So far the reviews have not been kind to the proposed changes to the U.S. Department of Transportation performance measurement rule. The public comment for the proposed rule closes August 20.

Alex Dodds writes that "the U.S. Department of Transportation is considering new requirements for how states and metro areas will have to measure traffic congestion" for the first time in its history. Although Dodds acknowledges that the idea is a good one, "the Department of Transportation’s proposed rule as it’s currently written has some serious problems."
Namely, the "proposed rule defines success as keeping traffic moving at high speeds at all times of day on all types of roads and streets." Moreover, the "formula being considered ignores pedestrians, cyclist, telecommuters, transit riders and those who carpool."
Dodds has additional criticisms, joining a chorus that includes criticisms by Joe Cortright, writing for City Observatory back in April. The article by Dodds also serves as a call to action. Dodds writes: "The good news is that public comments are currently being accepted on this rule, which means there’s still a chance to change it. Comments close on August 20."
FULL STORY: U.S. Department of Transportation traffic formula stuck in the 1950s

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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