Tristen
@hawkfalcon.bsky.social
I care a lot about transit and walkability | Strong Towns Santa Barbara | he/him
Reposted by Tristen
Whoever is CA’s next governor must make electric rail and transit funding a priority! 🤔
November 22, 2025 at 1:18 AM
Whoever is CA’s next governor must make electric rail and transit funding a priority! 🤔
Reposted by Tristen
I think entirely too much about how California’s climate plan explicitly says that converting to EVs is not nearly enough to meet our greenhouse gas reduction targets so we need to reduce VMT 25% by 2030, and then we do basically nothing to try to achieve that goal
November 22, 2025 at 2:48 AM
I think entirely too much about how California’s climate plan explicitly says that converting to EVs is not nearly enough to meet our greenhouse gas reduction targets so we need to reduce VMT 25% by 2030, and then we do basically nothing to try to achieve that goal
Reposted by Tristen
Bike, transit, and street safety advocacy can (and often should!) be lots of fun.
Building community and making the world a better place is fun! And the better you get at it, the more fun/less stressful it is.*
This book will help you have an easier time of it
islandpress.org/books/if-you...
Building community and making the world a better place is fun! And the better you get at it, the more fun/less stressful it is.*
This book will help you have an easier time of it
islandpress.org/books/if-you...
If You Want to Win, You've Got to Fight
islandpress.org
November 22, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Bike, transit, and street safety advocacy can (and often should!) be lots of fun.
Building community and making the world a better place is fun! And the better you get at it, the more fun/less stressful it is.*
This book will help you have an easier time of it
islandpress.org/books/if-you...
Building community and making the world a better place is fun! And the better you get at it, the more fun/less stressful it is.*
This book will help you have an easier time of it
islandpress.org/books/if-you...
Reposted by Tristen
100 years later, CA still struggles to implement
a) Electrified, through-running, higher-speed mainline rail for long haul trips
d) unified operations (vs 30+ uncoordinated agencies in greater LA)
e) Service-led planning
f) building a) on existing ROW rather than new duplicative lines
a) Electrified, through-running, higher-speed mainline rail for long haul trips
d) unified operations (vs 30+ uncoordinated agencies in greater LA)
e) Service-led planning
f) building a) on existing ROW rather than new duplicative lines
It's painful to read plans from a century ago that perfectly formulate how to build a world class transit system yet today we still need years of redundant studies to even build a bus lane
November 22, 2025 at 12:59 AM
100 years later, CA still struggles to implement
a) Electrified, through-running, higher-speed mainline rail for long haul trips
d) unified operations (vs 30+ uncoordinated agencies in greater LA)
e) Service-led planning
f) building a) on existing ROW rather than new duplicative lines
a) Electrified, through-running, higher-speed mainline rail for long haul trips
d) unified operations (vs 30+ uncoordinated agencies in greater LA)
e) Service-led planning
f) building a) on existing ROW rather than new duplicative lines
Reposted by Tristen
Help prevent massive cuts to Caltrain, sign up to support the By Area Transit Funding Measure!
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
November 21, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Help prevent massive cuts to Caltrain, sign up to support the By Area Transit Funding Measure!
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Reposted by Tristen
The California delegation must say no to an infrastructure reauthorization that cuts transit funding! And regardless of what happens in DC, next year the state should prioritize building rail state capacity and streamlining 3rd party permits so that we can build more with the money we do have.
Trump Admin is planning to ask Congress to dramatically cut funding for transit as part of the 2026 infrastructure law.
The proposal would eliminate the transit account, which funds billions of dollars in capital expenses. It would also prevent states from “flexing” roads funds for transit.
The proposal would eliminate the transit account, which funds billions of dollars in capital expenses. It would also prevent states from “flexing” roads funds for transit.
POLITICO Pro: Trump administration proposals seek to eliminate transit funding
DOT recently sent two proposals to the White House budget office seeking to pare back transit money.
subscriber.politicopro.com
November 17, 2025 at 11:52 PM
The California delegation must say no to an infrastructure reauthorization that cuts transit funding! And regardless of what happens in DC, next year the state should prioritize building rail state capacity and streamlining 3rd party permits so that we can build more with the money we do have.
Reposted by Tristen
The cost of the Roseville 3rd track has nearly doubled since 2024, and will now provide only 6 round trips at first. Largely downstream of Capitol Corridor's lack of state capacity and extortion by powerful 3rd parties like Union Pacific. We need to fix this ASAP. calelectricrail.org/project-deli...
November 17, 2025 at 7:50 PM
The cost of the Roseville 3rd track has nearly doubled since 2024, and will now provide only 6 round trips at first. Largely downstream of Capitol Corridor's lack of state capacity and extortion by powerful 3rd parties like Union Pacific. We need to fix this ASAP. calelectricrail.org/project-deli...
Reposted by Tristen
The Pacific Surfliner is the 2nd busiest passenger rail line in the country. In recent years, it has suffered frequent closures due to erosion.
