Transit Unplugged Weekly News Minute with Julie Gates

⚽ The FIFA World Cup 2026™ - Canada, Mexico and the United States is just three months away — and transit across North America is getting ready to move the fans. The Federal Transit Administration is investing $100M to support host cities.🚌 In Canada, TransLink plans to add 600 extra bus trips every day to keep things moving.❄️ And in New Jersey… a giant “snow mountain” at a Port Authority Transit Corporation station has turned into a fun guessing game online. When will it melt? The winner gets a $20 train pass.

🚍 In this week’s #TransitUnplugged News Minute with Julie Gates…🇨🇦 Canadians are pushing back against proposed $5B transit funding cuts, warning of major impacts on riders and communities.🚌 The U.S. Federal Transit Administration announces nearly $390M in grants for buses and transit facilities.✊ Transit agencies marked Rosa Parks’ 113th birthday, highlighting her lasting legacy and the importance of transit equity.🏆 Congrats to the American Public Transportation Association #AdWheel Awards winners — including Transit Unplugged’s Think Transit Executive Summit taking first place 👏🎙️ This NewsMinute is brought to you by Modaxo.

Change at the top — Marc Molinaro steps down after just six months as Administrator at the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).🇨🇦 Hitachi Rail announces a nearly $30M investment to build a new Canadian headquarters in Toronto. hashtag#HitachiRail💳 Seattle’s Sound Transit and ORCA fare system roll out tap-to-pay, allowing riders to use credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets for easier access.🚆 Calgary Transit begins installing automatic passenger counting sensors to improve service planning and better understand ridership demand.🤖 In Atlanta, Glydways breaks ground on an autonomous, on-demand transit pilot using electric vehicles on dedicated guideways.👕 And Amtrak leans into its cult following with limited-edition “trak suits” designed by students from the New York School of Design.This Transit Unplugged hashtag#NewsMinute is brought to you by Modaxo

🏈 Seattle Transit breaks ridership records as fans flood the Seahawks hashtag#SuperBowl parade — with Sound Transit and King County Metro Transit carrying hundreds of thousands in a single day.🚌 Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is adding 100 new hybrid and battery-electric buses from New Flyer.🚍 Atlanta’s MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) prepares to launch its first Bus Rapid Transit line this April.🌆 Oklahoma’s regional system rebrands as One Transit.🎉 Los Angeles Metro celebrates Lunar New Year with a limited-edition TAP card.🎮 And in a fun twist — a Vancouver student recreated the SkyTrain in Roblox. TransLinkThis Transit Unplugged hashtag#NewsMinute is brought to you by Modaxo.

💰 Congress approved the FY2026 THUD bill — including $16.5B for transit and $2.9B for rail.📱 In Canada, Société de transport de Montréal is expanding its text-to-report safety service after receiving 25,000 rider messages in its first year.📈 And the North Carolina Department Of Transportation says restoring rail corridors could generate over $1B for the state economy.💘 Plus, BART is running a special “Valentraine” speed-dating event this weekend — because sometimes the best connections happen on board.This Transit Unplugged News Minute is brought to you by Modaxo.

⏳ Federal transit funding for 2026 is still waiting on final approval, with a partial government shutdown already delaying some grants.⚽ With the FIFA World Cup 2026™ - Canada, Mexico and the United States just 4 months away, the Kansas City region is launching new transit services to support host cities.🏈 In the Bay Area, BART is boosting service for this weekend’s Super Bowl.🎙️ This Transit Unplugged News Minute with Julie Gates is brought to you by Modaxo.

As millions face power outages and freezing temperatures across the U.S., transit agencies are stepping up when communities need them most:🚌 VIA Metropolitan Transit offered fare-free rides to warming centres🚌 St. Louis Metro Transit transported people to shelters🚌 TARTA deployed stationary warming buses💙 Huge thanks to every frontline transit worker. 🎙️ This Transit Unplugged hashtag#NewsMinute with Julie Gates is brought to you by Modaxo.

😂 BART is teaming up with SF Sketchfest to bring live comedy performances onboard trains. Yes — stand-up on public transport 🎧👏🚍 For #MLKDay , many systems will run holiday schedules, with Los Angeles Metro and Houston Metro offering free rides to parades and events. Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County🚇 Chicago Transit Authority is piloting activated carbon filters on railcars to reduce smoke and improve onboard air quality.🚆 In Canada, the first new Northlander trainset has arrived — bringing passenger rail back between Timmins and Toronto later this year.

🗽 Metropolitan Transportation Authority says congestion pricing in Manhattan is working — less traffic, cleaner air, safer streets, and $550M already reinvested into transit 🇨🇦 Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) approves its 2026 budget with a third fare freeze in a row 🍎 IndyGo makes its Food in Transit programme permanent — supporting riders beyond the journey ❤️🎥 All in this week’s Transit Unplugged hashtag#NewsMinute, brought to you by Modaxo.

🛡️New York City: Crime on the subway is at its lowest level in 16 years — a huge win for rider confidence and safety. Metropolitan Transportation Authority🎟️ Boston: New fare gates are live at South Station, helping ensure fair payment and a more accountable system for everyone. MBTA⚡San Francisco: A major accessibility milestone as the city launches its first fully-electric paratransit vehicle, pushing forward zero-emission goals San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) Transdev🏆Rider shout-outs: Transit App has announced its Rider’s Choice Awards 👏 Congrats to all bus operators and a special shout-out to C-TRAN, Metro Transit, and TriMet

🚍🎧Welcome to your Transit Unplugged #NewsMinute with Julie Gates🚆 American Public Transportation Association is urging Congress to restore the Alternative Fuels Tax Credit, supporting transit agencies using compressed and liquid natural gas.🍁 City of Toronto has officially opened the long-awaited Line 6 Finch West Light Rail Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) — with hundreds of eager riders lining up to be among the first onboard.🏫 In Fort Worth, Texas, high school students can now ride free across Trinity Metro services during the school year and summer break.🎁 And while you’re hunting for that last gift — several transit agencies are selling holiday sweaters. Think BART, MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority), Chicago Transit Authority and more. 👉 We’ve rounded them up in a festive carousel right here on the Transit Unplugged LinkedIn page ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eiAfXVuP

Welcome to this week’s Transit Unplugged #NewsMinute with Julie Gates.🚆 Amtrak has restored Lake Shore Limited service between Albany and Boston after months of bus substitution caused by a land slip.🏘️ Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has broken ground on new affordable housing at New Carrollton Station, including 112 homes for seniors.🍁 Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) is raising concerns about Canada’s 2025 budget after transit funding was folded into the general infrastructure fund.🎤 Yale University’s Yale Glee Club surprised Metro-North Railroad riders with a festive onboard performance of Ding Dong Merrily on High.This Transit Unplugged News Minute is brought to you by Modaxo

Policy shifts, greener buses, and a powerful legacy — it’s your Transit Unplugged #NewsMinute with Julie Gates! Federal Transit Administration update: The agency removed a provision requiring grant recipients to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement — a rule deemed unlawful. Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County scores $100M to expand its cleaner CNG bus fleet. #RosaParksDay: VIA Metropolitan Transit offers fare-free service and turns on headlights across its fleet to honour her legacy. BC Transit’s “Stuff the Bus” returns — collecting toys, food, and clothing for families in need. This News Minute is brought to you by Modaxo.

Amtrak breaks ridership records, the U.S. Department of Transportation issues $10,000 bonuses, Thanksgiving travel surges, and Black Friday rail deals roll out across Canada. Welcome to this week’s Transit Unplugged News Minute with Julie Gates.In this episode:• Amtrak celebrates a record-breaking year with more than 34 million trips, setting new highs for both ridership and revenue.• Nearly 800 air traffic controllers will receive a $10,000 award from the U.S. Department of Transportation for perfect attendance during the government shutdown.• Thanksgiving travel in the United States is expected to reach 82 million people, with Reuters reporting a 12% increase in bus and train bookings compared to last year.• Scenic rail fans can take advantage of Black Friday offers from the Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail, including journeys through the Canadian Rockies and across the country.This episode of the Transit Unplugged News Minute is brought to you by Modaxo.

This week’s Transit Unplugged News Minute covers how U.S. transit continued delivering essential services through the government shutdown, despite grant delays and reimbursement interruptions.APTA urges President Trump to reject the U.S. DOT proposal to eliminate the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund, warning it would harm riders and communities across the country.New Jersey Transit is moving forward with a major modernization, replacing 429 aging rail cars to improve reliability and passenger comfort.Plus, Modaxo launches The Aviation Report, a new podcast for aviation enthusiasts covering aircraft, airports, and industry trends.This Transit Unplugged News Minute is brought to you by Modaxo.

