Two of the most transit rich regions in the United States have sounded alarms about the need for federal relief as transit ridership plummets as workers stay home or avoid public transit. The APTA is supporting the cause.
Christina Goldbaum reports for the New York Times:
New York City’s public transportation system, the largest in North America, is seeking a $4 billion federal bailout as the coronavirus pandemic has triggered an extraordinary free fall in ridership and left transit officials facing what is likely to be the worst economic crisis in decades.
The request was made earlier this week after the Metropolitan Transportation Authority saw plummeting ridership on every component of its system--subway, buses, Metro-North Railroad, and Long Island Railroad.
Nearby New Jersey is also facing a similar crisis, as reported by Colleen Wilson for NorthJersey.com. “NJ Transit President and CEO Kevin Corbett is requesting a $1.25 billion bailout to account for losses the agency is experiencing amid the coronavirus outbreak,” according to Wilson. “Ridership has plummeted 88% system-wide since March 9 and the agency has been providing some refunds for monthly pass-holders who began working from home.”
A similar story is also unfolding in Washington, D.C., where Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority General Manager Paul Wiedefeld recently reported to Congress an 85% dip in ridership on D.C. Metro. “We need immediate operating funding to address this unprecedented loss of $52 million a month,” according to a letter sent by Wiedefeld, and reported by Neal Augenstein for WTOP.
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the nonprofit advocate for public transit agencies, has asked Congress for $12.9 billion in aid, according to an article published on March 17 Government Technology.
“Ridership declines related to the virus impact on public transit will correspond to $6 billion in lost fares, down 75 percent for the next six months,” according to the article. The APTA’s statement requesting the emergency funding is available online.
FULL STORY: Hard-Hit Transit Asks Congress for $12.9B in Emergency Funds
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin
People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.
US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico
A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
5 New England states march closer to 800 megawatt wind energy project
Securing federal approval for the project may be complicated under the Trump administration, which has historically been hostile towards domestic wind power.
Baltimore to break ground on $50 million Transit Priority Project
The project will bring faster bus trips, safer streets and better bike connections to Baltimore.
Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin
The company will put $6.4 million towards affordable housing development in Texas’ capital.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association