In my last post, I suggested that transit’s “resurgence” is, ultimately, much ado about nothing. Transit’s increased ridership, while important for transit managers, will do little to change fundamental travel patterns of US urban areas.
Public Transit
L.A. Mayor Seeks Sales Tax Increase For Transit
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's half-cent increase in the county's sales tax would create $30-$40 billion for transportation projects over the next 30 years, and could go before voters in November.
The Los Angeles Times
St. Charles Streetcar Clangs Back to Life
The streetcar returns to New Orleans' St. Charles Ave., a step forward in the long struggle to get the city's transit back on it's feet after Katrina.
The Associated Press
Now That People Are Using Transit, Improve It
Driving is down, transit ridership is up, but few are serisouly talking about how to improve America's transit system, according to this article from Grist, which wonders why.
Grist
Gas Prices Cause High Demand for Transit
Rising gas prices have caused a big increase in transit ridership in Loudoun County, Virginia, where officials are looking to expand their bus fleet and capacity to handle the jump in demand.
The Washington Post
Comprehensive Analysis of Transit Energy Conservation Benefits
Tue, 05/27/2008 - 09:54
A recent report by the libertarian Cato Institute, Does Rail Transit Save Energy or Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions?, claims that public transit service improvements are ineffective at conserving energy and reducing pollution emissions. But this conclusion is based on faulty analysis.
Seattle to Reward People for Not Driving
City officials and local businesses in Seattle are teaming up to offer cash and prizes to residents who limit their car use this summer.
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Soccer Tournaments Spur Transit Projects in South Africa
In preparation for two major soccer tournaments -- the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2009 Confederations Cup -- South Africa is moving ahead on schedule in constructing major public transit systems in the events' host cities.
BuaNews via AllAfrica.com
Is The FTA Killing Game-Day Transit?
Game-day transit options are popular amenities in big cities, but new FTA regulations could force them to the curb. Cincinnati's Metro feels the heat from the Feds.
Business Courier of Cincinnati
Oregonians Driving Less, Riding Transit More
Rising gas prices are pushing more and more Oregon drivers out of their cars. High public transit ridership figures and a reduction in vehicle-miles traveled suggest former drivers are now using transit instead of driving.
The Oregonian
Planning System Needs to Look at the 'Big Picture'
Officials in Melbourne, Australia, are so frustrated with the city's lackluster planning process that they are pushing for the creation of a new planning authority -- one they hope will look at the "big picture".
The Age
New London Mayor Outlines Traffic and Transit Ideas
In this interview from last year, the now newly-elected mayor of London, Boris Johnson, talks about the importance of biking in the city, improving public transportation, and abolishing the city's congestion pricing system.
Streetsblog
Debating L.A.'s Growth, Traffic and Transit
The Transit Coalition's Bart Reed and USC planning Professor Peter Gordon debate transit and traffic in L.A. in this five-part point-counterpoint series.
The Los Angeles Times
Yes or No: Evaluating Public Transit
Mon, 05/05/2008 - 13:58
On the bus this morning I was handed a survey asking me to detail my satisfaction with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority's public transit system. As a daily bus commuter, I was more than happy to spend my two cents, but I'm a bit skeptical that those two cents will really do anything.
Should Toronto Put the Bus Stop Up For Sale?
A transportation official in Toronto is hoping to convince colleagues that the system should allow advertisers to buy naming rights for transit stops in the city as a way of increasing revenue, but many remain opposed.
The Ottawa Citizen
Developer Action Needed to Spur Light Rail Plans
Private investors and developers must come forward and plan around proposed rail lines in Detroit if there is any hope of transit materializing, according to this editorial.
The Detroit Free Press
D.C.'s 'Mystery Rider' Metro Evaluation Plan Panned
The Washington D.C. Metro transit system is planning to hire a group of "mystery riders" to discretely monitor the system and identify areas for improvement. Critics call the plan a waste of money.
The Washington Post
Downtown Tram Planned for Burj Dubai
Plans for a 4.6 km tramway have been announced for downtown Burj Dubai -- a $136 million transit system intended to link major developments in the rapidly rising emirate.
Arabian Business
Atlanta Survey Respondents Support Tax for Transit
A survey of residents in metro Atlanta shows that 58% of residents would support an additional 1-cent tax to fund public transit.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Housing Prices Drop Lower as Commute Distances Rise
Homes farther out from the central city and with longer commutes are being hit harder by the downturn in the housing market. Those located close to city cores and transit are faring better, according to this report from NPR.
NPR
