Cogwheel train on Goldau-Rigi Bahn at Rigi Staffel. Video by Harvey Laner

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

Rt 15 trolley at 41st & Parkside Avenue Photo by Mike Szilagyi | Sourced from Hidden City

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

Bombardier Flexity #2006 at Quarters Station in Chinatown, the first stop in downtown on the Valley Line SE, after emerging from the tunnel leading to the bridge over the North Saskatchewan River. Photo by Dr. Michael Roschlau, Nov 2023

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

2024 ERA Convention Flyer

Bus in Quebec City, Canada Sourced from Quebec City Visitor Information and Guide

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

Skånetrafiken Urbos 100 No. 04 (CAF, 2020) is seen on Lund, Sweden’s one and only tram route, Route 1, and is heading towards Centralstation on a cloudy October 2, 2023. It is east of the Lunds Tekniska Högskola (LTH) stop. We are looking northeast in this view along the Sölvegatan. Photo by Jeff Erlitz

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

Above is Honolulu's new rapid transit system, Skyline. This photo is taken between Keone'AE U.H. West Oahu Station and Kualaka'i East Kapolei Station along the Kualaka'i parkway. Photo by Andrew Ludasi

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

West Penn Railways #832 at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum Photo by Paul Grether

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!

Four-track catenary construction on the New York–Washington line of the Pennsylvania Railroad Photo from General Electric (Hrsg.): The Pennsylvania Railroad Electrification. Schenectady NY, S. 9–10

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

Spring Fling at the Museum of Bus Transportation in Hershey Sourced from AACA MUSEUM, INC. - MOBT Spring Fling

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.

Metropolitan NY Bus Association trip to Hershey,PA Flyer

Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company (PRT) car 1732 on Market Street at 8th Street in Center City Philadelphia on March 3, 1909. Photo from the George W. Gula Collection

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

Street congestion scene. Source: Chicago History Museum.

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

A northbound
  • C
train is stopped at the 145th Street lower-level station on its way to Bedford Park Boulevard on January 20th, 1986. R10 car #3203 is leading the eight-car train.
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

The Aarhus Letbane is one of two brand new light rail systems in Denmark. This system opened in 2017. Pictured above is a northbound Stadler Variobahn car appro aching the Dokk1 stop at the civic center, which contains performance spaces, the public library and government offices. Photo by Jack May

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

January 2024 Meeting Notice

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