Join us for Andrew Grahl's holiday program — an entertaining and wide-ranging journey through current transit events and heritage photography from across North America. This year's presentation features updates from the NYC metropolitan area, including Metro-North, Long Island Rail Road, and NJ Transit heritage units, along with a special visit to Northern California and Arizona covering San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, and Phoenix. You'll also enjoy fresh segments from Boston, Philadelphia, and Toronto, plus beautifully restored vintage Kodachrome scans highlighting classic traction and railroad scenes. With plenty of additional surprises and fascinating subjects, this is a festive program you won't want to miss.
Happy Holidays to all our ERA members and their families! Read More

ERA's annual membership meeting and dinner is happening on November 21th at Manducatis Restaurant in Long Island City. We will conduct the election for the 2026 Board of Directors and hear from guest speaker Nick DiBari, a recently retired NYC Transit Supervisor, who will present photos and videos from his extensive 2025 rail travels in the US, Canada, and Europe. This exclusive event is free for paid ERA members and space is limited to 50 (including members and guests). Please reserve your spot by Wednesday, November 19! See the notice for reservation details.. Read More

Join us for a captivating virtual tour of Kolkata, India — a city where history and transport diversity meet. From India's first electric trams to its pioneering subway, ferries, buses, and even hand-pulled rickshaws, Kolkata showcases an incredible mix of mobility modes. Michael Roschlau and Yury Maller will share stunning photos and insights from their travels in this vibrant metropolis. Don't miss this fascinating opportunity!. Read More

The Motor Bus Society Fall 2025 Convention will take place October 8–11 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attendees can look forward to a series of guided garage and facility tours across Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky—including opportunities to experience transit operations, view historic buses, and possibly ride a vintage trolley bus. Advance registration is strongly encouraged, as space on tour buses is limited. Whether you're a seasoned MBS member or a newcomer passionate about motor bus history, this convention promises engaging experiences and behind-the-scenes access in some of the region's key transit hubs. Read More

MBS Fall 2025 Convention Flyer

Join us on our final trip of the year to Pennsylvania, where we'll explore fascinating transportation sites. The itinerary includes visiting terminals in Allentown, Pottstown, and Reading, along with the Reading & Northern Railroad's Outer Station and the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum. We'll also have lunch and an optional dinner before returning home. Read More

MNYBC Trip - Pennsylvania Bus & Rail Flyer

We are thrilled to welcome back acclaimed traction video producer and editor Harvey Laner for a special program highlighting one of Canada's most iconic interurban railways. Drawing on rare 1950s movie film by Canadian railfan Ken Hodgins, this presentation offers the most comprehensive look at the British Columbia Electric Railway in its later years of streetcar and interurban service. Narrated by former BC Electric motormen, the program captures the atmosphere of Vancouver's Burnaby Lake and Central Park interurban lines, the Oak Street and Fairview Belt streetcar routes, and even the unique journey of a Chilliwack train as its passenger and baggage sections converge for the final 63.8-mile trip. As this presentation will not be recorded, make sure to join us live for this rare opportunity!. Read More

The 2025 ERA convention will be held in Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri. This year marks ERA's first return to Kansas City in recent memory and its third visit to St. Louis since Jack May's influential trips in 1994 and 2007. Kansas City, the Midwest's sixth-largest city, boasts a vibrant bi-state metropolitan area of 2.4 million residents. Renowned for its innovative transportation initiatives, including the acclaimed KC Streetcar and the upcoming extension set to open in 2025, attendees can explore these cutting-edge developments firsthand. Meanwhile, in St. Louis, participants will delve into the city's extensive transportation legacy, from the MetroLink light rail system to the nostalgic Delmar Loop Trolley and the expansive National Museum of Transportation. Join us for an engaging program featuring escorted streetcar rides, exclusive tours of iconic landmarks like Union Station and the MetroLink maintenance shop, and a special trip to the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Secure your spot today and be part of this unforgettable experience! Read More

2025 ERA Convention Flyer

Get ready for an exciting mini-vacation to Toronto with MNYBA! Join us for a comfortable coach tour, staying at the convenient Holiday Inn Oakville Centre. We'll explore Toronto's transit scene, including a special New Look bus charter, and visit fascinating locations like the Eglinton light-rail and TTC garages. Enjoy sightseeing, photography opportunities, and a chance to explore on your own! Read More

MNYBA Mini-vacation - Toronto Flyer

ERA's annual mid-year in-person meeting and dinner is happening on July 11th at Manducatis Restaurant in Long Island City. Join us for a delicious dinner, a brief meeting, and a captivating slide presentation by veteran photographer Nick DiBari, showcasing his stunning images from North America and Europe. This exclusive event is free for paid ERA members (plus one guest), so come connect with fellow railfans!. Read More

Join us aboard a comfortable Academy Tours bus for our inaugural group trip to Northern New Jersey, where we'll visit several fascinating transit sites. Highlights include Academy Lines' Body-Rite Facility and Peter Pan's Garage in Secaucus, the Hoboken Terminal, NJ TRANSIT's Ironbound and Kearny Point Garages featuring their latest New Flyer articulated buses, and Coach USA’s Suburban Transit Garage in New Brunswick. We'll also stop for lunch at Jersey Gardens Mall in Elizabeth and explore the United Railroad Historical Society of NJ’s Boonton Rail Museum and Restoration Facility. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to experience some of the region’s most interesting transportation landmarks! Read More