In August, @thecacoast.bsky.social delayed repairs because just 1 (!!) person complained. Now that permit isn't being considered again until November.
In August, @thecacoast.bsky.social delayed repairs because just 1 (!!) person complained. Now that permit isn't being considered again until November.
October 29, 2025 at 2:00 PM
The Pacific Surfliner is the 2nd busiest passenger rail line in the country. In recent years, it has suffered frequent closures due to erosion.
In August, @thecacoast.bsky.social delayed repairs because just 1 (!!) person complained. Now that permit isn't being considered again until November.
In August, @thecacoast.bsky.social delayed repairs because just 1 (!!) person complained. Now that permit isn't being considered again until November.
I’ve been reading this book and it’s probably the best straight-to-the-point guide on how to make a difference with transportation advocacy I’ve read. Nice job Carter!
November 7, 2025 at 8:30 PM
I’ve been reading this book and it’s probably the best straight-to-the-point guide on how to make a difference with transportation advocacy I’ve read. Nice job Carter!
Reposted by Tristen
1/ Seattle! 2000 ballots need signatures (updates or didn't sign)!! Tell your friends to check their ballot status here: info.kingcounty.gov/kcelections/... And if you have time between now & Nov. 14, volunteer to help cure votes: linktr.ee/Wilsonforsea... ("Ballot Chasing for Katie Wilson")
November 7, 2025 at 5:57 PM
1/ Seattle! 2000 ballots need signatures (updates or didn't sign)!! Tell your friends to check their ballot status here: info.kingcounty.gov/kcelections/... And if you have time between now & Nov. 14, volunteer to help cure votes: linktr.ee/Wilsonforsea... ("Ballot Chasing for Katie Wilson")
Reposted by Tristen
The amount budgeted for *all* transit, not just regional rail - is far less than we need to complete the State Rail Plan on time. And starting soon, all of it will be awarded as competitive grants that cause years of delay. CA urgently needs to fix funding to meet climate goals.
October 23, 2025 at 11:49 PM
The amount budgeted for *all* transit, not just regional rail - is far less than we need to complete the State Rail Plan on time. And starting soon, all of it will be awarded as competitive grants that cause years of delay. CA urgently needs to fix funding to meet climate goals.
Reposted by Tristen
California will spend $31 billion on transportation this year with about 3% of that budgeted for support for transit agencies. lao.ca.gov/Publications...
October 23, 2025 at 11:32 PM
California will spend $31 billion on transportation this year with about 3% of that budgeted for support for transit agencies. lao.ca.gov/Publications...
Reposted by Tristen
We can make great things happen. It takes a hell of a lot of organizing and fighting to win, but we can make this world a better place.
islandpress.org/books/if-you...
islandpress.org/books/if-you...
If You Want to Win, You've Got to Fight
islandpress.org
November 5, 2025 at 5:27 AM
We can make great things happen. It takes a hell of a lot of organizing and fighting to win, but we can make this world a better place.
islandpress.org/books/if-you...
islandpress.org/books/if-you...
Reposted by Tristen
New Mineta Institute report on CA High-Speed Rail explains that CAHSR was given certain "superpowers", but lack of special powers on eminent domain or 3rd party permits slow the project. CAHSR needs to be empowered to finish faster - but imagine if Metrolink had even CAHSR's powers?
November 5, 2025 at 12:37 AM
New Mineta Institute report on CA High-Speed Rail explains that CAHSR was given certain "superpowers", but lack of special powers on eminent domain or 3rd party permits slow the project. CAHSR needs to be empowered to finish faster - but imagine if Metrolink had even CAHSR's powers?
Reposted by Tristen
Sounds like Caltrans should've built this
COMPLETE: Avenue 17 Grade Separation
📍Madera County
The grade separation will:
🤝Serve as a new through roadway improving east-west mobility for the community
🚑Reduce emergency response times
🚅Take traffic & pedestrians over BNSF & future HSR tracks
bit.ly/4qBg4so
📍Madera County
The grade separation will:
🤝Serve as a new through roadway improving east-west mobility for the community
🚑Reduce emergency response times
🚅Take traffic & pedestrians over BNSF & future HSR tracks
bit.ly/4qBg4so
October 30, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Sounds like Caltrans should've built this
Reposted by Tristen
Reposted by Tristen
California should pass a law to clean up #AB2097, which removed most minimum parking mandates near transit. UCLA's Amy Lee, A. Millard-Ball and M. Manville have given us a road map for how to do that. Basically, put the "expansive interpretations" in this table into law.
October 23, 2025 at 8:31 PM
California should pass a law to clean up #AB2097, which removed most minimum parking mandates near transit. UCLA's Amy Lee, A. Millard-Ball and M. Manville have given us a road map for how to do that. Basically, put the "expansive interpretations" in this table into law.
Reposted by Tristen
We got the revenues.
We got the reform.
Now it’s time for the vision of what an integrated, unified, truly-regional transit network could look like, and what it could deliver to all of Chicagoland.
