We are pleased to welcome back acclaimed traction video producer Harvey Laner as tonight’s speaker for his program, “Midwest Traction Review.” This presentation brings together a rich selection of rare film footage showcasing streetcar and interurban operations across the American Midwest, primarily from the 1930s through the 1950s, along with a later look at Iowa Traction as recently as 1998. Drawn from Harvey’s extensive archive assembled from numerous railfan collections, the program highlights more than two dozen electric railway systems spanning from Ohio to Iowa, covering large city networks as well as suburban and rural operations. Join us for a fascinating evening of historic traction film and a unique look back at Midwestern electric railroading. Read More

Get ready for an unparalleled adventure with the ERA's newest international tour: Northern England, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. This extensive 16-day program is designed for enthusiasts and curious travelers alike, taking you through major cities and charming provincial towns. You'll experience a diverse range of historic and modern tram, light rail, and electric railway operations, alongside opportunities for general sightseeing and cultural immersion. From the vibrant streets of Edinburgh and Manchester to the unique charm of Douglas and a day excursion to Wales, this tour offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of British transit history and innovation. Read More

ERA 2026 International Tour Flyer

Drs. Brian and Michael Doucet will make their first presentation to the ERA with a sweeping and engaging 90-minute journey through the history of Toronto transit from the 19th to the 21st century. Their program explores the evolution of Toronto’s iconic streetcar system—North America’s largest since the 1960s—and its central role in shaping one of Canada’s busiest and most dynamic transit networks. From the creation of the Toronto Transit Commission in 1921 to the challenges and revival of streetcar service in the late 20th century, and the continued expansion of LRT across the region today, the presentation highlights how transportation has influenced Toronto’s growth into a major global city. Drawing on their extensive research, photography, and award-nominated work, the Doucets bring unique insight into the relationship between transit and urban change. Join us for this compelling evening exploring the past, present, and future of electric rail transit in Toronto. Read More

The Spring 2026 Motor Bus Society Convention will take place from Thursday, April 16th to Saturday, April 18th in San Jose, CA (South San Francisco Bay). This three-day Northern California trip highlights a wide range of rail and bus operations, historic sites, and transit agencies across the Bay Area and Central Coast, capped by the annual meeting, flea market, and special guest presentations—an efficient and engaging overview of both modern systems and transit heritage. 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

MBS Spring 2026 Convention Flyer

The Metropolitan New York Bus Association Committee of the Motor Bus Society invites you aboard a comfortable Academy Bus Lines coach for our first New Jersey trip of the year. The program includes visits to New Jersey Transit’s Greenville, Wayne, and Orange Garages, Newark Broad Street Station, lunch at Rockaway Townsquare, Lakeland Bus Lines’ Dover Garage, and Academy Bus in Hoboken—offering a full day of regional transit highlights. Read More

MNYBC Trip - New Jersey Local Flyer

The March 2026 program will feature Lane Petrosenko of Edmonton and Mark Walton of Ottawa presenting traction past and present in Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta. Lane will review the history of the Edmonton Radial Railway, including its routes, equipment, and infrastructure, and discuss the preservation work of the Edmonton Radial Railway Society. Mark will then cover modern light rail operations in Edmonton and Calgary using photographs from the ERA/Canadian Transit Heritage Foundation’s 2024 Convention. These cities, along with San Diego, were pioneers of the late 1970s and early 1980s transition from traditional trolley systems to modern light rail in North America. Join us for this fascinating evening exploring the history and evolution of electric rail transit in Western Canada. Read More

The February 2026 program will feature Eric Oszustowicz with an in-depth, extended presentation of high-definition videos and still images covering a wide range of rail subjects. Highlights include a comprehensive look at New York–area rail systems—subways, Metro-North, LIRR, NJ Transit, and SIR—interwoven with rare 1984 subway views emphasizing the short-lived R14 and R15 cars. Additional segments explore rail operations in Boston and Washington, DC, including WMATA, MARC, VRE, and Amtrak, complemented by vintage MARC and VRE imagery from the 1990s. Freight railfans will enjoy coverage of major Class I railroads and the RJ Corman system across several states, while the program concludes with compelling 1980s New York City subway photographs from the graffiti era. Plan on a three to four hours presentation and an evening well worth staying to the end. 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 travels to Paris and the Low Countries. The program features new openings and rolling stock in Paris, a new extension in Luxembourg, the brand-new tramway in Liège, and the relatively recent Utrecht extensions, along with return visits to Rotterdam, Den Haag, and Amsterdam. A special highlight is Den Haag's heritage tram operation in city streets during “Open Monuments” weekend, complemented by scanned slides from Jack's 1960 trip. Don't miss this engaging journey through both historic and modern European transit from one of ERA's most accomplished photographers and speakers. Read More