Canada's new federal budget allocates $500 million for public transit and makes a "permanent" commitment to allocating a portion of the gas tax to municipalities for infrastructure-related spending. But is it enough?
"Many municipalities and transit associations applauded the Conservative government's $500-million boost for public transit in Tuesday's budget, calling the extra money a pleasant surprise.
The funds are set aside for construction-ready public transit projects, meaning initiatives either already announced or where municipal commitments were to be made by the end of March.
Projects allotted money include:
* The Evergreen Light Rapid Transit System in Vancouver.
* The re-establishment of a rail link between Peterborough, Ont., and Union Station in Toronto.
* New equipment and upgrades to dedicated rapid transit routes for the Aéroports de Montréal.
[As well, the] gas tax transfers to municipalities will be made permanent past 2014. The fund, introduced in 2004, provides municipalities with a portion of federal gas tax revenues that they can use on public transit, water and wastewater infrastructure and local roads.
But Calgary Mayor Dave Bronconnier said he wished more money had been provided.
'Big city mayors, we've been calling for $2 billion annually and what have they come up with? $500 million. Significantly short of what's required to get the job done.'
Vancouver's light rapid transit system is expected to cost billions, but it will only get about $66 million from the federal government."
FULL STORY: Cities, transit groups praise budget
Five-Year Transportation Bill Has a Ways to Go
House and Senate versions of the five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill are on different tracks, headed in different directions.
Northeast Ohio Agency Set to Reject Three Highway Proposals
The agency's recommendations are based on a new method of cost-benefit analysis that includes equity and environmental sustainability as key measures.
'Bespoke' Station Design Responsible for Transit Costs Increases, Study Says
The first case study by the Transit Costs Project at New York University's Marron Institute offers a long awaited, and long necessary, glimpse into the bloated costs of construction in the United States.
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.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions