California provides far less in state funding to public transit agencies than other states. Transit advocates say this must change to improve transit service, bring back ridership, and reduce air pollution from the transportation sector.
In an op-ed in The Sacramento Bee, Laura Tolkoff, transportation policy director for San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association (SPUR), calls on California state leaders to fund the state’s struggling public transit systems, which face a statewide shortfall of $6 billion. As Tolkoff points out, “Only 4% of BART’s operating budget and 9% of Muni’s operating budget comes from the state.” Meanwhile, “28% of the New York transit system’s operating budget comes from the state.”
For Tolkoff, “The transit system we have is the unfortunate yet predictable result of inadequate funding combined with laws and city planning that favor cars above all.” It’s up to the state to ensure transit can succeed and help California meet its climate goals, reduce carbon emissions, and make transportation more accessible and affordable. “If our current transit systems aren’t good enough, California’s leaders need to help transit agencies do what it takes to deliver higher frequencies, better safety, affordable fares and fix the many barriers that discourage people from riding,” Tolkoff writes.
FULL STORY: It’s decision time for state leaders: save public transit, or consent to its collapse
Opinion: Transit Needs to Be Better, Not Cheaper
With many U.S. transit agencies facing severe gaps in service and budget shortfalls, some advocates argue that improved service matters more than free fares.
Chicago Transit: $770M Shortfall, 40% Service Cuts Loom
Despite dire warnings from transit officials, the Illinois General Assembly ended its legislative session without a solution.
‘It’s Been 50 years’: Public Transit Law Passes in Montana
Legislation would fix transportation district issue, allow for greater reach on city bus routes.
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 States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and harrowing close calls are a growing reality.
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.
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)