• 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.

Federal Transit Funding

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

• Federal Transit Administration: Transit funding programs https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding

Transit Expansion Trends

• Overview of upcoming U.S. transit project openings and expansion trends https://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 & Fleet Electrification

• Sustainable Bus: Global electric bus news and analysis https://www.sustainable-bus.com

• FTA Low or No Emission (Low-No) Program https://www.newsweek.com/zohran-mamdani-faces-backlash-as-bus-fares-rise-in-new-york-city-11310481

• Streetsblog NYC: Fare-free bus results and advocacy perspective https://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 Gordon https://thewaroncars.org

• 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

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.