Kirk Hovenkotter
@kirkhovenkotter.com
Director of Transportation Choices Coalition | Not short for Kirkleton
Reposted by Kirk Hovenkotter
Happy new year!
Exciting news: There's new transit coming in 2026—including metro, light rail, commuter rail, aerial tram, & BRT lines across North America. Overall, the US, Canada, & Mexico will add 150 miles of fixed-guideway transit.
It's all on The Transport Politic in my annual roundup ⏬
Exciting news: There's new transit coming in 2026—including metro, light rail, commuter rail, aerial tram, & BRT lines across North America. Overall, the US, Canada, & Mexico will add 150 miles of fixed-guideway transit.
It's all on The Transport Politic in my annual roundup ⏬
Transit Expansion in North America: A Look Ahead to 2026, and a 2025 Roundup
In 2026, new fixed-guideway transit lines are opening across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In this overview, I compile information about each of these projects, including: Metro and monora…
www.thetransportpolitic.com
January 1, 2026 at 11:33 AM
Happy new year!
Exciting news: There's new transit coming in 2026—including metro, light rail, commuter rail, aerial tram, & BRT lines across North America. Overall, the US, Canada, & Mexico will add 150 miles of fixed-guideway transit.
It's all on The Transport Politic in my annual roundup ⏬
Exciting news: There's new transit coming in 2026—including metro, light rail, commuter rail, aerial tram, & BRT lines across North America. Overall, the US, Canada, & Mexico will add 150 miles of fixed-guideway transit.
It's all on The Transport Politic in my annual roundup ⏬
Reposted by Kirk Hovenkotter
The 1 Line will operate until approximately 3 am tomorrow night, according to Sound Transit.
December 30, 2025 at 7:57 PM
The 1 Line will operate until approximately 3 am tomorrow night, according to Sound Transit.
Mamdani Will Be Sworn In at Abandoned Subway Station Beneath City Hall
www.nytimes.com
December 30, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Reposted by Kirk Hovenkotter
🔥 A #waleg bill to watch this session: HB 2134. Adds the allcaps verbiage: "Each regional transportation planning organization shall develop a plan that...PROVIDES FOR REDUCTIONS IN GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS AND VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED."
So simple, you wonder why it isn't law already.
So simple, you wonder why it isn't law already.
December 28, 2025 at 9:17 AM
🔥 A #waleg bill to watch this session: HB 2134. Adds the allcaps verbiage: "Each regional transportation planning organization shall develop a plan that...PROVIDES FOR REDUCTIONS IN GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS AND VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED."
So simple, you wonder why it isn't law already.
So simple, you wonder why it isn't law already.
Reposted by Kirk Hovenkotter
The $4b in federal grants that CA High-Speed Rail has given up on were specifically earmarked for the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment.
Financially it's a big loss, but procedurally it's one less barrier to skipping Merced and making it to the Bay Area.
Financially it's a big loss, but procedurally it's one less barrier to skipping Merced and making it to the Bay Area.
Can California High-Speed Rail make it to the Bay?
The project notched a major victory by securing long-term funding. But getting the line to major population centers remains an enormous challenge.
benjaminschneider.substack.com
December 28, 2025 at 6:26 PM
The $4b in federal grants that CA High-Speed Rail has given up on were specifically earmarked for the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment.
Financially it's a big loss, but procedurally it's one less barrier to skipping Merced and making it to the Bay Area.
Financially it's a big loss, but procedurally it's one less barrier to skipping Merced and making it to the Bay Area.
Reposted by Kirk Hovenkotter
Just saw the LINK being tested on Lake Washington!
December 27, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Just saw the LINK being tested on Lake Washington!
Reposted by Kirk Hovenkotter
I've been looking through old state transit reports recently, and was astounded at the fact that in 1976 Washington's intercity bus network carried 30 million passengers, half as many as every transit agency in the state at that time. Spokane had nearly 40 daily one way trips to different cities.
December 26, 2025 at 1:55 AM
I've been looking through old state transit reports recently, and was astounded at the fact that in 1976 Washington's intercity bus network carried 30 million passengers, half as many as every transit agency in the state at that time. Spokane had nearly 40 daily one way trips to different cities.
Reposted by Kirk Hovenkotter
Rail $395 million
Public transit $753 million
Debt $1.7 billion
Highway upgrades $5.3 billion
someone who is good at transportation planning please help me budget this. my state is dying
Public transit $753 million
Debt $1.7 billion
Highway upgrades $5.3 billion
someone who is good at transportation planning please help me budget this. my state is dying
December 20, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Rail $395 million
Public transit $753 million
Debt $1.7 billion
Highway upgrades $5.3 billion
someone who is good at transportation planning please help me budget this. my state is dying
Public transit $753 million
Debt $1.7 billion
Highway upgrades $5.3 billion
someone who is good at transportation planning please help me budget this. my state is dying
Reposted by Kirk Hovenkotter
The cost of additional delay and reduced resiliency in the light rail system were cited as reasons to set aside the idea of dropping Ballard Link's planned tunnel under Downtown. But the discussion is likely to set up a broader debate around the tunnel.
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/19/s...
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/19/s...
Sound Transit Board Sets Aside Idea of Skipping Second Downtown Tunnel » The Urbanist
# The cost of additional delay and reduced resiliency in the light rail system were cited as reasons to set aside the idea of dropping Ballard Link's planned tunnel under Downtown Seattle. But the dis...
www.theurbanist.org
December 19, 2025 at 10:37 PM
The cost of additional delay and reduced resiliency in the light rail system were cited as reasons to set aside the idea of dropping Ballard Link's planned tunnel under Downtown. But the discussion is likely to set up a broader debate around the tunnel.
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/19/s...
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/19/s...
Reposted by Kirk Hovenkotter
Crosslake light rail update: pre-revenue service trains will start running back and forth across I-90 starting NEXT MONDAY, CEO Dow Constantine just told the board.
December 18, 2025 at 9:49 PM
Crosslake light rail update: pre-revenue service trains will start running back and forth across I-90 starting NEXT MONDAY, CEO Dow Constantine just told the board.
Reposted by Kirk Hovenkotter
Imagine how boring it would be to live in a city with normal sports teams
December 16, 2025 at 2:28 AM
Imagine how boring it would be to live in a city with normal sports teams
Reposted by Kirk Hovenkotter
Started taking the 7 bus downtown to transfer to the 594 before I realized I can actually just ride the light rail south to Federal Way now and take the 574 to Tacoma, saving myself an hour+ of travel time! Yay new light rail stations!
December 17, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Started taking the 7 bus downtown to transfer to the 594 before I realized I can actually just ride the light rail south to Federal Way now and take the 574 to Tacoma, saving myself an hour+ of travel time! Yay new light rail stations!
Reposted by Kirk Hovenkotter
A few thoughts on why the latent popularity of car-free living hasn’t translated to the funding changes necessary to make it possible:
The millions of people who would like to drive less aren’t organized, so elected officials rarely hear from them, allowing the car-dominated status quo to fester.
The millions of people who would like to drive less aren’t organized, so elected officials rarely hear from them, allowing the car-dominated status quo to fester.
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 17, 2025 at 1:11 PM
A few thoughts on why the latent popularity of car-free living hasn’t translated to the funding changes necessary to make it possible:
The millions of people who would like to drive less aren’t organized, so elected officials rarely hear from them, allowing the car-dominated status quo to fester.
The millions of people who would like to drive less aren’t organized, so elected officials rarely hear from them, allowing the car-dominated status quo to fester.
Reposted by Kirk Hovenkotter
In response to a question about considering cutting funding for highway expansion projects to fill the budget shortfall, @juliareedwa.bsky.social doesn't want to spend another dollar on highway expansion until we address our existing backlog of maintenance of our transportation infrastructure.
December 16, 2025 at 2:58 AM
In response to a question about considering cutting funding for highway expansion projects to fill the budget shortfall, @juliareedwa.bsky.social doesn't want to spend another dollar on highway expansion until we address our existing backlog of maintenance of our transportation infrastructure.
Reposted by Kirk Hovenkotter
I was so sad to hear about the death of a cyclist due to a hit-and-run on Beacon Ave. Allie was a beloved community member, avid biker, & advocate for safer transit & streets. My condolences to their family and friends. But condolences are hollow if we don’t take action to prevent the next tragedy.
December 16, 2025 at 12:14 AM
I was so sad to hear about the death of a cyclist due to a hit-and-run on Beacon Ave. Allie was a beloved community member, avid biker, & advocate for safer transit & streets. My condolences to their family and friends. But condolences are hollow if we don’t take action to prevent the next tragedy.
Reposted by Kirk Hovenkotter
NEW STORY // Op-Ed: It’s Time to Imagine a Safer, More Connected Rainier Avenue
Op-Ed by Anna Zivarts (@nondriver.bsky.social) via @theurbanist.org // 🔗 www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/14/o...
Op-Ed by Anna Zivarts (@nondriver.bsky.social) via @theurbanist.org // 🔗 www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/14/o...
Op-Ed: It’s Time to Imagine a Safer, More Connected Rainier Avenue » The Urbanist
# Rainier Avenue has too many cars traveling at dangerous speeds, but conventional planning practices make it hard to change that and design a future where Rainier Avenue thrives. Let's stop making ha...
www.theurbanist.org
December 14, 2025 at 7:02 PM
NEW STORY // Op-Ed: It’s Time to Imagine a Safer, More Connected Rainier Avenue
Op-Ed by Anna Zivarts (@nondriver.bsky.social) via @theurbanist.org // 🔗 www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/14/o...
Op-Ed by Anna Zivarts (@nondriver.bsky.social) via @theurbanist.org // 🔗 www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/14/o...
Reposted by Kirk Hovenkotter
Because I’m bored: Professional Athletes as Public Transit Vehicles
December 8, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Because I’m bored: Professional Athletes as Public Transit Vehicles
Reposted by Kirk Hovenkotter
NEW STORY // Thousands Pack Trains for Launch of Federal Way Light Rail
Story by Ryan Packer via @theurbanist.org // 🔗 www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/08/t...
Story by Ryan Packer via @theurbanist.org // 🔗 www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/08/t...
Thousands Pack Trains for Launch of Federal Way Light Rail » The Urbanist
# Transit riders and elected officials alike celebrated light rail's arrival in South King County, as Sound Transit held a grand celebration to tout its three new stations and cut the ribbon in Federa...
www.theurbanist.org
December 8, 2025 at 10:41 PM
NEW STORY // Thousands Pack Trains for Launch of Federal Way Light Rail
Story by Ryan Packer via @theurbanist.org // 🔗 www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/08/t...
Story by Ryan Packer via @theurbanist.org // 🔗 www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/08/t...
Reposted by Kirk Hovenkotter
Federal Way Link is officially open.
December 6, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Federal Way Link is officially open.
Reposted by Kirk Hovenkotter
Hello, South King County! The ribbon has been cut, the confetti
has flown, and three new Link light rail stations are open for travel. The celebration isn’t over. Follow for more at Federal Way Downtown, Star Lake and Kent Des Moines stations🎉
#1Line #SoundTransit #SouthKingLink
has flown, and three new Link light rail stations are open for travel. The celebration isn’t over. Follow for more at Federal Way Downtown, Star Lake and Kent Des Moines stations🎉
#1Line #SoundTransit #SouthKingLink
December 6, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Hello, South King County! The ribbon has been cut, the confetti
has flown, and three new Link light rail stations are open for travel. The celebration isn’t over. Follow for more at Federal Way Downtown, Star Lake and Kent Des Moines stations🎉
#1Line #SoundTransit #SouthKingLink
has flown, and three new Link light rail stations are open for travel. The celebration isn’t over. Follow for more at Federal Way Downtown, Star Lake and Kent Des Moines stations🎉
#1Line #SoundTransit #SouthKingLink
Reposted by Kirk Hovenkotter
Seattle’s Link light rail system expanded to the south by three new stations today, now reaching Federal Way! The 8-mile project follows I-5 on an elevated & at-grade alignment, and cost $2.5 billion to build. Link 1 Line is now 41 miles long.
December 6, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Seattle’s Link light rail system expanded to the south by three new stations today, now reaching Federal Way! The 8-mile project follows I-5 on an elevated & at-grade alignment, and cost $2.5 billion to build. Link 1 Line is now 41 miles long.
Reposted by Kirk Hovenkotter
⚽️ FIFA World Cup group play match dates, times and teams:
Group D includes Team USA and features matches in Seattle and LA
Group D includes Team USA and features matches in Seattle and LA
December 6, 2025 at 5:28 PM
⚽️ FIFA World Cup group play match dates, times and teams:
Group D includes Team USA and features matches in Seattle and LA
Group D includes Team USA and features matches in Seattle and LA
Reposted by Kirk Hovenkotter
South King County commuters can finally trade three-bus transfers for a single train ride starting Saturday. For local restaurants, the new hungry passengers can't arrive soon enough.
Less traffic, more lunch options: Federal Way light rail opens Saturday
South King County commuters can finally trade three-bus transfers for a single train ride starting Saturday. For local restaurants, the new hungry passengers can't arrive soon enough.
www.kuow.org
December 4, 2025 at 11:14 PM
South King County commuters can finally trade three-bus transfers for a single train ride starting Saturday. For local restaurants, the new hungry passengers can't arrive soon enough.
Reposted by Kirk Hovenkotter
The MTA has been very successful at pushing the onus of bus performance improvements onto the city, but it was MTA who walked away from the Select Bus program, did very little on bus stop spacing in its network redesigns & blew off all-door boarding
We know NYCDOT has the resources and energy to build well beyond the 30 miles per year required by law. What they haven't had is loyalty from City Hall.
That's about to change. www.amny.com/nyc-transit/...
That's about to change. www.amny.com/nyc-transit/...
MTA boss Lieber expects Mayor-elect Mamdani to move quickly on building out bus lane network to full potential | amNewYork
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said Tuesday that he expects Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's incoming administration to "move quickly" on building the number of
www.amny.com
December 2, 2025 at 10:05 PM
The MTA has been very successful at pushing the onus of bus performance improvements onto the city, but it was MTA who walked away from the Select Bus program, did very little on bus stop spacing in its network redesigns & blew off all-door boarding
Reposted by Kirk Hovenkotter
Rocked my @theoverheadwire.com bus lane scarf for a bus lane ribbon cutting!
Full video: www.king5.com/article/news...
Full video: www.king5.com/article/news...
November 20, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Rocked my @theoverheadwire.com bus lane scarf for a bus lane ribbon cutting!
Full video: www.king5.com/article/news...
Full video: www.king5.com/article/news...