News of a potential economic stimulus package in Congress is followed by news that two of the nation's most prominent transit systems are reducing cuts proposed to address plummeting revenues.
"The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is backing off from approving the so-called 'doomsday budget' that would have seen major cuts to subway and bus service in the city," according to an article by Spectrum News.
The MTA previously announced a proposed budget that would have cut 40 percent of weekday subway service and laid off more than 9,000 employees.
The positive news for the MTA's budget comes as reports from Washington, D.C. indicate that Congress seems to have cleared the logjam regarding a stimulus package that would include funding for public transit agencies. According to the Spectrum News, the MTA is expecting $4 billion as part of the package being negotiated now.
As of this writing, Congress seems poised to approve a $900 billion stimulus package, as reported by Politico and The New York Times.
In similar news from the Boston region, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has also scaled back promised service cuts, keeping some of the T routes that it proposed shutting down in November. The MBTA is still running a reduced service schedule to deal with COVID illnesses among system workers. Although the MBTA scaled back cuts, "riders will face longer waits between buses and trains, and 20 bus routes are still slated for elimination," according to an article by Christian MilNeil that updates the MBTA's service plans.
FULL STORY: Sources: MTA Backs Off So-Called 'Doomsday Budget'
D.C. Metro Seeks Public Input on Proposed Service Cuts
D.C. Metro Seeks Public Input on Proposed Service Cuts
What's in the New Economic Stimulus Package for U.S. Transit Agencies
A new economic stimulus package that appears headed for approval as of this writing will give $15 billion to public transit, far less than transit advocates had hoped, but far better than nothing.
New York MTA Plans Catastrophic Service and Employment Cuts
A vague threat, present since the beginning of the pandemic, is now much more defined in New York City, as transit riders get an idea of what pandemic austerity looks like for the city's mobility. Congress can still save transit agencies.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
In These Cities, Most New Housing is Under 441 Square Feet
With loosened restrictions on “micro-housing,” tiny units now make up as much as 66% of newly constructed housing.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)