Zaref (The Transit Bandit)
@thetransitbandit.bsky.social
Exploring the world, one ride at a time
The Essential Air Service costs the US Government millions every year to subsidize flights to small airports, but is it really worth the money? Should we be subsidizing something else instead? Find out in my latest video: youtu.be/SBJX3u7sl_E
Is the Essential Air Service a Scam? I Flew it So You Don't Have to.
YouTube video by The Transit Bandit
youtu.be
November 3, 2025 at 4:31 PM
The Essential Air Service costs the US Government millions every year to subsidize flights to small airports, but is it really worth the money? Should we be subsidizing something else instead? Find out in my latest video: youtu.be/SBJX3u7sl_E
In my latest video, we talk about the three building blocks that go into any public transit, anywhere: frequency, span, and coverage. youtu.be/Nsu5GFdei5s
Transit 101: The Three Building Blocks of Transit
YouTube video by The Transit Bandit
youtu.be
October 20, 2025 at 4:34 PM
In my latest video, we talk about the three building blocks that go into any public transit, anywhere: frequency, span, and coverage. youtu.be/Nsu5GFdei5s
In my latest YouTube video, we set out to set a new speedrun record for riding the entire San Diego Trolley system, including all four lines! youtu.be/MD_cWhr8PNk?...
We Set a Transit Speedrun Record
YouTube video by The Transit Bandit
youtu.be
September 1, 2025 at 4:50 PM
In my latest YouTube video, we set out to set a new speedrun record for riding the entire San Diego Trolley system, including all four lines! youtu.be/MD_cWhr8PNk?...
Reposted by Zaref (The Transit Bandit)
We are beyond disappointed in SDOT's proposals here. Their plan of "exploring future options like dedicated bus lanes once key congestion issues are addressed" is completely nonsensical. You can't just wave a magic wand and get rid of the congestion on Denny.
Bus lanes ARE the solution.
Bus lanes ARE the solution.
Concerned about Route 8 reliability? We are too. Here’s an update on our near-term approach to making this high-ridership bus route more reliable: https://sdotblog.seattle.gov/2025/08/28/route-8-updates-supporting-reliable-travel/
Concerned about Route 8? Here’s our approach to supporting reliable travel - SDOT Blog
This blog post shares updates regarding the Route 8 and SDOT's approach to supporting reliable travel for everyone.
sdotblog.seattle.gov
August 28, 2025 at 10:02 PM
We are beyond disappointed in SDOT's proposals here. Their plan of "exploring future options like dedicated bus lanes once key congestion issues are addressed" is completely nonsensical. You can't just wave a magic wand and get rid of the congestion on Denny.
Bus lanes ARE the solution.
Bus lanes ARE the solution.
Do you want to know how transit works, but you're not sure where to start? Through my new series, Transit 101, we'll work through what transit is, how it works, and all of your burning questions about public transit. The first video in the series is up now! youtu.be/P5eEgmhhD_4
Transit 101: What is Transit?
YouTube video by The Transit Bandit
youtu.be
August 19, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Do you want to know how transit works, but you're not sure where to start? Through my new series, Transit 101, we'll work through what transit is, how it works, and all of your burning questions about public transit. The first video in the series is up now! youtu.be/P5eEgmhhD_4
Reposted by Zaref (The Transit Bandit)
Following an entire book of personal finance tips won't save the median american as much as simply moving near some frequent transit lines and selling their car.
The problem is that most US urban areas don't have much frequent transit, and in the ones that do, there isn't enough housing nearby.
The problem is that most US urban areas don't have much frequent transit, and in the ones that do, there isn't enough housing nearby.
August 1, 2025 at 12:15 AM
Following an entire book of personal finance tips won't save the median american as much as simply moving near some frequent transit lines and selling their car.
The problem is that most US urban areas don't have much frequent transit, and in the ones that do, there isn't enough housing nearby.
The problem is that most US urban areas don't have much frequent transit, and in the ones that do, there isn't enough housing nearby.
Bellevue, WA reminds me so much of where I live now (San Diego): car-dependent, small downtown with wide streets, light rail not living up to its potential (yet), chain restaurants, generally hostile to pedestrians and cyclists, and wealthier (and more NIMBY) than nearby large cities.
July 28, 2025 at 6:08 AM
Bellevue, WA reminds me so much of where I live now (San Diego): car-dependent, small downtown with wide streets, light rail not living up to its potential (yet), chain restaurants, generally hostile to pedestrians and cyclists, and wealthier (and more NIMBY) than nearby large cities.
It’s a little sad to me that the annual Bellevue Arts Fair is hosted in the parking garage of the city’s downtown shopping mall.
July 27, 2025 at 11:56 PM
It’s a little sad to me that the annual Bellevue Arts Fair is hosted in the parking garage of the city’s downtown shopping mall.
My latest video took a hot minute to edit, because it’s really at least two video’s worth of adventure! Follow along as we head to two light rail openings in different cities in one weekend, all with no cars or airplanes! Featuring @alexdavistransit.bsky.social
youtu.be/tbiKE9cUpqM
youtu.be/tbiKE9cUpqM
We Went to Two Light Rail Openings in One Weekend
YouTube video by The Transit Bandit
youtu.be
July 14, 2025 at 3:53 PM
My latest video took a hot minute to edit, because it’s really at least two video’s worth of adventure! Follow along as we head to two light rail openings in different cities in one weekend, all with no cars or airplanes! Featuring @alexdavistransit.bsky.social
youtu.be/tbiKE9cUpqM
youtu.be/tbiKE9cUpqM
Reposted by Zaref (The Transit Bandit)
Ontario leadership claim "no one bikes" on their cities' paths — but the data shows otherwise.
This Threatened Toronto Bike Lane Gets More Rush Hour Traffic Than the Car Lane — Streetsblog USA
Ontario leadership claim "no one bikes" on their cities' paths — but the data shows otherwise.
buff.ly
July 2, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Ontario leadership claim "no one bikes" on their cities' paths — but the data shows otherwise.
Just saw someone’s car get towed and my family was feeling bad for them… am I an asshole for not feeling bad that they parked illegally and are now facing the consequences? They literally parked next to a no parking sign.
July 2, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Just saw someone’s car get towed and my family was feeling bad for them… am I an asshole for not feeling bad that they parked illegally and are now facing the consequences? They literally parked next to a no parking sign.
Reposted by Zaref (The Transit Bandit)
There are two kinds of environmentalists in California. They seem to live on different planets and are no longer able to communicate except by shouting.
I'm for protecting natural places and endangered species by building cities more densely. Am I still an environmentalist?
I'm for protecting natural places and endangered species by building cities more densely. Am I still an environmentalist?
They gutted CA's landmark environmental policy.
And I will bet anyone $500 that in 5 years homelessness will not have been meaningfully reduced — and emissions and other dangerous pollution will have risen.
Any takers?
PS: RIP housing desegregation and construction labor protections. 💔
And I will bet anyone $500 that in 5 years homelessness will not have been meaningfully reduced — and emissions and other dangerous pollution will have risen.
Any takers?
PS: RIP housing desegregation and construction labor protections. 💔
I just enacted the most game-changing housing reforms in recent California history.
We're urgently embracing an abundance agenda by tearing down the barriers that have delayed new affordable housing and infrastructure for decades.
Let’s get building, California.
We're urgently embracing an abundance agenda by tearing down the barriers that have delayed new affordable housing and infrastructure for decades.
Let’s get building, California.
July 2, 2025 at 5:09 PM
There are two kinds of environmentalists in California. They seem to live on different planets and are no longer able to communicate except by shouting.
I'm for protecting natural places and endangered species by building cities more densely. Am I still an environmentalist?
I'm for protecting natural places and endangered species by building cities more densely. Am I still an environmentalist?
I just watched an incredible video on the bus-rail debate and I think it’s super important that those of us involved in transit watch it. It challenges a lot of the misconceptions many of us have about transit, and shows why more transit is better than flashier transit. youtu.be/j5oFP_MLU9o?...
The Bus vs Rail Debate is Stupid
YouTube video by Kezl
youtu.be
June 25, 2025 at 1:26 AM
I just watched an incredible video on the bus-rail debate and I think it’s super important that those of us involved in transit watch it. It challenges a lot of the misconceptions many of us have about transit, and shows why more transit is better than flashier transit. youtu.be/j5oFP_MLU9o?...
Reposted by Zaref (The Transit Bandit)
Most transit ads:
Transit has your back! It is so much easier to take transit!
Sound Transit ads:
Look at this fucking idiot driving
Transit has your back! It is so much easier to take transit!
Sound Transit ads:
Look at this fucking idiot driving
June 21, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Most transit ads:
Transit has your back! It is so much easier to take transit!
Sound Transit ads:
Look at this fucking idiot driving
Transit has your back! It is so much easier to take transit!
Sound Transit ads:
Look at this fucking idiot driving
Reposted by Zaref (The Transit Bandit)
This is getting pretty philosophical and I'm here for it!
I think we need to interrogate if it matters that a large percentage of people in a political movement quietly hold the maximalist goal. Most immigrant rights activists would hypothetically vote for open borders if it was on the ballot. So?
I think we need to interrogate if it matters that a large percentage of people in a political movement quietly hold the maximalist goal. Most immigrant rights activists would hypothetically vote for open borders if it was on the ballot. So?
But one point of this video is that I personally have a harder time, telling these people “urbanists don’t want to ban cars, that’s crazy” when many say they do.
June 10, 2025 at 12:02 AM
This is getting pretty philosophical and I'm here for it!
I think we need to interrogate if it matters that a large percentage of people in a political movement quietly hold the maximalist goal. Most immigrant rights activists would hypothetically vote for open borders if it was on the ballot. So?
I think we need to interrogate if it matters that a large percentage of people in a political movement quietly hold the maximalist goal. Most immigrant rights activists would hypothetically vote for open borders if it was on the ballot. So?
Reposted by Zaref (The Transit Bandit)
nvm, our bus broke down in the middle of the desert
32.7427551, -115.9632887.
32.7427551, -115.9632887.
June 8, 2025 at 11:21 PM
nvm, our bus broke down in the middle of the desert
32.7427551, -115.9632887.
32.7427551, -115.9632887.
Two light rail openings in one weekend thanks to Tufesa Bus and Greyhound
June 8, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Two light rail openings in one weekend thanks to Tufesa Bus and Greyhound
I look a bit like a zombie in this but I do agree, Greyhound 💪
Wild take, but @thetransitbandit.bsky.social and I both agree Greyhound buses are at this point better than Flix buses. There are some (seemingly worsening) QA issues with Flix contractors. Meanwhile, Flix's Greyhound operators are all in-house and have massively improved in the last two years.
June 8, 2025 at 4:58 PM
I look a bit like a zombie in this but I do agree, Greyhound 💪
New train day is always a good day
June 7, 2025 at 1:49 AM
New train day is always a good day
Reposted by Zaref (The Transit Bandit)
Went to the @metrolosangeles.bsky.social LAX station opening! Just happened to coincide with being in LA
Was nice running into @thetransitbandit.bsky.social, @suldrew.bsky.social, and @alexdavistransit.bsky.social
Was nice running into @thetransitbandit.bsky.social, @suldrew.bsky.social, and @alexdavistransit.bsky.social
June 7, 2025 at 1:42 AM
Went to the @metrolosangeles.bsky.social LAX station opening! Just happened to coincide with being in LA
Was nice running into @thetransitbandit.bsky.social, @suldrew.bsky.social, and @alexdavistransit.bsky.social
Was nice running into @thetransitbandit.bsky.social, @suldrew.bsky.social, and @alexdavistransit.bsky.social
Reposted by Zaref (The Transit Bandit)
When urban densification doesn't accommodate lower-income residents, the result is bad for transit ridership. We need people of all incomes to be able to choose walkable places where transit can serve them efficiently.
calmatters.org/housing/2025...
calmatters.org/housing/2025...
How gentrification is killing the bus: California’s rising rents are pushing out commuters
Gentrification has led to fewer bus and train riders, a study from UCLA researchers found, showing how the housing crisis affects all areas.
calmatters.org
June 3, 2025 at 3:20 PM
When urban densification doesn't accommodate lower-income residents, the result is bad for transit ridership. We need people of all incomes to be able to choose walkable places where transit can serve them efficiently.
calmatters.org/housing/2025...
calmatters.org/housing/2025...
TransLink recently revealed an investment plan that fixes their once-dire fiscal cliff and even increases service. How did they do it, and what can other cities learn from their approach? Find out in my latest YouTube video: youtu.be/1gie5HXRvq8
Vancouver Saved the Bus (And Your City Can Too!)
YouTube video by The Transit Bandit
youtu.be
June 3, 2025 at 3:53 PM
TransLink recently revealed an investment plan that fixes their once-dire fiscal cliff and even increases service. How did they do it, and what can other cities learn from their approach? Find out in my latest YouTube video: youtu.be/1gie5HXRvq8
Reposted by Zaref (The Transit Bandit)
The Republican budget plan will clearly increase homelessness and public misery, which will then be blamed on the leaders of big cities. This is an old game.
May 21, 2025 at 3:33 PM
The Republican budget plan will clearly increase homelessness and public misery, which will then be blamed on the leaders of big cities. This is an old game.
It's been a minute since I posted a YouTube video - but I'm back! Sticking with my trend of super commuting, I show you all my Californian super commute here in San Diego! youtu.be/jiquGs8He0M
I Commute 100+ Minutes Each Way in California... On Transit!
YouTube video by The Transit Bandit
youtu.be
May 21, 2025 at 3:44 PM
It's been a minute since I posted a YouTube video - but I'm back! Sticking with my trend of super commuting, I show you all my Californian super commute here in San Diego! youtu.be/jiquGs8He0M
Reposted by Zaref (The Transit Bandit)
Here's your friendly Earth Day reminder that Katie Wilson is the transit candidate in the Seattle Mayor’s race.
April 22, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Here's your friendly Earth Day reminder that Katie Wilson is the transit candidate in the Seattle Mayor’s race.