_mail/new" rel="noopener noreferrer">Send us Fan Mail</a><a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/transittangents" rel="noopener noreferrer">Support the show</a>

Wider Won't Work, The Fight Against Highway Expansion

In this episode, we meet up with a long-time transit user to hear about their experiences riding the bus in Austin, TX, and get their hot tips for the transit curious. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297318/fan_mail/new">Send us Fan Mail</a><a rel="payment" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/transittangents">Support the show</a>

In this episode, we meet up with a long-time transit user to hear about their experiences riding the bus in Austin, TX, and get their hot tips for the transit curious. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

In this episode, we meet up with a long-time transit user to hear about their experiences riding the bus in Austin, TX, and get their hot tips for the transit curious.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297318/fan_mail/new" rel="noopener noreferrer">Send us Fan Mail</a><a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/transittangents" rel="noopener noreferrer">Support the show</a>

Are You Feeling Transit Curious?

In this episode we take on our first challenge of the podcast, teaching a first time bus rider how to navigate Austin, TX. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297318/fan_mail/new">Send us Fan Mail</a><a rel="payment" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/transittangents">Support the show</a>

In this episode we take on our first challenge of the podcast, teaching a first time bus rider how to navigate Austin, TX. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

In this episode we take on our first challenge of the podcast, teaching a first time bus rider how to navigate Austin, TX.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297318/fan_mail/new" rel="noopener noreferrer">Send us Fan Mail</a><a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/transittangents" rel="noopener noreferrer">Support the show</a>

Teaching a Friend to Ride the Bus

In this episode, you'll meet Louis and Chris, two city-obsessed nerds who want to share their love of all things related to transit.  <a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297318/fan_mail/new">Send us Fan Mail</a><a rel="payment" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/transittangents">Support the show</a>

In this episode, you'll meet Louis and Chris, two city-obsessed nerds who want to share their love of all things related to transit. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

In this episode, you'll meet Louis and Chris, two city-obsessed nerds who want to share their love of all things related to transit. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297318/fan_mail/new" rel="noopener noreferrer">Send us Fan Mail</a><a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/transittangents" rel="noopener noreferrer">Support the show</a>

Welcome to Transit Tangents

The Podcast where we discuss all things transit. Join us as we dive into transit systems across the US, bring you interviews with experts and advocates, and engage in some fun and exciting challenges along the way.

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The Podcast where we discuss all things transit. Join us as we dive into transit systems across the US, bring you interviews with experts and advocates, and engage in some fun and exciting challenges along the way.

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