Houston new light rail begins operations with regular service and fares. The article also has a nice Flash tour that explains aspects of the light rail system.
"The Metropolitan Transit Authority says it will take 35 minutes to travel the 7 1/2-mile route, an average speed (including stops at stations) of 13 mph -- barely faster than the average speed of a local bus along the same corridor... Metro is also counting on developers to build thousands of new apartments, condos and townhouses along vacant land adjacent to the tracks, providing an instant supply of riders within walking distance of stations."
Thanks to Congress on New Urbanism
FULL STORY: With free fares over, real test of Metro rail begins

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.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
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