The plan points to transit’s role in a cleaner and more sustainable future, but comprehensive changes in transportation policy are also needed.

The Green New Deal introduced by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Ed Markey in February seeks to address climate change and economic inequality by fostering a green economy. The proposal would drastically shift national economic focus, including a move toward more sustainable transportation modes, writes Ben Fried and Hayley Richardson:
Until now, transit has been relegated to the margins of federal policy while the lion’s share of transportation resources go toward highways. The Green New Deal suggests a much different approach -- one that aims to put fast, reliable service within walking distance of as many homes and jobs as possible.
Fried and Richardson argue, however, that federal funding increases for transit are not enough and that more far-reaching policy changes are necessary. They want to see a move away from funding of highway expansion projects to ones that support transit and pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
Further, they believe that transit projects need to maximize ridership, not just minimize costs. "Transit expansion projects are essential, but they must be built where large numbers of people can walk to stops. It’s worth the additional expense to build transit people will ride. In a climate crisis, we can’t afford to do otherwise."
Federal funding should also focus less on infrastructure and more on service and operations, say Fried and Richardson. "So how should federal policy improve local transit service? To start with, any operating support from the feds should come in the form of matching funds that don’t supplant local transit spending."
In addition, they argue that certain transit projects should be exempt from onerous environmental review processes. "Transportation agencies should also have more leeway to spend federal funds on pedestrian infrastructure. Most transit trips involve walking, and agencies shouldn’t have to apply for sidewalk funds from an alphabet soup of tight-fisted federal programs."
FULL STORY: Transit and a Green New Deal

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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