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    <title>Transportopia: Public Transport Stories &amp; Ideas</title>
    <atom:link href="https://feed.podbean.com/transportopia/feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/>
    <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com</link>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>A new podcast and blog about public transportation trends, ideas, challenges and the future hosted by public transit veteran and former broadcast journalist Rick L'Amie. Visit the blog at transportopia.org.</p>]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 13 Oct 2026 16:07:13 -0600</pubDate>
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    <language>en</language>
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    <copyright>Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.</copyright>
    <category>Society &amp; Culture</category>
    <ttl>1440</ttl>
    <itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type>
          <itunes:summary>A podcast and blog about public transportation and the urban environment hosted by public transit marketing veteran and former broadcast journalist, Rick L’Amie</itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
<itunes:category text="Society &amp; Culture" />
<itunes:category text="Government" />
    <itunes:owner>
        <itunes:name>Rick L’Amie</itunes:name>
            </itunes:owner>
    	<itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
	<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
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        <title>Transportopia: Public Transport Stories &amp; Ideas</title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com</link>
        <width>144</width>
        <height>144</height>
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    <item>
        <title>News and Views: Oct. 13, 2026: Inside TRANSform 2025: Big Ideas from North America’s Largest Transit Expo</title>
        <itunes:title>News and Views: Oct. 13, 2026: Inside TRANSform 2025: Big Ideas from North America’s Largest Transit Expo</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/inside-transform-2025-big-ideas-from-north-america-s-largest-transit-expo/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/inside-transform-2025-big-ideas-from-north-america-s-largest-transit-expo/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 13 Oct 2026 16:07:13 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/980a83ad-0c9e-3351-b2ec-1a6c5e8e66c0</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>This expanded bonus edition of Transportopia New and Views reports from The American Public Transportation Association's TRANSFORM Conference in Chicago, highlighting innovation across public transportation, including automated rail, community-focused station activations in Honolulu, and new on-demand electric shuttles.</p>
<p>Highlights include Cara Mazzei's talk on building ridership for Honolulu’s Skyline, scenes from the Innovation Summit, and a look at Argo’s small electric bus as a first/last-mile solution. Check out more from the conference in the coming weeks and on the Transportopia Patreon page. <a href='https://www.patreon.com/cw/Transportopiapodcast'>transportopia.org/patreon</a></p>
<p>Show Notes:</p>
<ul dir="ltr">
<li><a href='https://www.apta.com/'>APTA</a></li>
<li><a href='https://youtu.be/cAF_rd43X6A?si=bqptnM3UkniSL_st'>Skyline video</a></li>
<li><a href='https://www.honolulu.gov/dts/skyline/'>Skyline Home Page</a></li>
<li><a href='https://www.metro-magazine.com/news/apta-2026-transform-expo-kicks-off-in-chicago'>Metro Magazine: APTA 2026 TRANSform &amp; EXPO Kicks Off in Chicago</a></li>
<li><a href='https://news.hitachirail.com/hitachi-rail-celebrates-the-first-anniversary-of-skyline-in-honolulu-transforming-transportation-on-oahu-3332257'>Hitachi Rail: Skyline first anniversary</a></li>
<li><a href='https://r6.ieee.org/hawaii-wie/2025/04/19/ieee-hawaii-wie-visit-behind-the-scenes-at-hitachi-rail-honolulu/'>IEEE Hawaii WIE: Behind the Scenes at Hitachi Rail Honolulu</a></li>
</ul>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This expanded bonus edition of Transportopia New and Views reports from The American Public Transportation Association's TRANSFORM Conference in Chicago, highlighting innovation across public transportation, including automated rail, community-focused station activations in Honolulu, and new on-demand electric shuttles.</p>
<p>Highlights include Cara Mazzei's talk on building ridership for Honolulu’s Skyline, scenes from the Innovation Summit, and a look at Argo’s small electric bus as a first/last-mile solution. Check out more from the conference in the coming weeks and on the Transportopia Patreon page. <a href='https://www.patreon.com/cw/Transportopiapodcast'>transportopia.org/patreon</a></p>
<p>Show Notes:</p>
<ul dir="ltr">
<li><a href='https://www.apta.com/'>APTA</a></li>
<li><a href='https://youtu.be/cAF_rd43X6A?si=bqptnM3UkniSL_st'>Skyline video</a></li>
<li><a href='https://www.honolulu.gov/dts/skyline/'>Skyline Home Page</a></li>
<li><a href='https://www.metro-magazine.com/news/apta-2026-transform-expo-kicks-off-in-chicago'>Metro Magazine: APTA 2026 TRANSform &amp; EXPO Kicks Off in Chicago</a></li>
<li><a href='https://news.hitachirail.com/hitachi-rail-celebrates-the-first-anniversary-of-skyline-in-honolulu-transforming-transportation-on-oahu-3332257'>Hitachi Rail: Skyline first anniversary</a></li>
<li><a href='https://r6.ieee.org/hawaii-wie/2025/04/19/ieee-hawaii-wie-visit-behind-the-scenes-at-hitachi-rail-honolulu/'>IEEE Hawaii WIE: Behind the Scenes at Hitachi Rail Honolulu</a></li>
</ul>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/ymzshmbed689kfec/riverside_news_and_views_101326_transportopia_studi8r4pk.mp3" length="27199782" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[This expanded bonus edition of Transportopia New and Views reports from The American Public Transportation Association's TRANSFORM Conference in Chicago, highlighting innovation across public transportation, including automated rail, community-focused station activations in Honolulu, and new on-demand electric shuttles.
Highlights include Cara Mazzei's talk on building ridership for Honolulu’s Skyline, scenes from the Innovation Summit, and a look at Argo’s small electric bus as a first/last-mile solution. Check out more from the conference in the coming weeks and on the Transportopia Patreon page. transportopia.org/patreon
Show Notes:

APTA
Skyline video
Skyline Home Page
Metro Magazine: APTA 2026 TRANSform &amp; EXPO Kicks Off in Chicago
Hitachi Rail: Skyline first anniversary
IEEE Hawaii WIE: Behind the Scenes at Hitachi Rail Honolulu
]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>926</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>58</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:transcript url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/yy3vxm4cey3v52f4/riverside_news_and_views_101326_transportopia_studi8r4pk-g3vdyr-Optimized.vtt" type="text/vtt" /><podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/r8buzry73xu9kxnc/riverside_news_and_views_101326_transportopia_studi8r4pk_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>ZEMU:  Why Hydrogen-Powered Trains Are the Future of Transportation</title>
        <itunes:title>ZEMU:  Why Hydrogen-Powered Trains Are the Future of Transportation</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/zemu-the-hydrogen-train-transforming-redlands-rail/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/zemu-the-hydrogen-train-transforming-redlands-rail/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 23:54:07 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/e50f052c-ceac-34d9-a5e1-e927438b30f9</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Recorded at the American Public Transportation Association's TRANSform Expo and conference in Chicago, this episode features Carrie Schindler, San Bernadino County Transportation Authority's executive director, discussing ZEMU — a Stadler-built hydrogen fuel cell train now running on Metrolink's Arrow Line between San Bernardino and Redlands. ZEMU is the first hydrogen-powered passenger train in North America built to FRA standards.</p>
<p>The conversation covers why SBCTA chose hydrogen, the partnerships and safety work needed to meet federal rules, fueling and maintenance challenges, community reaction, costs of being first, and what the California order of additional hydrogen trains could mean for the future of rail.</p>
<p>Show Notes</p>
<p>SBCTA ZEMU web site: <a href='https://www.gosbcta.com/project/zero-emission-multiple-unit-zemu/'>https://www.gosbcta.com/project/zero-emission-multiple-unit-zemu/</a></p>
<p>Metrolink Arrow Service: <a href='https://metrolinktrains.com/rider-info/arrow/'>https://metrolinktrains.com/rider-info/arrow/</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Recorded at the American Public Transportation Association's TRANSform Expo and conference in Chicago, this episode features Carrie Schindler, San Bernadino County Transportation Authority's executive director, discussing ZEMU — a Stadler-built hydrogen fuel cell train now running on Metrolink's Arrow Line between San Bernardino and Redlands. ZEMU is the first hydrogen-powered passenger train in North America built to FRA standards.</p>
<p>The conversation covers why SBCTA chose hydrogen, the partnerships and safety work needed to meet federal rules, fueling and maintenance challenges, community reaction, costs of being first, and what the California order of additional hydrogen trains could mean for the future of rail.</p>
<p>Show Notes</p>
<p>SBCTA ZEMU web site: <a href='https://www.gosbcta.com/project/zero-emission-multiple-unit-zemu/'>https://www.gosbcta.com/project/zero-emission-multiple-unit-zemu/</a></p>
<p>Metrolink Arrow Service: <a href='https://metrolinktrains.com/rider-info/arrow/'>https://metrolinktrains.com/rider-info/arrow/</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/thgmkn58pkshunvq/261006_ZEMU_APTA_Award6lwu9.mp3" length="50714375" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[Recorded at the American Public Transportation Association's TRANSform Expo and conference in Chicago, this episode features Carrie Schindler, San Bernadino County Transportation Authority's executive director, discussing ZEMU — a Stadler-built hydrogen fuel cell train now running on Metrolink's Arrow Line between San Bernardino and Redlands. ZEMU is the first hydrogen-powered passenger train in North America built to FRA standards.
The conversation covers why SBCTA chose hydrogen, the partnerships and safety work needed to meet federal rules, fueling and maintenance challenges, community reaction, costs of being first, and what the California order of additional hydrogen trains could mean for the future of rail.
Show Notes
SBCTA ZEMU web site: https://www.gosbcta.com/project/zero-emission-multiple-unit-zemu/
Metrolink Arrow Service: https://metrolinktrains.com/rider-info/arrow/
 
 ]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>2113</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>42</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>47</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:transcript url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/irrb7ri7a778q4fa/261006_ZEMU_APTA_Award6lwu9-pnfx8y-Optimized.vtt" type="text/vtt" /><podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/wsss585vq3ktwgcj/261006_ZEMU_APTA_Award6lwu9_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>News and Views: September 30, 2026: Amtrak Debuts new Airo Trainsets in Seattle</title>
        <itunes:title>News and Views: September 30, 2026: Amtrak Debuts new Airo Trainsets in Seattle</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/amtrak-s-new-airo-trains-make-first-runs-on-the-cascades/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/amtrak-s-new-airo-trains-make-first-runs-on-the-cascades/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2026 18:25:04 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/6775252c-c587-3844-bec0-d21307d1426c</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>In this bonus New and Views episode we cover Amtrak's new Airo trainsets debuting on the Cascades route, Sound Transit's early opening of Pinehurst Station, Brightline's Chapter 11 filing despite rising ridership, Waymo's transit-linked credit in the Bay Area, and New York City's "Stripehog" truck removing old paint to speed bus and bike lane projects.</p>
<p>The episode features launch-day interviews, details on Airo's passenger amenities, the financing issues behind Brightline, and how street redesigns and new tools are improving transit service. Also, we're pleased to announce our new Patreon page - and you can become a member to support our work. Members get perks and merch. Check it out at <a href='http://www.patreon.org/patreon'>www.transportopia.org/patreon</a></p>
<p>Show Notes: </p>
<p>Amtrak Airo debuts on the Cascades: <a href='https://media.amtrak.com/2026/09/a-new-era-for-amtrak-cascades-airo-fleet-debuts-sept-30/'>https://media.amtrak.com/2026/09/a-new-era-for-amtrak-cascades-airo-fleet-debuts-sept-30/</a></p>
<p>Sound Transit opens Pinehurst Station: <a href='https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/pinehurst-station-will-open-september-30'>https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/pinehurst-station-will-open-september-30</a></p>
<p>Brightline files for Chapter 11: <a href='https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2026/09/25/886892.htm'>https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2026/09/25/886892.htm</a></p>
<p>Waymo Transit Rewards: <a href='https://sf.streetsblog.org/2026/09/24/advocates-skeptical-about-waymos-transit-rewards-program'>https://sf.streetsblog.org/2026/09/24/advocates-skeptical-about-waymos-transit-rewards-program</a></p>
<p>NYC's Stripe Hog: <a href='https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/15/nyregion/road-cleaning-stripe-hog-nyc.html'>https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/15/nyregion/road-cleaning-stripe-hog-nyc.html</a></p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this bonus New and Views episode we cover Amtrak's new Airo trainsets debuting on the Cascades route, Sound Transit's early opening of Pinehurst Station, Brightline's Chapter 11 filing despite rising ridership, Waymo's transit-linked credit in the Bay Area, and New York City's "Stripehog" truck removing old paint to speed bus and bike lane projects.</p>
<p>The episode features launch-day interviews, details on Airo's passenger amenities, the financing issues behind Brightline, and how street redesigns and new tools are improving transit service. Also, we're pleased to announce our new Patreon page - and you can become a member to support our work. Members get perks and merch. Check it out at <a href='http://www.patreon.org/patreon'>www.transportopia.org/patreon</a></p>
<p>Show Notes: </p>
<p>Amtrak Airo debuts on the Cascades: <a href='https://media.amtrak.com/2026/09/a-new-era-for-amtrak-cascades-airo-fleet-debuts-sept-30/'>https://media.amtrak.com/2026/09/a-new-era-for-amtrak-cascades-airo-fleet-debuts-sept-30/</a></p>
<p>Sound Transit opens Pinehurst Station: <a href='https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/pinehurst-station-will-open-september-30'>https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/pinehurst-station-will-open-september-30</a></p>
<p>Brightline files for Chapter 11: <a href='https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2026/09/25/886892.htm'>https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2026/09/25/886892.htm</a></p>
<p>Waymo Transit Rewards: <a href='https://sf.streetsblog.org/2026/09/24/advocates-skeptical-about-waymos-transit-rewards-program'>https://sf.streetsblog.org/2026/09/24/advocates-skeptical-about-waymos-transit-rewards-program</a></p>
<p>NYC's Stripe Hog: <a href='https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/15/nyregion/road-cleaning-stripe-hog-nyc.html'>https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/15/nyregion/road-cleaning-stripe-hog-nyc.html</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/f7zrqc9zg7x3x8fx/260930_News_and_Viewsa1zmf.mp3" length="10053634" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this bonus New and Views episode we cover Amtrak's new Airo trainsets debuting on the Cascades route, Sound Transit's early opening of Pinehurst Station, Brightline's Chapter 11 filing despite rising ridership, Waymo's transit-linked credit in the Bay Area, and New York City's "Stripehog" truck removing old paint to speed bus and bike lane projects.
The episode features launch-day interviews, details on Airo's passenger amenities, the financing issues behind Brightline, and how street redesigns and new tools are improving transit service. Also, we're pleased to announce our new Patreon page - and you can become a member to support our work. Members get perks and merch. Check it out at www.transportopia.org/patreon
Show Notes: 
Amtrak Airo debuts on the Cascades: https://media.amtrak.com/2026/09/a-new-era-for-amtrak-cascades-airo-fleet-debuts-sept-30/
Sound Transit opens Pinehurst Station: https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/pinehurst-station-will-open-september-30
Brightline files for Chapter 11: https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2026/09/25/886892.htm
Waymo Transit Rewards: https://sf.streetsblog.org/2026/09/24/advocates-skeptical-about-waymos-transit-rewards-program
NYC's Stripe Hog: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/15/nyregion/road-cleaning-stripe-hog-nyc.html]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>418</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>46</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:transcript url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/jc7jatxhgzagqhs9/260930_News_and_Viewsa1zmf-q38mrr-Optimized.vtt" type="text/vtt" /><podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/nsv4s272gx8r3irg/260930_News_and_Viewsa1zmf_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Making the Business Case for Transit: Closing the Belief Gap</title>
        <itunes:title>Making the Business Case for Transit: Closing the Belief Gap</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/making-the-business-case-for-transit-closing-the-belief-gap/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/making-the-business-case-for-transit-closing-the-belief-gap/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2026 01:11:18 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/c4e747e9-806a-3497-810a-8560d01a6afe</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Transportopia Host Rick L'Amie talks with Sam Sargent of VTA in Santa Clara County California about how transit agencies can make the business case for public transportation: who to persuade, what arguments work, and how to close the gap between people believing transit is good and actually supporting it.</p>
<p>The conversation covers four audiences (taxpayers who never ride, drivers stuck in traffic, riders weighing time and autonomy, and citywide observers), VTA’s unique role, the Transit Narrative Project findings, and practical strategies like frequency, customer experience, and making transit visible and trustworthy.</p>
<p>Show Notes:</p>
<p><a href='https://transitnarrativeproject.com/'>The Transit Narrative Project</a></p>
<p><a href='https://www.vta.org/'>VTA - Valley Transportation Authority</a></p>
<p> </p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Transportopia Host Rick L'Amie talks with Sam Sargent of VTA in Santa Clara County California about how transit agencies can make the business case for public transportation: who to persuade, what arguments work, and how to close the gap between people believing transit is good and actually supporting it.</p>
<p>The conversation covers four audiences (taxpayers who never ride, drivers stuck in traffic, riders weighing time and autonomy, and citywide observers), VTA’s unique role, the Transit Narrative Project findings, and practical strategies like frequency, customer experience, and making transit visible and trustworthy.</p>
<p>Show Notes:</p>
<p><a href='https://transitnarrativeproject.com/'>The Transit Narrative Project</a></p>
<p><a href='https://www.vta.org/'>VTA - Valley Transportation Authority</a></p>
<p> </p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/n78j2ka8ry6gz83p/The_Business_Case_for_Public_Transitbaw0g.mp3" length="67290009" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[Transportopia Host Rick L'Amie talks with Sam Sargent of VTA in Santa Clara County California about how transit agencies can make the business case for public transportation: who to persuade, what arguments work, and how to close the gap between people believing transit is good and actually supporting it.
The conversation covers four audiences (taxpayers who never ride, drivers stuck in traffic, riders weighing time and autonomy, and citywide observers), VTA’s unique role, the Transit Narrative Project findings, and practical strategies like frequency, customer experience, and making transit visible and trustworthy.
Show Notes:
The Transit Narrative Project
VTA - Valley Transportation Authority
 ]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>2803</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:transcript url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/bndxgt85hvkmhtj5/The_Business_Case_for_Public_Transitbaw0g-mjxyn7-Optimized.vtt" type="text/vtt" /><podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/t42dee8kgb8as4c7/The_Business_Case_for_Public_Transitbaw0g_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Encore Episode: Take the Train - Confessions of a G Train Subway Rider</title>
        <itunes:title>Encore Episode: Take the Train - Confessions of a G Train Subway Rider</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/take-the-train-a-new-yorker-s-love-letter-to-transit/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/take-the-train-a-new-yorker-s-love-letter-to-transit/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 09:52:02 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/3d199393-f45c-3a6a-b710-982bc30d3250</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Transportopia host Rick L'Amie plays an encore of his favorite episode: a conversation with his daughter Lauren, a ten-year New York resident and daily subway rider. They ride the G and 7 trains, discuss OMNY replacing the MetroCard, quirks of the G, pandemic life, MTA strengths and frustrations, and the realities of car-free living.</p>
<p>Lauren’s simple advice — take the train — anchors a broader reflection on transit as the city’s heartbeat, schlep culture, and why public transportation must work for everyone.</p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Transportopia host Rick L'Amie plays an encore of his favorite episode: a conversation with his daughter Lauren, a ten-year New York resident and daily subway rider. They ride the G and 7 trains, discuss OMNY replacing the MetroCard, quirks of the G, pandemic life, MTA strengths and frustrations, and the realities of car-free living.</p>
<p>Lauren’s simple advice — take the train — anchors a broader reflection on transit as the city’s heartbeat, schlep culture, and why public transportation must work for everyone.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/se4eksg92wmwp8pf/260908_Confessions_of_A_G-Train_Rider_Encore_Episode_77w2o.mp3" length="28995335" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[Transportopia host Rick L'Amie plays an encore of his favorite episode: a conversation with his daughter Lauren, a ten-year New York resident and daily subway rider. They ride the G and 7 trains, discuss OMNY replacing the MetroCard, quirks of the G, pandemic life, MTA strengths and frustrations, and the realities of car-free living.
Lauren’s simple advice — take the train — anchors a broader reflection on transit as the city’s heartbeat, schlep culture, and why public transportation must work for everyone.]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>1208</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>45</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:transcript url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/evkwxxcr59u9749s/260908_Confessions_of_A_G-Train_Rider_Encore_Episode_77w2o-6tqirq-Optimized.vtt" type="text/vtt" /><podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/gvrn6pmdvag8abc3/260908_Confessions_of_A_G-Train_Rider_Encore_Episode_77w2o_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>News and Views Sept. 1, 2026: Chicago Expands Its High-Frequency Bus Network — A Nationwide Trend</title>
        <itunes:title>News and Views Sept. 1, 2026: Chicago Expands Its High-Frequency Bus Network — A Nationwide Trend</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/chicago-expands-its-high-frequency-bus-network-%e2%80%94-a-nationwide-trend/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/chicago-expands-its-high-frequency-bus-network-%e2%80%94-a-nationwide-trend/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 19:26:32 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/77a6efd7-4be6-37b5-b604-4fae54871a68</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>This Bonus News and Views episode covers three major Chicago transit stories: the CTA’s expansion of its frequent bus network to increase ridership and reduce wait times, a $10 million pilot deploying non-law enforcement crisis specialists on rail lines to address homelessness and mental health crises, and the creation of a new regional transit authority (NITA) that consolidates CTA, Metra, and Pace governance.</p>
<p>We explain why frequency is driving ridership, how non-police responders fit into national safety trends, and what the governance change could mean for coordination across the region.</p>
<p>Show Notes: </p>
<p>Story 1: Frequent Network expansion</p>
<ul>
<li><a href='https://www.transitchicago.com/cta-bolsters-frequent-network-with-four-additional-routes-by-end-of-2026/'>CTA Bolsters Frequent Network with Four Additional Routes by End of 2026</a> — Chicago Transit Authority press release, August 18, 2026</li>
<li><a href='https://chi.streetsblog.org/2026/06/15/transport-chicagos-year-of-the-bus-panel-discussed-cta-service-upgrades-that-contributed-to-increased-ridership'>Transport Chicago's "Year of the Bus" panel discussed CTA service upgrades that contributed to increased ridership</a> — Streetsblog Chicago</li>
<li><a href='https://nacto.org/latest/metro-bus-network-redesign-houston/'>Metro Bus Network Redesign, Houston</a> — NACTO</li>
<li><a href='https://usa.streetsblog.org/2017/02/24/transit-ridership-falling-everywhere-but-not-in-cities-with-redesigned-bus-networks'>Transit Ridership Falling Everywhere — But Not in Cities With Redesigned Bus Networks</a> — Streetsblog USA (Houston and Seattle comparison)</li>
</ul>
<p>Story 2: Crisis intervention pilot</p>
<ul>
<li><a href='https://chicago.suntimes.com/transportation/2026/08/12/cta-crisis-intervention-safe-ride-specialist-pilot'>CTA deploying violence interrupters, mental health clinicians on trains this fall</a> — Chicago Sun-Times</li>
<li><a href='https://news.wttw.com/2026/08/12/cta-board-approves-slate-social-service-outreach-efforts-focused-violence-intervention'>CTA Board Approves Slate of Social Service Outreach Efforts Focused on Violence Intervention, Homelessness</a> — WTTW News</li>
<li><a href='https://www.nationalacademies.org/read/27248/chapter/10'>Homelessness: A Guide for Public Transportation</a> — National Academies Press (BART, SEPTA, MARTA program details)</li>
<li><a href='https://patch.com/new-york/new-york-city/amp/30363653/mta-keeps-cops-at-fore-of-homeless-response-as-other-transit-systems-embrace-social-services'>MTA Keeps Cops At Fore Of Homeless Response As Other Transit Systems Embrace Social Services</a> — Patch (LA Metro and NYC MTA comparison)</li>
</ul>
<p>Story 3: Northern Illinois Transit Authority transition</p>
<ul>
<li><a href='https://news.wttw.com/2026/08/12/cta-board-approves-slate-social-service-outreach-efforts-focused-violence-intervention'>CTA Board Approves Slate of Social Service Outreach Efforts Focused on Violence Intervention, Homelessness</a> — WTTW News</li>
</ul>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This Bonus News and Views episode covers three major Chicago transit stories: the CTA’s expansion of its frequent bus network to increase ridership and reduce wait times, a $10 million pilot deploying non-law enforcement crisis specialists on rail lines to address homelessness and mental health crises, and the creation of a new regional transit authority (NITA) that consolidates CTA, Metra, and Pace governance.</p>
<p>We explain why frequency is driving ridership, how non-police responders fit into national safety trends, and what the governance change could mean for coordination across the region.</p>
<p>Show Notes: </p>
<p>Story 1: Frequent Network expansion</p>
<ul>
<li><a href='https://www.transitchicago.com/cta-bolsters-frequent-network-with-four-additional-routes-by-end-of-2026/'>CTA Bolsters Frequent Network with Four Additional Routes by End of 2026</a> — Chicago Transit Authority press release, August 18, 2026</li>
<li><a href='https://chi.streetsblog.org/2026/06/15/transport-chicagos-year-of-the-bus-panel-discussed-cta-service-upgrades-that-contributed-to-increased-ridership'>Transport Chicago's "Year of the Bus" panel discussed CTA service upgrades that contributed to increased ridership</a> — Streetsblog Chicago</li>
<li><a href='https://nacto.org/latest/metro-bus-network-redesign-houston/'>Metro Bus Network Redesign, Houston</a> — NACTO</li>
<li><a href='https://usa.streetsblog.org/2017/02/24/transit-ridership-falling-everywhere-but-not-in-cities-with-redesigned-bus-networks'>Transit Ridership Falling Everywhere — But Not in Cities With Redesigned Bus Networks</a> — Streetsblog USA (Houston and Seattle comparison)</li>
</ul>
<p>Story 2: Crisis intervention pilot</p>
<ul>
<li><a href='https://chicago.suntimes.com/transportation/2026/08/12/cta-crisis-intervention-safe-ride-specialist-pilot'>CTA deploying violence interrupters, mental health clinicians on trains this fall</a> — Chicago Sun-Times</li>
<li><a href='https://news.wttw.com/2026/08/12/cta-board-approves-slate-social-service-outreach-efforts-focused-violence-intervention'>CTA Board Approves Slate of Social Service Outreach Efforts Focused on Violence Intervention, Homelessness</a> — WTTW News</li>
<li><a href='https://www.nationalacademies.org/read/27248/chapter/10'>Homelessness: A Guide for Public Transportation</a> — National Academies Press (BART, SEPTA, MARTA program details)</li>
<li><a href='https://patch.com/new-york/new-york-city/amp/30363653/mta-keeps-cops-at-fore-of-homeless-response-as-other-transit-systems-embrace-social-services'>MTA Keeps Cops At Fore Of Homeless Response As Other Transit Systems Embrace Social Services</a> — Patch (LA Metro and NYC MTA comparison)</li>
</ul>
<p>Story 3: Northern Illinois Transit Authority transition</p>
<ul>
<li><a href='https://news.wttw.com/2026/08/12/cta-board-approves-slate-social-service-outreach-efforts-focused-violence-intervention'>CTA Board Approves Slate of Social Service Outreach Efforts Focused on Violence Intervention, Homelessness</a> — WTTW News</li>
</ul>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/i26v4qxdxga5c83j/260901_Transportopia_News_and_Views6bm0b.mp3" length="9527632" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[This Bonus News and Views episode covers three major Chicago transit stories: the CTA’s expansion of its frequent bus network to increase ridership and reduce wait times, a $10 million pilot deploying non-law enforcement crisis specialists on rail lines to address homelessness and mental health crises, and the creation of a new regional transit authority (NITA) that consolidates CTA, Metra, and Pace governance.
We explain why frequency is driving ridership, how non-police responders fit into national safety trends, and what the governance change could mean for coordination across the region.
Show Notes: 
Story 1: Frequent Network expansion

CTA Bolsters Frequent Network with Four Additional Routes by End of 2026 — Chicago Transit Authority press release, August 18, 2026
Transport Chicago's "Year of the Bus" panel discussed CTA service upgrades that contributed to increased ridership — Streetsblog Chicago
Metro Bus Network Redesign, Houston — NACTO
Transit Ridership Falling Everywhere — But Not in Cities With Redesigned Bus Networks — Streetsblog USA (Houston and Seattle comparison)

Story 2: Crisis intervention pilot

CTA deploying violence interrupters, mental health clinicians on trains this fall — Chicago Sun-Times
CTA Board Approves Slate of Social Service Outreach Efforts Focused on Violence Intervention, Homelessness — WTTW News
Homelessness: A Guide for Public Transportation — National Academies Press (BART, SEPTA, MARTA program details)
MTA Keeps Cops At Fore Of Homeless Response As Other Transit Systems Embrace Social Services — Patch (LA Metro and NYC MTA comparison)

Story 3: Northern Illinois Transit Authority transition

CTA Board Approves Slate of Social Service Outreach Efforts Focused on Violence Intervention, Homelessness — WTTW News
]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>396</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>44</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:transcript url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/hjbiqzqtt8664kev/260901_Transportopia_News_and_Views6bm0b-z7zmn9-Optimized.vtt" type="text/vtt" /><podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/2jtvxg5w2d265tt5/260901_Transportopia_News_and_Views6bm0b_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Eyes on Board: Mapping Harassment to Reclaim Transit</title>
        <itunes:title>Eyes on Board: Mapping Harassment to Reclaim Transit</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/eyes-on-board-mapping-harassment-to-reclaim-transit/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/eyes-on-board-mapping-harassment-to-reclaim-transit/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 03:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/d14281d9-8bd9-3e43-bb25-9d856302cf13</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode Rick L'Amie interviews Indigo Rosenberg of San Francisco Transit Riders about Eyes on Board, a live map and anonymous survey documenting harassment on public transit.</p>
<p>The project collects location, time, route, and short descriptions while offering an educational campaign to define harassment and suggest bystander responses.</p>
<p>The conversation shows how lived experiences limit mobility, explains why reporting matters, and urges listeners to report incidents to help reclaim safer, more walkable cities.</p>
<p>Show Notes:</p>
<p>Eyes on Board website: <a href='https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/8660b07fafbd40e98ae67e0f54fff8f3'>https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/8660b07fafbd40e98ae67e0f54fff8f3</a></p>
<p>Streetsblog SF article - Guest Post: Documenting Harassment on Public Transit:</p>
<p><a href='https://sf.streetsblog.org/2026/08/12/guest-post-documenting-harassment-on-public-transit?utm_source=streetsblog-usa.beehiiv.com&amp;utm_medium=newsletter&amp;utm_campaign=wednesday-8217-s-streetsblog-newsletter'>https://sf.streetsblog.org/2026/08/12/guest-post-documenting-harassment-on-public-transit?utm_source=streetsblog-usa.beehiiv.com&amp;utm_medium=newsletter&amp;utm_campaign=wednesday-8217-s-streetsblog-newsletter</a></p>
<p>Eyes on Board: Documenting Harassment and Impaired Mobility - Medium:</p>
<p><a href='https://medium.com/san-francisco-transit-riders/eyes-on-board-documenting-harassment-and-impaired-mobility-fdb563083fc9'>https://medium.com/san-francisco-transit-riders/eyes-on-board-documenting-harassment-and-impaired-mobility-fdb563083fc9</a></p>
<p>Instagram:</p>
<p><a href='https://www.instagram.com/eyesonboard.sf?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsi=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw=='>https://www.instagram.com/eyesonboard.sf?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsi=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode Rick L'Amie interviews Indigo Rosenberg of San Francisco Transit Riders about Eyes on Board, a live map and anonymous survey documenting harassment on public transit.</p>
<p>The project collects location, time, route, and short descriptions while offering an educational campaign to define harassment and suggest bystander responses.</p>
<p>The conversation shows how lived experiences limit mobility, explains why reporting matters, and urges listeners to report incidents to help reclaim safer, more walkable cities.</p>
<p>Show Notes:</p>
<p>Eyes on Board website: <a href='https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/8660b07fafbd40e98ae67e0f54fff8f3'>https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/8660b07fafbd40e98ae67e0f54fff8f3</a></p>
<p>Streetsblog SF article - Guest Post: Documenting Harassment on Public Transit:</p>
<p><a href='https://sf.streetsblog.org/2026/08/12/guest-post-documenting-harassment-on-public-transit?utm_source=streetsblog-usa.beehiiv.com&amp;utm_medium=newsletter&amp;utm_campaign=wednesday-8217-s-streetsblog-newsletter'>https://sf.streetsblog.org/2026/08/12/guest-post-documenting-harassment-on-public-transit?utm_source=streetsblog-usa.beehiiv.com&amp;utm_medium=newsletter&amp;utm_campaign=wednesday-8217-s-streetsblog-newsletter</a></p>
<p>Eyes on Board: Documenting Harassment and Impaired Mobility - Medium:</p>
<p><a href='https://medium.com/san-francisco-transit-riders/eyes-on-board-documenting-harassment-and-impaired-mobility-fdb563083fc9'>https://medium.com/san-francisco-transit-riders/eyes-on-board-documenting-harassment-and-impaired-mobility-fdb563083fc9</a></p>
<p>Instagram:</p>
<p><a href='https://www.instagram.com/eyesonboard.sf?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsi=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw=='>https://www.instagram.com/eyesonboard.sf?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsi=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/nn49tyrs7b956jkk/260824_Eyes_on_Transit86ol4.mp3" length="8025879" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode Rick L'Amie interviews Indigo Rosenberg of San Francisco Transit Riders about Eyes on Board, a live map and anonymous survey documenting harassment on public transit.
The project collects location, time, route, and short descriptions while offering an educational campaign to define harassment and suggest bystander responses.
The conversation shows how lived experiences limit mobility, explains why reporting matters, and urges listeners to report incidents to help reclaim safer, more walkable cities.
Show Notes:
Eyes on Board website: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/8660b07fafbd40e98ae67e0f54fff8f3
Streetsblog SF article - Guest Post: Documenting Harassment on Public Transit:
https://sf.streetsblog.org/2026/08/12/guest-post-documenting-harassment-on-public-transit?utm_source=streetsblog-usa.beehiiv.com&amp;utm_medium=newsletter&amp;utm_campaign=wednesday-8217-s-streetsblog-newsletter
Eyes on Board: Documenting Harassment and Impaired Mobility - Medium:
https://medium.com/san-francisco-transit-riders/eyes-on-board-documenting-harassment-and-impaired-mobility-fdb563083fc9
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/eyesonboard.sf?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsi=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
 
 ]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>1003</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>43</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:transcript url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/qb7v8i4fu8gm73tv/260824_Eyes_on_Transit86ol4-bvtnff-Optimized.vtt" type="text/vtt" /><podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/wxgx7kmy82493yk4/260824_Eyes_on_Transit86ol4_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Transportopia News and Views: Congress Lets $38B in Transportation Funding Lapse — Transit on the Edge</title>
        <itunes:title>Transportopia News and Views: Congress Lets $38B in Transportation Funding Lapse — Transit on the Edge</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/congress-lets-38b-in-transportation-funding-lapse-%e2%80%94-transit-on-the-edge/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/congress-lets-38b-in-transportation-funding-lapse-%e2%80%94-transit-on-the-edge/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2026 03:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/618f721b-1c5c-3849-9e15-c3b42fd6039a</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Transportopia News and views, our bonus episode between full programs: Congress failed to renew $38.6 billion in annual transportation advance appropriations, while critics accuse the administration of sitting on another $1.9 billion in transit funds. The Transportation Secretary has moved to remove bike lanes from federal safety guidance and seek funding limits, despite research showing protected bike lanes improve safety and don’t necessarily worsen congestion.</p>
<p>We also visit Kansas City, where crews are spraying streetcar tracks to prevent heat warping, and examine rising pedestrian fatalities and a new planning tool that maps walkability to transit. The episode ties these stories together around the strain on large systems and the smaller, human-scale fixes that can help.</p>
<p>Show Notes</p>
<ol>
<li>Stopgap bill lets $38.6B in transportation funding lapse - <a href='https://www.axios.com/2026/08/08/senate-government-funding-shutdown-stopgap'>https://www.axios.com/2026/08/08/senate-government-funding-shutdown-stopgap</a></li>
</ol>
<p>   also: <a href='https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/08/06/us-senate-stopgap-fails-to-renew-more-than-38b-a-year-in-state-transportation-funding/'>https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/08/06/us-senate-stopgap-fails-to-renew-more-than-38b-a-year-in-state-transportation-funding/</a></p>
<ol start="2">
<li>Democrats accuse FTA/OMB of stonewalling transit grants - <a href='https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4248'>https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4248</a>
also the letter: <a href='https://larsen.house.gov/UploadedFiles/2026-08-11_LTR_to_Admin_on_CIG_Grants_Oversight_FINAL.pdf'>https://larsen.house.gov/UploadedFiles/2026-08-11_LTR_to_Admin_on_CIG_Grants_Oversight_FINAL.pdf</a></li>
<li>Duffy's bike lane push, and the data against it - <a href='https://usa.streetsblog.org/2026/07/17/trump-dei-bike-lanes-sean-duffy-fhwa-road-diets-speed-cameras'>https://usa.streetsblog.org/2026/07/17/trump-dei-bike-lanes-sean-duffy-fhwa-road-diets-speed-cameras</a></li>
</ol>
<p>   also: <a href='https://www.fastcompany.com/91581060/dei-bike-lanes'>https://www.fastcompany.com/91581060/dei-bike-lanes</a></p>
<ol start="4">
<li>Kansas City waters down its streetcar tracks - <a href='https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/08/12/kc-streetcar-water-trucks-extreme-heat'>https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/08/12/kc-streetcar-water-trucks-extreme-heat</a></li>
<li>World Pedestrian Day - global road safety data - <a href='https://www.who.int/news/item/20-07-2026-road-deaths-fall-by-21--globally-but-stronger-action-is-needed-to-save-lives'>https://www.who.int/news/item/20-07-2026-road-deaths-fall-by-21--globally-but-stronger-action-is-needed-to-save-lives</a></li>
</ol>
<p>   ITDP Atlas of Sustainable City Transport - <a href='https://itdp.org/publication/walkability-tool/'>https://itdp.org/publication/walkability-tool/</a></p>
<ol start="6">
<li>Indigo Rosenberg's new Eyes on Board piece  <a href='https://sf.streetsblog.org/2026/08/12/guest-post-documenting-harassment-on-public-transit'>https://sf.streetsblog.org/2026/08/12/guest-post-documenting-harassment-on-public-transit</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Transportopia News and views, our bonus episode between full programs: Congress failed to renew $38.6 billion in annual transportation advance appropriations, while critics accuse the administration of sitting on another $1.9 billion in transit funds. The Transportation Secretary has moved to remove bike lanes from federal safety guidance and seek funding limits, despite research showing protected bike lanes improve safety and don’t necessarily worsen congestion.</p>
<p>We also visit Kansas City, where crews are spraying streetcar tracks to prevent heat warping, and examine rising pedestrian fatalities and a new planning tool that maps walkability to transit. The episode ties these stories together around the strain on large systems and the smaller, human-scale fixes that can help.</p>
<p>Show Notes</p>
<ol>
<li>Stopgap bill lets $38.6B in transportation funding lapse - <a href='https://www.axios.com/2026/08/08/senate-government-funding-shutdown-stopgap'>https://www.axios.com/2026/08/08/senate-government-funding-shutdown-stopgap</a></li>
</ol>
<p><em>   also: </em><a href='https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/08/06/us-senate-stopgap-fails-to-renew-more-than-38b-a-year-in-state-transportation-funding/'>https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/08/06/us-senate-stopgap-fails-to-renew-more-than-38b-a-year-in-state-transportation-funding/</a></p>
<ol start="2">
<li>Democrats accuse FTA/OMB of stonewalling transit grants - <a href='https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4248'>https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4248</a><br>
also the letter: <a href='https://larsen.house.gov/UploadedFiles/2026-08-11_LTR_to_Admin_on_CIG_Grants_Oversight_FINAL.pdf'>https://larsen.house.gov/UploadedFiles/2026-08-11_LTR_to_Admin_on_CIG_Grants_Oversight_FINAL.pdf</a></li>
<li>Duffy's bike lane push, and the data against it - <a href='https://usa.streetsblog.org/2026/07/17/trump-dei-bike-lanes-sean-duffy-fhwa-road-diets-speed-cameras'>https://usa.streetsblog.org/2026/07/17/trump-dei-bike-lanes-sean-duffy-fhwa-road-diets-speed-cameras</a></li>
</ol>
<p><em>   also: </em><a href='https://www.fastcompany.com/91581060/dei-bike-lanes'>https://www.fastcompany.com/91581060/dei-bike-lanes</a></p>
<ol start="4">
<li>Kansas City waters down its streetcar tracks - <a href='https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/08/12/kc-streetcar-water-trucks-extreme-heat'>https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/08/12/kc-streetcar-water-trucks-extreme-heat</a></li>
<li>World Pedestrian Day - global road safety data - <a href='https://www.who.int/news/item/20-07-2026-road-deaths-fall-by-21--globally-but-stronger-action-is-needed-to-save-lives'>https://www.who.int/news/item/20-07-2026-road-deaths-fall-by-21--globally-but-stronger-action-is-needed-to-save-lives</a></li>
</ol>
<p><em>   ITDP Atlas of Sustainable City Transport - </em><a href='https://itdp.org/publication/walkability-tool/'>https://itdp.org/publication/walkability-tool/</a></p>
<ol start="6">
<li>Indigo Rosenberg's new Eyes on Board piece  <a href='https://sf.streetsblog.org/2026/08/12/guest-post-documenting-harassment-on-public-transit'>https://sf.streetsblog.org/2026/08/12/guest-post-documenting-harassment-on-public-transit</a></li>
</ol>]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/tyze7mnxxmzqrgtr/Transportopia_News_and_Views_260818boehn.mp3" length="4374169" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of Transportopia News and views, our bonus episode between full programs: Congress failed to renew $38.6 billion in annual transportation advance appropriations, while critics accuse the administration of sitting on another $1.9 billion in transit funds. The Transportation Secretary has moved to remove bike lanes from federal safety guidance and seek funding limits, despite research showing protected bike lanes improve safety and don’t necessarily worsen congestion.
We also visit Kansas City, where crews are spraying streetcar tracks to prevent heat warping, and examine rising pedestrian fatalities and a new planning tool that maps walkability to transit. The episode ties these stories together around the strain on large systems and the smaller, human-scale fixes that can help.
Show Notes

Stopgap bill lets $38.6B in transportation funding lapse - https://www.axios.com/2026/08/08/senate-government-funding-shutdown-stopgap

   also: https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/08/06/us-senate-stopgap-fails-to-renew-more-than-38b-a-year-in-state-transportation-funding/

Democrats accuse FTA/OMB of stonewalling transit grants - https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4248also the letter: https://larsen.house.gov/UploadedFiles/2026-08-11_LTR_to_Admin_on_CIG_Grants_Oversight_FINAL.pdf
Duffy's bike lane push, and the data against it - https://usa.streetsblog.org/2026/07/17/trump-dei-bike-lanes-sean-duffy-fhwa-road-diets-speed-cameras

   also: https://www.fastcompany.com/91581060/dei-bike-lanes

Kansas City waters down its streetcar tracks - https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/08/12/kc-streetcar-water-trucks-extreme-heat
World Pedestrian Day - global road safety data - https://www.who.int/news/item/20-07-2026-road-deaths-fall-by-21--globally-but-stronger-action-is-needed-to-save-lives

   ITDP Atlas of Sustainable City Transport - https://itdp.org/publication/walkability-tool/