This week with Julie Gates on Transit Unplugged News Minute:Americans voted yes for public transit, with over 80% of ballot measures approved across the U.S.Experts weigh in on the new 10% U.S. bus tariff taking effect this month.The Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) celebrated the best in Canadian transit at the CUTA Awards, recognising BC Transit, MiWay, Transdev, ARTM, Edmonton Transit Service and more.Special congratulations to Transit Unplugged alum Mike Bismeyer, recipient of the Distinguished Service Award.Plus, Coast Transit Authority is offering free unlimited rides for veterans on Veterans Day, and CoMotion LA and APTA’s National Transit Career Day are happening this week.Brought to you by Modaxo.

🗳️ City of Danville, Virginia — free rides on Election Day 🚇 Metropolitan Transportation Authority — new elevators and walkways at Grand Central 🚄 Amtrak — $30M in upgrades for North Dakota stations 🍁 Meanwhile in Montreal, our Paul Comfort joins industry leaders at Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA)’s Fall Conference to host the CEO Roundtable.

Maryland Transit Administration is helping federal employees during the government shutdown with free MARC Train and Commuter Bus rides.Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works just launched America’s longest all-electric BRT, complete with air-conditioned shelters and free Wi-Fi.Dallas Area Rapid Transit (Official DART page)is celebrating the first ride of the new Silver Line Regional Rail.Metro Transit – St. Louis is saving thousands by 3D-printing its own bus parts — from cup holders to air-gauge covers.

TransLink operator Kelly Podlubny is now the 2025 World Laughing Champion! SamTranss (San Mateo County Transit District) introduces new policies to suspend riders who behave unsafely.California Governor Gavin Newsom’s AB 394 gives courts the power to ban those who assault transit workers. RTC of Southern Nevada now empowers security officers to remove unruly passengers — and uses AI-based #ZeroEyes to detect weapons on vehicles.

David Fink is officially confirmed as the new head of the @Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) — leading the next chapter of America’s rail future. In Buffalo, NY, transit scores a touchdown with plans for a new Buffalo Bills stadium featuring a dedicated transit hub for fans.Amtrak is back on the Gulf Coast, restoring passenger service between Mobile and New Orleans for the first time since Hurricane Katrina.SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) riders can grab Halloween savings at Eastern State Penitentiary — where spooky meets smart transit!

Calgary revives the Vote Bus, boosting voter accessibility. Foothill Transit expands its hydrogen fueling. The MTA offers transit memorabilia. APTA celebrates CX Day, prioritizing transit customers.

Metro-North Railroad introduces new, faster trains that reduce pollution. Boston is ranked as the best US city for public transportation. Spokane welcomes double-decker buses. Ottawa ComicCon features a costumed Mandalorian on OC Transpo.

The Federal Transit Administrator urges safety updates. Dallas opens its Silver Line. Ottawa pilots real-time bus info screens. Chicago's transit-themed holiday sweaters are now available for pre-order.

SEPTA receives funding to restore services after budget cuts. Sound Transit operates the first light rail car on a floating bridge. The Gordie Howe Bridge prepares to open, enhancing trade. APTA Transform hosts a panel and a puppy cuddle zone.

APTA's Fact Book confirms public transit is a $93B industry, boosting the economy and creating jobs. Vancouver's TransLink expands service, while Eugene's LTD pilots increased frequency. The Bay Area celebrates Transit Month.

Labor Day brings schedule changes. SacRT offers free rides for students. Uber plans train rides via the Chunnel. Penn Station's multibillion-dollar makeover is set to begin in 2027, led by Amtrak's Andy Byford.

Transit faces funding cuts as fares rise. Seattle celebrates a groundbreaking, while Toronto expands affordable housing near transit. And, dogs ride inside Washington State Ferries!

Transit news flashes: A commitment to slash bus costs! CT Transit hits 50, while TransLink unleashes collector cards. San Francisco throws shade at fare evaders—and the Dodgers. Catch the latest in transit!

Marc Molinaro's confirmation as FTA administrator marks a new era! Valley Metro battles record heat with passenger relief. Plus, MV Transportation hits 50, and San Francisco throws it back with psychedelic buses.

