Free off-peak transportation on buses and trains in Connecticut has generated interest and support, but some seniors would prefer that greater funding be devoted to existing dial-a-ride services that are already in place across the state.
"Senator Donald E. Williams, the president pro tem of the Connecticut State Senate, introduced a measure now before the state's General Assembly that would let elderly residents ride free on trains and buses during off-peak hours."
"Yet the Connecticut chapter of AARP is not lobbying for the free ride - "It wasn't our proposal," said John Erlingheuser, the group's advocacy director - preferring that the money to go toward shoring up a different program already in place."
"That, and the opposition of a statewide commuter organization, has not stopped Mr. Williams...from pressing ahead on the measure which would cost the state an estimated $9.7 million a year."
"For now, Senator Williams shows little sign of retreating. In his view, offering the state's 480,000 elderly residents a powerful incentive to board buses and trains is "a natural idea" that helps maintain the independence of people who have given up driving and eases traffic congestion."
"In addition, he said that by having more elderly residents using the trains and buses, "We build a stronger and more powerful constituency for improvement and expansion of public transportation."
Thanks to D. A. Varnado, AICP
FULL STORY: Cool Reception for Plan to Let Elderly Ride Free

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie