Transit Unplugged Weekly News Minute with Julie Gates

🚍🎧Welcome to your Transit Unplugged #NewsMinute with Julie Gates

🚆 American Public Transportation Association is urging Congress to restore the Alternative Fuels Tax Credit, supporting transit agencies using compressed and liquid natural gas.

🍁 City of Toronto has officially opened the long-awaited Line 6 Finch West Light Rail Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) — with hundreds of eager riders lining up to be among the first onboard.

🏫 In Fort Worth, Texas, high school students can now ride free across Trinity Metro services during the school year and summer break.

🎁 And while you’re hunting for that last gift — several transit agencies are selling holiday sweaters. Think BART, MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority), Chicago Transit Authority and more.

👉 We’ve rounded them up in a festive carousel right here on the Transit Unplugged LinkedIn page ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eiAfXVuP

Welcome to this week’s Transit Unplugged #NewsMinute with Julie Gates.

🚆 Amtrak has restored Lake Shore Limited service between Albany and Boston after months of bus substitution caused by a land slip.

🏘️ Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has broken ground on new affordable housing at New Carrollton Station, including 112 homes for seniors.

🍁 Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) is raising concerns about Canada’s 2025 budget after transit funding was folded into the general infrastructure fund.

🎤 Yale University’s Yale Glee Club surprised Metro-North Railroad riders with a festive onboard performance of Ding Dong Merrily on High.

This Transit Unplugged News Minute is brought to you by Modaxo

Policy shifts, greener buses, and a powerful legacy — it’s your Transit Unplugged #NewsMinute with Julie Gates!

Federal Transit Administration update: The agency removed a provision requiring grant recipients to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement — a rule deemed unlawful.

Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County scores $100M to expand its cleaner CNG bus fleet.

#RosaParksDay: VIA Metropolitan Transit offers fare-free service and turns on headlights across its fleet to honour her legacy.

BC Transit’s “Stuff the Bus” returns — collecting toys, food, and clothing for families in need.

This News Minute is brought to you by Modaxo.

Amtrak breaks ridership records, the U.S. Department of Transportation issues $10,000 bonuses, Thanksgiving travel surges, and Black Friday rail deals roll out across Canada. Welcome to this week’s Transit Unplugged News Minute with Julie Gates.

In this episode:

• Amtrak celebrates a record-breaking year with more than 34 million trips, setting new highs for both ridership and revenue.

• Nearly 800 air traffic controllers will receive a $10,000 award from the U.S. Department of Transportation for perfect attendance during the government shutdown.

• Thanksgiving travel in the United States is expected to reach 82 million people, with Reuters reporting a 12% increase in bus and train bookings compared to last year.

• Scenic rail fans can take advantage of Black Friday offers from the Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail, including journeys through the Canadian Rockies and across the country.

This episode of the Transit Unplugged News Minute is brought to you by Modaxo.

This week’s Transit Unplugged News Minute covers how U.S. transit continued delivering essential services through the government shutdown, despite grant delays and reimbursement interruptions.

APTA urges President Trump to reject the U.S. DOT proposal to eliminate the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund, warning it would harm riders and communities across the country.

New Jersey Transit is moving forward with a major modernization, replacing 429 aging rail cars to improve reliability and passenger comfort.

Plus, Modaxo launches The Aviation Report, a new podcast for aviation enthusiasts covering aircraft, airports, and industry trends.

This Transit Unplugged News Minute is brought to you by Modaxo.

This week with Julie Gates on Transit Unplugged News Minute:

Americans voted yes for public transit, with over 80% of ballot measures approved across the U.S.

Experts weigh in on the new 10% U.S. bus tariff taking effect this month.

The Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) celebrated the best in Canadian transit at the CUTA Awards, recognising BC Transit, MiWay, Transdev, ARTM, Edmonton Transit Service and more.

Special congratulations to Transit Unplugged alum Mike Bismeyer, recipient of the Distinguished Service Award.

Plus, Coast Transit Authority is offering free unlimited rides for veterans on Veterans Day, and CoMotion LA and APTA’s National Transit Career Day are happening this week.

Brought to you by Modaxo.

🗳️ City of Danville, Virginia — free rides on Election Day

🚇 Metropolitan Transportation Authority — new elevators and walkways at Grand Central

🚄 Amtrak — $30M in upgrades for North Dakota stations

🍁 Meanwhile in Montreal, our Paul Comfort joins industry leaders at Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA)’s Fall Conference to host the CEO Roundtable.

Maryland Transit Administration is helping federal employees during the government shutdown with free MARC Train and Commuter Bus rides.

Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works just launched America’s longest all-electric BRT, complete with air-conditioned shelters and free Wi-Fi.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (Official DART page)is celebrating the first ride of the new Silver Line Regional Rail.

Metro Transit – St. Louis is saving thousands by 3D-printing its own bus parts — from cup holders to air-gauge covers.

TransLink operator Kelly Podlubny is now the 2025 World Laughing Champion!

SamTranss (San Mateo County Transit District) introduces new policies to suspend riders who behave unsafely.

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s AB 394 gives courts the power to ban those who assault transit workers.

RTC of Southern Nevada now empowers security officers to remove unruly passengers — and uses AI-based #ZeroEyes to detect weapons on vehicles.

David Fink is officially confirmed as the new head of the @Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) — leading the next chapter of America’s rail future.

In Buffalo, NY, transit scores a touchdown with plans for a new Buffalo Bills stadium featuring a dedicated transit hub for fans.

Amtrak is back on the Gulf Coast, restoring passenger service between Mobile and New Orleans for the first time since Hurricane Katrina.

SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) riders can grab Halloween savings at Eastern State Penitentiary — where spooky meets smart transit!