FNJTHC & MBS Trip - Northern New Jersey Flyer

The June 2025 ERA presentation by Charles Bogart and Angus McIntyre will explore the history of Canada’s trolley coach systems from east to west, using maps to pinpoint each city and featuring trolley overhead maps, rosters, archival photos, and vintage advertising. Covering the years from 1922 to today—with a special focus on Vancouver—this engaging talk may be ERA’s first devoted entirely to Canada’s iconic trolley coach networks. Presented in collaboration with the Canadian Transit Heritage Foundation (CTHF), whose members include many ERA participants, this is a program not to be missed. Learn more about CTHF and their excellent bulletin at transitheritage.ca. Read More

For our May presentation, we are excited to welcome David Wilson as our guest speaker, who will take us on a nostalgic journey named PCCs and More as a Graduation Present. From his memorable 1967 trip to Boston and Philadelphia, David will share his experiences riding the iconic PCC streetcars, diverse El cars, and more fascinating transit. Discover the story of these classic systems through the eyes of a lifelong enthusiast and transportation expert. Join us for a captivating look back at a pivotal moment in transit history! Read More

The Metropolitan New York Bus Association's second trip of this year will take you north on a comfortable Coach Tours bus to explore the hidden gems of Connecticut and Massachusetts. We've packed the day with unique experiences: witness the future of transit at CT Transit's Stamford Garage with their new electric buses, enjoy a relaxing lunch in Torrington, and marvel at the colorful retro-heritage buses in Pittsfield. We'll also step back in time at the Berkshire Scenic Railway in Lenox and wrap up with a vibrant visit to Springfield Union Station. Join us for a day of discovery and camaraderie, returning to Manhattan at 10:00 p.m. Don't miss out on this fantastic journey! Read More

Metropolitan NY Bus Association trip to Connecticut & Massachusetts Flyer

Our April presentation will be led by Tony Schill, who will guide us through the history of Pittsburgh Railways Company, a streetcar system renowned for its unique challenges and diverse operations. From its humble beginnings in 1859 to its final run in 1964, Tony explores the remarkable story of a system that conquered hills and rivers with unparalleled character. Join us for a fascinating glimpse into Pittsburgh's trolley legacy, brought to life by Tony's firsthand experience and passion. Read More

The Spring 2025 Motor Bus Society Convention will take place from Thursday, April 24th to Saturday, April 26th in Jacksonville, Florida. Attendees can enjoy exclusive MBS room rates, modern amenities, and the opportunity to explore Jacksonville's local highlights including the Skyway, flea market, and enjoying the coastal beauty of Daytona Beach and Gainesville. 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. Read More

The Metropolitan New York Bus Association Committee welcome you to join a special three-hour tour aboard Liberty Lines' beautifully restored TDH-5105 748. You'll explore scenic Westchester County and The Bronx, stopping at prime photo locations showcasing landmarks and transportation hubs. This historic ride, departing from the 242nd Street 1 train station at 9:00 a.m. sharp and returning around noon, offers a fantastic opportunity to experience a piece of transportation history. Don't miss this chance to ride a truly wonderful vehicle, courtesy of Liberty Lines! Read More

Metropolitan NY Bus Association trip to Liberty Lines 748 Flyer

Join us for a captivating presentation as Charles Bogart delves into Kentucky’s forgotten streetcar history! With 14 cities once served by electric or horse-drawn streetcars and four interurban systems, Kentucky's traction network played a significant role in shaping urban life. This presentation will explore both operating systems and ambitious projects that never came to life, offering a rare glimpse into the state’s transit past. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore Kentucky’s streetcar era with one of the foremost experts on the subject! Read More

Get ready for an extraordinary journey through rail history and modern transit with Eric Oszustowicz's February presentation, featuring high-definition videos and stunning still images. The program will showcase rare 1984 photographs of the Erie Lackawanna MU commuter cars during their final months of operation, commemorating the 40th anniversary of their last run. It begins with 2024 footage of trains in New York City, breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies, and scenes from Seattle and Vancouver, including Amtrak’s Cascades. Eric’s wife, Mary, contributes videos from Wroclaw, Poland, and a Canadian Pacific steam train adventure. The presentation also dives behind the scenes of the New York subway system, with vintage photos from the 1980s and rare Boston transit images. With its blend of history, artistry, and modern marvels, this three-to-four-hour event promises to captivate and inspire. Read More

For January, ERA’s longtime conventions and international trip chairman and past editor of Headlights Jack May will present highlights from his recent trip to the United Kingdom. Discover the latest in light rail developments, including new extensions in Blackpool, Birmingham, and Edinburgh, Britain's first tram-train in Sheffield, and updated railcars in Newcastle. Jack will also explore historic tram sites like Beamish, Crich, and Seaton, and provide updates on London’s transit systems, including the Elizabeth Line. Don’t miss this engaging journey through the past and present of UK transit! Read More