Join us for a thrilling journey through North America’s transit treasures guided by Andrew Grahl! From Salt Lake City’s rail systems to Montreal’s REM construction, Philly’s PCC cars, and vintage Kodachrome scans, this presentation offers a perfect blend of current events and nostalgia. Don’t miss this holiday treat for transit fans and history lovers! Read More
ZOOM REGISTRATION HERE
Celebrate the ERA’s 90th anniversary with three days of exciting events from Friday, November 22 to Sunday, November 24. This anniversary weekend is packed with unique activities, including a tour of MTA New York City Transit’s Coney Island Complex, a special evening at Manducatis Restaurant with insightful presentations, a visit to the Shore Line Trolley Museum with exclusive rides and discounts, and a special early access tour of the New York Transit Museum’s new exhibit. Don’t miss out—complete your registration by October 11 to secure your spot. Details and registration forms are available in the flyer. Read More
The Fall 2024 Motor Bus Society Convention will take place from Thursday, October 17th to Sunday, October 20th in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Attendees can enjoy exclusive MBS room rates, modern amenities, and the opportunity to explore various bus company yards and public bus terminals. Early registration is encouraged to secure a spot and take advantage of the informative garage and facility tours, engaging activities, and networking opportunities. Read and download the attached PDF for details and send in the registration form if interested.
Retired Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) President and CEO Michael Roschlau takes us on a 90-minute cross-Canada tour of the country’s varied electric rail operations, from streetcar to light rail to subway. The program covers all currently operating electric rail systems with a note about their history, rationale for building rapid transit in Canada, and future prospects. The work of the Canadian Transit Heritage Foundation in promoting public transit and historic preservation is also covered. Michael presented this program at the 2024 ERA Convention in Edmonton and Calgary. The Canadian outlook on transit nationwide is rarely presented. This presentation is concise, informative, and not to be missed! Read More
Join us for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Switzerland’s railroad marvels! This time, Harvey Laner takes us on the “Majestic Switzerland by Rail 2023” tour, where he explores Europe’s most scenic railways. From the bustling trams of Zurich to the breathtaking heights of the Bernina Express, this program covers it all. Experience the thrill of the Furka Mountain railroad, the steepest rack railway in the world on Pilatus, and the historic paddle wheel boat ride on Lake Lucerne. Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in Switzerland’s rich railroading heritage and breathtaking landscapes. Read More
The Metropolitan NY Bus Association Committee of the Motor Bus Society is hosting the final trip of the year on a comfortable Coach Tours bus to New Jersey and Philadelphia! Visit the famous Historic Bus Festival at St. Veronica’s Church in Howell, NJ, featuring historic buses, NJ Transit surprises, sales tables, and snacks. Explore the Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden to see NJT buses, River Line light-rail, and PATCO subway trains. Capture photos of recently-restored PCC cars along the Route 15 – Girard Avenue Line. Join us for a delightful ride with us to New Jersey and Philadelphia! Read and download the attached PDF for details and send in the registration form if interested.
Metropolitan NY Bus Association trip to NJ BUS FEST & PHILLY PCC Flyer
In 2024, we revisit Edmonton and Calgary, our fourth visit since Jack May ran trips there in 1986, 1996 and 2006. These two cities played a pivotal role in the North American light rail revival. Collaborating with the Canadian Transit Heritage Foundation, our program offers escorted rides, shop visits, and heritage experiences. Evenings feature insightful presentations on rail transit’s history and future in these cities and across Canada. It promises an exciting blend of exploring their vibrant rail systems and understanding the rich transit heritage. Join us for a balanced mix of program highlights and opportunities to delve into the fascinating history and future prospects of rail transit in Edmonton, Calgary, and beyond. Read More
The Metropolitan NY Bus Association Committee of the Motor Bus Society is hosting a comfortable Coach Tours bus for an unforgettable journey to Montreal and Quebec City. With numerous local South Shore buses nearby, this neighborhood is perfect for a mini-vacation. Experience the best of transit and sightseeing with us in Montreal! Read and download the attached PDF for details and send in the registration form if interested.
Metropolitan NY Bus Association trip to Montreal & Quebec City Flyer
Join us for an exciting presentation by our Bulletin Editor-in-Chief, Jeff Erlitz. Jeff will share his recent trip to Scandinavia. Discover the transit systems of Copenhagen, Odense, Lund, Malmö, and Gothenburg, including new light rails, heritage tramways, and electric buses. This presentation will follow our first 2024 in-person meeting and is free to all paid up ERA members. Don’t miss this opportunity—reserve your spot today! Read More
Join us for a captivating presentation – “Western Traction Spotlight: San Francisco, Honolulu and New Zealand”, presented by Andrew Ludasi. Andrew takes you on a visual journey through his travels this past fall, showcasing recent developments in San Francisco’s transit scene, a ride on the brand new Honolulu light rail, and a unique look at New Zealand’s electric trains and trams, with glimpses into their museums and heritage railways. This program offers a compelling mix of current events, exciting new openings, and a historical exploration of a rarely-covered nation’s public transportation system. See you on June 21! Read More
Mark your calendar! The 2024 NATHS Hoosier Traction Meet will be held on June 7, 8 and 9 jointly with the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum West Penn Trolley Meet. The joint meet will include presentations on traction history and related topics of interest, vendor tables, trolley parades, night photo shoots, “Anything on Wheels” car show, and model trolley layout displays. Go to Hoosier Traction Meet and Pennsylvania Trolley Museum–West Penn Traction Meet for registration details and hotel information!
Dive into the electrifying history of America’s Northeast Corridor! This “Wiring the Coast” talk, presented by David Alff, explores the battle between AC and DC traction, the innovative overhead catenary system, and the challenges of modernizing this iconic rail route. Register now for this fascinating exploration! See you on June 7! Read More
The Metropolitan NY Bus Association Committee of the Motor Bus Society is hosting the bus trip to Hershey, PA on June 1, 2024. You will see historic buses, explore Harrisburg, and enjoy Shady Maple buffet. Read and download the attached PDF for details and send in the registration form if interested.
Join George Gula on a historical ride through Philadelphia’s streetcar system! This talk explores the city’s transit journey, from horsecars in 1858 to modern SEPTA. See photos of iconic streetcars and learn how public transport shaped Philadelphia’s economy, society, and workforce. Register now for this fascinating journey! See you on April 19! Read More
Dive into 200 years of Chicago’s vibrant transit history with David Wilson‘s “Chicago 101”! Explore the evolution from horsecars to high-speed lines, uncovering hidden stories and forgotten gems. Gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s unique identity and transportation innovation. Register now for this captivating presentation! See you on March 15! Read More
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Photo by Eric Oszustowicz
Join us for a visually captivating February program presented by Eric Oszustowicz! The evening kicks off with stunning HD videos from 2023 – steam engines, transcontinental journeys, commuter trains, and more. Immerse yourself in captivating rail photos, including NYC subway glimpses, vintage shots, and a sneak peek at “Elevated Railways of Brooklyn” Volume 3. Read More
For January, we are privileged to view presentations by two veteran speakers and photographers, Jack May, and Harvey Laner. Jack May will present on electric traction in Scandinavia and Harvey Laner will host a showing of his video of the famous Vicinaux rural tramway system in advance of the May 2024 ERA trip to Belgium and the Netherlands. See you on January 19! Read More