Rail projects throughout the U.S. are hard hit by the downturn in the economy. The agencies behind them are trying to find ways to keep the projects from falling apart.
From L.A. to Detroit to Charlotte, local transit agencies are trying to adapt to an unlucky economy. Some are finding creative ways to keep rail projects afloat.
"L.A.'s Metropolitan Transportation Authority is deep into a drawn-out and expensive light-rail construction project: It's a 15.2-mile route known as the Expo Line, which will be the first rail connection between downtown and the populous Westside of Culver City and Santa Monica. Its first phase, an 8.5-mile segment, is under construction and slated to begin operations later this year. The second phase, however, has a future that's increasingly unclear.
Both phases of the project have relied heavily on a transportation fund created by voter-approved bond sales. But in an attempt to close budget holes, the state halted bond sales this spring. That essentially pulled $174 million of expected money out of Metro's pockets. And if things don't shape up soon, the state could be halting bond sales again in the fall, which will take another $400 million out of play. Such a decision would likely mean delays to phase two of the Expo Line, which had been expected to begin operations in 2015."
FULL STORY: Uneasy Rider
Busy Section of L.A. Rail Transit Had Quicker Service in 1916
Over a century ago, the Pacific Electric Railway operated a line between downtown Los Angeles and Long Beach that competed its journey ten minutes faster than LA Metro's Blue Line does. What gives?
L.A. Metro Report Examines How Women Travel
Findings from a new study about the mobility needs and concerns of women in Los Angeles will inform future initiatives and planning.
Planned L.A. Crenshaw Line Rollout Prompts Argument
Already delayed, the Crenshaw Line has now sparked debate between stakeholders who favor opposing visions of how the light rail service should link up with the existing Green Line.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
Eviction Looms for Low-Income Tenants as Rent Debt Rises
Nonprofit housing operators across the country face almost $10 billion in rent debt.
Brightline West Breaks Ground
The high-speed rail line will link Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area.
Colorado Bans No-Fault Evictions
In most cases, landlords must provide a just cause for evicting tenants.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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