Indigo Rosenberg's new Eyes on Board piece  https://sf.streetsblog.org/2026/08/12/guest-post-documenting-harassment-on-public-transit
]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>546</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>42</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:transcript url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/vwtjjp2nnbdwm8hz/Transportopia_News_and_Views_260818boehn-gih22p-Optimized.vtt" type="text/vtt" /><podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/w9qreu9e5at29daj/Transportopia_News_and_Views_260818boehn_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Metroboard: The Moving Subway Map Turning Transit into Wall Art</title>
        <itunes:title>Metroboard: The Moving Subway Map Turning Transit into Wall Art</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/metroboard-the-moving-subway-map-turning-transit-into-wall-art/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/metroboard-the-moving-subway-map-turning-transit-into-wall-art/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2026 16:48:47 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/c520228b-3128-3b88-aefc-a6df75987a55</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Design Rules Company co-founders Kirill Safin and Emily Perkins Rock talk about Metroboard, a live moving subway map that began when a new LA Metro station changed how they experienced the city. They describe the makers’ journey from aerospace to Kickstarter success, building a product that blends design, real-time transit data, and emotional connections to place.</p>
<p>The episode covers Metroboard’s origins, customer stories, related projects like transit trading cards and City Sounds, and the company’s broader mission to create physical objects that help people notice and celebrate the movement and life of cities. Want your own Metroboard? We have them available in the new <a href='https://www.transportopia.org/shop'>Transportopia store</a>! Check it out! https://www.transportopia.org/shop</p>
<p>Show Notes:</p>
<p>The Design Rules Company: <a href='https://www.designrules.co/'>https://www.designrules.co/</a></p>
<p>Instagram: <a href='https://www.instagram.com/designrulesco/'>https://www.instagram.com/designrulesco/</a></p>
<p>TikTok: <a href='https://www.tiktok.com/@designrulesco'>https://www.tiktok.com/@designrulesco</a></p>
<p>X: <a href='https://twitter.com/designrulesco'>https://x.com/designrulescoht</a></p>
<p> </p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Design Rules Company co-founders Kirill Safin and Emily Perkins Rock talk about Metroboard, a live moving subway map that began when a new LA Metro station changed how they experienced the city. They describe the makers’ journey from aerospace to Kickstarter success, building a product that blends design, real-time transit data, and emotional connections to place.</p>
<p>The episode covers Metroboard’s origins, customer stories, related projects like transit trading cards and City Sounds, and the company’s broader mission to create physical objects that help people notice and celebrate the movement and life of cities. Want your own Metroboard? We have them available in the new <a href='https://www.transportopia.org/shop'>Transportopia store</a>! Check it out! https://www.transportopia.org/shop</p>
<p>Show Notes:</p>
<p>The Design Rules Company: <a href='https://www.designrules.co/'>https://www.designrules.co/</a></p>
<p>Instagram: <a href='https://www.instagram.com/designrulesco/'>https://www.instagram.com/designrulesco/</a></p>
<p>TikTok: <a href='https://www.tiktok.com/@designrulesco'>https://www.tiktok.com/@designrulesco</a></p>
<p>X: <a href='https://twitter.com/designrulesco'>https://x.com/designrulescoht</a></p>
<p> </p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/fkip4vdgmhkgnf8r/260811_Design_Rules_Companybkgcz.mp3" length="12777657" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[Design Rules Company co-founders Kirill Safin and Emily Perkins Rock talk about Metroboard, a live moving subway map that began when a new LA Metro station changed how they experienced the city. They describe the makers’ journey from aerospace to Kickstarter success, building a product that blends design, real-time transit data, and emotional connections to place.
The episode covers Metroboard’s origins, customer stories, related projects like transit trading cards and City Sounds, and the company’s broader mission to create physical objects that help people notice and celebrate the movement and life of cities. Want your own Metroboard? We have them available in the new Transportopia store! Check it out! https://www.transportopia.org/shop
Show Notes:
The Design Rules Company: https://www.designrules.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designrulesco/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@designrulesco
X: https://x.com/designrulescoht
 ]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>1597</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>41</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:transcript url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/4gdnmus757e87xti/260811_Design_Rules_Companybkgcz-mznfbb-Optimized.vtt" type="text/vtt" /><podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/q3j8zfvew527rwmp/260811_Design_Rules_Companybkgcz_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>News and Views - Aug. 4, 2026: FTA's Surprise Pivot: Hybrids Win the Bus Grant Battle</title>
        <itunes:title>News and Views - Aug. 4, 2026: FTA's Surprise Pivot: Hybrids Win the Bus Grant Battle</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/ftas-surprise-pivot-hybrids-win-the-bus-grant-battle/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/ftas-surprise-pivot-hybrids-win-the-bus-grant-battle/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2026 20:13:39 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/5bfebc15-52b0-35b3-8e0d-c9c62552444f</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Transportopia News and Views, our bonus episode between full shows, covers a federal shift in bus funding that now favors low-emission buses over zero-emission models and Sacramento's decision to study bus rapid transit to the airport instead of costly light rail.</p>
<p>Host Rick L'Amie also examines transit agencies converting station land into housing, Oklahoma City's push for a transit sales tax before congestion worsens, and a playful New York subway newsstand run by a comedian.</p>
<p>Across these stories you'll hear how practical funding changes, cost-driven pivots, land-use strategies, and creative community projects are reshaping public transit.</p>
<p>Show Notes:</p>
<ul>
<li>1. FTA bus grant NOFO - <a href='https://www.masstransitmag.com/bus/vehicles/news/55394325/federal-transit-administration-fta-fta-issues-nofo-for-610-million-in-bus-grant-funding'>https://www.masstransitmag.com/bus/vehicles/news/55394325/federal-transit-administration-fta-fta-issues-nofo-for-610-million-in-bus-grant-funding</a></li>
<li>Sacramento BRT to airport - https://www.masstransitmag.com/management/article/55394625/sacramento-regional-transit-sacrt-sacrt-receives-funding-to-examine-brt-alternative-to-sacramento-international-airport
   also (national BRT-over-rail trend): <a href='https://www.constructiondive.com/news/transit-projects-opening-2026/809814/'>https://www.constructiondive.com/news/transit-projects-opening-2026/809814/</a></li>
<li>Transit agencies as housing partners - <a href='https://www.metro-magazine.com/digital-cover-features/what-transit-oriented-development-means-for-the-future-of-public-transportation'>https://www.metro-magazine.com/digital-cover-features/what-transit-oriented-development-means-for-the-future-of-public-transportation</a></li>
<li>Oklahoma City transit sales tax - <a href='https://usa.streetsblog.org/2026/08/03/oklahoma-city-is-taking-transit-seriously-which-is-what-booming-regions-should-do'>https://usa.streetsblog.org/2026/08/03/oklahoma-city-is-taking-transit-seriously-which-is-what-booming-regions-should-do</a></li>
<li>Subway newsstand (Al Mullen) - <a href='https://gothamist.com/news/just-a-pure-weird-moment-art-project-takes-over-manhattan-subway-kiosk'>https://gothamist.com/news/just-a-pure-weird-moment-art-project-takes-over-manhattan-subway-kiosk</a>
<ul>
<li>also: <a href='https://www.amny.com/news/artists-repens-west-4-st-subway-newsstand/'>https://www.amny.com/news/artists-repens-west-4-st-subway-newsstand/</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Next week's episode features the founders of Design Rules Company, the creative geniuses behind the Metroboard subway wall art - <a href='https://www.designrules.co/'>https://www.designrules.co/</a></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Transportopia News and Views, our bonus episode between full shows, covers a federal shift in bus funding that now favors low-emission buses over zero-emission models and Sacramento's decision to study bus rapid transit to the airport instead of costly light rail.</p>
<p>Host Rick L'Amie also examines transit agencies converting station land into housing, Oklahoma City's push for a transit sales tax before congestion worsens, and a playful New York subway newsstand run by a comedian.</p>
<p>Across these stories you'll hear how practical funding changes, cost-driven pivots, land-use strategies, and creative community projects are reshaping public transit.</p>
<p>Show Notes:</p>
<ul>
<li>1. FTA bus grant NOFO - <a href='https://www.masstransitmag.com/bus/vehicles/news/55394325/federal-transit-administration-fta-fta-issues-nofo-for-610-million-in-bus-grant-funding'>https://www.masstransitmag.com/bus/vehicles/news/55394325/federal-transit-administration-fta-fta-issues-nofo-for-610-million-in-bus-grant-funding</a></li>
<li>Sacramento BRT to airport - https://www.masstransitmag.com/management/article/55394625/sacramento-regional-transit-sacrt-sacrt-receives-funding-to-examine-brt-alternative-to-sacramento-international-airport<br>
   also (national BRT-over-rail trend): <a href='https://www.constructiondive.com/news/transit-projects-opening-2026/809814/'>https://www.constructiondive.com/news/transit-projects-opening-2026/809814/</a></li>
<li>Transit agencies as housing partners - <a href='https://www.metro-magazine.com/digital-cover-features/what-transit-oriented-development-means-for-the-future-of-public-transportation'>https://www.metro-magazine.com/digital-cover-features/what-transit-oriented-development-means-for-the-future-of-public-transportation</a></li>
<li>Oklahoma City transit sales tax - <a href='https://usa.streetsblog.org/2026/08/03/oklahoma-city-is-taking-transit-seriously-which-is-what-booming-regions-should-do'>https://usa.streetsblog.org/2026/08/03/oklahoma-city-is-taking-transit-seriously-which-is-what-booming-regions-should-do</a></li>
<li>Subway newsstand (Al Mullen) - <a href='https://gothamist.com/news/just-a-pure-weird-moment-art-project-takes-over-manhattan-subway-kiosk'>https://gothamist.com/news/just-a-pure-weird-moment-art-project-takes-over-manhattan-subway-kiosk</a>
<ul>
<li>also: <a href='https://www.amny.com/news/artists-repens-west-4-st-subway-newsstand/'>https://www.amny.com/news/artists-repens-west-4-st-subway-newsstand/</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Next week's episode features the founders of Design Rules Company, the creative geniuses behind the Metroboard subway wall art - <a href='https://www.designrules.co/'>https://www.designrules.co/</a></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/6qygbycp8x757u9n/Transportopia_News_and_Views_26-080465x31.mp3" length="4094555" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[Transportopia News and Views, our bonus episode between full shows, covers a federal shift in bus funding that now favors low-emission buses over zero-emission models and Sacramento's decision to study bus rapid transit to the airport instead of costly light rail.
Host Rick L'Amie also examines transit agencies converting station land into housing, Oklahoma City's push for a transit sales tax before congestion worsens, and a playful New York subway newsstand run by a comedian.
Across these stories you'll hear how practical funding changes, cost-driven pivots, land-use strategies, and creative community projects are reshaping public transit.
Show Notes:

1. FTA bus grant NOFO - https://www.masstransitmag.com/bus/vehicles/news/55394325/federal-transit-administration-fta-fta-issues-nofo-for-610-million-in-bus-grant-funding
Sacramento BRT to airport - https://www.masstransitmag.com/management/article/55394625/sacramento-regional-transit-sacrt-sacrt-receives-funding-to-examine-brt-alternative-to-sacramento-international-airport   also (national BRT-over-rail trend): https://www.constructiondive.com/news/transit-projects-opening-2026/809814/
Transit agencies as housing partners - https://www.metro-magazine.com/digital-cover-features/what-transit-oriented-development-means-for-the-future-of-public-transportation
Oklahoma City transit sales tax - https://usa.streetsblog.org/2026/08/03/oklahoma-city-is-taking-transit-seriously-which-is-what-booming-regions-should-do
Subway newsstand (Al Mullen) - https://gothamist.com/news/just-a-pure-weird-moment-art-project-takes-over-manhattan-subway-kiosk

also: https://www.amny.com/news/artists-repens-west-4-st-subway-newsstand/


Next week's episode features the founders of Design Rules Company, the creative geniuses behind the Metroboard subway wall art - https://www.designrules.co/

 ]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>511</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>40</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:transcript url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/wwhwaa7yr7iuwc5a/Transportopia_News_and_Views_26-080465x31-xkryqd-Optimized.vtt" type="text/vtt" /><podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/bfw4x6bufadfwwq3/Transportopia_News_and_Views_26-080465x31_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Eyes on Board — Riders Fight Back Against Transit Harassment</title>
        <itunes:title>Eyes on Board — Riders Fight Back Against Transit Harassment</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/eyes-on-board-%e2%80%94-riders-fight-back-against-transit-harassment/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/eyes-on-board-%e2%80%94-riders-fight-back-against-transit-harassment/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2026 03:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/bd859e44-f74d-38b2-960c-39136d55702f</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Transportopia host Rick L'Amie visits with Streetsblog USA journalist Ren Zaro Fitzgerald, a young transit reporter and content creator. They discuss the importance of transit safety, funding challenges, innovative grassroots initiatives, and the future of transportation technology. This episode offers insights into community-led transit improvements and policy debates shaping urban mobility.</p>
<p>Show Notes</p>
<p>Streets Blog - <a href='https://streetsblog.org'>https://streetsblog.org</a>
Ren Zaro Fitzgerald on Instagram - <a href='https://instagram.com/renzaro'>https://instagram.com/renzaro</a>
Ren Zaro Fitzgerald on YouTube - <a href='https://www.youtube.com/@Renzarofitzgerald'>https://www.youtube.com/@Renzarofitzgerald</a>

</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Transportopia host Rick L'Amie visits with Streetsblog USA journalist Ren Zaro Fitzgerald, a young transit reporter and content creator. They discuss the importance of transit safety, funding challenges, innovative grassroots initiatives, and the future of transportation technology. This episode offers insights into community-led transit improvements and policy debates shaping urban mobility.</p>
<p>Show Notes</p>
<p>Streets Blog - <a href='https://streetsblog.org'>https://streetsblog.org</a><br>
Ren Zaro Fitzgerald on Instagram - <a href='https://instagram.com/renzaro'>https://instagram.com/renzaro</a><br>
Ren Zaro Fitzgerald on YouTube - <a href='https://www.youtube.com/@Renzarofitzgerald'>https://www.youtube.com/@Renzarofitzgerald</a><br>
<br>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/dvz7wkafyy6w7zpa/260727_Ren_Zaro_Fitzgerald_Episodebrt5i.mp3" length="11599960" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[Transportopia host Rick L'Amie visits with Streetsblog USA journalist Ren Zaro Fitzgerald, a young transit reporter and content creator. They discuss the importance of transit safety, funding challenges, innovative grassroots initiatives, and the future of transportation technology. This episode offers insights into community-led transit improvements and policy debates shaping urban mobility.
Show Notes
Streets Blog - https://streetsblog.orgRen Zaro Fitzgerald on Instagram - https://instagram.com/renzaroRen Zaro Fitzgerald on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Renzarofitzgerald
 
 ]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>1449</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>11</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>39</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:transcript url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/y9ur4s6emih82tsd/260727_Ren_Zaro_Fitzgerald_Episodebrt5i-ncvadt-Optimized.vtt" type="text/vtt" /><podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/cqaektjj7pe3mjue/260727_Ren_Zaro_Fitzgerald_Episodebrt5i_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>News and Views July 21, 2026: World Cup Drives Transit Boom: Record Ridership and Federal Backing</title>
        <itunes:title>News and Views July 21, 2026: World Cup Drives Transit Boom: Record Ridership and Federal Backing</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/world-cup-drives-transit-boom-record-ridership-and-federal-backing/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/world-cup-drives-transit-boom-record-ridership-and-federal-backing/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2026 20:36:16 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/fcb38d18-e940-3d7b-a724-ffe1ce42d838</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>The 2026 World Cup unexpectedly boosted public transit in U.S. host cities, producing record ridership for systems such as Sound Transit and BART after federal grants funded extra service.</p>
<p>Despite this success, proposed federal funding cuts threaten to reverse gains, leaving uncertainty about whether the ridership spike will persist once tournament-related service and attention fade.</p>
<p>Podcast host Rick L'Amie explores these topics in Transportopia's biweekly bonus News and Views episode between full-length shows.  This is a special News and Views edition focusing on the postive and unexpected impact World Cup 2026 had on public transportation across the country.  Visit <a href='https://www.transportopia.org/'>Transportopia.org</a> for show notes and other resources. Please follow and like us wherever you get your podcast. #worldcup #publictransportation</p>
<p>Show Notes</p>













<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">Story One — The Surprise MVP
Vox, "The most surprising winner of the World Cup was American public transit" — <a href='https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/495394/world-cup-public-transit'>https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/495394/world-cup-public-transit</a></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">Story Two — Seattle
Sound Transit newsroom — <a href='https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/sound-transit-set-all-time-records-daily-monthly-ridership'>https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/sound-transit-set-all-time-records-daily-monthly-ridership</a>
KOMO News — <a href='https://komonews.com/news/local/how-many-people-rode-the-light-rail-during-the-world-cup-sound-transit-world-cup-ridership-public-transit-king-county-seattle-sounder-train-lumen-field-stadium-station'>https://komonews.com/news/local/how-many-people-rode-the-light-rail-during-the-world-cup-sound-transit-world-cup-ridership-public-transit-king-county-seattle-sounder-train-lumen-field-stadium-station</a></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">Story Three — BART
CBS News San Francisco — <a href='https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/bart-june-2026-post-pandemic-ridership-records-world-cup-sf-pride/'>https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/bart-june-2026-post-pandemic-ridership-records-world-cup-sf-pride/</a>
NBC Bay Area — <a href='https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/bart-highest-ridership-month-since-pandemic/4115323/'>https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/bart-highest-ridership-month-since-pandemic/4115323/</a></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">Story Four — The $100M in federal grants
Federal Transit Administration — <a href='https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/news/trumps-transportation-secretary-announces-100-million-funding-enhance-public'>https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/news/trumps-transportation-secretary-announces-100-million-funding-enhance-public</a></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">Story Five — The BUILD Act cut
Urban Institute — <a href='https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/how-will-congresss-proposed-cuts-transit-funding-affect-your-state-and-congressional'>https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/how-will-congresss-proposed-cuts-transit-funding-affect-your-state-and-congressional</a>

</p>







 








 




 





 
 
 
 


 
 


<p> </p>
<p> </p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The 2026 World Cup unexpectedly boosted public transit in U.S. host cities, producing record ridership for systems such as Sound Transit and BART after federal grants funded extra service.</p>
<p>Despite this success, proposed federal funding cuts threaten to reverse gains, leaving uncertainty about whether the ridership spike will persist once tournament-related service and attention fade.</p>
<p>Podcast host Rick L'Amie explores these topics in Transportopia's biweekly bonus News and Views episode between full-length shows.  This is a special News and Views edition focusing on the postive and unexpected impact World Cup 2026 had on public transportation across the country.  Visit <a href='https://www.transportopia.org/'>Transportopia.org</a> for show notes and other resources. Please follow and like us wherever you get your podcast. #worldcup #publictransportation</p>
<p>Show Notes</p>













<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">Story One — The Surprise MVP<br>
Vox, "The most surprising winner of the World Cup was American public transit" — <a href='https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/495394/world-cup-public-transit'>https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/495394/world-cup-public-transit</a></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">Story Two — Seattle<br>
Sound Transit newsroom — <a href='https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/sound-transit-set-all-time-records-daily-monthly-ridership'>https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/sound-transit-set-all-time-records-daily-monthly-ridership</a><br>
KOMO News — <a href='https://komonews.com/news/local/how-many-people-rode-the-light-rail-during-the-world-cup-sound-transit-world-cup-ridership-public-transit-king-county-seattle-sounder-train-lumen-field-stadium-station'>https://komonews.com/news/local/how-many-people-rode-the-light-rail-during-the-world-cup-sound-transit-world-cup-ridership-public-transit-king-county-seattle-sounder-train-lumen-field-stadium-station</a></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">Story Three — BART<br>
CBS News San Francisco — <a href='https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/bart-june-2026-post-pandemic-ridership-records-world-cup-sf-pride/'>https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/bart-june-2026-post-pandemic-ridership-records-world-cup-sf-pride/</a><br>
NBC Bay Area — <a href='https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/bart-highest-ridership-month-since-pandemic/4115323/'>https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/bart-highest-ridership-month-since-pandemic/4115323/</a></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">Story Four — The $100M in federal grants<br>
Federal Transit Administration — <a href='https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/news/trumps-transportation-secretary-announces-100-million-funding-enhance-public'>https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/news/trumps-transportation-secretary-announces-100-million-funding-enhance-public</a></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">Story Five — The BUILD Act cut<br>
Urban Institute — <a href='https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/how-will-congresss-proposed-cuts-transit-funding-affect-your-state-and-congressional'>https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/how-will-congresss-proposed-cuts-transit-funding-affect-your-state-and-congressional</a><br>
<br>
</p>







 








 




 





 
 
 
 


 
 


<p> </p>
<p> </p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/qv8shnicunr7p8wt/Transportopia_News_and_Views_2607216ssjh.mp3" length="3145160" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[The 2026 World Cup unexpectedly boosted public transit in U.S. host cities, producing record ridership for systems such as Sound Transit and BART after federal grants funded extra service.
Despite this success, proposed federal funding cuts threaten to reverse gains, leaving uncertainty about whether the ridership spike will persist once tournament-related service and attention fade.
Podcast host Rick L'Amie explores these topics in Transportopia's biweekly bonus News and Views episode between full-length shows.  This is a special News and Views edition focusing on the postive and unexpected impact World Cup 2026 had on public transportation across the country.  Visit Transportopia.org for show notes and other resources. Please follow and like us wherever you get your podcast. #worldcup #publictransportation
Show Notes













Story One — The Surprise MVPVox, "The most surprising winner of the World Cup was American public transit" — https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/495394/world-cup-public-transit
Story Two — SeattleSound Transit newsroom — https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/sound-transit-set-all-time-records-daily-monthly-ridershipKOMO News — https://komonews.com/news/local/how-many-people-rode-the-light-rail-during-the-world-cup-sound-transit-world-cup-ridership-public-transit-king-county-seattle-sounder-train-lumen-field-stadium-station
Story Three — BARTCBS News San Francisco — https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/bart-june-2026-post-pandemic-ridership-records-world-cup-sf-pride/NBC Bay Area — https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/bart-highest-ridership-month-since-pandemic/4115323/
Story Four — The $100M in federal grantsFederal Transit Administration — https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/news/trumps-transportation-secretary-announces-100-million-funding-enhance-public
Story Five — The BUILD Act cutUrban Institute — https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/how-will-congresss-proposed-cuts-transit-funding-affect-your-state-and-congressional







 








 




 





 
 
 
 


 
 


 
 ]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>393</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>38</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:transcript url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/dsyiy5zyr6c9hhrh/Transportopia_News_and_Views_2607216ssjh-pgeh9t-Optimized.vtt" type="text/vtt" /><podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/tbmy57ip84kgwh59/Transportopia_News_and_Views_2607216ssjh_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Drive Time: How a 16-Year-Old Is Fighting Car Culture</title>
        <itunes:title>Drive Time: How a 16-Year-Old Is Fighting Car Culture</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/drive-time-how-a-16-year-old-is-fighting-car-culture/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/drive-time-how-a-16-year-old-is-fighting-car-culture/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2026 03:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/2786442b-7e29-3eef-8953-98ae3d99925b</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>A forward-thinking 16-year-old named Kenyen Coleman founded something called The Drive Time Movement - an impressive effort to use data to push for better public transit and community change. His website offers calculators and a free advocacy toolkit that make commute time, true car costs, and environmental impact personal and actionable.</p>
<p>This episode follows Kenyen’s journey, the tools he built, and what he hopes for the future of public transit in America. Big ideas for a young person with a vision for the future. Visit <a href='http://www.transportopia.org'>transportopia.org</a> for show notes our blog and other resources.</p>
<p>Show Notes:</p>
<ul class="css-10imjuv">
<li class="css-155za0w" title="https://drivetimemovement.org"><a href='https://drivetimemovement.org/'>DriveTime Movement Website</a></li>
<li class="css-155za0w" title="https://www.instagram.com/drivetime_movement/"><a href='https://www.instagram.com/drivetimemovement?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw=='>Kenyen Coleman's Instagram</a></li>
<li class="css-155za0w" title="https://www.threads.net/@drivetime_movement"><a href='https://www.threads.com/@drivetimemovement'>Kenyen Coleman's Threads</a></li>
</ul>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A forward-thinking 16-year-old named Kenyen Coleman founded something called <em>The Drive Time Movement</em> - an impressive effort to use data to push for better public transit and community change. His website offers calculators and a free advocacy toolkit that make commute time, true car costs, and environmental impact personal and actionable.</p>
<p>This episode follows Kenyen’s journey, the tools he built, and what he hopes for the future of public transit in America. Big ideas for a young person with a vision for the future. Visit <a href='http://www.transportopia.org'>transportopia.org</a> for show notes our blog and other resources.</p>
<p>Show Notes:</p>
<ul class="css-10imjuv">
<li class="css-155za0w" title="https://drivetimemovement.org"><a href='https://drivetimemovement.org/'>DriveTime Movement Website</a></li>
<li class="css-155za0w" title="https://www.instagram.com/drivetime_movement/"><a href='https://www.instagram.com/drivetimemovement?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw=='>Kenyen Coleman's Instagram</a></li>
<li class="css-155za0w" title="https://www.threads.net/@drivetime_movement"><a href='https://www.threads.com/@drivetimemovement'>Kenyen Coleman's Threads</a></li>
</ul>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/c55cmt2mzwqjiide/riverside_preview_magic_episode_01_transportopia_studi7ewy3.mp3" length="7767073" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[A forward-thinking 16-year-old named Kenyen Coleman founded something called The Drive Time Movement - an impressive effort to use data to push for better public transit and community change. His website offers calculators and a free advocacy toolkit that make commute time, true car costs, and environmental impact personal and actionable.
This episode follows Kenyen’s journey, the tools he built, and what he hopes for the future of public transit in America. Big ideas for a young person with a vision for the future. Visit transportopia.org for show notes our blog and other resources.
Show Notes:

