Transit Funding

White minibus with yellow "On-Demand" logo parked in an asphalt lot with grass field and dry fall trees in background in Edmonton, Canada.

Is Microtransit a Threat to ‘Real Transit’?

A new report warns that microtransit is nothing more than a taxpayer funded Uber with potentially dangerous consequences for existing traditional transit services.

May 22, 2024 - Streetsblog USA

New York Public Transit

Suburban Politics Threaten to Derail Transit Recovery

Some of the country’s largest public transit systems are scrambling to find new sources of revenue as emergency aid dollars dry up, but some stakeholders don’t see their value.

May 9, 2024 - Politico

RTD train pulling into a station in Denver, Colorado

New Colorado Fossil Fuel Fee Will Fund Transit

Lawmakers say the agreement prevents a drawn-out legislative battle and establishes a new source of transit funding.

May 2, 2024 - Colorado Public Radio

Red and silver MetroRail train in Austin, Texas.

Austin’s Project Connect Under Fire From State Attorney General

A new lawsuit could delay the massive transit proposal into the next legislative session, where anti-Austin lawmakers could kill it altogether.

April 8, 2024 - The Austin Chronicle

Black and white photo of a streetcar from the 1900s.

A History of Public Transit Disinvestment in the US

The Union of Concerned Scientists takes us on a “trip down memory ‘train,’” examining the history of public transit, including its chronic disinvestment and perpetuation of racism, from the 1800s to today.

April 5, 2024 - Union Of Concerned Scientists

New York City Subway

Opinion: Getting New York City’s Congestion Pricing Right

Improved transit service could make a major difference in how the program is received by New Yorkers.

March 24, 2024 - The New Republic

Trolley bus in San Francisco, California.

California Lawmakers Push Transit Funding Bill

The proposed legislation would also encourage consolidation of regional transit systems.

March 21, 2024 - Courthouse News Service

Close-up of American flag sticker on a silver subway train.

How Public Transit Became Political

A number of factors explain the partisan divide in support for transit.

March 14, 2024 - Governing

Close-up of Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum entrance arch with title and Olympic rings.

Feds Award LA Region $900 Million for Transportation Projects

The funding will support efforts to make improvements to transit and pedestrian infrastructure ahead of the 2028 Olympics.

March 13, 2024 - KTLA

Red and yellow vintage streetcar in front of San Francisco Ferry Building.

Poll: Bay Area Voters on Transit Funding Sources

Voters in Northern California indicated support for higher taxes on the wealthy and big companies, rejecting increased property or sales taxes to support transportation projects.

March 11, 2024 - The Mercury News

Trolley bus in San Francisco, California.

Federal Funding Takes Aim at Public Transit

Close to $10 billion in federal funding will help local transit agencies with maintenance, operations, and equipment costs.

March 7, 2024 - Bloomberg CityLab

Close-up of front side of blue and white bus with accessibility sticker and people wearing backpacks waiting outside of bus.

Responding to Public Transit Criticism

Public transit plays a unique and important role in an efficient and equitable transportation system. Planners must communicate the benefits that public transit provides and respond to ill-informed critics.

March 5, 2024 - Todd Litman

Blue and white Pittsburgh bike share bikes lined up at a station with a red city bus on street in background.

Micromobility Operators Call for Better Links to Transit

For shared mobility to succeed, systems must tap into the connectivity and funding potential offered by closer collaboration with public transit.

March 4, 2024 - GovTech

White Honolulu Skyline train on elevated track.

Hawai’i Transportation Projects Receive Federal Grants

State officials say they need around $15 billion to mitigate the impacts of rising seas.

February 28, 2024 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Row of four red and white MUNI ticketing machines in transit station in San Francisco, California.

How Fair and Viable Is Free Transit?

Without other dedicated funding sources, U.S. transit agencies likely can’t sustain fare-free programs.

February 27, 2024 - Stateline

Aerial view of Nashville, Tennessee skyline with river and bridge in foreground against sunrise or sunset sky.

Nashville Voters to Weigh Transit Funding

The city’s mayor is proposing a referendum that would create a dedicated source of funding for public transit and pedestrian improvements.

February 20, 2024 - WSMV

Empty interior of New York City bus with blue seating.

A Grim Financial Outlook for Transit Agencies

Transit ridership will likely remain below pre-pandemic levels through 2024, according to analysts.

February 16, 2024 - The Daily Record

Central hall at Grand Central Station, New York City.

Excerpt: How Individualism Harms Public Transit

Jarrett Walker calls for a more social approach to transit planning.

February 14, 2024 - Next City

Sign on concrete wall "Welcome to Washington Metro" with WMATA seal.

DC-Area Jurisdictions Pledge Bridge Funding for Transit

District officials could commit up to $200 million as short-term support for the struggling regional transit system.

February 7, 2024 - DCist

Close-up of hands holding straps on public bus.

Research Reveals Subsidized Transit Is More Efficient

Contrary to some arguments, public transit networks with higher government subsidies have higher ridership and more farebox revenue.

February 5, 2024 - Streetsblog USA

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

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A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.