Bonus episode  - a bi-weekly wrap up of major or interesting public transportation news over the past week with Transportopia host Rick L'Amie. This week's lead story - major federal transportation funding budget cuts.

In this episode, Transportopia Podcast host Rick L'Amie visits with fellow transit nerd David Schneider of Transit Oriented Discoveries to discuss the development of his National Transit Station Atlas and his competition to determine the loneliest transit station in America. Explore the intriguing reasons behind its recognition and the broader implications for transportation and community planning. Learn more about the Atlas at www.transitorienteddiscoveries.com/atlas

A brief look at some of the top stories recent stories in public transportation. This is an abbreviated edition this week due to Rick's travel schedule.

This bi-weekly bonus news and views episode explores the upcoming federal transit funding debate, the impact of remote work on ridership, innovative uses of AI in transit maintenance, and celebrates transit employees. Speaking of AI. Like our Transit Employee Appreciation Day custom song? You can listen here on our YouTube Channel. 

Key Topics:

APTA funding proposal announcement

Congress transportation authorization overview

Twin Cities ridership story

CDTA AI monitoring story

San Rafael transit hub story

Transit Employee Appreciation Day

This bi-weekly bonus News and Views episode explores the latest public transportation news , including innovative transit safety technologies, federal funding for transit infrastructure, and regional transit improvements across the US, featuring insights from transit experts and officials.

Sources:

U.S. Department of Transportation — $686 Million in Federal Transit Administration Grants for Station Modernization

Governing Magazine — How San Jose Got Buses to Run Faster

San Antonio Express-News — VIA Board Rejects Fare-Free Bus Pilot Proposal

Portal Bridge Replacement Project — Northeast Corridor Infrastructure Upgrade

This episode is part two or our in-depth conversation with Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon of the War on Cars Podcast. We go behind the scenes of their successful podcast to explore how transportation systems shape urban life, the cultural impact of cars, and the future of transit. Discover insights on transit innovation, policy shifts, and the cultural significance of mobility choices. Learn how the popular podcast co-hosts work together to create each episode. Plus, catch up on the latest transit industry news.

News and Views Source Links:

Sound Transit Link 2 Line testing

Minnesota expands Transit App statewide

South Florida Link at Boca TOD groundbreaking

Mass Transit 2026 Mobility Outlook

In this episode of the Transportopia Podcast, host Rick L’Amie discusses key public transportation stories from across the U.S., focusing on the transit governance debate at Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), operating decisions in Connecticut, and the ongoing electrification of transportation. The episode highlights the challenges transit agencies face in balancing financial realities, infrastructure investments, and climate goals, while also addressing regional politics and ridership recovery. Join us next week for part two of our interview with Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon of The War on Cars Podcast.

In this conversation, Rick L’Amie engages with Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon, co-hosts of the The War on Cars Podcast to discuss the evolving landscape of public transportation, the historical context of The War on Cars, and the implications of current transportation policies. They share personal experiences with transit, explore the impact of infrastructure on communities, and reflect on the process of writing their popular book 'Life After Cars'. The discussion also touches on the future of transportation, including the role of autonomous vehicles and the importance of community advocacy in shaping a better urban environment.