The headline on the New York Times when the "Genius Transit Challenges was announced: "M.T.A. Asks Transit Fans, ‘Who Wants to Be a Subway-Saving Millionaire?’" Now it looks like the winner will already be a millionaire.

"The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced the 19 finalists in three categories for the MTA Genius Transit Challenge today," reports Olivia Martin.
"Winners will be declared in early 2018 and will receive up to a $1 million genius award," adds Martin to describe the contest. The MTA announced the "Genius Transit Challenge" over the summer to crowdsource ideas to improve the beleaguered New York subway system, although the list of finalists has a decidedly less democratic feel than we might have expected. Massive corporations like AECOM, Alstom, Siemens, Bombadier, and Bechtel populate the list. "The three categories are: to improve signaling, to identify strategies to better deploy subway cars, and increase communications infrastructure," writes Martin.
FULL STORY: 19 Finalists Announced for MTA’s Genius Transit Challenge

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.
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