It’s time to #BuildTheTunnel.
citythatworks.substack.com/p/build-the-...
We got the reform.
Now it’s time for the vision of what an integrated, unified, truly-regional transit network could look like, and what it could deliver to all of Chicagoland.
It’s time to #BuildTheTunnel.
citythatworks.substack.com/p/build-the-...
Build the tunnel
A transformative vision for regional rail
citythatworks.substack.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:35 PM
We got the revenues.
We got the reform.
Now it’s time for the vision of what an integrated, unified, truly-regional transit network could look like, and what it could deliver to all of Chicagoland.
It’s time to #BuildTheTunnel.
citythatworks.substack.com/p/build-the-...
We got the reform.
Now it’s time for the vision of what an integrated, unified, truly-regional transit network could look like, and what it could deliver to all of Chicagoland.
It’s time to #BuildTheTunnel.
citythatworks.substack.com/p/build-the-...
Reposted by Tristen
Level boarding can be done! Time to plan and fund for statewide level boarding for faster, more accessible trains #Electrolink
Here's a video of the impossible. The UP Express has high platforms and level boarding for passengers. That is supposed make it impossible for mainline North American freight trains to pass. And yet, as this shows, CN freight trains roll past the high platform at Weston multiple times per week.
October 30, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Level boarding can be done! Time to plan and fund for statewide level boarding for faster, more accessible trains #Electrolink
🥳🥳🥳
Metro board approves item 10 - approves #LinkUS Union Station run-through-tracks project environmental clearance [!]
October 23, 2025 at 7:28 PM
🥳🥳🥳
Reposted by Tristen
Funding delay added *3 years* to the timeline of the SMART extension to Windsor. 3 extra years of extra driving and greenhouse gas emissions. We need to end patchwork funding and fully fund the State Rail Plan if we want a modern rail network on the timescales demanded by climate change.
October 19, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Funding delay added *3 years* to the timeline of the SMART extension to Windsor. 3 extra years of extra driving and greenhouse gas emissions. We need to end patchwork funding and fully fund the State Rail Plan if we want a modern rail network on the timescales demanded by climate change.
Reposted by Tristen
SB 71 extends #AB2503, the CEQA exemption for rail electrification we won last year, along with other transit exemptions. Great job to the legislature and governor for making this happen. Let's get to work electrifying Metrolink, Capitol Corridor & the Surfliner without fear of frivolous lawsuits!
Gov signed SB 71, making permanent @scottwiener.bsky.social's CEQA exemptions. For much of our transit priority, protected bikeway, Slow Street, etc work, CEQA process would have taken longer and cost more than project itself, and done nothing for environment.🙏
cal.streetsblog.org/2025/01/24/w...
cal.streetsblog.org/2025/01/24/w...
Wiener Introduces Legislation to Continue CEQA Exemption for Sustainable Transportation - Streetsblog California
“We’re excited to see Senator Wiener continue his leadership on active transportation with SB 71, which makes permanent a bill he authored to exempt biking, walking, and public transit plans and proje...
cal.streetsblog.org
October 14, 2025 at 7:20 PM
SB 71 extends #AB2503, the CEQA exemption for rail electrification we won last year, along with other transit exemptions. Great job to the legislature and governor for making this happen. Let's get to work electrifying Metrolink, Capitol Corridor & the Surfliner without fear of frivolous lawsuits!
Reposted by Tristen
Gov signed SB 71, making permanent @scottwiener.bsky.social's CEQA exemptions. For much of our transit priority, protected bikeway, Slow Street, etc work, CEQA process would have taken longer and cost more than project itself, and done nothing for environment.🙏
cal.streetsblog.org/2025/01/24/w...
cal.streetsblog.org/2025/01/24/w...
Wiener Introduces Legislation to Continue CEQA Exemption for Sustainable Transportation - Streetsblog California
“We’re excited to see Senator Wiener continue his leadership on active transportation with SB 71, which makes permanent a bill he authored to exempt biking, walking, and public transit plans and proje...
cal.streetsblog.org
October 13, 2025 at 11:59 PM
Gov signed SB 71, making permanent @scottwiener.bsky.social's CEQA exemptions. For much of our transit priority, protected bikeway, Slow Street, etc work, CEQA process would have taken longer and cost more than project itself, and done nothing for environment.🙏
cal.streetsblog.org/2025/01/24/w...
cal.streetsblog.org/2025/01/24/w...
Reposted by Tristen
Yay, SB63 signed into law, authorizing a regional transit funding measure for the SF Bay Area, essential to save and improve service for BART, Muni, AC Transit, Caltrain! Bill allows a signature-gathering effort that would passage with 50%+1 of the vote. www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/u...
www.gov.ca.gov
October 13, 2025 at 11:28 PM
Yay, SB63 signed into law, authorizing a regional transit funding measure for the SF Bay Area, essential to save and improve service for BART, Muni, AC Transit, Caltrain! Bill allows a signature-gathering effort that would passage with 50%+1 of the vote. www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/u...