DriveTime Movement Website
Kenyen Coleman's Instagram
Kenyen Coleman's Threads
]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>972</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>37</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:transcript url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/y6tgy6y7tw443733/riverside_preview_magic_episode_01_transportopia_studi7ewy3-yrezsg-Optimized.vtt" type="text/vtt" /><podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/6frpfacsgtig9xgg/riverside_preview_magic_episode_01_transportopia_studi7ewy3_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>News and Views July 7, 2026: World Cup Ridership Boom: Transit’s Best Ad in Years</title>
        <itunes:title>News and Views July 7, 2026: World Cup Ridership Boom: Transit’s Best Ad in Years</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/world-cup-ridership-boom-transit-s-best-ad-in-years/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/world-cup-ridership-boom-transit-s-best-ad-in-years/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:50:46 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/48e6a42f-62cc-3c6a-baf4-97a4c104d7fc</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>The Transportopia News and Views Bonus episode between full shows examines four major transit stories: a record-breaking ridership surge during the 2026 World Cup across U.S. host cities; Brightline’s narrow escape from missed payments as it wrestles with $5.5 billion in debt; the near-certainty that the 21st Century Road to Housing Act will become law, linking zoning and transit planning; and a public feud between Amtrak and the MTA over control and funding of the Penn Station overhaul.</p>
<p>Host Rick L'Amie ties these stories together via a common thread of money and power — who pays for transit, who controls it, and whether short-term wins (like World Cup ridership) can translate into lasting change. Visit <a href='https://www.transportopia.org/'>transportopia.org </a>for show notes and more.</p>
<p>Show Notes: Story Sources</p>
<p>World Cup Ridership Records</p>
<p>Sound Transit / FOX 13 Seattle: <a href='https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/world-cup-sound-transit-ridership-record'>https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/world-cup-sound-transit-ridership-record</a></p>
<p>Brightline Dodges Default</p>
<p>The Bond Buyer: <a href='https://www.bondbuyer.com/news/brightline-florida-squeaks-by-debt-payments-gains-two-week-grace-period'>https://www.bondbuyer.com/news/brightline-florida-squeaks-by-debt-payments-gains-two-week-grace-period</a></p>
<p>Housing Bill / Transit DNA (21st Century ROAD to Housing Act)</p>
<p>Bipartisan Policy Center: <a href='https://bipartisanpolicy.org/issue-brief/inside-the-deal-whats-in-the-final-21st-century-road-to-housing-act/'>https://bipartisanpolicy.org/issue-brief/inside-the-deal-whats-in-the-final-21st-century-road-to-housing-act/</a>
Newsweek (signing standoff / 10-day clock): <a href='https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-unimportant-housing-bill-claims-assessed-12138983'>https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-unimportant-housing-bill-claims-assessed-12138983</a></p>
<p>Penn Station Turf War</p>
<p>Streetsblog NYC: <a href='https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2026/06/29/the-explainer-why-the-penn-station-project-is-getting-all-messed-up-again'>https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2026/06/29/the-explainer-why-the-penn-station-project-is-getting-all-messed-up-again</a></p>
<p> </p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Transportopia News and Views Bonus episode between full shows examines four major transit stories: a record-breaking ridership surge during the 2026 World Cup across U.S. host cities; Brightline’s narrow escape from missed payments as it wrestles with $5.5 billion in debt; the near-certainty that the 21st Century Road to Housing Act will become law, linking zoning and transit planning; and a public feud between Amtrak and the MTA over control and funding of the Penn Station overhaul.</p>
<p>Host Rick L'Amie ties these stories together via a common thread of money and power — who pays for transit, who controls it, and whether short-term wins (like World Cup ridership) can translate into lasting change. Visit <a href='https://www.transportopia.org/'>transportopia.org </a>for show notes and more.</p>
<p>Show Notes: Story Sources</p>
<p>World Cup Ridership Records</p>
<p>Sound Transit / FOX 13 Seattle: <a href='https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/world-cup-sound-transit-ridership-record'>https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/world-cup-sound-transit-ridership-record</a></p>
<p>Brightline Dodges Default</p>
<p>The Bond Buyer: <a href='https://www.bondbuyer.com/news/brightline-florida-squeaks-by-debt-payments-gains-two-week-grace-period'>https://www.bondbuyer.com/news/brightline-florida-squeaks-by-debt-payments-gains-two-week-grace-period</a></p>
<p>Housing Bill / Transit DNA (21st Century ROAD to Housing Act)</p>
<p>Bipartisan Policy Center: <a href='https://bipartisanpolicy.org/issue-brief/inside-the-deal-whats-in-the-final-21st-century-road-to-housing-act/'>https://bipartisanpolicy.org/issue-brief/inside-the-deal-whats-in-the-final-21st-century-road-to-housing-act/</a><br>
Newsweek (signing standoff / 10-day clock): <a href='https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-unimportant-housing-bill-claims-assessed-12138983'>https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-unimportant-housing-bill-claims-assessed-12138983</a></p>
<p>Penn Station Turf War</p>
<p>Streetsblog NYC: <a href='https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2026/06/29/the-explainer-why-the-penn-station-project-is-getting-all-messed-up-again'>https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2026/06/29/the-explainer-why-the-penn-station-project-is-getting-all-messed-up-again</a></p>
<p> </p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/kekxrxrgqjd3nxvd/transportopia_news_and_views_2607078go7u.mp3" length="3355812" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Transportopia News and Views Bonus episode between full shows examines four major transit stories: a record-breaking ridership surge during the 2026 World Cup across U.S. host cities; Brightline’s narrow escape from missed payments as it wrestles with $5.5 billion in debt; the near-certainty that the 21st Century Road to Housing Act will become law, linking zoning and transit planning; and a public feud between Amtrak and the MTA over control and funding of the Penn Station overhaul.
Host Rick L'Amie ties these stories together via a common thread of money and power — who pays for transit, who controls it, and whether short-term wins (like World Cup ridership) can translate into lasting change. Visit transportopia.org for show notes and more.
Show Notes: Story Sources
World Cup Ridership Records
Sound Transit / FOX 13 Seattle: https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/world-cup-sound-transit-ridership-record
Brightline Dodges Default
The Bond Buyer: https://www.bondbuyer.com/news/brightline-florida-squeaks-by-debt-payments-gains-two-week-grace-period
Housing Bill / Transit DNA (21st Century ROAD to Housing Act)
Bipartisan Policy Center: https://bipartisanpolicy.org/issue-brief/inside-the-deal-whats-in-the-final-21st-century-road-to-housing-act/Newsweek (signing standoff / 10-day clock): https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-unimportant-housing-bill-claims-assessed-12138983
Penn Station Turf War
Streetsblog NYC: https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2026/06/29/the-explainer-why-the-penn-station-project-is-getting-all-messed-up-again
 ]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>419</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>36</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:transcript url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/5pxdet5nw5xgmfuq/transportopia_news_and_views_2607078go7u-y3h7ay-Optimized.srt" type="application/srt" /><podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/xqb9bdwvfswwujxs/transportopia_news_and_views_2607078go7u_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Encore Episode: Beyond the Headlines - Designing Transit That Feels Safe</title>
        <itunes:title>Encore Episode: Beyond the Headlines - Designing Transit That Feels Safe</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/beyond-the-headlines-designing-transit-that-feels-safe/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/beyond-the-headlines-designing-transit-that-feels-safe/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/5ab4f76f-f60f-3cf2-89ed-31843ef04cca</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>This encore episode of Transportopia features Professor Anastasia Lukaitou‑Sideris discussing transit safety after a high‑profile incident in Charlotte. The conversation with Host Rick L'Amie focuses on how design, lighting, visibility, targeted staffing, technology, and community partnerships can reduce both crime and the fear of crime for riders and operators.</p>
<p>Professor Lukaitou‑Sideris highlights practical steps agencies can take now—safety audits, strategic resource allocation, environmental design changes, and clinician partnerships—to create transit spaces that feel open, welcoming, and secure, with special attention to women’s experiences.</p>
<p>Show Notes:</p>
<p><a href='https://luskin.ucla.edu/person/anastasia-loukaitou-sideris'>Professor Lukaitou-Sideris UCLA web page bio</a></p>
<p><a href='https://www.charlottenc.gov/CATS/News/Reductions-in-Transit-Crime-and-Assaults-Following-Strategic-Security-Enhancements'>Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) Crime Report News Release</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This encore episode of Transportopia features Professor Anastasia Lukaitou‑Sideris discussing transit safety after a high‑profile incident in Charlotte. The conversation with Host Rick L'Amie focuses on how design, lighting, visibility, targeted staffing, technology, and community partnerships can reduce both crime and the fear of crime for riders and operators.</p>
<p>Professor Lukaitou‑Sideris highlights practical steps agencies can take now—safety audits, strategic resource allocation, environmental design changes, and clinician partnerships—to create transit spaces that feel open, welcoming, and secure, with special attention to women’s experiences.</p>
<p>Show Notes:</p>
<p><a href='https://luskin.ucla.edu/person/anastasia-loukaitou-sideris'>Professor Lukaitou-Sideris UCLA web page bio</a></p>
<p><a href='https://www.charlottenc.gov/CATS/News/Reductions-in-Transit-Crime-and-Assaults-Following-Strategic-Security-Enhancements'>Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) Crime Report News Release</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/ryvq7icdmszzx3gd/_transit_crime_encore_260629_transportopia_studi880bs.mp3" length="10991299" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[This encore episode of Transportopia features Professor Anastasia Lukaitou‑Sideris discussing transit safety after a high‑profile incident in Charlotte. The conversation with Host Rick L'Amie focuses on how design, lighting, visibility, targeted staffing, technology, and community partnerships can reduce both crime and the fear of crime for riders and operators.
Professor Lukaitou‑Sideris highlights practical steps agencies can take now—safety audits, strategic resource allocation, environmental design changes, and clinician partnerships—to create transit spaces that feel open, welcoming, and secure, with special attention to women’s experiences.
Show Notes:
Professor Lukaitou-Sideris UCLA web page bio
Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) Crime Report News Release
 
 ]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>1373</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>35</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:transcript url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/uqh3htaq5m7c7wa9/_transit_crime_encore_260629_transportopia_studi880bs-tts869-Optimized.srt" type="application/srt" /><podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/2zfbai9vvzeawqi7/_transit_crime_encore_260629_transportopia_studi880bs_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>News and Views - When the World Cup Rode Transit: Record Crowds, Real Impact</title>
        <itunes:title>News and Views - When the World Cup Rode Transit: Record Crowds, Real Impact</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/when-the-world-cup-rode-transit-record-crowds-real-impact/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/when-the-world-cup-rode-transit-record-crowds-real-impact/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:30:49 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/2f859379-9947-3d17-b382-753d1273235c</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>The World Cup drove unprecedented transit ridership across U.S. host cities, while New York unveiled an $8 billion redesign for Penn Station that mixes grandeur with controversy. Meanwhile, a proposed federal bill could cut transit funding just as Bogota launches its long-awaited metro, highlighting the stakes for transit investment and political will.</p>
<p>Transportopia News and Views with Rick L'Amie - our bonus episode between full episodes - breaks down these top stories and what they mean for the future of public transportation.</p>
<p>SOURCES / SHOW NOTES</p>
<p>
1. World Cup Drives Record Transit Ridership — APTA Passenger Transport / Metro Magazine, June 2026
<a href='https://aptapassengertransport.com/bay-area-partnership-a-success-for-world-cup-opener-record-breaking-ridership/'>https://aptapassengertransport.com/bay-area-partnership-a-success-for-world-cup-opener-record-breaking-ridership/</a>
2. Penn Station $8B Redesign Unveiled — PBS NewsHour, June 10, 2026
<a href='https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/new-yorks-penn-station-to-get-8-billion-remodel-with-columns-sunlight-and-trumps-name'>https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/new-yorks-penn-station-to-get-8-billion-remodel-with-columns-sunlight-and-trumps-name</a>
3. BUILD America 250 Act Analysis — Urban Institute, June 11, 2026
<a href='https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/congresss-transportation-reauthorization-bill-would-drastically-underfund-transit-and'>https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/congresss-transportation-reauthorization-bill-would-drastically-underfund-transit-and</a></p>
<p>4. Bogotá Tests First Rail Metro — High Speed via NJTOD, June 1, 2026</p>
<p><a href='https://www.highspeed.blog/bogota-gets-its-metro/?ref=high-speed-newsletter'>https://www.highspeed.blog/bogota-gets-its-metro/?ref=high-speed-newsletter</a></p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The World Cup drove unprecedented transit ridership across U.S. host cities, while New York unveiled an $8 billion redesign for Penn Station that mixes grandeur with controversy. Meanwhile, a proposed federal bill could cut transit funding just as Bogota launches its long-awaited metro, highlighting the stakes for transit investment and political will.</p>
<p>Transportopia News and Views with Rick L'Amie - our bonus episode between full episodes - breaks down these top stories and what they mean for the future of public transportation.</p>
<p>SOURCES / SHOW NOTES</p>
<p><br>
1. World Cup Drives Record Transit Ridership — APTA Passenger Transport / Metro Magazine, June 2026<br>
<a href='https://aptapassengertransport.com/bay-area-partnership-a-success-for-world-cup-opener-record-breaking-ridership/'>https://aptapassengertransport.com/bay-area-partnership-a-success-for-world-cup-opener-record-breaking-ridership/</a><br>
2. Penn Station $8B Redesign Unveiled — PBS NewsHour, June 10, 2026<br>
<a href='https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/new-yorks-penn-station-to-get-8-billion-remodel-with-columns-sunlight-and-trumps-name'>https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/new-yorks-penn-station-to-get-8-billion-remodel-with-columns-sunlight-and-trumps-name</a><br>
3. BUILD America 250 Act Analysis — Urban Institute, June 11, 2026<br>
<a href='https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/congresss-transportation-reauthorization-bill-would-drastically-underfund-transit-and'>https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/congresss-transportation-reauthorization-bill-would-drastically-underfund-transit-and</a></p>
<p>4. Bogotá Tests First Rail Metro — High Speed via NJTOD, June 1, 2026</p>
<p><a href='https://www.highspeed.blog/bogota-gets-its-metro/?ref=high-speed-newsletter'>https://www.highspeed.blog/bogota-gets-its-metro/?ref=high-speed-newsletter</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/9qefh6kjcvgymwte/260623_Transportopia_news_and_viewsbt2eo.mp3" length="4018277" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[The World Cup drove unprecedented transit ridership across U.S. host cities, while New York unveiled an $8 billion redesign for Penn Station that mixes grandeur with controversy. Meanwhile, a proposed federal bill could cut transit funding just as Bogota launches its long-awaited metro, highlighting the stakes for transit investment and political will.
Transportopia News and Views with Rick L'Amie - our bonus episode between full episodes - breaks down these top stories and what they mean for the future of public transportation.
SOURCES / SHOW NOTES
1. World Cup Drives Record Transit Ridership — APTA Passenger Transport / Metro Magazine, June 2026https://aptapassengertransport.com/bay-area-partnership-a-success-for-world-cup-opener-record-breaking-ridership/2. Penn Station $8B Redesign Unveiled — PBS NewsHour, June 10, 2026https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/new-yorks-penn-station-to-get-8-billion-remodel-with-columns-sunlight-and-trumps-name3. BUILD America 250 Act Analysis — Urban Institute, June 11, 2026https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/congresss-transportation-reauthorization-bill-would-drastically-underfund-transit-and
4. Bogotá Tests First Rail Metro — High Speed via NJTOD, June 1, 2026
https://www.highspeed.blog/bogota-gets-its-metro/?ref=high-speed-newsletter]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>502</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>34</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:transcript url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/g9crrjhgnh57yf3p/260623_Transportopia_news_and_viewsbt2eo-yaipt3-Optimized.srt" type="application/srt" /><podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/wfepqrrnhyq3hfyw/260623_Transportopia_news_and_viewsbt2eo_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>When Buses Drive Themselves: The Quiet AV Revolution</title>
        <itunes:title>When Buses Drive Themselves: The Quiet AV Revolution</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/when-buses-drive-themselves-the-quiet-av-revolution/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/when-buses-drive-themselves-the-quiet-av-revolution/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2026 19:07:26 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/b5ba2fd3-b195-3b89-bb4f-a586c4c4c031</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>This episode of Transportopia explores <a href='https://imagry.co/'>Imagry</a>'s camera-and-AI autonomous bus system and its focus on solving the global shortage of bus drivers and improving public transit. The Israeli-based tech startup with offices in San Jose, CA will soon launch its first US autonomous bus deployments in Florida and Nevada.</p>
<p>Host Rick L'Amie interviews <a href='https://imagry.co/'>Imagry</a> CEO Eran Ofir about mapless, on-board autonomy, safety testing, real-world deployments, and how autonomous buses could reduce congestion and reshape cities. </p>
<p>Show Notes</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">IMAGRY
<a href='https://imagry.co/'>https://imagry.co/</a></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">VIDEOS
L3 Autonomous Bus on Public Roads (Israel)
<a href='https://youtu.be/jnaTUn7PvFw'>https://youtu.be/jnaTUn7PvFw</a></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">Mixed Car/Bus Demo Drives
<a href='https://youtu.be/TzxnC8D7h5M'>https://youtu.be/TzxnC8D7h5M</a></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">San Jose Urban Driving
<a href='https://youtu.be/hu_xPdBHhX8'>https://youtu.be/hu_xPdBHhX8</a></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">NCAP Safety Testing
<a href='https://youtu.be/XRuFQDkYa5Q'>https://youtu.be/XRuFQDkYa5Q</a></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">ARTICLES
PAVE Campaign — 5 Questions with Eran Ofir
<a href='https://pavecampaign.org/5-questions-with-eran-ofir-ceo-of-imagry/'>https://pavecampaign.org/5-questions-with-eran-ofir-ceo-of-imagry/</a></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">The Curbivore — To Map or Not to Map
<a href='https://www.thecurbivore.com/p/to-map-or-not-to-map'>https://www.thecurbivore.com/p/to-map-or-not-to-map</a></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">New Polis — The Journey of Autonomous Buses
<a href='https://newpolis.media/the-journey-of-autonomous-buses-interview-with-eran-ofir-ceo-of-imagry/'>https://newpolis.media/the-journey-of-autonomous-buses-interview-with-eran-ofir-ceo-of-imagry/</a></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">S&amp;P Global — Congress Weighs AV Safety Law
<a href='https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/articles/2026/2/as-congress-weighs-autonomous-vehicle-safety-law-industry-split-on-proof-points-97424966'>https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/articles/2026/2/as-congress-weighs-autonomous-vehicle-safety-law-industry-split-on-proof-points-97424966</a></p>
<p> </p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This episode of Transportopia explores <a href='https://imagry.co/'>Imagry</a>'s camera-and-AI autonomous bus system and its focus on solving the global shortage of bus drivers and improving public transit. The Israeli-based tech startup with offices in San Jose, CA will soon launch its first US autonomous bus deployments in Florida and Nevada.</p>
<p>Host Rick L'Amie interviews <a href='https://imagry.co/'>Imagry</a> CEO Eran Ofir about mapless, on-board autonomy, safety testing, real-world deployments, and how autonomous buses could reduce congestion and reshape cities. </p>
<p>Show Notes</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">IMAGRY<br>
<a href='https://imagry.co/'>https://imagry.co/</a></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">VIDEOS<br>
L3 Autonomous Bus on Public Roads (Israel)<br>
<a href='https://youtu.be/jnaTUn7PvFw'>https://youtu.be/jnaTUn7PvFw</a></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">Mixed Car/Bus Demo Drives<br>
<a href='https://youtu.be/TzxnC8D7h5M'>https://youtu.be/TzxnC8D7h5M</a></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">San Jose Urban Driving<br>
<a href='https://youtu.be/hu_xPdBHhX8'>https://youtu.be/hu_xPdBHhX8</a></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">NCAP Safety Testing<br>
<a href='https://youtu.be/XRuFQDkYa5Q'>https://youtu.be/XRuFQDkYa5Q</a></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">ARTICLES<br>
PAVE Campaign — 5 Questions with Eran Ofir<br>
<a href='https://pavecampaign.org/5-questions-with-eran-ofir-ceo-of-imagry/'>https://pavecampaign.org/5-questions-with-eran-ofir-ceo-of-imagry/</a></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">The Curbivore — To Map or Not to Map<br>
<a href='https://www.thecurbivore.com/p/to-map-or-not-to-map'>https://www.thecurbivore.com/p/to-map-or-not-to-map</a></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">New Polis — The Journey of Autonomous Buses<br>
<a href='https://newpolis.media/the-journey-of-autonomous-buses-interview-with-eran-ofir-ceo-of-imagry/'>https://newpolis.media/the-journey-of-autonomous-buses-interview-with-eran-ofir-ceo-of-imagry/</a></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">S&amp;P Global — Congress Weighs AV Safety Law<br>
<a href='https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/articles/2026/2/as-congress-weighs-autonomous-vehicle-safety-law-industry-split-on-proof-points-97424966'>https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/articles/2026/2/as-congress-weighs-autonomous-vehicle-safety-law-industry-split-on-proof-points-97424966</a></p>
<p> </p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/kifvvjnjrg5qg6qt/Episode_33_Erin_Ofir_Imagry6iojb.mp3" length="12153226" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[This episode of Transportopia explores Imagry's camera-and-AI autonomous bus system and its focus on solving the global shortage of bus drivers and improving public transit. The Israeli-based tech startup with offices in San Jose, CA will soon launch its first US autonomous bus deployments in Florida and Nevada.
Host Rick L'Amie interviews Imagry CEO Eran Ofir about mapless, on-board autonomy, safety testing, real-world deployments, and how autonomous buses could reduce congestion and reshape cities. 
Show Notes
IMAGRYhttps://imagry.co/
VIDEOSL3 Autonomous Bus on Public Roads (Israel)https://youtu.be/jnaTUn7PvFw
Mixed Car/Bus Demo Driveshttps://youtu.be/TzxnC8D7h5M
San Jose Urban Drivinghttps://youtu.be/hu_xPdBHhX8
NCAP Safety Testinghttps://youtu.be/XRuFQDkYa5Q
ARTICLESPAVE Campaign — 5 Questions with Eran Ofirhttps://pavecampaign.org/5-questions-with-eran-ofir-ceo-of-imagry/
The Curbivore — To Map or Not to Maphttps://www.thecurbivore.com/p/to-map-or-not-to-map
New Polis — The Journey of Autonomous Buseshttps://newpolis.media/the-journey-of-autonomous-buses-interview-with-eran-ofir-ceo-of-imagry/
S&amp;P Global — Congress Weighs AV Safety Lawhttps://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/articles/2026/2/as-congress-weighs-autonomous-vehicle-safety-law-industry-split-on-proof-points-97424966
 ]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>1519</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>33</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:transcript url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/ghedkfpvvun6r72b/Episode_33_Erin_Ofir_Imagry6iojb-737naj-Optimized.srt" type="application/srt" /><podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/jhsa8ipa43g66w28/Episode_33_Erin_Ofir_Imagry6iojb_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>News and Views: A Century-Old Subway Promise Finally Delivered</title>
        <itunes:title>News and Views: A Century-Old Subway Promise Finally Delivered</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/transportopianewsandviews_june_06_26/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/transportopianewsandviews_june_06_26/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2026 09:26:32 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/a53f7b1e-c5c4-380a-9b38-b91402f810a8</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>In this bonus News and Views episode, Rick L'Amie breaks down four major transit stories: the historic groundbreaking for Phase 2 of the 2nd Avenue Subway in East Harlem, Illinois’ creation of a powerful new regional transit authority, Brightline’s looming bankruptcy, and Sonoma-Marin voters extending rail funding for SMART.</p>
<p>Taken together these stories show how public, private, and local choices are shaping the future of American transit right now — from century-old promises finally delivered to experiments that may be failing and voters who still back long-term rail investment.</p>
<p>Sources:</p>
<ol>
<li>Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 Breaks Ground — ABC7 NY / Governor's Office of New York, June 8, 2026</li>
</ol>
<p><a href='https://abc7ny.com/post/second-ave-subway-project-governor-hochul-announce-phase-avenue-expansion/19256113/'>https://abc7ny.com/post/second-ave-subway-project-governor-hochul-announce-phase-avenue-expansion/19256113/</a></p>
<ol start="2">
<li>Illinois NITA Act Takes Effect — Chicago Sun-Times, June 1, 2026</li>
</ol>
<p><a href='https://chicago.suntimes.com/transportation/2026/06/01/nita-rta-transit-law-cta-metra-pace'>https://chicago.suntimes.com/transportation/2026/06/01/nita-rta-transit-law-cta-metra-pace</a></p>
<ol start="3">
<li>Brightline on the Verge of Bankruptcy — Streetsblog USA, June 5, 2026</li>
</ol>
<p><a href='https://usa.streetsblog.org/2026/06/05/fridays-headlines-are-getting-dim'>https://usa.streetsblog.org/2026/06/05/fridays-headlines-are-getting-dim</a></p>
<ol start="4">
<li>SMART Measure B Passes — KQED, June 2–3, 2026</li>
</ol>
<p><a href='https://www.kqed.org/news/12085563/early-returns-show-strong-support-for-smart-tax-extension-in-sonoma-marin'>https://www.kqed.org/news/12085563/early-returns-show-strong-support-for-smart-tax-extension-in-sonoma-marin</a></p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this bonus News and Views episode, Rick L'Amie breaks down four major transit stories: the historic groundbreaking for Phase 2 of the 2nd Avenue Subway in East Harlem, Illinois’ creation of a powerful new regional transit authority, Brightline’s looming bankruptcy, and Sonoma-Marin voters extending rail funding for SMART.</p>
<p>Taken together these stories show how public, private, and local choices are shaping the future of American transit right now — from century-old promises finally delivered to experiments that may be failing and voters who still back long-term rail investment.</p>
<p>Sources:</p>
<ol>
<li>Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 Breaks Ground — ABC7 NY / Governor's Office of New York, June 8, 2026</li>
</ol>
<p><a href='https://abc7ny.com/post/second-ave-subway-project-governor-hochul-announce-phase-avenue-expansion/19256113/'>https://abc7ny.com/post/second-ave-subway-project-governor-hochul-announce-phase-avenue-expansion/19256113/</a></p>
<ol start="2">
<li>Illinois NITA Act Takes Effect — Chicago Sun-Times, June 1, 2026</li>
</ol>
<p><a href='https://chicago.suntimes.com/transportation/2026/06/01/nita-rta-transit-law-cta-metra-pace'>https://chicago.suntimes.com/transportation/2026/06/01/nita-rta-transit-law-cta-metra-pace</a></p>
<ol start="3">
<li>Brightline on the Verge of Bankruptcy — Streetsblog USA, June 5, 2026</li>
</ol>
<p><a href='https://usa.streetsblog.org/2026/06/05/fridays-headlines-are-getting-dim'>https://usa.streetsblog.org/2026/06/05/fridays-headlines-are-getting-dim</a></p>
<ol start="4">
<li>SMART Measure B Passes — KQED, June 2–3, 2026</li>
</ol>
<p><a href='https://www.kqed.org/news/12085563/early-returns-show-strong-support-for-smart-tax-extension-in-sonoma-marin'>https://www.kqed.org/news/12085563/early-returns-show-strong-support-for-smart-tax-extension-in-sonoma-marin</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/bfvczj28xdi6kyf7/News_and_Views_2606097dic0.mp3" length="3170238" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this bonus News and Views episode, Rick L'Amie breaks down four major transit stories: the historic groundbreaking for Phase 2 of the 2nd Avenue Subway in East Harlem, Illinois’ creation of a powerful new regional transit authority, Brightline’s looming bankruptcy, and Sonoma-Marin voters extending rail funding for SMART.
Taken together these stories show how public, private, and local choices are shaping the future of American transit right now — from century-old promises finally delivered to experiments that may be failing and voters who still back long-term rail investment.
Sources:

Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 Breaks Ground — ABC7 NY / Governor's Office of New York, June 8, 2026

https://abc7ny.com/post/second-ave-subway-project-governor-hochul-announce-phase-avenue-expansion/19256113/

Illinois NITA Act Takes Effect — Chicago Sun-Times, June 1, 2026

https://chicago.suntimes.com/transportation/2026/06/01/nita-rta-transit-law-cta-metra-pace

Brightline on the Verge of Bankruptcy — Streetsblog USA, June 5, 2026

https://usa.streetsblog.org/2026/06/05/fridays-headlines-are-getting-dim

SMART Measure B Passes — KQED, June 2–3, 2026

https://www.kqed.org/news/12085563/early-returns-show-strong-support-for-smart-tax-extension-in-sonoma-marin]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>396</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>32</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:transcript url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/43avecniq84bduat/News_and_Views_2606097dic0-jywx4x-Optimized.srt" type="application/srt" /><podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/s93bjszktct2n3mi/News_and_Views_2606097dic0_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Take the Train: Confessions of a G-Train Devotee</title>
        <itunes:title>Take the Train: Confessions of a G-Train Devotee</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/take-the-train-confessions-of-a-g-train-devotee/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/take-the-train-confessions-of-a-g-train-devotee/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/63363036-b5df-3d9a-b091-04b2dc9eb6f9</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Transportopia host Rick L'Amie rides the G and 7 with his daughter Lauren as she describes life as a longtime New York City transit rider. They discuss the quirky G train jog, seasonal shutdowns, and the city’s 24-hour subway that makes car-free living possible.</p>
<p>Lauren reflects on moving from Austin, selling her car, and how transit shapes daily life — from schlepping furniture on the train to mourning the MetroCard as the system moves to OMNY. She also dispels myths about subway safety and urges newcomers: take the train.</p>
<p id="560r3301" class="_0f3Qo bceXv">SHOW NOTES — REFERENCES &amp; LINKS</p>
<p id="tcpek303" class="_0f3Qo bceXv"></p>
<p id="gzar4307" class="_0f3Qo bceXv">The MTA — <a href='https://www.mta.info/'>mta.info</a> (official site, all NYC subway info)</p>
<p id="j062v309" class="_0f3Qo bceXv">The G train service page the notorious service change closings for 2026— <a href='https://www.mta.info/article/service-changes-g-line-2026'>https://www.mta.info/article/service-changes-g-line-2026</a></p>
<p id="j2ez6311" class="_0f3Qo bceXv">OMNY (tap-to-pay) — <a href='https://omny.info/'>omny.info</a> (MTA’s contactless fare system)</p>
<p id="6xl5y313" class="_0f3Qo bceXv">End of the MetroCard — <a href='https://www.mta.info/press-release/mta-partners-iconic-culinary-vendors-celebrate-end-of-metrocard'>https://www.mta.info/press-release/mta-partners-iconic-culinary-vendors-celebrate-end-of-metrocard</a> (MTA’s official MetroCard sunset announcement*)</p>
<p id="t7g0y315" class="_0f3Qo bceXv">New York City Transit Museum — <a href='https://www.nytransitmuseum.org/'>nytransitmuseum.org</a> (the place to go for token, MetroCard, and subway history)</p>
<p id="fplch317" class="_0f3Qo bceXv">Austin, Texas</p>
<p id="uzhis319" class="_0f3Qo bceXv">Capital Metro (Cap Metro) — <a href='https://www.capmetro.org/'>capmetro.org</a> (Austin’s public transit agency)</p>
<p id="mcat5321" class="_0f3Qo bceXv">Cap MetroRail Red Line — <a href='http://httpscapmetro.org/rail'>capmetro.org/rail</a> (the commuter rail line referenced in the episode)</p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Transportopia host Rick L'Amie rides the G and 7 with his daughter Lauren as she describes life as a longtime New York City transit rider. They discuss the quirky G train jog, seasonal shutdowns, and the city’s 24-hour subway that makes car-free living possible.</p>
<p>Lauren reflects on moving from Austin, selling her car, and how transit shapes daily life — from schlepping furniture on the train to mourning the MetroCard as the system moves to OMNY. She also dispels myths about subway safety and urges newcomers: take the train.</p>
<p id="560r3301" class="_0f3Qo bceXv">SHOW NOTES — REFERENCES &amp; LINKS</p>
<p id="tcpek303" class="_0f3Qo bceXv"></p>
<p id="gzar4307" class="_0f3Qo bceXv">The MTA — <a href='https://www.mta.info/'>mta.info</a> (official site, all NYC subway info)</p>
<p id="j062v309" class="_0f3Qo bceXv">The G train service page the notorious service change closings for 2026— <a href='https://www.mta.info/article/service-changes-g-line-2026'>https://www.mta.info/article/service-changes-g-line-2026</a></p>
<p id="j2ez6311" class="_0f3Qo bceXv">OMNY (tap-to-pay) — <a href='https://omny.info/'>omny.info</a> (MTA’s contactless fare system)</p>
<p id="6xl5y313" class="_0f3Qo bceXv">End of the MetroCard — <a href='https://www.mta.info/press-release/mta-partners-iconic-culinary-vendors-celebrate-end-of-metrocard'>https://www.mta.info/press-release/mta-partners-iconic-culinary-vendors-celebrate-end-of-metrocard</a> (MTA’s official MetroCard sunset announcement*)</p>
<p id="t7g0y315" class="_0f3Qo bceXv">New York City Transit Museum — <a href='https://www.nytransitmuseum.org/'>nytransitmuseum.org</a> (the place to go for token, MetroCard, and subway history)</p>
<p id="fplch317" class="_0f3Qo bceXv">Austin, Texas</p>
<p id="uzhis319" class="_0f3Qo bceXv">Capital Metro (Cap Metro) — <a href='https://www.capmetro.org/'>capmetro.org</a> (Austin’s public transit agency)</p>
<p id="mcat5321" class="_0f3Qo bceXv">Cap MetroRail Red Line — <a href='http://httpscapmetro.org/rail'>capmetro.org/rail</a> (the commuter rail line referenced in the episode)</p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/2ffgpqjfan4xpn9h/New_York_Transit_Rider_Lauren_L_Amie6tpb2.mp3" length="9548504" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[Transportopia host Rick L'Amie rides the G and 7 with his daughter Lauren as she describes life as a longtime New York City transit rider. They discuss the quirky G train jog, seasonal shutdowns, and the city’s 24-hour subway that makes car-free living possible.
Lauren reflects on moving from Austin, selling her car, and how transit shapes daily life — from schlepping furniture on the train to mourning the MetroCard as the system moves to OMNY. She also dispels myths about subway safety and urges newcomers: take the train.
SHOW NOTES — REFERENCES &amp; LINKS

The MTA — mta.info (official site, all NYC subway info)
The G train service page the notorious service change closings for 2026— https://www.mta.info/article/service-changes-g-line-2026
OMNY (tap-to-pay) — omny.info (MTA’s contactless fare system)
End of the MetroCard — https://www.mta.info/press-release/mta-partners-iconic-culinary-vendors-celebrate-end-of-metrocard (MTA’s official MetroCard sunset announcement*)
New York City Transit Museum — nytransitmuseum.org (the place to go for token, MetroCard, and subway history)
Austin, Texas
Capital Metro (Cap Metro) — capmetro.org (Austin’s public transit agency)
Cap MetroRail Red Line — capmetro.org/rail (the commuter rail line referenced in the episode)]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>1193</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>31</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:transcript url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/gctnpbdbazprx4de/New_York_Transit_Rider_Lauren_L_Amie6tpb2-953rap-Optimized.srt" type="application/srt" /><podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/hfvc56jwkj8nd586/New_York_Transit_Rider_Lauren_L_Amie6tpb2_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>News and Views May 26. 2026: Build America 250: $580B Reauthorization Shapes Transit's Next Five Years</title>
        <itunes:title>News and Views May 26. 2026: Build America 250: $580B Reauthorization Shapes Transit's Next Five Years</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/news-and-views-build-america-250-580b-reauthorization/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/news-and-views-build-america-250-580b-reauthorization/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 26 May 2026 09:21:16 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/88327ec0-6224-3d50-9e25-ef19967b0ca1</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>This episode of Transportopia News and Views breaks down the biggest surface transportation bill in years, New York’s congestion pricing first-year results, California’s controversial 140 mph bullet-bus study, and the winners of the 2026 International Bus Roadeo in Salt Lake City.</p>
<p>Host Rick L’Amie connects policy headlines with real-world practice, highlighting how funding, results, speed, and the people who run transit intersect — and teases a ride-along episode in New York City with his daughter coming next week.</p>
<p>SOURCES / SHOW NOTES</p>
<p>
1. BUILD America 250 Act Advances — House T&amp;I Committee, May 22, 2026
<a href='https://democrats-transportation.house.gov/news/press-releases/tandi-committee-approves-build-america-250-act'>https://democrats-transportation.house.gov/news/press-releases/tandi-committee-approves-build-america-250-act</a>
2. NYC Congestion Pricing One-Year Results — WBUR Here &amp; Now, May 18, 2026
<a href='https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2026/05/18/nyc-congestion-pricing'>https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2026/05/18/nyc-congestion-pricing</a>
3. CalTrans Studies 140 MPH "Bullet Buses" — Streetsblog USA, May 18, 2026
<a href='https://www.sfchronicle.com/california/article/high-speed-rail-california-22267442.php'>https://www.sfchronicle.com/california/article/high-speed-rail-california-22267442.php</a>
4. APTA Mobility Conference &amp; International Bus Roadeo — APTA Passenger Transport, May 2026
<a href='https://aptapassengertransport.com/apta-kicks-off-mobility-conference-in-salt-lake-city/'>https://aptapassengertransport.com/apta-kicks-off-mobility-conference-in-salt-lake-city/</a></p>
<p> </p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This episode of Transportopia News and Views breaks down the biggest surface transportation bill in years, New York’s congestion pricing first-year results, California’s controversial 140 mph bullet-bus study, and the winners of the 2026 International Bus Roadeo in Salt Lake City.</p>
<p>Host Rick L’Amie connects policy headlines with real-world practice, highlighting how funding, results, speed, and the people who run transit intersect — and teases a ride-along episode in New York City with his daughter coming next week.</p>
<p>SOURCES / SHOW NOTES</p>
<p><br>
1. BUILD America 250 Act Advances — House T&amp;I Committee, May 22, 2026<br>
<a href='https://democrats-transportation.house.gov/news/press-releases/tandi-committee-approves-build-america-250-act'>https://democrats-transportation.house.gov/news/press-releases/tandi-committee-approves-build-america-250-act</a><br>
2. NYC Congestion Pricing One-Year Results — WBUR Here &amp; Now, May 18, 2026<br>
<a href='https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2026/05/18/nyc-congestion-pricing'>https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2026/05/18/nyc-congestion-pricing</a><br>
3. CalTrans Studies 140 MPH "Bullet Buses" — Streetsblog USA, May 18, 2026<br>
<a href='https://www.sfchronicle.com/california/article/high-speed-rail-california-22267442.php'>https://www.sfchronicle.com/california/article/high-speed-rail-california-22267442.php</a><br>
4. APTA Mobility Conference &amp; International Bus Roadeo — APTA Passenger Transport, May 2026<br>
<a href='https://aptapassengertransport.com/apta-kicks-off-mobility-conference-in-salt-lake-city/'>https://aptapassengertransport.com/apta-kicks-off-mobility-conference-in-salt-lake-city/</a></p>
<p> </p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/3efiemh9ymn72w4b/6a15a9b6bd2f1b870d977c67.mp3" length="3575449" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[This episode of Transportopia News and Views breaks down the biggest surface transportation bill in years, New York’s congestion pricing first-year results, California’s controversial 140 mph bullet-bus study, and the winners of the 2026 International Bus Roadeo in Salt Lake City.
Host Rick L’Amie connects policy headlines with real-world practice, highlighting how funding, results, speed, and the people who run transit intersect — and teases a ride-along episode in New York City with his daughter coming next week.
SOURCES / SHOW NOTES
1. BUILD America 250 Act Advances — House T&amp;I Committee, May 22, 2026https://democrats-transportation.house.gov/news/press-releases/tandi-committee-approves-build-america-250-act2. NYC Congestion Pricing One-Year Results — WBUR Here &amp; Now, May 18, 2026https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2026/05/18/nyc-congestion-pricing3. CalTrans Studies 140 MPH "Bullet Buses" — Streetsblog USA, May 18, 2026https://www.sfchronicle.com/california/article/high-speed-rail-california-22267442.php4. APTA Mobility Conference &amp; International Bus Roadeo — APTA Passenger Transport, May 2026https://aptapassengertransport.com/apta-kicks-off-mobility-conference-in-salt-lake-city/
 ]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>446</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>30</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:transcript url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/pifhcfjfv8fjuihg/6a15a9b6bd2f1b870d977c67-ahs3x3-Optimized.srt" type="application/srt" /><podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/ptv7g7k5hsfxd79m/6a15a9b6bd2f1b870d977c67_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Inside the Wild World of Transit Fandom</title>
        <itunes:title>Inside the Wild World of Transit Fandom</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/transportopia-inside-the-wild-world-of-transit-fandom/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/transportopia-inside-the-wild-world-of-transit-fandom/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2026 03:35:56 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/f7fb1747-86c8-3b2a-87ea-0373c0a1c92e</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Transportopia, Rick L'Amie dives into transit fandom—from viral personalities like <a href='https://www.instagram.com/francis_bourgeois43/'>Francis Bourgeois</a> and creators like <a href='https://www.youtube.com/c/milesintransit'>Miles in Transit</a> to virtual communities on Roblox, simulation games like Mini Metro and Subway Builder, and transit-inspired art and collectibles.</p>
<p>He explores how these hobbies create emotional connections to cities, transform transit into visual culture and community, and show how movement, memory, and design bring people together.</p>
Show Notes / Links
<p>Transit Fandom Articles</p>
<p>The New Yorker - Where Transit Fans Unite</p>
<p><a href='https://www.newyorker.com/culture/rabbit-holes/where-transit-fans-unite'>https://www.newyorker.com/culture/rabbit-holes/where-transit-fans-unite</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>San Francisco Standard - Muni and BART superfans</p>
<p><a href='https://sfstandard.com/2025/11/13/muni-bart-public-transit-fans-merch/'>https://sfstandard.com/2025/11/13/muni-bart-public-transit-fans-merch/</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Creators</p>
<p>Francis Bourgeois Instagram</p>
<p><a href='https://www.instagram.com/francis_bourgeois43/'>https://www.instagram.com/francis_bourgeois43/</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Miles in Transit YouTube</p>
<p><a href='https://www.youtube.com/@MilesinTransit'>https://www.youtube.com/@MilesinTransit</a></p>
<p>Seniac YouTube</p>
<p><a href='https://youtu.be/QdAMHBmx_m0?si=7akC6k2McK5JVunO'>https://youtu.be/QdAMHBmx_m0?si=IePBQY13DXrnbaF_</a></p>
<p>Saugat Transit</p>
<p><a href='https://www.saugatransit.com'>https://www.saugatransit.com</a></p>
<p>Saugat Transit Instagram</p>
<p><a href='https://www.instagram.com/saugatransit/'>https://www.instagram.com/saugatransit/</a></p>
<p>Games and Simulations</p>
<p>Mini Metro</p>
<p><a href='https://dinopoloclub.com/games/mini-metro/'>https://dinopoloclub.com/games/mini-metro/</a></p>
<p>Subway Builder</p>
<p><a href='https://www.subwaybuilder.com'>https://www.subwaybuilder.com</a></p>
<p>Metro Board - Design Rules Co.</p>
<p><a href='https://www.designrules.co/'>https://www.designrules.co/</a></p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Transportopia, Rick L'Amie dives into transit fandom—from viral personalities like <a href='https://www.instagram.com/francis_bourgeois43/'>Francis Bourgeois</a> and creators like <a href='https://www.youtube.com/c/milesintransit'>Miles in Transit</a> to virtual communities on Roblox, simulation games like Mini Metro and Subway Builder, and transit-inspired art and collectibles.</p>
<p>He explores how these hobbies create emotional connections to cities, transform transit into visual culture and community, and show how movement, memory, and design bring people together.</p>
Show Notes / Links
<p>Transit Fandom Articles</p>
<p>The New Yorker - Where Transit Fans Unite</p>
<p><a href='https://www.newyorker.com/culture/rabbit-holes/where-transit-fans-unite'>https://www.newyorker.com/culture/rabbit-holes/where-transit-fans-unite</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>San Francisco Standard - Muni and BART superfans</p>
<p><a href='https://sfstandard.com/2025/11/13/muni-bart-public-transit-fans-merch/'>https://sfstandard.com/2025/11/13/muni-bart-public-transit-fans-merch/</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Creators</p>
<p>Francis Bourgeois Instagram</p>
<p><a href='https://www.instagram.com/francis_bourgeois43/'>https://www.instagram.com/francis_bourgeois43/</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Miles in Transit YouTube</p>
<p><a href='https://www.youtube.com/@MilesinTransit'>https://www.youtube.com/@MilesinTransit</a></p>
<p>Seniac YouTube</p>
<p><a href='https://youtu.be/QdAMHBmx_m0?si=7akC6k2McK5JVunO'>https://youtu.be/QdAMHBmx_m0?si=IePBQY13DXrnbaF_</a></p>
<p>Saugat Transit</p>
<p><a href='https://www.saugatransit.com'>https://www.saugatransit.com</a></p>
<p>Saugat Transit Instagram</p>
<p><a href='https://www.instagram.com/saugatransit/'>https://www.instagram.com/saugatransit/</a></p>
<p>Games and Simulations</p>
<p>Mini Metro</p>
<p><a href='https://dinopoloclub.com/games/mini-metro/'>https://dinopoloclub.com/games/mini-metro/</a></p>
<p>Subway Builder</p>
<p><a href='https://www.subwaybuilder.com'>https://www.subwaybuilder.com</a></p>
<p>Metro Board - Design Rules Co.</p>
<p><a href='https://www.designrules.co/'>https://www.designrules.co/</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/pfmqisgnh8ph63p5/Transportopia_Transit_Fandom_26052085pgm.mp3" length="5965549" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of Transportopia, Rick L'Amie dives into transit fandom—from viral personalities like Francis Bourgeois and creators like Miles in Transit to virtual communities on Roblox, simulation games like Mini Metro and Subway Builder, and transit-inspired art and collectibles.
He explores how these hobbies create emotional connections to cities, transform transit into visual culture and community, and show how movement, memory, and design bring people together.
Show Notes / Links
Transit Fandom Articles
The New Yorker - Where Transit Fans Unite
https://www.newyorker.com/culture/rabbit-holes/where-transit-fans-unite
 
