California Transit Nerd
@catransitnerd.bsky.social
Bay area native lived in LA for college. I work on Supercomputers with a Poly Sci degree. Rail nerd working on state policy RT=/= endorsement
Pinned
Intro:
My focus is on regional and intercity transit statewide and ending freeway expansion.
Ask don’t assume my position on issue, 99% of the time I’ll happy answer
My focus is on regional and intercity transit statewide and ending freeway expansion.
Ask don’t assume my position on issue, 99% of the time I’ll happy answer
On a college campus these will get overwhelmed. I know some campuses use 30ft units on some routes due to road designs but in general 35-40ft is all you should be using there
As for smaller cities I don’t see these doing particularly well without strong stop infrastructure which is unlikely
As for smaller cities I don’t see these doing particularly well without strong stop infrastructure which is unlikely
🧵(1/2) Spotted a Beep AV Shuttle in DC. I believe these have a place in the mobility hierarchy like moving people on medical/college/airport campuses or serving as downtown shuttles. Might be a good way for smaller cities to have a more robust transit network.
January 2, 2026 at 5:34 AM
On a college campus these will get overwhelmed. I know some campuses use 30ft units on some routes due to road designs but in general 35-40ft is all you should be using there
As for smaller cities I don’t see these doing particularly well without strong stop infrastructure which is unlikely
As for smaller cities I don’t see these doing particularly well without strong stop infrastructure which is unlikely
I’m driving home via the coast tonight and I’ve seen 2 sidings filled with extra intermodal equipment just between king city and Santa Barbra, I expect more further north
UP has no use for the line as a though route and likely would be happy to get out of doing local work so the state should buy it
UP has no use for the line as a though route and likely would be happy to get out of doing local work so the state should buy it
January 2, 2026 at 5:13 AM
I’m driving home via the coast tonight and I’ve seen 2 sidings filled with extra intermodal equipment just between king city and Santa Barbra, I expect more further north
UP has no use for the line as a though route and likely would be happy to get out of doing local work so the state should buy it
UP has no use for the line as a though route and likely would be happy to get out of doing local work so the state should buy it
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
Happy New Year! Start the year off right with our webinar on how to better fund transit infrastructure for quicker, more cost-effective projects, next Thursday at 1 PM PST. @seamlessbayareaca.bsky.social @publicenterprise.bsky.social actionnetwork.org/events/trans...
Full Steam Ahead: Funding Transformational Transit
Transit and passenger rail investment in the United States struggles for adequate investment. Despite some improvements in top line figures for transit and passenger rail, federal and state transporta...
actionnetwork.org
January 2, 2026 at 4:05 AM
Happy New Year! Start the year off right with our webinar on how to better fund transit infrastructure for quicker, more cost-effective projects, next Thursday at 1 PM PST. @seamlessbayareaca.bsky.social @publicenterprise.bsky.social actionnetwork.org/events/trans...
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
Americans do not have a "love affair" with cars, the term typically used in the media.
Rather we are in an abusive relationship, wanting to leave but fearing the consequences.
Rather we are in an abusive relationship, wanting to leave but fearing the consequences.
An astonishing percentage of Americans are open to car-free living.
The problem isn't attitudes. The problem is the failure to invest in viable options.
humantransit.org/2025/12/many...
The problem isn't attitudes. The problem is the failure to invest in viable options.
humantransit.org/2025/12/many...
Many Americans Are Open to Car-Free Living — Human Transit
Is Americans a “car culture” or are they “car dependent”? Do they drive because they love driving, or are they in an unhealthy relationship with a substance it would be happy to do without? Obviousl...
humantransit.org
December 31, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Americans do not have a "love affair" with cars, the term typically used in the media.
Rather we are in an abusive relationship, wanting to leave but fearing the consequences.
Rather we are in an abusive relationship, wanting to leave but fearing the consequences.
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
It should be harder to get a drivers license and easier to lose it.
The California DMV is in deep need of reform. Enraging stuff, uncovered by a team of reporters at @calmatters.org
calmatters.org/investigatio...
calmatters.org/investigatio...
December 31, 2025 at 1:28 AM
It should be harder to get a drivers license and easier to lose it.
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
After 10 years of planning, Palo Alto has voted to advance three different alternatives for a grade separations at Churchill to 15% design stage.
www.paloaltoonline.com/transportati...
www.paloaltoonline.com/transportati...
December 29, 2025 at 7:12 PM
After 10 years of planning, Palo Alto has voted to advance three different alternatives for a grade separations at Churchill to 15% design stage.
www.paloaltoonline.com/transportati...
www.paloaltoonline.com/transportati...
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
Integrated, accessible, through-running electrified regional rail could transform Southern California and move high-speed rail forward. Join us on January 12th for a webinar from 5-6 pm to learn why this is so important and how we make it happen. actionnetwork.org/events/elect...
Electrolink Webinar
Southern California deserves a modern, green, and accessible rail system. In their new whitepaper, Electrolink, Californians for Electric Rail presents a vision for how to get there, through investmen...
actionnetwork.org
December 29, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Integrated, accessible, through-running electrified regional rail could transform Southern California and move high-speed rail forward. Join us on January 12th for a webinar from 5-6 pm to learn why this is so important and how we make it happen. actionnetwork.org/events/elect...
random thought for the fare nerds
Would it be possible (and does it make sense) to allow an individual with a SNAP card to first tap the card to receive the low income discount (assuming the agency has one) then pay with cash?
I know the bay has issues with lack of fare reload machines on bus routes
Would it be possible (and does it make sense) to allow an individual with a SNAP card to first tap the card to receive the low income discount (assuming the agency has one) then pay with cash?
I know the bay has issues with lack of fare reload machines on bus routes
December 29, 2025 at 9:37 AM
random thought for the fare nerds
Would it be possible (and does it make sense) to allow an individual with a SNAP card to first tap the card to receive the low income discount (assuming the agency has one) then pay with cash?
I know the bay has issues with lack of fare reload machines on bus routes
Would it be possible (and does it make sense) to allow an individual with a SNAP card to first tap the card to receive the low income discount (assuming the agency has one) then pay with cash?
I know the bay has issues with lack of fare reload machines on bus routes
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
A short thread on my frustration with the phrase,
"Every additional trip costs a transit agency money."
While it is true in one sense, it seriously misstates the incentives that a funding-constrained agency faces.
"Every additional trip costs a transit agency money."
While it is true in one sense, it seriously misstates the incentives that a funding-constrained agency faces.
I've heard this phrase thrown around a bunch during my 10 years in planning and it has always bothered me because it is only true in the aggregate sense.
Yes, if opex is greater than revenue then, on average, each trip is subsidized.
Yes, if opex is greater than revenue then, on average, each trip is subsidized.
December 28, 2025 at 9:15 PM
A short thread on my frustration with the phrase,
"Every additional trip costs a transit agency money."
While it is true in one sense, it seriously misstates the incentives that a funding-constrained agency faces.
"Every additional trip costs a transit agency money."
While it is true in one sense, it seriously misstates the incentives that a funding-constrained agency faces.
I am once again asking for both sleeper service and some faster and more frequent daytime service between the Bay and LA via the coast.
A sleeper train would have been perfect for my trip this week
A sleeper train would have been perfect for my trip this week
December 28, 2025 at 6:24 PM
I am once again asking for both sleeper service and some faster and more frequent daytime service between the Bay and LA via the coast.
A sleeper train would have been perfect for my trip this week
A sleeper train would have been perfect for my trip this week
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
The equity case for infrequent buses at low fares only makes sense if you believe low income people’s time has no value or that they don’t value their time.
Every transit professional knows this, but equity
Transit's main competition is cars. If you raise fares from $2.50 to $3, you're still way more affordable than driving. But if you cut the bus from every 15 to every 20, you're screwed because cars have infinity frequency and 24 hr service span.
December 27, 2025 at 6:21 PM
The equity case for infrequent buses at low fares only makes sense if you believe low income people’s time has no value or that they don’t value their time.
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
All the Toronto streetcar discourse has had me looking at a lot of TTC stringlines, and I must say, it seems there's an incredibly opportunity for quick improvement there with some basic terminal ops fixes.
Why was nearly every streetcar *entering service* on this random wednesday late?
Why was nearly every streetcar *entering service* on this random wednesday late?
December 27, 2025 at 6:00 PM
All the Toronto streetcar discourse has had me looking at a lot of TTC stringlines, and I must say, it seems there's an incredibly opportunity for quick improvement there with some basic terminal ops fixes.
Why was nearly every streetcar *entering service* on this random wednesday late?
Why was nearly every streetcar *entering service* on this random wednesday late?
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
Blue Dem governors united in supporting climate change acceleration.
Who is primarying her?
Who is primarying her?
Cutting property taxes for Oregonians affected by wildfires. Canceling planned freeway tolls. Pausing local new taxes in the Portland area. We have to keep going to make life more affordable for Oregonians.
December 24, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Blue Dem governors united in supporting climate change acceleration.
Who is primarying her?
Who is primarying her?
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
South Bay Connect please
December 23, 2025 at 8:21 PM
South Bay Connect please
Took Caltrain today and shot some photos while the fiancée was in the office for a few hours
Mid day ridership reminds me a lot of BART. I’d be curious what 20 min all day service 10 min peak and some better feeder buses would do for the system
Mid day ridership reminds me a lot of BART. I’d be curious what 20 min all day service 10 min peak and some better feeder buses would do for the system
December 22, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Took Caltrain today and shot some photos while the fiancée was in the office for a few hours
Mid day ridership reminds me a lot of BART. I’d be curious what 20 min all day service 10 min peak and some better feeder buses would do for the system
Mid day ridership reminds me a lot of BART. I’d be curious what 20 min all day service 10 min peak and some better feeder buses would do for the system
We should have done this years ago and need to continue until all utilities are nationalized at the state level
20,000 SF customers still lack power due to PG&E’s meltdown.
The private utility model is broken. PG&E is a monopoly fighting to stay a monopoly & not paid based on its performance.
It’s why I authored legislation to make PG&E publicly owned. Utilities must serve the public, not shareholders.🧵
The private utility model is broken. PG&E is a monopoly fighting to stay a monopoly & not paid based on its performance.
It’s why I authored legislation to make PG&E publicly owned. Utilities must serve the public, not shareholders.🧵
California utilities will keep almost all profits as regulators ease up. They’re still upset
Utilities will suffer small reductions to profits as state regulators ease up on recommended cuts and electric bills remain high
calmatters.org
December 22, 2025 at 6:15 PM
We should have done this years ago and need to continue until all utilities are nationalized at the state level
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
California taxpayers gave $750 million to Caltrans to build a carpool lane on 101 to "alleviate traffic."
But drivers screamed and cried because they want the lane for single-occupancy vehicles.
So, Caltrans is giving it to them.
Caltrans is trash. www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
But drivers screamed and cried because they want the lane for single-occupancy vehicles.
So, Caltrans is giving it to them.
Caltrans is trash. www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
Highway 101 carpool hours to change following commuter uproar
Pummeled by complaints from North Bay drivers, state and regional transportation officials say they will reduce the carpool lane hours on a recently overhauled stretch of Highway 101.
www.sfchronicle.com
December 22, 2025 at 4:28 AM
California taxpayers gave $750 million to Caltrans to build a carpool lane on 101 to "alleviate traffic."
But drivers screamed and cried because they want the lane for single-occupancy vehicles.
So, Caltrans is giving it to them.
Caltrans is trash. www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
But drivers screamed and cried because they want the lane for single-occupancy vehicles.
So, Caltrans is giving it to them.
