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
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
RCTC is set to spend nearly $100m on consultants for Coachella Valley Rail before the project is even shovel ready – which will take 2 decades. All for 2 low-speed trains a day on existing track. We urgently need to bring rail project delivery in-house. 🧵 calelectricrail.org/state-capaci...
February 19, 2026 at 10:34 PM
RCTC is set to spend nearly $100m on consultants for Coachella Valley Rail before the project is even shovel ready – which will take 2 decades. All for 2 low-speed trains a day on existing track. We urgently need to bring rail project delivery in-house. 🧵 calelectricrail.org/state-capaci...
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
CA has massively expanded highways in Sacramento and the Inland Empire while underinvesting in transit. We need to build regional rail for Sacramento and electrify the San Bernardino Line to give residents a REAL solution to crowded freeways.
catc.ca.gov/-/media/ctc-...
catc.ca.gov/-/media/ctc-...
February 19, 2026 at 10:01 PM
CA has massively expanded highways in Sacramento and the Inland Empire while underinvesting in transit. We need to build regional rail for Sacramento and electrify the San Bernardino Line to give residents a REAL solution to crowded freeways.
catc.ca.gov/-/media/ctc-...
catc.ca.gov/-/media/ctc-...
I think the state needs to step in and set a no more than 1 bus agency per county requirement (across counties is good)
Fractured service is an issue from LA to Ventura to the Bay Area
The state should also work to standardize buses. Pick your paint scheme and seat/fabric color and not much else.
Fractured service is an issue from LA to Ventura to the Bay Area
The state should also work to standardize buses. Pick your paint scheme and seat/fabric color and not much else.
February 19, 2026 at 6:36 PM
I think the state needs to step in and set a no more than 1 bus agency per county requirement (across counties is good)
Fractured service is an issue from LA to Ventura to the Bay Area
The state should also work to standardize buses. Pick your paint scheme and seat/fabric color and not much else.
Fractured service is an issue from LA to Ventura to the Bay Area
The state should also work to standardize buses. Pick your paint scheme and seat/fabric color and not much else.
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
Still deeply frustrated by the fact that California hasn’t restarted night train service between The Bay Area and LA.
We bought it back for a few years in the 80s after being ended in 68 but haven’t tried since and now the answer is rely on a startup with 0 rail experience to provide that
We bought it back for a few years in the 80s after being ended in 68 but haven’t tried since and now the answer is rely on a startup with 0 rail experience to provide that
February 19, 2026 at 7:32 AM
Still deeply frustrated by the fact that California hasn’t restarted night train service between The Bay Area and LA.
We bought it back for a few years in the 80s after being ended in 68 but haven’t tried since and now the answer is rely on a startup with 0 rail experience to provide that
We bought it back for a few years in the 80s after being ended in 68 but haven’t tried since and now the answer is rely on a startup with 0 rail experience to provide that
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
For people not familiar with the matter: any tram line I'm aware of globally works in so-called "line-of-sight", i.e. it's 100% manually operated by the driver with some protection for single track and switches
None use PTO signaling (i.e. that enforce max speed), except on off-street sections
None use PTO signaling (i.e. that enforce max speed), except on off-street sections
We’ve blown hundreds of millions on a “high performance” signalling system meant for separated railways, that, on a streetcar, simply imposes a more conservative operating regime. Why?
- “Safety never stops so we need the safest signalling ever!”
- “LRT is rapid transit, just like the subway!”
- “Safety never stops so we need the safest signalling ever!”
- “LRT is rapid transit, just like the subway!”
December 15, 2025 at 2:33 AM
For people not familiar with the matter: any tram line I'm aware of globally works in so-called "line-of-sight", i.e. it's 100% manually operated by the driver with some protection for single track and switches
None use PTO signaling (i.e. that enforce max speed), except on off-street sections
None use PTO signaling (i.e. that enforce max speed), except on off-street sections
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
Najarian is currently on the metro planning and programming committee complaining that residents along the noho/pas corridor are objecting to the project
Suspect Guilty GIF
ALT: Suspect Guilty GIF
media.tenor.com
February 18, 2026 at 7:40 PM
Najarian is currently on the metro planning and programming committee complaining that residents along the noho/pas corridor are objecting to the project
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
Local politics completely hijacked this project. I am still recovering and I am not ok. Reform the Metro Board and keep all eyes on the South Bay.