San Francisco Standard - Muni and BART superfans
https://sfstandard.com/2025/11/13/muni-bart-public-transit-fans-merch/
 
Creators
Francis Bourgeois Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/francis_bourgeois43/
 
Miles in Transit YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@MilesinTransit
Seniac YouTube
https://youtu.be/QdAMHBmx_m0?si=IePBQY13DXrnbaF_
Saugat Transit
https://www.saugatransit.com
Saugat Transit Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/saugatransit/
Games and Simulations
Mini Metro
https://dinopoloclub.com/games/mini-metro/
Subway Builder
https://www.subwaybuilder.com
Metro Board - Design Rules Co.
https://www.designrules.co/]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>745</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>29</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:transcript url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/a5ymt6fuuz7kb63s/Transportopia_Transit_Fandom_26052085pgm-ifvsfh-Optimized.srt" type="application/srt" /><podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/h3du4tabqu5bn6h4/Transportopia_Transit_Fandom_26052085pgm_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>News and Views: Wilshire's Subway Is Here: LA's Big Leap Under the Car Capital</title>
        <itunes:title>News and Views: Wilshire's Subway Is Here: LA's Big Leap Under the Car Capital</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/newsandviews260514/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/newsandviews260514/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2026 10:58:48 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/e144c76f-ee0d-3561-899d-d71c10699dbe</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Transportopia News and Views we cover three major transport moves: Los Angeles opened new Purple Line subway stations under Wilshire Boulevard, New York City redesigned the Manhattan approach to the Brooklyn Bridge to separate cyclists and pedestrians and announced plans for a 10-mile bike boulevard in Brooklyn, and Denver advanced plans for bus rapid transit on Colorado Boulevard.</p>
<p>These stories show real momentum — built infrastructure arriving and planning progressing — improving safety, access, and alternatives to car travel across U.S. cities. Visit <a href='http://www.transportopia.org'>transportopia.org</a> for show notes, links and podcast extras. And please like us wherever you get your podcasts.</p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Transportopia News and Views we cover three major transport moves: Los Angeles opened new Purple Line subway stations under Wilshire Boulevard, New York City redesigned the Manhattan approach to the Brooklyn Bridge to separate cyclists and pedestrians and announced plans for a 10-mile bike boulevard in Brooklyn, and Denver advanced plans for bus rapid transit on Colorado Boulevard.</p>
<p>These stories show real momentum — built infrastructure arriving and planning progressing — improving safety, access, and alternatives to car travel across U.S. cities. Visit <a href='http://www.transportopia.org'>transportopia.org</a> for show notes, links and podcast extras. And please like us wherever you get your podcasts.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/rassijnhyc3ukvsw/Transportopia_News_and_Views_260514bcsrh.mp3" length="2354173" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of Transportopia News and Views we cover three major transport moves: Los Angeles opened new Purple Line subway stations under Wilshire Boulevard, New York City redesigned the Manhattan approach to the Brooklyn Bridge to separate cyclists and pedestrians and announced plans for a 10-mile bike boulevard in Brooklyn, and Denver advanced plans for bus rapid transit on Colorado Boulevard.
These stories show real momentum — built infrastructure arriving and planning progressing — improving safety, access, and alternatives to car travel across U.S. cities. Visit transportopia.org for show notes, links and podcast extras. And please like us wherever you get your podcasts.]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>294</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>28</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:transcript url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/ak6ry87qq94pb56m/Transportopia_News_and_Views_260514bcsrh-jmykr8-Optimized.srt" type="application/srt" /><podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/pzuxpsaftxksvunn/Transportopia_News_and_Views_260514bcsrh_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Encore Episode: Inside the CX Revolution with Aaron Weinstein</title>
        <itunes:title>Encore Episode: Inside the CX Revolution with Aaron Weinstein</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/transit-cx-revolution-with-aaron-weinstein/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/transit-cx-revolution-with-aaron-weinstein/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 03:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/0a4362d2-5c2c-35cc-a77e-bc50f4d03cf8</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>This Encore episode of Transportopia features Aaron Weinstein, founder of Transit CX, in a conversation about transforming public transit through customer experience. They define CX in the transit context and explore the full door-to-door rider journey, from trip planning and first-mile access to on-board comfort, accessibility, and post-trip interactions.</p>
<p>Aaron and host Rick L'Amie discuss tools like journey mapping, qualitative research, and NPS, how agencies are using CX to shape budgets and culture, and the importance of hearing riders and acting on their feedback. The episode highlights progress, real-world examples, and challenges ahead for making transit more user-centered. Apologies dear listeners for the lower audio quality. It was our first full episode and we were still learning the podcast production ropes!</p>
<p>Learn more at Aaron's website, <a href='https://www.transitcx.org/'>TransitCX.org</a></p>
<p>Follow Transportopia at <a href='https://www.transportopia.org/'>transportopia.org</a></p>
<p> </p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This Encore episode of Transportopia features Aaron Weinstein, founder of Transit CX, in a conversation about transforming public transit through customer experience. They define CX in the transit context and explore the full door-to-door rider journey, from trip planning and first-mile access to on-board comfort, accessibility, and post-trip interactions.</p>
<p>Aaron and host Rick L'Amie discuss tools like journey mapping, qualitative research, and NPS, how agencies are using CX to shape budgets and culture, and the importance of hearing riders and acting on their feedback. The episode highlights progress, real-world examples, and challenges ahead for making transit more user-centered. Apologies dear listeners for the lower audio quality. It was our first full episode and we were still learning the podcast production ropes!</p>
<p>Learn more at Aaron's website, <a href='https://www.transitcx.org/'>TransitCX.org</a></p>
<p>Follow Transportopia at <a href='https://www.transportopia.org/'>transportopia.org</a></p>
<p> </p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/rtp6x448nih4my78/riverside_encore_transportopia_episode_2_the_customer_expe_transportopia_studia13yx.mp3" length="8327436" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[This Encore episode of Transportopia features Aaron Weinstein, founder of Transit CX, in a conversation about transforming public transit through customer experience. They define CX in the transit context and explore the full door-to-door rider journey, from trip planning and first-mile access to on-board comfort, accessibility, and post-trip interactions.
Aaron and host Rick L'Amie discuss tools like journey mapping, qualitative research, and NPS, how agencies are using CX to shape budgets and culture, and the importance of hearing riders and acting on their feedback. The episode highlights progress, real-world examples, and challenges ahead for making transit more user-centered. Apologies dear listeners for the lower audio quality. It was our first full episode and we were still learning the podcast production ropes!
Learn more at Aaron's website, TransitCX.org
Follow Transportopia at transportopia.org
 ]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>1040</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>27</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:transcript url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/c96vd3kh5xhmpjym/riverside_encore_transportopia_episode_2_the_customer_expe_transportopia_studia13yx-kiry2q-Optimized.srt" type="application/srt" /><podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/spg5wyf7zssibmm2/riverside_encore_transportopia_episode_2_the_customer_expe_transportopia_studia13yx_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>News and Views Bonus Episode: Victory in Court: 2nd Avenue Subway Funding Unfrozen</title>
        <itunes:title>News and Views Bonus Episode: Victory in Court: 2nd Avenue Subway Funding Unfrozen</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/victory-in-court-2nd-avenue-subway-funding-unfrozen/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/victory-in-court-2nd-avenue-subway-funding-unfrozen/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/3b5aa013-814c-3cf4-8d2d-a007d6a0c82a</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>This episode of Transportopia News and Views covers four key transit stories: the federal government releasing nearly $60 million for New York's 2nd Avenue subway extension, MARTA launching its Rapid A-Line BRT in Atlanta, Mayor Zoran Mamdani postponing full implementation of his Fast and Free Buses pledge due to budget constraints, and Sacramento Regional Transit studying a redevelopment of a park-and-ride into a mixed-use, transit-oriented district.</p>
<p>Together these stories highlight the tension between ambitious transit goals and the financial and political realities that shape what gets built and when.</p>
<p>Visit <a href='https://www.transportopia.org/'>transportopia.org</a> for the blog and other resources.</p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This episode of Transportopia News and Views covers four key transit stories: the federal government releasing nearly $60 million for New York's 2nd Avenue subway extension, MARTA launching its Rapid A-Line BRT in Atlanta, Mayor Zoran Mamdani postponing full implementation of his Fast and Free Buses pledge due to budget constraints, and Sacramento Regional Transit studying a redevelopment of a park-and-ride into a mixed-use, transit-oriented district.</p>
<p>Together these stories highlight the tension between ambitious transit goals and the financial and political realities that shape what gets built and when.</p>
<p>Visit <a href='https://www.transportopia.org/'>transportopia.org</a> for the blog and other resources.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/rwwezx9r5bvm6wpd/ransportopianewsandviews_Episode_26_April_28_2026a39x2.mp3" length="2488547" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[This episode of Transportopia News and Views covers four key transit stories: the federal government releasing nearly $60 million for New York's 2nd Avenue subway extension, MARTA launching its Rapid A-Line BRT in Atlanta, Mayor Zoran Mamdani postponing full implementation of his Fast and Free Buses pledge due to budget constraints, and Sacramento Regional Transit studying a redevelopment of a park-and-ride into a mixed-use, transit-oriented district.
Together these stories highlight the tension between ambitious transit goals and the financial and political realities that shape what gets built and when.
Visit transportopia.org for the blog and other resources.]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>310</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>26</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:transcript url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/jwmb4zhkz43cnn5k/ransportopianewsandviews_Episode_26_April_28_2026a39x2-yrmkv2-Optimized.srt" type="application/srt" /><podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/3azsxgnfxdxjx3g9/ransportopianewsandviews_Episode_26_April_28_2026a39x2_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Inside Transit Unplugged: Paul Comfort on 400 Episodes, Leadership &amp; Innovation</title>
        <itunes:title>Inside Transit Unplugged: Paul Comfort on 400 Episodes, Leadership &amp; Innovation</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/inside-transit-unplugged-paul-comfort-on-400-episodes-leadership-innovation/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/inside-transit-unplugged-paul-comfort-on-400-episodes-leadership-innovation/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 01:51:48 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/ecc9f74f-aae8-3499-8829-59c3eb304199</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Paul Comfort reflects on building Transit Unplugged—how a lifelong love of communication and decades in transit led to 400 episodes, global visits, and a mission to let transit leaders tell their stories beyond crisis headlines. He shares lessons on customer-first service, technology’s role in ridership, and surprising systems from Singapore to Salt Lake City.</p>
<p>The episode also explores Paul’s new book Find Your X Factor, his TV and writing work, and the Transportopia theme song that imagines safer streets, better connections, and transit woven into daily life. Visit <a href='https://www.transportopia.org/blog'>transportopia.org</a> to tell us your vision of Transportopia.</p>
<p>Resources:</p>
<p>Transit Unplugged Podcast - <a href='https://transitunplugged.com/'>https://transitunplugged.com/</a>
Paul Comfort's Books on Amazon - <a href='https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Paul+Comfort'>https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Paul+Comfort</a>
Find Your X Factor Website - <a href='https://findyourxfactor.ai'>https://findyourxfactor.ai</a>
The Transportopia Song: <a href='https://youtu.be/RVefq4HUGHY?si=ykCQa_ITALZda29a'>https://youtu.be/RVefq4HUGHY?si=ykCQa_ITALZda29a</a></p>
<p> </p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Paul Comfort reflects on building Transit Unplugged—how a lifelong love of communication and decades in transit led to 400 episodes, global visits, and a mission to let transit leaders tell their stories beyond crisis headlines. He shares lessons on customer-first service, technology’s role in ridership, and surprising systems from Singapore to Salt Lake City.</p>
<p>The episode also explores Paul’s new book Find Your X Factor, his TV and writing work, and the Transportopia theme song that imagines safer streets, better connections, and transit woven into daily life. Visit <a href='https://www.transportopia.org/blog'>transportopia.org</a> to tell us your vision of Transportopia.</p>
<p>Resources:</p>
<p>Transit Unplugged Podcast - <a href='https://transitunplugged.com/'>https://transitunplugged.com/</a><br>
Paul Comfort's Books on Amazon - <a href='https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Paul+Comfort'>https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Paul+Comfort</a><br>
Find Your X Factor Website - <a href='https://findyourxfactor.ai'>https://findyourxfactor.ai</a><br>
The Transportopia Song: <a href='https://youtu.be/RVefq4HUGHY?si=ykCQa_ITALZda29a'>https://youtu.be/RVefq4HUGHY?si=ykCQa_ITALZda29a</a></p>
<p> </p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/fqugdnrz2a3ktyca/Transportopia_Episode_25_paul_comfort_260422alj62.mp3" length="16618284" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[Paul Comfort reflects on building Transit Unplugged—how a lifelong love of communication and decades in transit led to 400 episodes, global visits, and a mission to let transit leaders tell their stories beyond crisis headlines. He shares lessons on customer-first service, technology’s role in ridership, and surprising systems from Singapore to Salt Lake City.
The episode also explores Paul’s new book Find Your X Factor, his TV and writing work, and the Transportopia theme song that imagines safer streets, better connections, and transit woven into daily life. Visit transportopia.org to tell us your vision of Transportopia.
Resources:
Transit Unplugged Podcast - https://transitunplugged.com/Paul Comfort's Books on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Paul+ComfortFind Your X Factor Website - https://findyourxfactor.aiThe Transportopia Song: https://youtu.be/RVefq4HUGHY?si=ykCQa_ITALZda29a
 ]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>2097</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>25</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:transcript url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/ng5zuyvwm4ak89iy/Transportopia_Episode_25_paul_comfort_260422alj62-4i63xj-Optimized.srt" type="application/srt" /><podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/6vgnm852bzc3i4ru/Transportopia_Episode_25_paul_comfort_260422alj62_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Transportopia Episode 24: News and Views April 14, 2026</title>
        <itunes:title>Transportopia Episode 24: News and Views April 14, 2026</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/newsandviews260414/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/newsandviews260414/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/6b037d6d-72c0-3427-8fa8-20007b4b10ad</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/mr6st35v66d6rg7f/transportopia_news_and_views_260414_magic_episode_apr_13_2_transportopia_studi7sb43.mp3" length="2371518" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>296</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>24</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
            </item>
    <item>
        <title>Transportopia Episode 23: The Loneliest Transit Station in America</title>
        <itunes:title>Transportopia Episode 23: The Loneliest Transit Station in America</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/episode-23-the-loneliest-transit-station-in-america/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/episode-23-the-loneliest-transit-station-in-america/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:30:38 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/28644c31-fcce-332c-84b0-ea7b6625baa2</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>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 <a href='https://www.transitorienteddiscoveries.com/atlas'>www.transitorienteddiscoveries.com/atlas</a></p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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 <a href='https://www.transitorienteddiscoveries.com/atlas'>www.transitorienteddiscoveries.com/atlas</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/4x9njfv2bsg3y9ry/riverside_david_schneider_rick_apr_07_2026_002_transportopia_studi8xu87.mp3" length="12656867" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[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]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>1582</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>23</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
            </item>
    <item>
        <title>Transportopia News and Views Episode 22 April 2, 2026</title>
        <itunes:title>Transportopia News and Views Episode 22 April 2, 2026</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/newsandviews260402/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/newsandviews260402/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:18:55 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/664f3cd7-3247-321d-9314-6ba48a7d1a23</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/7urndgv8ii8jfyqa/Transportopia_news_and_Views_Episode_22_April_2_20267ahu6.mp3" length="1345846" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>168</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>22</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
            </item>
    <item>
        <title>Transportopia Episode 21: "The Voice of God"</title>
        <itunes:title>Transportopia Episode 21: "The Voice of God"</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/transportopia-episode-21-the-voice-of-god-1774328823/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/transportopia-episode-21-the-voice-of-god-1774328823/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 23:28:40 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/be27e73f-0ad9-3325-abab-a02ad4457627</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[In this episode, Transportopia host Rick L'Amie speaks with Jessica Gonzalez, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Public information at Sacramento Regional Transit, about the innovative 'Voice of God' camera and public address system that enhances safety and behavior management at transit stations. She shares insights into the technology, implementation, and impact of this system, highlighting how it reduces the need for physical enforcement and improves rider experience by watching passengers or trespassers at the stations. View the video clips on the Transportopia blog: 
<a href='https://www.transportopia.org/post/voice-of-god-episode-march-24-plus-news-and-views'>https://www.transportopia.org/post/voice-of-god-episode-march-24-plus-news-and-views</a>
 
Keywords:
public transit safety, Voice of God system, Sacramento Regional Transit, security technology, transit safety innovation, public address system, rider safety, transit security, law enforcement partnership, transit technology
key topics
<ul class="css-h4c1sf">
<li>Voice of God transit station video monitoring and public address system</li>
<li>Technology behind transit safety</li>
<li>Impact on rider behavior and safety</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[In this episode, Transportopia host Rick L'Amie speaks with Jessica Gonzalez, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Public information at Sacramento Regional Transit, about the innovative 'Voice of God' camera and public address system that enhances safety and behavior management at transit stations. She shares insights into the technology, implementation, and impact of this system, highlighting how it reduces the need for physical enforcement and improves rider experience by watching passengers or trespassers at the stations. View the video clips on the Transportopia blog: 
<a href='https://www.transportopia.org/post/voice-of-god-episode-march-24-plus-news-and-views'>https://www.transportopia.org/post/voice-of-god-episode-march-24-plus-news-and-views</a>
 
Keywords:
public transit safety, Voice of God system, Sacramento Regional Transit, security technology, transit safety innovation, public address system, rider safety, transit security, law enforcement partnership, transit technology
key topics
<ul class="css-h4c1sf">
<li>Voice of God transit station video monitoring and public address system</li>
<li>Technology behind transit safety</li>
<li>Impact on rider behavior and safety</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/7wd7ner2vdmgyw6z/Transportopia_Episode_21-The_Voice_of_God7ubdu.mp3" length="11122956" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode, Transportopia host Rick L'Amie speaks with Jessica Gonzalez, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Public information at Sacramento Regional Transit, about the innovative 'Voice of God' camera and public address system that enhances safety and behavior management at transit stations. She shares insights into the technology, implementation, and impact of this system, highlighting how it reduces the need for physical enforcement and improves rider experience by watching passengers or trespassers at the stations. View the video clips on the Transportopia blog: 
https://www.transportopia.org/post/voice-of-god-episode-march-24-plus-news-and-views
 
Keywords:
public transit safety, Voice of God system, Sacramento Regional Transit, security technology, transit safety innovation, public address system, rider safety, transit security, law enforcement partnership, transit technology
key topics

Voice of God transit station video monitoring and public address system
Technology behind transit safety
Impact on rider behavior and safety

 
]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>1390</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>22</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
            </item>
    <item>
        <title>Transportopia Episode 20 News and Views March 17, 2026</title>
        <itunes:title>Transportopia Episode 20 News and Views March 17, 2026</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/transportopia-episode-20-news-and-views-march-17-2026/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/transportopia-episode-20-news-and-views-march-17-2026/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:06:07 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/b7c36e0f-dd4a-38a1-8210-118e3a726715</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>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 <a href='https://youtu.be/oJaa56XGZIw'>listen here on our YouTube Channel</a>. </p>
<p>Key Topics:</p>
<ul class="css-h4c1sf">
<li>Federal transit funding debate</li>
<li>Impact of remote work on ridership</li>
<li>AI-enabled maintenance in transit systems</li>
<li>New transit infrastructure projects</li>
<li>Transit Employee Appreciation Day and custom song (AI)</li>
</ul>
<p><a href='https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/03/03/3248762/0/en/New-Economic-Report-APTA-Surface-Transportation-Authorization-Recommendations-Deliver-5-in-Economic-Benefits-for-Every-1-Invested-41-400-Jobs-Created-or-Sustained-per-1-Billion-Inv.html'>APTA funding proposal announcement</a></p>
<p><a href='https://transportation.house.gov/surface-transportation-reauthorization'>Congress transportation authorization overview</a></p>
<p><a href='https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/11/metro-transit-ridership-decline-2025'>Twin Cities ridership story</a></p>
<p><a href='https://www.timesunion.com/business/article/state-of-the-cdta-address-2026-outlook-albany-22073002.php'>CDTA AI monitoring story</a></p>
<p><a href='https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/teen-crash-marin-woodacre-car-22070766.php'>San Rafael transit hub story</a></p>
<p><a href='https://www.metro-magazine.com/news/agencies-celebrate-transit-employee-appreciation-day-1'>Transit Employee Appreciation Day</a></p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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 <a href='https://youtu.be/oJaa56XGZIw'>listen here on our YouTube Channel</a>. </p>
<p>Key Topics:</p>
<ul class="css-h4c1sf">
<li>Federal transit funding debate</li>
<li>Impact of remote work on ridership</li>
<li>AI-enabled maintenance in transit systems</li>
<li>New transit infrastructure projects</li>
<li>Transit Employee Appreciation Day and custom song (AI)</li>
</ul>
<p><a href='https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/03/03/3248762/0/en/New-Economic-Report-APTA-Surface-Transportation-Authorization-Recommendations-Deliver-5-in-Economic-Benefits-for-Every-1-Invested-41-400-Jobs-Created-or-Sustained-per-1-Billion-Inv.html'>APTA funding proposal announcement</a></p>
<p><a href='https://transportation.house.gov/surface-transportation-reauthorization'>Congress transportation authorization overview</a></p>
<p><a href='https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/11/metro-transit-ridership-decline-2025'>Twin Cities ridership story</a></p>
<p><a href='https://www.timesunion.com/business/article/state-of-the-cdta-address-2026-outlook-albany-22073002.php'>CDTA AI monitoring story</a></p>
<p><a href='https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/teen-crash-marin-woodacre-car-22070766.php'>San Rafael transit hub story</a></p>
<p><a href='https://www.metro-magazine.com/news/agencies-celebrate-transit-employee-appreciation-day-1'>Transit Employee Appreciation Day</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/ejckf2yrbfseva92/Episode_20_transportopia_news_views_2603176r691.mp3" length="2870770" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[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:

Federal transit funding debate
Impact of remote work on ridership
AI-enabled maintenance in transit systems
New transit infrastructure projects
Transit Employee Appreciation Day and custom song (AI)

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]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>358</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>20</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
            </item>
    <item>
        <title>Transportopia Encore Episode 19: Reimagining Public Transit with Jarrett Walker</title>
        <itunes:title>Transportopia Encore Episode 19: Reimagining Public Transit with Jarrett Walker</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/encore-episode-19-reimagining-public-transit-with-jarrett-walker/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/encore-episode-19-reimagining-public-transit-with-jarrett-walker/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 22:47:06 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/37eddd48-a2a9-3851-9a99-b1ecdd657aad</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[

In this encore episode of our most downloaded episode, host Rick L'Amie and <a href='https://humantransit.org/'>Human Transit</a> author Jarrett Walker explore the evolution of public transit, the impact of societal changes, and innovative safety and access strategies. Discover how geometry, choice, and technology shape mobility and opportunity. Visit <a href='https://www.transportopia.org/'>transportopia.org</a> for more episodes and the Transportopia blog.


