Transportopia: Public Transport Stories & Ideas

Rick L’Amie

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.

  1. 4D AGO

    Encore Episode: Inside the CX Revolution with Aaron Weinstein

    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

    17 min

  2. APR 28 ·  BONUS

    News and Views Bonus Episode: Victory in Court: 2nd Avenue Subway Funding Unfrozen

    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.

    5 min

  3. APR 21

    Inside Transit Unplugged: Paul Comfort on 400 Episodes, Leadership & Innovation

    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+Comfort Find Your X Factor Website - https://findyourxfactor.ai The Transportopia Song: https://youtu.be/RVefq4HUGHY?si=ykCQa_ITALZda29a

    35 min

  4. APR 14 ·  BONUS

    Transportopia Episode 24: News and Views April 14, 2026

    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.

    5 min

  5. APR 7

    Transportopia Episode 23: The Loneliest Transit Station in America

    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

    26 min

  6. APR 2 ·  BONUS

    Transportopia News and Views Episode 22 April 2, 2026

    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.

    3 min

  7. MAR 24

    Transportopia Episode 21: "The Voice of God"

    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

    23 min

  8. MAR 17 ·  BONUS

    Transportopia Episode 20 News and Views March 17, 2026

    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

    6 min
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About

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.

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