Episode 7: Transit Funding Failures + Learning to Drive

Transit Funding – David & Wes dive into the growing threats to U.S. transit funding and why they matter far beyond agency balance sheets. By looking at how federal decisions shape what cities can build and operate, they unpack why transit in the United States costs so much, delivers so little, and remains perpetually vulnerable to political whims. Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of how funding structures quietly undermine reliability, access, and public trust in transit systems. Today, we also talk about: 🔹 Getting our driver’s licenses  🔹 An Amish paradise that includes eBikes & why technology adoption doesn’t follow cultural stereotypes 🔹Why transit vehicles cost so much more in the U.S. & what that means for service and expansion At the end, we have some rail drinks... stay tuned for bi-weekly conversations about all things transportation.  Here is David's article (the first of its kind) on Why US Cities Pay Too Much for Buses: www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-26/us-cities-are-paying-too-much-for-new-transit-buses And some other resources that might help your cause: - www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/transportation-secretary-sean-duffy-cta-funding-safety/ - www.nytimes.com/2025/10/01/nyregion/trump-nyc-subway-gateway-infrastructure-funding.html - www.brookings.edu/articles/paying-less-for-public-transit-buses/ Music by Charlie Van Stee (courtesy of bensound) Email us at [email protected] or find us at www.davidzipper.com and www.wesmarshall.org