 



 


 ]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[

In this encore episode of our most downloaded episode, host Rick L'Amie and <a href='https://humantransit.org/'>Human Transit</a> author Jarrett Walker explore the evolution of public transit, the impact of societal changes, and innovative safety and access strategies. Discover how geometry, choice, and technology shape mobility and opportunity. Visit <a href='https://www.transportopia.org/'>transportopia.org</a> for more episodes and the Transportopia blog.


 



 


 ]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/7pxm2eixfu3pxajq/Transportopia_Encore_Episode_19_Jarrett_Walker9b8r0.mp3" length="13020282" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[

In this encore episode of our most downloaded episode, host Rick L'Amie and Human Transit author Jarrett Walker explore the evolution of public transit, the impact of societal changes, and innovative safety and access strategies. Discover how geometry, choice, and technology shape mobility and opportunity. Visit transportopia.org for more episodes and the Transportopia blog.


 



 


 ]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>1627</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>19</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
            </item>
    <item>
        <title>Transportopia Episode 18: News and Views</title>
        <itunes:title>Transportopia Episode 18: News and Views</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/episode18newsandviews/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/episode18newsandviews/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 07:55:10 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/b8f9092e-649d-3996-b8f7-03cee89b3b45</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p>
<p>Sources:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>U.S. Department of Transportation — $686 Million in Federal Transit Administration Grants for Station Modernization
<a href='https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/news/trumps-transportation-secretary-sean-p-duffy-invests-686-million-making-public-transit?utm_source=chatgpt.com'>https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/news/trumps-transportation-secretary-sean-p-duffy-invests-686-million-making-public-transit</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Governing Magazine — How San Jose Got Buses to Run Faster
<a href='https://www.governing.com/transportation/how-san-jose-got-buses-to-run-faster?utm_source=chatgpt.com'>https://www.governing.com/transportation/how-san-jose-got-buses-to-run-faster</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p>San Antonio Express-News — VIA Board Rejects Fare-Free Bus Pilot Proposal
<a href='https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/via-board-fare-free-vote-21940323.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com'>https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/via-board-fare-free-vote-21940323.php</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Portal Bridge Replacement Project — Northeast Corridor Infrastructure Upgrade
<a href='https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/03/02/grtc-adjusts-bus-routes-amid-driver-shortage/?utm_source=chatgpt.com'>https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/03/02/grtc-adjusts-bus-routes-amid-driver-shortage/</a></p>
</li>
<li>The Transit Guy -- DC Streetcar Deserved its End
https://thetransitguy.substack.com/p/why-the-dc-streetcar-deserved-its</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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.</p>
<p>Sources:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>U.S. Department of Transportation — $686 Million in Federal Transit Administration Grants for Station Modernization<br>
<a href='https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/news/trumps-transportation-secretary-sean-p-duffy-invests-686-million-making-public-transit?utm_source=chatgpt.com'>https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/news/trumps-transportation-secretary-sean-p-duffy-invests-686-million-making-public-transit</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><em>Governing Magazine</em> — How San Jose Got Buses to Run Faster<br>
<a href='https://www.governing.com/transportation/how-san-jose-got-buses-to-run-faster?utm_source=chatgpt.com'>https://www.governing.com/transportation/how-san-jose-got-buses-to-run-faster</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><em>San Antonio Express-News</em> — VIA Board Rejects Fare-Free Bus Pilot Proposal<br>
<a href='https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/via-board-fare-free-vote-21940323.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com'>https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/via-board-fare-free-vote-21940323.php</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Portal Bridge Replacement Project — Northeast Corridor Infrastructure Upgrade<br>
<a href='https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/03/02/grtc-adjusts-bus-routes-amid-driver-shortage/?utm_source=chatgpt.com'>https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/03/02/grtc-adjusts-bus-routes-amid-driver-shortage/</a></p>
</li>
<li>The Transit Guy -- DC Streetcar Deserved its End<br>
https://thetransitguy.substack.com/p/why-the-dc-streetcar-deserved-its</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/b86edptvcihysn74/transportopia_news_and_views_episode_18876p1.mp3" length="2686450" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[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 Modernizationhttps://www.transit.dot.gov/about/news/trumps-transportation-secretary-sean-p-duffy-invests-686-million-making-public-transit


Governing Magazine — How San Jose Got Buses to Run Fasterhttps://www.governing.com/transportation/how-san-jose-got-buses-to-run-faster


San Antonio Express-News — VIA Board Rejects Fare-Free Bus Pilot Proposalhttps://www.expressnews.com/news/article/via-board-fare-free-vote-21940323.php


Portal Bridge Replacement Project — Northeast Corridor Infrastructure Upgradehttps://www.njtransit.com/portalnorthbridge


12 On Your Side (Richmond) — GRTC Adjusts Bus Routes Amid Driver Shortagehttps://www.12onyourside.com/2026/03/02/grtc-adjusts-bus-routes-amid-driver-shortage/

The Transit Guy -- DC Streetcar Deserved its Endhttps://thetransitguy.substack.com/p/why-the-dc-streetcar-deserved-its

 ]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>335</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>18</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
            </item>
    <item>
        <title>Transportopia Episode 17: Behind the Scenes of the War on Cars Podcast</title>
        <itunes:title>Transportopia Episode 17: Behind the Scenes of the War on Cars Podcast</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/transportopia-episode-17-behind-the-scenes-of-the-war-on-cars-podcast/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/transportopia-episode-17-behind-the-scenes-of-the-war-on-cars-podcast/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 23:52:54 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/30ecdd95-9ef2-3c1f-a3c8-01051d51b48f</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>This episode is part two or our in-depth conversation with Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon of the <a href='https://thewaroncars.org/'>War on Cars Podcast</a>. 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.</p>
<p>News and Views Source Links:</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href='https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/infrastructure/news/55357083/sound-transit-sound-transit-to-begin-testing-link-2-line-trains-for-crosslake-connection-service'>Sound Transit Link 2 Line testing</a></p>
<p><a href='https://transportationtodaynews.com/news/29840-minnesota-app-helps-with-planning-local-trips/#:~:text=The%20Minnesota%20Department%20of%20Transportation,two%20grants%20totaling%20$1.9%20million.'>Minnesota expands Transit App statewide</a></p>
<p><a href='https://www.masstransitmag.com/management/news/55358322/south-florida-regional-transportation-authority-sfrta-sfrta-breaks-ground-on-link-at-boca-tod-project'>South Florida Link at Boca TOD groundbreaking</a></p>
<p><a href='https://www.masstransitmag.com/management/article/55353782/2026-mobility-outlook-the-year-ahead'>Mass Transit 2026 Mobility Outlook</a></p>
<p> </p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This episode is part two or our in-depth conversation with Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon of the <a href='https://thewaroncars.org/'>War on Cars Podcast</a>. 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.</p>
<p>News and Views Source Links:</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href='https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/infrastructure/news/55357083/sound-transit-sound-transit-to-begin-testing-link-2-line-trains-for-crosslake-connection-service'>Sound Transit Link 2 Line testing</a></p>
<p><a href='https://transportationtodaynews.com/news/29840-minnesota-app-helps-with-planning-local-trips/#:~:text=The%20Minnesota%20Department%20of%20Transportation,two%20grants%20totaling%20$1.9%20million.'>Minnesota expands Transit App statewide</a></p>
<p><a href='https://www.masstransitmag.com/management/news/55358322/south-florida-regional-transportation-authority-sfrta-sfrta-breaks-ground-on-link-at-boca-tod-project'>South Florida Link at Boca TOD groundbreaking</a></p>
<p><a href='https://www.masstransitmag.com/management/article/55353782/2026-mobility-outlook-the-year-ahead'>Mass Transit 2026 Mobility Outlook</a></p>
<p> </p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/giajeiyybi2i3we9/Transportopia_Episode_17_Behind_the_Scene_of_the_War_on_Cars_Podcast7d22m.mp3" length="10950966" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[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
 ]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>1368</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>17</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
            </item>
    <item>
        <title>Transportopia Episode 16 News and Views Feb. 17, 2026</title>
        <itunes:title>Transportopia Episode 16 News and Views Feb. 17, 2026</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/transportopia-episode-16-news-and-views-feb-17-2026/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/transportopia-episode-16-news-and-views-feb-17-2026/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 02:14:52 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/c0201333-22ad-350a-bcce-1712cdca11f5</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>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 <a href='https://thewaroncars.org/'>The War on Cars Podcast</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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 <a href='https://thewaroncars.org/'>The War on Cars Podcast</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/j7eiqgck3e3yivy6/Episode_16_Transportopia_News_and_Views_Feb_17_202685gli.mp3" length="2655939" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.
 ]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>331</itunes:duration>
                <itunes:episode>16</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
            </item>
    <item>
        <title>Transportopia Episode 15: The War on Cars</title>
        <itunes:title>Transportopia Episode 15: The War on Cars</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/thewaroncars/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/thewaroncars/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 03:30:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/fdf322d0-d748-3021-a3d3-359776efabcb</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>In this conversation, Rick L’Amie engages with Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon, co-hosts of the <a href='https://thewaroncars.org/'>The War on Cars Podcast </a>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 '<a href='https://www.lifeaftercars.com/'>Life After Cars</a>'. 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.</p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this conversation, Rick L’Amie engages with Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon, co-hosts of the <a href='https://thewaroncars.org/'>The War on Cars Podcast </a>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 '<a href='https://www.lifeaftercars.com/'>Life After Cars</a>'. 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.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/ibtjn6vwrx4n6ieb/Transportopia_Episode_15_War_on_Cars_7wqdf.mp3" length="17932704" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>2241</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>15</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/9hac5p4ix3pmn8hq/Transportopia_Episode_15_War_on_Cars_7wqdf_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Transportopia News and Views: Episode 14 Jan. 282025</title>
        <itunes:title>Transportopia News and Views: Episode 14 Jan. 282025</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/newsandviewsjan282026/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/newsandviewsjan282026/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 23:30:10 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/ae2973a2-02ff-372b-a3e0-fcd6b929e7a8</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[In this episode of Transportopia News and Views, Rick L’Amie discusses the latest developments in public transportation, focusing on federal funding stability, trends in transit projects, the shift towards electric buses, and the ongoing debate around fare policies. The conversation highlights the importance of predictable federal support for transit agencies and the challenges they face in implementing new technologies and policies. The Episode also includes an excerpt from next week's full episode feature <a href='https://thewaroncars.org/about/'>War on Cars</a> Podcast hosts Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon, who recently released their book L<a href='https://www.lifeaftercars.com/'>ife After Cars</a>.


 



Takeaways
<ul class="css-h4c1sf">
<li>Core federal funding for public transportation is largely intact.</li>
<li>Transit agencies are managing operating costs and workforce shortages.</li>
<li>There is a trend towards more rapid bus transit and enhanced corridors.</li>
<li>Electric buses are becoming standard in fleet planning.</li>
<li>Electrification is central to future transit planning.</li>
<li>Fare-free bus proposals are gaining political traction.</li>
<li>New York's MTA has increased fares despite fare-free discussions.</li>
<li>Advocates argue for treating transit as essential infrastructure.</li>
<li>Transit funding debates are about more than just fares.</li>
<li>Agencies face challenges with charging infrastructure for electric buses.</li>
</ul>









Show Notes &amp; Source Links
<p>Federal Transit Funding</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>American Public Transportation Association (APTA): Federal funding and policy updates
<a href='https://www.apta.com'>https://www.apta.com</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Federal Transit Administration: Transit funding programs
<a href='https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding'>https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding</a></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Transit Expansion Trends</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Overview of upcoming U.S. transit project openings and expansion trends
<a href='https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rabbit-link_13-transit-projects-expected-to-open-in-the-activity-7419861373377089536-JVsQ?utm_source=chatgpt.com'>https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rabbit-link_13-transit-projects-expected-to-open-in-the-activity-7419861373377089536-JVsQ</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Axios: Coverage of major rail openings and delays (Seattle example)
<a href='https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/23/seattle-bellevue-light-rail-opening-east-link-delay-i90?utm_source=chatgpt.com'>https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/23/seattle-bellevue-light-rail-opening-east-link-delay-i90</a></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Electric Buses &amp; Fleet Electrification</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Sustainable Bus: Global electric bus news and analysis
<a href='https://www.sustainable-bus.com'>https://www.sustainable-bus.com</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p>FTA Low or No Emission (Low-No) Program
<a href='https://www.newsweek.com/zohran-mamdani-faces-backlash-as-bus-fares-rise-in-new-york-city-11310481?utm_source=chatgpt.com'>https://www.newsweek.com/zohran-mamdani-faces-backlash-as-bus-fares-rise-in-new-york-city-11310481</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Streetsblog NYC: Fare-free bus results and advocacy perspective
<a href='https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2026/01/23/letter-to-mamdani-from-maryland-free-buses-are-working-great?utm_source=chatgpt.com'>https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2026/01/23/letter-to-mamdani-from-maryland-free-buses-are-working-great</a></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Coming Next Week</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Interview with The War on Cars podcast hosts Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon
<a href='https://thewaroncars.org'>https://thewaroncars.org</a></p>
</li>
</ul>














 
















]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[In this episode of Transportopia News and Views, Rick L’Amie discusses the latest developments in public transportation, focusing on federal funding stability, trends in transit projects, the shift towards electric buses, and the ongoing debate around fare policies. The conversation highlights the importance of predictable federal support for transit agencies and the challenges they face in implementing new technologies and policies. The Episode also includes an excerpt from next week's full episode feature <a href='https://thewaroncars.org/about/'>War on Cars</a> Podcast hosts Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon, who recently released their book L<a href='https://www.lifeaftercars.com/'>ife After Cars</a>.


 



Takeaways
<ul class="css-h4c1sf">
<li>Core federal funding for public transportation is largely intact.</li>
<li>Transit agencies are managing operating costs and workforce shortages.</li>
<li>There is a trend towards more rapid bus transit and enhanced corridors.</li>
<li>Electric buses are becoming standard in fleet planning.</li>
<li>Electrification is central to future transit planning.</li>
<li>Fare-free bus proposals are gaining political traction.</li>
<li>New York's MTA has increased fares despite fare-free discussions.</li>
<li>Advocates argue for treating transit as essential infrastructure.</li>
<li>Transit funding debates are about more than just fares.</li>
<li>Agencies face challenges with charging infrastructure for electric buses.</li>
</ul>









Show Notes &amp; Source Links
<p>Federal Transit Funding</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>American Public Transportation Association (APTA): Federal funding and policy updates<br>
<a href='https://www.apta.com'>https://www.apta.com</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Federal Transit Administration: Transit funding programs<br>
<a href='https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding'>https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding</a></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Transit Expansion Trends</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Overview of upcoming U.S. transit project openings and expansion trends<br>
<a href='https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rabbit-link_13-transit-projects-expected-to-open-in-the-activity-7419861373377089536-JVsQ?utm_source=chatgpt.com'>https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rabbit-link_13-transit-projects-expected-to-open-in-the-activity-7419861373377089536-JVsQ</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Axios: Coverage of major rail openings and delays (Seattle example)<br>
<a href='https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/23/seattle-bellevue-light-rail-opening-east-link-delay-i90?utm_source=chatgpt.com'>https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/23/seattle-bellevue-light-rail-opening-east-link-delay-i90</a></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Electric Buses &amp; Fleet Electrification</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Sustainable Bus: Global electric bus news and analysis<br>
<a href='https://www.sustainable-bus.com'>https://www.sustainable-bus.com</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p>FTA Low or No Emission (Low-No) Program<br>
<a href='https://www.newsweek.com/zohran-mamdani-faces-backlash-as-bus-fares-rise-in-new-york-city-11310481?utm_source=chatgpt.com'>https://www.newsweek.com/zohran-mamdani-faces-backlash-as-bus-fares-rise-in-new-york-city-11310481</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Streetsblog NYC: Fare-free bus results and advocacy perspective<br>
<a href='https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2026/01/23/letter-to-mamdani-from-maryland-free-buses-are-working-great?utm_source=chatgpt.com'>https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2026/01/23/letter-to-mamdani-from-maryland-free-buses-are-working-great</a></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Coming Next Week</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Interview with The <em>War on Cars</em> podcast hosts Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon<br>
<a href='https://thewaroncars.org'>https://thewaroncars.org</a></p>
</li>
</ul>














 
















]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/7angdwtnacswbqkx/transportopia_news_and_views_260128abobf.mp3" length="2647162" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of Transportopia News and Views, Rick L’Amie discusses the latest developments in public transportation, focusing on federal funding stability, trends in transit projects, the shift towards electric buses, and the ongoing debate around fare policies. The conversation highlights the importance of predictable federal support for transit agencies and the challenges they face in implementing new technologies and policies. The Episode also includes an excerpt from next week's full episode feature War on Cars Podcast hosts Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon, who recently released their book Life After Cars.


 



Takeaways

Core federal funding for public transportation is largely intact.
Transit agencies are managing operating costs and workforce shortages.
There is a trend towards more rapid bus transit and enhanced corridors.
Electric buses are becoming standard in fleet planning.
Electrification is central to future transit planning.
Fare-free bus proposals are gaining political traction.
New York's MTA has increased fares despite fare-free discussions.
Advocates argue for treating transit as essential infrastructure.
Transit funding debates are about more than just fares.
Agencies face challenges with charging infrastructure for electric buses.










Show Notes &amp; Source Links
Federal Transit Funding


American Public Transportation Association (APTA): Federal funding and policy updateshttps://www.apta.com


Federal Transit Administration: Transit funding programshttps://www.transit.dot.gov/funding


Transit Expansion Trends


Overview of upcoming U.S. transit project openings and expansion trendshttps://www.linkedin.com/posts/rabbit-link_13-transit-projects-expected-to-open-in-the-activity-7419861373377089536-JVsQ


Axios: Coverage of major rail openings and delays (Seattle example)https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/23/seattle-bellevue-light-rail-opening-east-link-delay-i90


Electric Buses &amp; Fleet Electrification


Sustainable Bus: Global electric bus news and analysishttps://www.sustainable-bus.com


FTA Low or No Emission (Low-No) Programhttps://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/grants/low-or-no-emission-program


NYC Fare Policy &amp; Fare-Free Bus Debate


Newsweek: NYC fare increases amid free-bus proposalshttps://www.newsweek.com/zohran-mamdani-faces-backlash-as-bus-fares-rise-in-new-york-city-11310481


Streetsblog NYC: Fare-free bus results and advocacy perspectivehttps://nyc.streetsblog.org/2026/01/23/letter-to-mamdani-from-maryland-free-buses-are-working-great


Coming Next Week


Interview with The War on Cars podcast hosts Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordonhttps://thewaroncars.org
















 
















]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>330</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>14</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
            </item>
    <item>
        <title>Transportopia Episode 13: 2025 Mass Transit Magazine Cover Stories Review with Brandon Lewis</title>
        <itunes:title>Transportopia Episode 13: 2025 Mass Transit Magazine Cover Stories Review with Brandon Lewis</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/masstransitcovers/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/masstransitcovers/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 09:50:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/6a7f4a81-1afb-32c7-b780-f17bd934209e</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<ul class="css-h4c1sf">
<li>In this episode of Transportopia, host Rick L’Amie welcomes Brandon Lewis, associate editor at Mass Transit Magazine, to discuss the evolving landscape of public transit. They delve into recent fare hikes in New York City and the implications for trust and equity among riders. Brandon shares insights from his recent articles, highlighting stories that showcase how transit impacts people's lives, from zero-emission buses in California to rural mobility in New Mexico. The conversation emphasizes the importance of customer experience and the ongoing challenges transit agencies face, including funding uncertainties and the integration of new technologies like AI in enhancing safety and security. Visit <a href='https://www.transportopia.org/'>transportopia.org</a> to read our blog and other resources. </li>
</ul>
<p>Resources: </p>
<p><a href='https://www.masstransitmag.com/management/blog/55340210/a-look-at-mass-transits-2025-cover-stories-in-print'>Brandon's article on the 2025 Mass Transit Cover Stories</a></p>
<p><a href='https://www.masstransitmag.com/podcasts'>The Infrastructure Technology Podcast </a></p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<ul class="css-h4c1sf">
<li>In this episode of Transportopia, host Rick L’Amie welcomes Brandon Lewis, associate editor at Mass Transit Magazine, to discuss the evolving landscape of public transit. They delve into recent fare hikes in New York City and the implications for trust and equity among riders. Brandon shares insights from his recent articles, highlighting stories that showcase how transit impacts people's lives, from zero-emission buses in California to rural mobility in New Mexico. The conversation emphasizes the importance of customer experience and the ongoing challenges transit agencies face, including funding uncertainties and the integration of new technologies like AI in enhancing safety and security. Visit <a href='https://www.transportopia.org/'>transportopia.org</a> to read our blog and other resources. </li>
</ul>
<p>Resources: </p>
<p><a href='https://www.masstransitmag.com/management/blog/55340210/a-look-at-mass-transits-2025-cover-stories-in-print'>Brandon's article on the 2025 Mass Transit Cover Stories</a></p>
<p><a href='https://www.masstransitmag.com/podcasts'>The Infrastructure Technology Podcast </a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/5bm4rtq5bcq2yvhn/riverside_brandon_lewis_and_rick_jan_15_2026_001_transportopia_studib8qbt.mp3" length="11380197" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[
In this episode of Transportopia, host Rick L’Amie welcomes Brandon Lewis, associate editor at Mass Transit Magazine, to discuss the evolving landscape of public transit. They delve into recent fare hikes in New York City and the implications for trust and equity among riders. Brandon shares insights from his recent articles, highlighting stories that showcase how transit impacts people's lives, from zero-emission buses in California to rural mobility in New Mexico. The conversation emphasizes the importance of customer experience and the ongoing challenges transit agencies face, including funding uncertainties and the integration of new technologies like AI in enhancing safety and security. Visit transportopia.org to read our blog and other resources. 

Resources: 
Brandon's article on the 2025 Mass Transit Cover Stories
The Infrastructure Technology Podcast ]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>1422</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>13</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/wt2f299t3mfayj57/riverside_brandon_lewis_and_rick_jan_15_2026_001_transportopia_studib8qbt_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Transportopia Episode 12: The Intersection of Transit and Housing featuring AP Reporter Michael Casey</title>
        <itunes:title>Transportopia Episode 12: The Intersection of Transit and Housing featuring AP Reporter Michael Casey</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/transportopia-episode-12-the-intersection-of-transit-and-housing-featuring-ap-reporter-michael-casey/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/transportopia-episode-12-the-intersection-of-transit-and-housing-featuring-ap-reporter-michael-casey/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 03:03:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/2a0037f2-28de-3b88-a794-b1bfc062989d</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Summary</p>
<p>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, <a href='https://apnews.com/article/housing-shortage-public-transit-massachusetts-california-b2a727ab4c570fff1e549e726ea801e0?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share'>No car? No problem. Building apartments near public transit could help address the housing crisis</a>, 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.</p>
<p> </p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Summary</p>
<p>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, <a href='https://apnews.com/article/housing-shortage-public-transit-massachusetts-california-b2a727ab4c570fff1e549e726ea801e0?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share'>No car? No problem. Building apartments near public transit could help address the housing crisis</a>, 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.</p>
<p> </p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/66uvnqrt5u5h6qfq/Transportopia_Episode_12-_The_Intersection_of_Transit_and_Housing_with_AP_Reporter_Michael_Casey8ff00.mp3" length="11659340" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.
 ]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>1457</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>12</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/gk99krucrn7tputf/Transportopia_Episode_12-_The_Intersection_of_Transit_and_Housing_with_AP_Reporter_Michael_Casey8ff00_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Transportopia Episode 11: News and Views: What we're Thankful for in Public Transit</title>
        <itunes:title>Transportopia Episode 11: News and Views: What we're Thankful for in Public Transit</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/transportopianewsandviewsnov25/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/transportopianewsandviewsnov25/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/9e65b946-1bd2-367a-8e87-4e30e38bcf83</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>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 <a href='http://transportopia'>transportopia.org</a>. </p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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 <a href='http://transportopia'>transportopia.org</a>. </p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/qeckh23qnuduqu6y/News_and_views_thanksgiving_Nov_25_2025b6jko.mp3" length="1657853" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[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. ]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>207</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>11</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
            </item>
    <item>
        <title>Transportopia Episode 10 Reimagining Public Transit: Insights from Jarrett Walker</title>
        <itunes:title>Transportopia Episode 10 Reimagining Public Transit: Insights from Jarrett Walker</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/transitplanningandfreedomwithjarrettwalker/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/transitplanningandfreedomwithjarrettwalker/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:29:08 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/5496c6ff-857b-3671-b4b1-c03becd3b2d7</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Transportopia, host Rick L’Amie engages with urbanist consultant and <a href='https://humantransit.org/2024/01/human-transit-preface-to-the-new-edition.html'>Human Transit</a> 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.</p>
<p>Resources:</p>
<p><a href='https://humantransit.org/'>Human Transit Website</a>
AP Article by Michael Casey: <a href='https://apnews.com/article/housing-shortage-public-transit-massachusetts-california-b2a727ab4c570fff1e549e726ea801e0'>No car? No problem. Building apartments near public transit could help address the housing crisis </a></p>
<p><a href='https://www.transportopia.org/post/transit-oriented-cocktail-recipes-tocr'>Transportini Mocktail Recipe </a></p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Transportopia, host Rick L’Amie engages with urbanist consultant and <a href='https://humantransit.org/2024/01/human-transit-preface-to-the-new-edition.html'><em>Human</em> <em>Transit</em></a> 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.</p>
<p>Resources:</p>
<p><a href='https://humantransit.org/'>Human Transit Website</a><br>
AP Article by Michael Casey: <a href='https://apnews.com/article/housing-shortage-public-transit-massachusetts-california-b2a727ab4c570fff1e549e726ea801e0'><em>No car? No problem. Building apartments near public transit could help address the housing crisis </em></a></p>
<p><a href='https://www.transportopia.org/post/transit-oriented-cocktail-recipes-tocr'><em>Transportini Mocktail Recipe </em></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/pqhyz664gmbty34v/transportopia_episode_10_Transit_Planning_and_Freedom_with_Jarrett_Walker_Nov_19_2025.mp3" length="14667077" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[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 WebsiteAP Article by Michael Casey: No car? No problem. Building apartments near public transit could help address the housing crisis 
Transportini Mocktail Recipe ]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>1833</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>10</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/d98maw67q78kqf2n/transportopia_episode_10_Transit_Planning_and_Freedom_with_Jarrett_Walker_Nov_19_2025_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Transportopia Episode 9 News and Views Nov. 12 2025</title>
        <itunes:title>Transportopia Episode 9 News and Views Nov. 12 2025</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/newsandviewsnov122025/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/newsandviewsnov122025/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/7783d9d7-a117-3ae8-80c1-b3ad106d97ed</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[Following a break for the Veteran's Day holiday, this bonus transit news and views episode explores the current challenges facing transit systems, highlighting the pressures from suburban revolts, tariff shocks, and rider activism. It emphasizes the importance of trust, consistency, and access in building effective transit systems that connect communities to opportunities. The episode previews next week's full episode with an excerpt from <a href='https://humantransit.org/'>Human Transit</a> author Jarrett Walker on the political challenges many transit systems face.


 



 ]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[Following a break for the Veteran's Day holiday, this bonus transit news and views episode explores the current challenges facing transit systems, highlighting the pressures from suburban revolts, tariff shocks, and rider activism. It emphasizes the importance of trust, consistency, and access in building effective transit systems that connect communities to opportunities. The episode previews next week's full episode with an excerpt from <a href='https://humantransit.org/'>Human Transit</a> author Jarrett Walker on the political challenges many transit systems face.


 



 ]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/zghtxc3yej4smt4j/Transportopia_News_And_Views_Nov_12_2025.mp3" length="3194271" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[Following a break for the Veteran's Day holiday, this bonus transit news and views episode explores the current challenges facing transit systems, highlighting the pressures from suburban revolts, tariff shocks, and rider activism. It emphasizes the importance of trust, consistency, and access in building effective transit systems that connect communities to opportunities. The episode previews next week's full episode with an excerpt from Human Transit author Jarrett Walker on the political challenges many transit systems face.


 



 ]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>399</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>9</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
            </item>
    <item>
        <title>Transportopia Podcast Episode 8: When Driving is not an Option</title>
        <itunes:title>Transportopia Podcast Episode 8: When Driving is not an Option</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/when_driving_is_not_an_option/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/when_driving_is_not_an_option/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 04 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/8b6c95d7-04eb-364c-9d7e-d387000ab789</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Summary</p>
<p>In this episode of Transportopia, host Rick L’Amie discusses the critical issue of non-driving in America with Anna Zivarts, director of the <a href='https://nondrivers.org/'>Nondrivers Alliance</a> and author of <a href='https://islandpress.org/books/when-driving-not-option#desc'>When Driving is not an Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency</a>. 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:
<a href='https://annazivarts.com/'>Anna Zivarts Web Page</a> with links to her book and writings</p>
<p><a href='https://nondrivers.org/'>NonDrivers Alliance Web Page</a></p>
<p><a href='https://flyingbirdbotanicals.com/collections/tea'>Flying Bird Botanicals </a>- Anna's drink for this episode!</p>
<p><a href='https://weekwithoutdriving.org/'>National Week Without Driving website</a></p>
<p> </p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Summary</p>
<p>In this episode of Transportopia, host Rick L’Amie discusses the critical issue of non-driving in America with Anna Zivarts, director of the <a href='https://nondrivers.org/'>Nondrivers Alliance</a> and author of <a href='https://islandpress.org/books/when-driving-not-option#desc'><em>When Driving is not an Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency</em></a>. 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:<br>
<a href='https://annazivarts.com/'>Anna Zivarts Web Page</a> with links to her book and writings</p>
<p><a href='https://nondrivers.org/'>NonDrivers Alliance Web Page</a></p>
<p><a href='https://flyingbirdbotanicals.com/collections/tea'>Flying Bird Botanicals </a>- Anna's drink for this episode!</p>
<p><a href='https://weekwithoutdriving.org/'>National Week Without Driving website</a></p>
<p> </p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/9np2zv6rwttaexhj/Transportopia_Episode_7_When_Driving_is_not_an_Option9pjhh.mp3" length="11656756" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[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:Anna Zivarts Web Page with links to her book and writings
NonDrivers Alliance Web Page
Flying Bird Botanicals - Anna's drink for this episode!
National Week Without Driving website
 ]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>1456</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>8</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/s99dgngp4n3xz9wf/Transportopia_Episode_7_When_Driving_is_not_an_Option9pjhh_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Transportopia Episode 7 News and Views Oct. 28 2025</title>
        <itunes:title>Transportopia Episode 7 News and Views Oct. 28 2025</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/transitnewsandviewsepisode7/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/transitnewsandviewsepisode7/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/51a9baa4-7c7d-38d0-ae4a-f2377fab4d27</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>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:</p>
<ul>
<li>The opening of the DART Silver Line to DFW Airport</li>
<li>Proactive transit safety trends across the country</li>
<li>Washington D.C.'s Mobility Innovation District</li>
<li>Telling better public transit stories.</li>
</ul>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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:</p>
<ul>
<li>The opening of the DART Silver Line to DFW Airport</li>
<li>Proactive transit safety trends across the country</li>
<li>Washington D.C.'s Mobility Innovation District</li>
<li>Telling better public transit stories.</li>
</ul>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/3ne9tx4pzcgszig7/Transportopia_Episode_7_News_and_Views_Bonus_Episode_Oct_28_20257h4lg.mp3" length="2391789" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[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:

The opening of the DART Silver Line to DFW Airport
Proactive transit safety trends across the country
Washington D.C.'s Mobility Innovation District
Telling better public transit stories.
]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>298</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>7</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
            </item>
    <item>
        <title>Transportopia Episode 6 Transit Crime and Safety</title>
        <itunes:title>Transportopia Episode 6 Transit Crime and Safety</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/transit_crime_and_safety/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/transit_crime_and_safety/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/2b7a2ce5-d078-3fa0-8646-729e3ca435cf</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>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 <a href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anastasia_Loukaitou-Sideris'>here</a>.  </p>
<p>
Chapters</p>
<p>00:00 Exploring Transit Safety and Security
03:51 The Impact of Tragedy on Transit Safety
05:42 Designing for Safety: Environmental Considerations
12:52 Addressing Women's Safety in Transit
19:29 Partnerships for Vulnerable Populations
24:43 Practical Steps for Transit Agencies
26:44 Conclusion and Resources</p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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 <a href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anastasia_Loukaitou-Sideris'>here</a>.  </p>
<p><br>
Chapters</p>
<p>00:00 Exploring Transit Safety and Security<br>
03:51 The Impact of Tragedy on Transit Safety<br>
05:42 Designing for Safety: Environmental Considerations<br>
12:52 Addressing Women's Safety in Transit<br>
19:29 Partnerships for Vulnerable Populations<br>
24:43 Practical Steps for Transit Agencies<br>
26:44 Conclusion and Resources</p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/2atdvt9a95872m7k/transportopia_episode_six_oct_1582x0u.mp3" length="12341516" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.  
Chapters
00:00 Exploring Transit Safety and Security03:51 The Impact of Tragedy on Transit Safety05:42 Designing for Safety: Environmental Considerations12:52 Addressing Women's Safety in Transit19:29 Partnerships for Vulnerable Populations24:43 Practical Steps for Transit Agencies26:44 Conclusion and Resources]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>1604</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>6</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
            </item>
    <item>
        <title>Transportopia Episode 5 News and Views: Oct. 14. 2025</title>
        <itunes:title>Transportopia Episode 5 News and Views: Oct. 14. 2025</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/0ctober_14_2025_news_and_views_episode_5/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/0ctober_14_2025_news_and_views_episode_5/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 14 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/62226205-5025-353f-9303-6dbdce6b8e55</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>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 <a href='https://youtube.com/shorts/tuRzRJEFvHo?si=AS6ieAy8XvkrOe5T'>new PSA from Cardi B </a>for the MTA aimed at discouraging deadly "subway surfing." Discover more at <a href='https://www.transportopia.org/'>transportopia.org</a>. Coming next week, a full episode featuring a conversation about transit safety challenges across the U.S.</p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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 <a href='https://youtube.com/shorts/tuRzRJEFvHo?si=AS6ieAy8XvkrOe5T'>new PSA from Cardi B </a>for the MTA aimed at discouraging deadly "subway surfing." Discover more at <a href='https://www.transportopia.org/'>transportopia.org</a>. Coming next week, a full episode featuring a conversation about transit safety challenges across the U.S.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/sj6csbputsqsqyi3/Transportopia_News_and_Views_Oct_14_2025925xr.mp3" length="3325539" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>415</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>5</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/iw7mv6hwaf7ha2ir/Transportopia_News_and_Views_Oct_14_2025925xr_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Transportopia Episode 4: Conducting Accessible Community Involvement for Public Transit</title>
        <itunes:title>Transportopia Episode 4: Conducting Accessible Community Involvement for Public Transit</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/accessiblecommunityinvolvement/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/accessiblecommunityinvolvement/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 07 Oct 2025 01:46:05 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/7065acd8-9668-32fc-960c-8f8a33b62df4</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Authors and public transit leaders <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-brooks-066b174/'>Ron Brooks</a> and <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenjoyner?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3Bm62aLQlASOWZtB8Wy2I0tA%3D%3D'>Kristen Joyner</a> discuss their book, <a href='https://a.co/d/eWag3sf'>All Aboard: Conducting Accessible Community Involvement for Public Transit</a>. Plus the latest public transportation news.</p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Authors and public transit leaders <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-brooks-066b174/'>Ron Brooks</a> and <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenjoyner?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3Bm62aLQlASOWZtB8Wy2I0tA%3D%3D'>Kristen Joyner</a> discuss their book, <a href='https://a.co/d/eWag3sf'><em>All Aboard: Conducting Accessible Community Involvement for Public Transit</em></a>. Plus the latest public transportation news.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/7jqh2b7a3vhhyamz/Episode_4_Accessible_Public_Engagement_oct_7_2025bcbm5.mp3" length="12445588" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[Authors and public transit leaders Ron Brooks and Kristen Joyner discuss their book, All Aboard: Conducting Accessible Community Involvement for Public Transit. Plus the latest public transportation news.]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>1555</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>4</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
            </item>
    <item>
        <title>All Aboard: A preview of next week's Accessible Public Involvement for Transit episode</title>
        <itunes:title>All Aboard: A preview of next week's Accessible Public Involvement for Transit episode</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/accessible-engagement-promo/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/accessible-engagement-promo/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 30 Sep 2025 13:16:16 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/2a5da7fe-1f13-3184-b3ac-4fbd6da195c4</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Transportopia is taking a week off for vacation. Join host Rick L'Amie for a preview of next week's episode with authors Kristen Joyner and Ron Brooks to discuss their new book, <a href='https://a.co/d/dTzjMa7'>All Aboard: Conducting Accessible Community Involvement for Public Transit.</a> Plus an original public engagement song!</p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Transportopia is taking a week off for vacation. Join host Rick L'Amie for a preview of next week's episode with authors Kristen Joyner and Ron Brooks to discuss their new book, <em><a href='https://a.co/d/dTzjMa7'>All Aboard: Conducting Accessible Community Involvement for Public Transit.</a> </em>Plus an original public engagement song!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/226ayiyvkdhxai22/Transportopia_Accessible_Public_Engagement_Short_Promo_Episodebnktw.mp3" length="1131116" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[Transportopia is taking a week off for vacation. Join host Rick L'Amie for a preview of next week's episode with authors Kristen Joyner and Ron Brooks to discuss their new book, All Aboard: Conducting Accessible Community Involvement for Public Transit. Plus an original public engagement song!]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>141</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
                <itunes:episodeType>trailer</itunes:episodeType>
            </item>
    <item>
        <title>Transportopia Episode 3 Transit News and Views: Sep. 23, 2025</title>
        <itunes:title>Transportopia Episode 3 Transit News and Views: Sep. 23, 2025</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/transit-news-briefs-sep-23-2025/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/transit-news-briefs-sep-23-2025/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 23 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/a1037334-73bd-35af-b828-b1fbe9629cf0</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Transportopia Podcast Episode 3 takes a look the recent transit news top stories. A promo for the upcoming episode on conducting accessible public engagement for transit with guests <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricklamie/overlay/create-post/'>Kristen Joyner</a> and <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricklamie/overlay/create-post/'>Ron Brooks</a>. Visit <a href='https://www.transportopia.org/podcast'>transportopia.org</a> for other transit stories and podcast extras. Check out <a href='https://youtu.be/r1-0GeH3h5A?si=KHumvyLYegJR_HBI'>You Tuber DJ Petesake's</a> coverage of the <a>LA Metro A Line Pomona Extension Grand Opening Party at 4 New Stations. </a></p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Transportopia Podcast Episode 3 takes a look the recent transit news top stories. A promo for the upcoming episode on conducting accessible public engagement for transit with guests <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricklamie/overlay/create-post/'>Kristen Joyner</a> and <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricklamie/overlay/create-post/'>Ron Brooks</a>. Visit <a href='https://www.transportopia.org/podcast'>transportopia.org</a> for other transit stories and podcast extras. Check out <a href='https://youtu.be/r1-0GeH3h5A?si=KHumvyLYegJR_HBI'>You Tuber DJ Petesake's</a> coverage of the <a>LA Metro A Line Pomona Extension Grand Opening Party at 4 New Stations. </a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/paemqgquh8rxv8qh/riverside_transportopia_episode_3_transit_news_briefs_250_transportopia_studia092r.mp3" length="1720964" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[Transportopia Podcast Episode 3 takes a look the recent transit news top stories. A promo for the upcoming episode on conducting accessible public engagement for transit with guests Kristen Joyner and Ron Brooks. Visit transportopia.org for other transit stories and podcast extras. Check out You Tuber DJ Petesake's coverage of the LA Metro A Line Pomona Extension Grand Opening Party at 4 New Stations. ]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>215</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
            </item>
    <item>
        <title>Transportopia Episode 2: The Customer Experience</title>
        <itunes:title>Transportopia Episode 2: The Customer Experience</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/transportopia-episode-2-the-customer-experience-250916/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/transportopia-episode-2-the-customer-experience-250916/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Tue, 16 Sep 2025 07:37:01 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/0b1104e3-015d-3b74-849d-a159dc11c997</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Transportopia host Rick L'Amie welcomes Aaron Weinstein, Customer Experience (CX) consultant, to discuss the evolution of CX in public transportation agencies across the United States. Plus the latest transit news headlines.</p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Transportopia host Rick L'Amie welcomes Aaron Weinstein, Customer Experience (CX) consultant, to discuss the evolution of CX in public transportation agencies across the United States. Plus the latest transit news headlines.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/ycxdwm83r3j8rmcq/Transportopia_episode_2_-_The_Customer_Experience_Sept_162025-esv2-90p-bg-100pagxc1.mp3" length="9061969" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary>Transportopia host Rick L’Amie welcomes Aaron Weinstein, Customer Experience (CX) consultant, to discuss the evolution of CX in public transportation agencies across the United States. Plus the latest transit news headlines.</itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>1132</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>2</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/r979jjd5gjrmbdzs/Transportopia_episode_2_-_The_Customer_Experience_Sept_162025-esv2-90p-bg-100pagxc1_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Transportopia Introductory Episode 1</title>
        <itunes:title>Transportopia Introductory Episode 1</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/introducing-transportopia/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/introducing-transportopia/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Wed, 10 Sep 2025 08:34:25 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/422ae5b0-2e8e-35fe-9e63-ddc948faedc2</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[In the inaugural episode of Transportopia, host Rick L’Amie introduces the podcast's unique approach to discussing public transit, focusing on both the human side and the technical aspects. The episode covers significant transit news, including the impact of New York City's congestion pricing and the challenges faced by transit agencies across the U.S. L’Amie emphasizes the importance of collaboration among transit leaders and other professionals to address societal issues related to transit. The episode concludes with a preview of the next guest, Aaron Weinstein, an expert in customer experience for transit riders.


 



 ]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[In the inaugural episode of Transportopia, host Rick L’Amie introduces the podcast's unique approach to discussing public transit, focusing on both the human side and the technical aspects. The episode covers significant transit news, including the impact of New York City's congestion pricing and the challenges faced by transit agencies across the U.S. L’Amie emphasizes the importance of collaboration among transit leaders and other professionals to address societal issues related to transit. The episode concludes with a preview of the next guest, Aaron Weinstein, an expert in customer experience for transit riders.


 



 ]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/bxtfd5r6zpc8y2uy/Transportopia_Podcast_Episode_1_Sep_10_2025a5eus.mp3" length="7054468" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary>Takeaways

The podcast aims to explore the human side of transit.
Congestion pricing in NYC has reduced vehicle entries by 12%.
Transit use is increasing, with bus ridership up 13%.
Transit leaders need to share both successes and challenges.
Funding stability is crucial for transit agencies.
Transit challenges are societal problems that require collaboration.
The podcast will feature guests with drinks in hand.
Aaron Weinstein is a leading expert in customer experience.
The Transportini mocktail symbolizes the flavors of transit.
Listeners are encouraged to engage with the podcast’s content.</itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>881</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
                <itunes:episodeType>trailer</itunes:episodeType>
        <podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/zwcd2gmv7it7fpnu/Transportopia_Podcast_Episode_1_Sep_10_2025a5eus_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Transportopia Premiere Promo: Conversations That Move Us</title>
        <itunes:title>Transportopia Premiere Promo: Conversations That Move Us</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/transportopia-premiere-conversations-that-move-us/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/transportopia-premiere-conversations-that-move-us/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Mon, 08 Sep 2025 12:34:34 -0600</pubDate>
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                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Public transportation shapes how we live, work and connect. Join host Rick L&rsquo;Amie Tuesday Sept. 9 for the premiere of the Transportopia podcast, where smart, engaging conversations explore the people and ideas moving transit forward.</p>
<p>Enjoy the show over your favorite beverage, hear the debut of the new mocktail recipe, &nbsp;"the Transportinii. Listen and subscribe at transportopia.org or on your favorite podcast app.</p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Public transportation shapes how we live, work and connect. Join host Rick L&rsquo;Amie Tuesday Sept. 9 for the premiere of the Transportopia podcast, where smart, engaging conversations explore the people and ideas moving transit forward.</p>
<p>Enjoy the show over your favorite beverage, hear the debut of the new mocktail recipe, &nbsp;"the Transportinii. Listen and subscribe at transportopia.org or on your favorite podcast app.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/859vjrwx8nvyqatz/Premiere_promo_-4u9g3i-Optimized.mp3" length="612224" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[Public transportation shapes how we live, work and connect. Join host Rick L&rsquo;Amie Tuesday Sept. 9 for the premiere of the Transportopia podcast, where smart, engaging conversations explore the people and ideas moving transit forward.
Enjoy the show over your favorite beverage, hear the debut of the new mocktail recipe, &nbsp;"the Transportinii. Listen and subscribe at transportopia.org or on your favorite podcast app.]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>29</itunes:duration>
        <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
        <itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
        <itunes:image href="https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog21244219/IMG_4115.jpeg" /><podcast:transcript url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/h5rgz2cmnejfauv9/Premiere_promo_-4u9g3i-Optimized.vtt" type="text/vtt" /><podcast:chapters url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/juizruzhjfsrfxiw/Premiere_promo_-4u9g3i-Optimized_chapters.json" type="application/json" />    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Teaser: Coming soon, the Transportopia Podcast!</title>
        <itunes:title>Teaser: Coming soon, the Transportopia Podcast!</itunes:title>
        <link>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/teaser-coming-soon-the-transportopia-podcast/</link>
                    <comments>https://transportopia.podbean.com/e/teaser-coming-soon-the-transportopia-podcast/#comments</comments>        <pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2025 12:13:31 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">transportopia.podbean.com/42e36866-a551-33b7-bf6d-89954f5982f9</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>The Transportopia Podcast on public transport topics with host Rick L'Amie</p>
]]></description>
                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Transportopia Podcast on public transport topics with host Rick L'Amie</p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                    
        <enclosure url="https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/p26duw9m5pphx8n5/Transportopia_Teaser74vwi.mp3" length="437466" type="audio/mpeg"/>
        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Transportopia Podcast on public transport topics with host Rick L'Amie]]></itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Rick L’Amie</itunes:author>
        <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
        <itunes:block>No</itunes:block>
        <itunes:duration>27</itunes:duration>
                <itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode>
        <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
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