Last week, a majority of transportation initiatives were approved by voters. This is good news for transit advocates, but risks still loom.
"To be sure, last week's votes won't guarantee a prolonged boom for rail and transit systems -- or for companies supplying the equipment. Gas prices could stabilize at lower levels, diminishing growth prospects for bus and rail service. The impact of the economic slowdown on budgets may constrain funding for transportation. And big undertakings like California's prospective high-speed rail system will depend on equal participation from the federal government and private sector.
'The clear risk is...can California go out and raise $10 billion to do this at a cost that makes sense?" said Art Hatfield, an analyst at Morgan Keegan in Memphis, Tenn. "Is the appetite there to invest in these projects from private money?'
Mr. Hatfield noted that companies such as Bombardier and Siemens need to show they can step up production as they bid on projects. 'That is a huge risk these companies run,' he said. 'They build up expectations on infrastructure spending, and then either these things move forward or don't move forward.'"
FULL STORY: Mass-Transit Projects Fared Well at Polls

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

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
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