Transit agencies get flexibility on no-emissions grants, plus APTA Tech kicks off in Miami. OC Bus drops an unforgettable earworm with a dancing bus operator—you've been warned. "You will put it on repeat." And, Transit Unplugged wins a Spotlight Award!

From budget battles to viral transit wins—here’s what’s making headlines:• TriRail may shut down after $27M in cuts• KC Streetcar extension set to open this October• Maryland Transit releases a bold new rider experience plan• Brightline shuttles fans to Coldplay’s Miami show• Tampa Airport breaks the internet with one brilliant postTransit news in under a minute—powered by Modaxo.Hosted by Julie Gates.

We unpack the FRA's funding pullback from California High-Speed Rail. Also, TransLink employees are assisting riders speaking over 40 languages. We celebrate National Ice Cream Day with Rhode Island's fun transit promotion.

We break down the latest transit updates, including faster Queens buses, Denver's crime data transparency, and Ottawa's electric fleet expansion. We also delve into the new Transit Unplugged Insider show, offering exclusive industry insights and discussion around transit funds.

We're diving into the latest transit news! Jacksonville's AV service launch, TransLink's electric bus boost, Sioux City's ridership surge, and Harvard's bus roadeo. Stay updated with the cutting-edge advancements in public transportation!

We're celebrating big wins! Albuquerque BRT hits 10M riders, TransLink gains revenue, and WeGo rocks July 4th! Plus, APTA's awards are announced – see this year's transit stars!

We're diving into NYC's congestion pricing success! 🚗💨 Plus, check out Brightline's Miami food hall & Honolulu's transit legends. We're saving time & celebrating achievements!

Stay updated with Transit Unplugged News! We cover Rural Transit Day, Trinity Metro's Blue Line launch, New Orleans' late-night ferry pilot, Halifax's free student rides, and San Diego's Comic-Con trolley wrap. Your source for urban transit news!

LAX welcomes train service, Phoenix expands light rail, Austin launches transit police, and Modaxo debuts "Parking Live" podcast.

Vancouver sees a surge in bus ridership over cars. APTA supports Trump's budget. New York gets a midtown bus terminal. Pride Month brings colorful transit vehicles. Modaxo sponsors this Transit Unplugged News Minute.

Secretary Duffy pledges friendship at APTA. We cover NJ Transit's strike ending before Beyonce's concerts. Riverside debuts the first self-driving bus via a transit agency.

Transit agencies must prioritize cybersecurity. TransLink gets funding for bus service increases. Atlanta considers self-driving shuttles for the World Cup. Colorful benches appear at CARTA bus stops. This Transit Unplugged news is brought to you by Modaxo.

Driverless trucks in Texas, free rides to court in Nashville, Brightline's meeting car! Celebrate National Transportation Week with the latest transit advancements.

We discuss SunRail's expansion to Orlando theme parks and a 3D-printed train station in Japan. Also, our team covers ENC's return to bus production. Transit Unplugged News Minute brought to you by Modaxo

USDOT's driverless car framework aims for national AV standards. Los Angeles Metro opens June 6th, connecting to LAX. We spotlight Ken Jennings' transit web series, The Transit Effect.

We're covering NYC's congestion toll fight, Sacramento's bike lane enforcement with AI, and Earth Day free rides on transit. Reduce carbon footprint with us!

Join us as we celebrate TTC's staggering milestone of 34 billion trips! Plus, discover how New Jersey Transit is tackling homelessness and see Ed Sheeran and Jimmy Fallon light up the subway with an unexpected musical performance!

Join us as we explore exciting updates from the APTA Mobility Conference in Austin, Maryland's Purple Line tests, and B.C. Transit's improvements for commuters with disabilities. Plus, a look at New York's subway map update after 50 years!

Join us as we dive into the APTA seminar where 160 transit leaders strategize impactful solutions for public transportation. Plus, discover how students with autism are making their voices heard on subway announcements! Get ready for some fun surprises this April Fool's Day!

In this Transit Unplugged News Minute, Chicago leaders warn of a looming transit collapse due to a $770 million budget gap. Plus, learn about New York's MetroCard phase-out and SEPTA's new stroller-friendly initiative for families. Join us for the latest updates!

Join us for our Transit Unplugged News Minute! Discover how Chicago turns its river green, Reno's fare-free rides, and the upcoming Think Transit Conference. Plus, celebrate National Transit Employee Appreciation Day with Monterey Salinas Transit!