Good summary of LA Metro K line south shenanigans. Video by @nandert.bsky.social
youtu.be/7Q3zeOAMkcU
youtu.be/7Q3zeOAMkcU
The Metro Board Giveth, and the Metro Board Taketh
YouTube video by nandert
youtu.be
February 18, 2026 at 6:08 AM
Local politics completely hijacked this project. I am still recovering and I am not ok. Reform the Metro Board and keep all eyes on the South Bay.
I’ve been riding AC transits last few A300K (short Van Hools) as they’ve been pushed south to Union City Fremont areas 281 and 251
I like the wrap around windows and interior layout. For 17-18 year old buses they seem to be in surprisingly good condition inside compare to some of VTAs from this era
I like the wrap around windows and interior layout. For 17-18 year old buses they seem to be in surprisingly good condition inside compare to some of VTAs from this era
February 18, 2026 at 2:08 AM
I’ve been riding AC transits last few A300K (short Van Hools) as they’ve been pushed south to Union City Fremont areas 281 and 251
I like the wrap around windows and interior layout. For 17-18 year old buses they seem to be in surprisingly good condition inside compare to some of VTAs from this era
I like the wrap around windows and interior layout. For 17-18 year old buses they seem to be in surprisingly good condition inside compare to some of VTAs from this era
Californias core natural gas infrastructure is 75 years old and we should be working on retiring it rather than trying to replace it or repurchase it
@californiapuc.bsky.social should never have let gas utilities propose pumping hydrogen into gas pipelines in the first place. Its a costly ineffectual boondoggle that distracts focus from helping communities realize the health and safety benefits of electrification.
www.latimes.com/opinion/stor...
www.latimes.com/opinion/stor...
Contributor: Blending hydrogen into gas pipelines would enrich utilities and harm Californians
Experiments with natural gas pipelines are only a stalling tactic and profit grab that will prolong pollution. The real solution is to go electric.
www.latimes.com
February 17, 2026 at 7:24 PM
Californias core natural gas infrastructure is 75 years old and we should be working on retiring it rather than trying to replace it or repurchase it
UP has been having this issue for years now and they've refused to staff up and so simple projects to add more passenger service take months longer. And quite often UP doesn't like something so repeat the cycle. Service to Monterey should already be running.
February 17, 2026 at 7:40 AM
UP has been having this issue for years now and they've refused to staff up and so simple projects to add more passenger service take months longer. And quite often UP doesn't like something so repeat the cycle. Service to Monterey should already be running.
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
BNSF, AAR: This is impossible
February 17, 2026 at 4:11 AM
BNSF, AAR: This is impossible
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
Transit riders fully returned to transit in 2022, and surpassed bridge recovery in 2024!
Riders are taking fewer trips per-month because we don't go to the office 5 days of the week, but transit has more unique riders now than in 2019
mtc.ca.gov/tools-resour...
Riders are taking fewer trips per-month because we don't go to the office 5 days of the week, but transit has more unique riders now than in 2019
mtc.ca.gov/tools-resour...
February 15, 2026 at 10:45 PM
Transit riders fully returned to transit in 2022, and surpassed bridge recovery in 2024!
Riders are taking fewer trips per-month because we don't go to the office 5 days of the week, but transit has more unique riders now than in 2019
mtc.ca.gov/tools-resour...
Riders are taking fewer trips per-month because we don't go to the office 5 days of the week, but transit has more unique riders now than in 2019
mtc.ca.gov/tools-resour...
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
Then fund transit and active transportation across the state instead of continuing to expand freeways.
Otherwise this is just performative.
Otherwise this is just performative.
I refuse to sit back and watch the climate crisis destroy our planet.
California will keep showing up, pushing forward, and proving that a safer, more sustainable world is possible.
California will keep showing up, pushing forward, and proving that a safer, more sustainable world is possible.
February 16, 2026 at 8:14 PM
Then fund transit and active transportation across the state instead of continuing to expand freeways.
Otherwise this is just performative.
Otherwise this is just performative.
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
Absolutely ridiculous stuff from both Amtrak and ConnDOT that will ***slow down*** service between New London and New Haven.
Ugh. Like seriously, ugh.
And this is on Amtrak. How much are they overcharging ConnDOT for electricity to make them prefer running diesels?
And this will make Amtrak have to deal with slower, lower performing SLE trains! www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/...
And this is on Amtrak. How much are they overcharging ConnDOT for electricity to make them prefer running diesels?
And this will make Amtrak have to deal with slower, lower performing SLE trains! www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/...
Why Connecticut could pull electric trains off a rail line in favor of diesel
DOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said the return of diesel trains will allow the state to save money without cutting services.
www.ctinsider.com
February 16, 2026 at 8:22 PM
Absolutely ridiculous stuff from both Amtrak and ConnDOT that will ***slow down*** service between New London and New Haven.
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
The easiest way to understand current California politics is a power struggle between the rest of the state trying to stop Los Angeles from diving headlong into the abyss of dysfunction and LA trying to drag the rest of us with them.
LA is like every worst supermajority blue city stereotype. ribbon-cutting ceremony for 'la sombrita' while throwing away millions of dollars that would have funded actually useful things. meanwhile LA metro opposes building dense housing near transit
The City of LA is about to give back millions of dollars of previously won money for active transportation projects because it can’t build things in any reasonable amount of time.
February 15, 2026 at 6:46 PM
The easiest way to understand current California politics is a power struggle between the rest of the state trying to stop Los Angeles from diving headlong into the abyss of dysfunction and LA trying to drag the rest of us with them.
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
Caltrain Baby Bullet project timeline
- 1998 planning study
- 1999 implementation plan
- 2000 SB2003 appropriating $127m folded into budget signed in June
- 2002 construction starts with a 2 year schedule requiring weekend service closure
- 2004 construction complete on schedule and service starts
- 1998 planning study
- 1999 implementation plan
- 2000 SB2003 appropriating $127m folded into budget signed in June
- 2002 construction starts with a 2 year schedule requiring weekend service closure
- 2004 construction complete on schedule and service starts
February 14, 2026 at 3:40 PM
Caltrain Baby Bullet project timeline
- 1998 planning study
- 1999 implementation plan
- 2000 SB2003 appropriating $127m folded into budget signed in June
- 2002 construction starts with a 2 year schedule requiring weekend service closure
- 2004 construction complete on schedule and service starts
- 1998 planning study
- 1999 implementation plan
- 2000 SB2003 appropriating $127m folded into budget signed in June
- 2002 construction starts with a 2 year schedule requiring weekend service closure
- 2004 construction complete on schedule and service starts
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
Seamless Bay Area on Service-Led Planning and how it can help regional network management in the Bay, including:
1. Better transfers;
2. Incremental upgrades to speed, reliability and frequency;
3. More cost effective capital project selection and development.
www.seamlessbayarea.org/blog/2026/2/...
1. Better transfers;
2. Incremental upgrades to speed, reliability and frequency;
3. More cost effective capital project selection and development.
www.seamlessbayarea.org/blog/2026/2/...
February 14, 2026 at 2:02 AM
Seamless Bay Area on Service-Led Planning and how it can help regional network management in the Bay, including:
1. Better transfers;
2. Incremental upgrades to speed, reliability and frequency;
3. More cost effective capital project selection and development.
www.seamlessbayarea.org/blog/2026/2/...
1. Better transfers;
2. Incremental upgrades to speed, reliability and frequency;
3. More cost effective capital project selection and development.
www.seamlessbayarea.org/blog/2026/2/...
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
Fact sheet on Caltrans Director’s new Transit Policy states that Caltrans will finalize a Statewide Transit Plan by mid-2027.
dot.ca.gov/programs/tra...
dot.ca.gov/programs/tra...
February 14, 2026 at 12:58 AM
Fact sheet on Caltrans Director’s new Transit Policy states that Caltrans will finalize a Statewide Transit Plan by mid-2027.
dot.ca.gov/programs/tra...
dot.ca.gov/programs/tra...
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
The state is 2 weeks late on its legally-mandated report on Southern California regional rail governance. We need real solutions: centralized funding and governance independent of hyper-local interests. Thank you Senator Blakespear for holding them accountable! sd38.senate.ca.gov/news/sen-bla...
