Monorails, reinstating the 'commuter tax,' and a city takeover of the MTA are among the proposals being bandied about by the candidates vying to become New York City's next mayor. Just one problem: they're all pie in the sky, say observers.
"For decades, City Hall hopefuls have wooed voters by promising better commutes—but when those candidates actually get elected, they find that it is hard to turn their plans into reality," writes Ted Mann. "In the 1920s, Mayor John Hylan campaigned on building a subway to Staten Island. More recently, Mayor Rudolph Giuliani wanted a train connection to La Guardia Airport. Both didn't happen."
"This year, many candidates are promising a similarly difficult feat: taking over the MTA."
"Transportation is a much more complex policy arena than the candidates understand. They're very comfortable speaking without any understanding of what the mayor can and cannot do," said Mitchell Moss, who directs the Rudin Center for Transportation Policy and Management at New York University.
The New York Times Editorial Board has weighed in on the topic as well.
FULL STORY: New York Mayoral Candidates' Transit Plans Panned
New York MTA Upholds Pause on Congestion Pricing, Scales Back Projects
The agency will not be able to go forward with former plans to improve station facilities and transit safety, and expand service.
Critics Say New York Highway Expansion Plans Oppose Climate Goals
Plans to widen some roads are drawing backlash from transit advocates who say they will lead to an increase in congestion and truck traffic.
NYC Tests New Subway Gates to Limit Fare Evasion
The mayor has taken a strong interest in enforcing fare collection at the city’s transit stations.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions