Already a challenge for many American parents, finding child care within reach of transit can be nearly impossible.

In an op-ed in Next City, Jason Prokop and Anne Hedgepeth draw attention to the rarely discussed but crucial intersection of child care and public transit.
The authors explain, “America’s cities depend on both child care and public transportation to be livable places. Unfortunately, little attention is paid to how these systems intersect.” For many American parents, finding transit-accessible child care can be nearly impossible.
The authors cite a Nebraska program that aims to bridge this gap and help policymakers understand the link. The data dashboard, which explores public transit and childcare options in metropolitan Nebraska, reveals that “In Lincoln and Greater Omaha, only about 45% of all licensed child care providers serving children under age 6 are located within a 10-minute walk of the nearest public transit stop”—a time frame that can be “insurmountable” for parents of small children.
“The Child Care and Public Transit Dashboard was designed to ensure decision-makers can build systems that better serve their communities, which is good for children, families and our economies.”
FULL STORY: Finding Child Care Is Hard. Finding Transit-Accessible Child Care Can Be Near-Impossible

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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