Sen. Blakespear Calls for Completion of Report to Strengthen Southern California’s Rail Line
Official website of Senator Catherine Blakespear, representing California Senate District 38.
sd38.senate.ca.gov
February 14, 2026 at 12:07 AM
The state is 2 weeks late on its legally-mandated report on Southern California regional rail governance. We need real solutions: centralized funding and governance independent of hyper-local interests. Thank you Senator Blakespear for holding them accountable! sd38.senate.ca.gov/news/sen-bla...
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
If @governor.ca.gov is serious about California taking up leadership of climate change mitigation, step 1 is to stop spending billions on highways while our transit systems suffocate trying to pay 2026 costs with 2019 funding mechanisms.
It’s so hard to imagine no BART that it’s challenging to process that phase 2 (cutting service 70%, closing 15 stations) will ultimately lead to BART suspending service entirely.
Slashing service would crater ridership and revenue and lead to end of BART.
We must pass Connect Bay Area measure!
Slashing service would crater ridership and revenue and lead to end of BART.
We must pass Connect Bay Area measure!
February 14, 2026 at 12:02 AM
If @governor.ca.gov is serious about California taking up leadership of climate change mitigation, step 1 is to stop spending billions on highways while our transit systems suffocate trying to pay 2026 costs with 2019 funding mechanisms.
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
What if Sacramento had a fast, frequent alternative to congested highways? One that served destinations like UC Davis, Sac State, SMF, and rapidly growing suburbs,
using existing infrastructure at low cost? We're working on a plan, and we need your help.
calelectricrail.org/valtrain-reg...
using existing infrastructure at low cost? We're working on a plan, and we need your help.
calelectricrail.org/valtrain-reg...
February 13, 2026 at 7:26 PM
What if Sacramento had a fast, frequent alternative to congested highways? One that served destinations like UC Davis, Sac State, SMF, and rapidly growing suburbs,
using existing infrastructure at low cost? We're working on a plan, and we need your help.
calelectricrail.org/valtrain-reg...
using existing infrastructure at low cost? We're working on a plan, and we need your help.
calelectricrail.org/valtrain-reg...
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
Once the rail is gone, it's gone forever.
Losing the rail line means fewer options, longer commutes, higher costs, and fewer chances to stay in Santa Cruz County.
Transportation isn't abstract. It's whether people can live where they work.
That's why we're organizing to build both Rail & Trail.
Losing the rail line means fewer options, longer commutes, higher costs, and fewer chances to stay in Santa Cruz County.
Transportation isn't abstract. It's whether people can live where they work.
That's why we're organizing to build both Rail & Trail.
February 12, 2026 at 8:20 PM
Once the rail is gone, it's gone forever.
Losing the rail line means fewer options, longer commutes, higher costs, and fewer chances to stay in Santa Cruz County.
Transportation isn't abstract. It's whether people can live where they work.
That's why we're organizing to build both Rail & Trail.
Losing the rail line means fewer options, longer commutes, higher costs, and fewer chances to stay in Santa Cruz County.
Transportation isn't abstract. It's whether people can live where they work.
That's why we're organizing to build both Rail & Trail.
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
Stations are the single biggest component of most recent subway project I've seen in the U.S. The savings that can be gleaned here are extraordinary.
If agency execs are looking for an area of project design/development to develop in-house expertise: Start with station design.
If agency execs are looking for an area of project design/development to develop in-house expertise: Start with station design.
February 12, 2026 at 11:38 PM
Stations are the single biggest component of most recent subway project I've seen in the U.S. The savings that can be gleaned here are extraordinary.
If agency execs are looking for an area of project design/development to develop in-house expertise: Start with station design.
If agency execs are looking for an area of project design/development to develop in-house expertise: Start with station design.
Reposted by California Transit Nerd
Good paper re current state procurement rules that prioritize procedural transparency enforced by adversarial legalism in an effort to obtain "low bids" over administrative discretion to choose best value.
Potts shows how this has not always been the case and is the result of historic legal drift.
Potts shows how this has not always been the case and is the result of historic legal drift.
February 11, 2026 at 9:29 PM
Good paper re current state procurement rules that prioritize procedural transparency enforced by adversarial legalism in an effort to obtain "low bids" over administrative discretion to choose best value.
Potts shows how this has not always been the case and is the result of historic legal drift.
Potts shows how this has not always been the case and is the result of historic legal drift.