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Transit Tangents

Author: Louis & Chris

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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.

38 Episodes
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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 ...
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. Send us a textSupport the show
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. Send us a textSupport the show
Ep. 35: Monorails

Ep. 35: Monorails

2024-08-2725:35

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 ...
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 Greyhoun...
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 transf...
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. M...
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. Send us a textSupport the show
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,...
In this episode, we recount the origins of Amtrak, born out of failing private rail services and saved by the Rail Passengers Service Act of 1970. Despite the hurdles of "manufactured mismanagement" intended to sabotage it, Amtrak emerged resilient. We also dive into our firsthand adventure on the Texas Eagle line from Austin to San Antonio offering a current snapshot of Amtrak travel today.Share your Amtrak stories with us and support our journey by subscribing to Transit Tangents and explor...
Can cities really become more livable, convenient, and environmentally sustainable all within a 15-minute walk or bike ride? From the transformation of suburban strip malls into bustling town centers, like Austin’s ACC Highland campus, to Paris's ambitious urban initiatives under Mayor Anne Hidalgo, we spotlight examples of successfully implemented 15-minute city principles.Send us a textSupport the show
What if New York City's streets could finally be free of gridlock and its public transit system fully funded and accessible? On this episode of Transit Tangents, we learn how congestion pricing could revolutionize the MTA and discuss New York Governor Kathy Hochul's recent decision to pause this initiative. Send us a textSupport the show
How has the Olympic Games impacted transit in host cities around the world? On this episode, we dive into recent host cities, the 2024 Paris games happening this summer, and upcoming improvements for the 2028 games in Los Angeles. Send us a textSupport the show
Ep. 25: Urban Trails

Ep. 25: Urban Trails

2024-06-1829:36

Can an urban trail be a transit solution? In this episode, we dive into a few notable urban trails around North America. Learn about the legacy of these projects and how they changed their cities forever. Send us a textSupport the show
Ep. 24: Vision Zero

Ep. 24: Vision Zero

2024-06-1129:48

In the U.S., over 40,000 people die in traffic-related incidents every year. How can we fix this? Vision Zero may be the answer! From traffic calming to road diets, education, and policy decisions, we discuss it all on this episode!Send us a textSupport the show
Ep. 23: Urban Gondolas

Ep. 23: Urban Gondolas

2024-06-0429:09

What is the best form of public transit and why is it a gondola? Others may try to dispute this claim, but in this episode, we explain why you should join the #GondolaGang and convince your friends to do the same. Send us a textSupport the show
Is a better, more sustainable suburb possible? In this episode we explore today's suburbs and what could be a better model for the future. Send us a textSupport the show
Will the US ever have true high-speed rail? In this episode, we dive into current systems, those under construction, and projects planned for the future. Send us a textSupport the show
In this episode, we discuss highway removal projects in Rochester, San Francisco, and Portland. What happened after removing the highways and which cities could be next?Send us a textSupport the show
Diving into the alphabet soup of transit, we discuss which is better, BRT (bus rapid transit) or LRT (light rail). BRT may be cheaper but is it better? Light Rail is the sexier option, but does it always make sense for every city? Find out on this episode of Transit Tangents!Send us a textSupport the show
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