A report by the Victoria Transport Policy Institute finds that cities with rail transit Systems have significantly less traffic congestion.
A new study by the Victoria Transport Policy Institute shows that rail transit systems can significantly improve transportation system performance. Comprehensive Evaluation of Rail Transit Benefits by Todd Litman, is a detailed analysis of the impacts rail transit systems have on urban transportation efficiency. It indicates that cities with large, well-established rail transit systems have significantly higher per capita transit ridership, less traffic congestion, lower traffic fatality rates, lower per capita transportation expenditures, lower transit operating costs, less per capita vehicle mileage, lower energy consumption and lower pollution emissions. This study critiques Great Rail Disasters, a report published earlier this year by Randal OToole of the Center for the American Dream , which claimed that rail transit investments are not cost effective. According to Comprehensive Evaluation of Rail Transit Benefits, OTooles report failed to correctly categorize transit systems and violated other basic evaluation principles.
Thanks to Chris Steins
FULL STORY: Comprehensive Evaluation of Rail Transit Benefits

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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