Transit Tangents Pod

🚍 New Episode Alert! 🎙️ Our latest Transit Tangents features Austin Independent School District's Director of Transportation, Kris Hafezizadeh. This conversation touches on some of the most pressing topics shaping school transit today: 1️⃣ AISD's Bus Program – Kris shares insights into how the district manages one of the largest school bus programs in the region, navigating the unique needs of Austin’s student population. 2️⃣ Traffic and Funding Challenges – We discuss the realities of operating within a bustling city, from the daily congestion woes to the financial hurdles that impact the bus program. 3️⃣ Electrifying the Fleet – Learn about the district’s plans to go green with their fleet, including the opportunities and challenges that come with electrification. Whether you're a transit professional, a parent, or just someone curious about the future of school transportation, this episode has something for you! Listen now and join the conversation on how we can make school transit safer, greener, and more efficient. 🌱🚍

Just in time for election season, we’re exploring how transit projects can bridge the partisan divide! In this episode, we sit down with Bill McCamley, Executive Director of Transit Forward, to discuss local transit initiatives and strategies for building broad-based coalitions to support public transit. Tune in to discover how we can work together to drive impactful, community-centered transit solutions.

We had a blast making this long overdue video: How to Navigate Austin Using Only Public Transit. We are the first to admit that getting around Austin without a car can be tough, but we love what CapMetro has built here and can’t wait to share their hard work with you! So tune in, grab your bus pass, and let’s explore Austin together! Huge thanks to CapMetro for getting us around all day!

Get ready for a spine-chilling ride as we bring you a special Halloween episode of Transit Tangents! In this eerie edition, we're counting down the top 10 transit villains—the real-life monsters that haunt our public transit systems. From over-budget projects draining resources, to lawsuit-happy NIMBYs who stall progress at every turn, and public officials who just can't see the bigger picture, these villains are making your commute a nightmare. Join us as we expose these ghouls lurking behind the scenes and discuss what can be done to stop them before they strike again! If you’ve ever felt haunted by transit troubles, this episode is for you. Buckle up and hold on tight… it's going to be a bumpy, spooky ride!

Transit agencies and cities across the U.S. are confronting "fiscal cliffs" as ridership recovers more slowly than expected post-COVID. This episode, like many others, explores the structural challenges of transit funding and challenges the notion that transit should be expected to generate a profit. Louisville, KY, for example, is facing a $30 million budget shortfall for the Transit Authority of River City (TARC). We examine how TARC plans to navigate these financial constraints while maintaining essential services for Louisville residents.

We are thrilled to launch the first in a series of episodes dedicated to Austin's Project Connect, the transformative transit initiative by CapMetro, Austin Transit Partnership, and the City of Austin. In this week's episode, we provide an overview of the ambitious plan designed to transform Austin into a world-class transit city. Stay tuned for future episodes as we explore how Project Connect will redefine mobility and elevate the quality of life for our community!

Are you interested in learning more about improving passenger rail in Central Texas? Check out our most recent episode where we met with Travis County Judge Andy Brown to discuss efforts to bring regular train service between Austin and San Antonio.