Caltrans is trash. www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
Reading the UP/NS merger app alongside CP/KCS, you really get a sense for how railroad managements' read of the pax rail environment differs now vs 2021
In 2021, "expansion of psgr svc" made an appearance in the CEO's statement. Now? Just procedural assurances that the merger won't break anything
In 2021, "expansion of psgr svc" made an appearance in the CEO's statement. Now? Just procedural assurances that the merger won't break anything
December 20, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Reading the UP/NS merger app alongside CP/KCS, you really get a sense for how railroad managements' read of the pax rail environment differs now vs 2021
In 2021, "expansion of psgr svc" made an appearance in the CEO's statement. Now? Just procedural assurances that the merger won't break anything
In 2021, "expansion of psgr svc" made an appearance in the CEO's statement. Now? Just procedural assurances that the merger won't break anything
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
Massive congratulations are owed to the folks at @tvrr.bsky.social for their work on International Boulevard.
It is *unquestionable* that their advocacy has saved multiple lives, something not many people can say.
Quick 🧵on their blog post.
www.oakrapidresponse.org/posts/intern...
It is *unquestionable* that their advocacy has saved multiple lives, something not many people can say.
Quick 🧵on their blog post.
www.oakrapidresponse.org/posts/intern...
International Blvd is Now Much Safer
Last week, OakDOT and AC Transit shared the results of the International BRT Safety Project and frankly the results are an eye-popping success! Traffic calming infrastructure saves lives! Please write...
www.oakrapidresponse.org
December 18, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Massive congratulations are owed to the folks at @tvrr.bsky.social for their work on International Boulevard.
It is *unquestionable* that their advocacy has saved multiple lives, something not many people can say.
Quick 🧵on their blog post.
www.oakrapidresponse.org/posts/intern...
It is *unquestionable* that their advocacy has saved multiple lives, something not many people can say.
Quick 🧵on their blog post.
www.oakrapidresponse.org/posts/intern...
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
Chicago is getting a Verkehrsverbünde???
December 17, 2025 at 5:44 AM
Chicago is getting a Verkehrsverbünde???
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
The Bay Area used to know this
December 17, 2025 at 2:33 AM
The Bay Area used to know this
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
Speed Matters.
Some thoughts about transit and speed, life, space and time.
open.substack.com/pub/marcochi...
Some thoughts about transit and speed, life, space and time.
open.substack.com/pub/marcochi...
Speed matters
Of time, life and space. Or why transit speed matters.
open.substack.com
December 17, 2025 at 12:09 AM
Speed Matters.
Some thoughts about transit and speed, life, space and time.
open.substack.com/pub/marcochi...
Some thoughts about transit and speed, life, space and time.
open.substack.com/pub/marcochi...
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
I don’t think it is progressive to force urban homeowners like me who live in fire-safe areas to pay higher home insurance premiums to subsidize people who choose to live in McMansions in places with very high fire risk.
This is what passes for progressivism and climate policy in California. Jane Kim’s answer for elevated fire risk and actuarial risk? Put it on the public dime. Urban renters should bail out well to do exurban property owners and landlords in fire zones. FAIR plan is already a ticking time bomb!
December 16, 2025 at 5:08 PM
I don’t think it is progressive to force urban homeowners like me who live in fire-safe areas to pay higher home insurance premiums to subsidize people who choose to live in McMansions in places with very high fire risk.
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
California Progressives love policies that are literally regressive.
This is what passes for progressivism and climate policy in California. Jane Kim’s answer for elevated fire risk and actuarial risk? Put it on the public dime. Urban renters should bail out well to do exurban property owners and landlords in fire zones. FAIR plan is already a ticking time bomb!
December 16, 2025 at 4:14 PM
California Progressives love policies that are literally regressive.
The Bay Area needs to redo regional measure funding allocation to stop burning billions on highway interchanges and focus that money on regional express buses be they transbay or other important corridors rail underserves or does not serve
December 15, 2025 at 6:13 PM
The Bay Area needs to redo regional measure funding allocation to stop burning billions on highway interchanges and focus that money on regional express buses be they transbay or other important corridors rail underserves or does not serve