Federal Transit Funding

American Public Transportation Association (APTA): Federal funding and policy updates

Federal Transit Administration: Transit funding programs

Transit Expansion Trends

Overview of upcoming U.S. transit project openings and expansion trends

Axios: Coverage of major rail openings and delays (Seattle example)

Electric Buses & Fleet Electrification

Sustainable Bus: Global electric bus news and analysis

FTA Low or No Emission (Low-No) Program

Streetsblog NYC: Fare-free bus results and advocacy perspective

Coming Next Week

Interview with The War on Cars podcast hosts Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon

Resources:

Brandon's article on the 2025 Mass Transit Cover Stories

The Infrastructure Technology Podcast 

Summary

In this episode of the Transportopia Podcast, host Rick engages with Associated Press journalist Michael Casey to explore the intricate relationship between public transportation and housing. Based on Michael's recent AP story, No car? No problem. Building apartments near public transit could help address the housing crisis, they discuss the impact of the MBTA Communities Act in Massachusetts, the challenges of zoning laws, and the political narratives surrounding transit and housing. Michael shares insights from his reporting, highlighting human stories that illustrate the real-world implications of these policies. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration among developers, policymakers, and communities to create sustainable urban environments that prioritize accessibility and equity. Plus a look at this weeks Transportopia News and Views.

Thanksgiving week special bonus edition of Transportopia Podcast News and Views with host Rick L'Amie. We take a look at recent developments in public transit that make us thankful. We'll be back next week with a full episode. Until then on this short work week, have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving from the Transportopia team! And tell us what makes you thankful in the world of transit. Drop us a note at transportopia.org. 

In this episode of Transportopia, host Rick L’Amie engages with urbanist consultant and Human Transit author Jarrett Walker, discussing the evolution of public transit in light of recent societal changes. They explore the impact of the pandemic, the importance of access to opportunity, freedom, and the psychological barriers that affect transit use. Walker emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to transit planning that considers land use, community needs, and the future of mobility, including the potential role of driverless vehicles. Plus the weekly transit news roundup and analysis.

Resources:

Human Transit Website

Transportini Mocktail Recipe 

Summary

In this episode of Transportopia, host Rick L’Amie discusses the critical issue of non-driving in America with Anna Zivarts, director of the Nondrivers Alliance and author of When Driving is not an Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency. They explore the challenges faced by non-drivers, including those with disabilities, the elderly, and those who cannot afford cars. Zivarts shares her journey from being a casual transit user to an advocate for non-drivers, emphasizing the importance of reliable public transit and the need for representation in transit decision-making. The conversation highlights real stories of individuals affected by transit policies and the necessity of community engagement in improving transit systems. Zivarts also discusses successful transit systems and the importance of listening to current riders to enhance ridership. The episode concludes with a call to action for community leaders to empower non-drivers and improve public transportation for all. Resources:

NonDrivers Alliance Web Page

Flying Bird Botanicals - Anna's drink for this episode!

National Week Without Driving website

A summary of recent public transit related news with Transportopia Host Rick L'Amie. A bonus episode of the Transportopia podcast. This week's news features:

In this episode of Transportopia, host Rick L’Amie discusses the critical issue of safety and security in public transportation with Professor Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris. They explore the impact of design, technology, and community partnerships on transit safety, particularly in light of recent tragedies. The conversation highlights the importance of creating welcoming environments that reduce fear and enhance the overall experience for riders, especially women. Professor Loukaitou-Sideris shares insights from her research on crime prevention through environmental design and the need for transit agencies to address the needs of vulnerable populations. Practical steps for improving safety and fostering community trust are also discussed, along with resources for further research on the topic. Learn more about the professor and her research here.  

00:00 Exploring Transit Safety and Security

A summary of recent public transit related news with Transportopia Podcast host Rick L'Amie. This week featuring news from DART in Dallas, the MTA in New York City, MARC in Maryland, Brazil and more. View the new PSA from Cardi B for the MTA aimed at discouraging deadly "subway surfing." Discover more at transportopia.org. Coming next week, a full episode featuring a conversation about transit safety challenges across the U.S.