A streak of landmark years for public transit in Sun Belt cities from the West Coast to the Florida Panhandle will continue in 2016.
Andrew Keets provides a snapshot of the Sun Belt cities expecting major transit upgrades in 2016. Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, El Paso, Dallas, New Orleans, Jacksonville, and Orlando make the list, with projects ranging in size and scope. Here's a list to preview the projects described in more detail in the post:
- Los Angeles: Expo Line and Foothill Gold Line extensions open for service.
- San Diego: Mid-Coast Trolley begins construction.
- Phoenix: Three-mile light rail extension along 19th Avenue opens for service.
- El Paso: A second Brio BRT route opens for service.
- Dallas: Blue Line extension with two new stations opens.
- New Orleans: Expanded legacy streetcar system opens.
- Jacksonville: New leg of the First Coast Flyer BRT system opens.
- Orlando: SunRail commuter rail extensions begin construction.
FULL STORY: What 2016 Will Look Like for Transit in the Sun Belt

San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

Detroit Transit Agency Requests $20M Budget Increase
The Detroit Department of Transportation wants to boost ridership by hiring more drivers, buying new buses, and enhancing station infrastructure.

California Bill Aims to Boost TOD
A bill proposed by Sen. Scott Wiener would exempt transit agencies from zoning rules near ‘high-quality’ transit stops and allow denser transit-oriented development.

Report: One-Fifth of Seattle Households Are Car-Free
According to one local writer, the city’s low rate of car ownership should encourage officials to support public transit and reduce parking minimums.
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