Transportation

Chicago Privatizes Parking

For $1.16 billion, Chicago Parking Meters LLC, has won the rights to manage Chicago's parking meters. This is one step the city has taken to ease budget shortfalls.

December 4, 2008 - The Wall Street Journal

Hawaii is Game for Electric Cars

The state is on board for a new plan that involves building an electric vehicle transportation system, complete with a slew of web-based battery recharging stations.

December 4, 2008 - The New York Times

New Bridge Tolls and Payroll Tax Proposed For NYC Transit

A rescue package for New York’s debt-ridden M.T.A. includes two new revenue generators: first-ever tolls for the East and Harlem River bridges, and a 12-county, corporate payroll tax, to supplement fare and toll increases and transit service cuts.

December 4, 2008 - The New York Times

What's A Rail Station Without Parking?

The New Jersey Transit's Secaucus commuter rail station is the topic of scorn by a New York Times editorial because it doesn't provide commuter parking - even though it was designed as a 'transfer station'.

December 4, 2008 - The New York Times

Great Lakes Compact Comes Just in Time

Between the invasive species, questions of drinking water safety, and dipping water levels, the Great Lakes have been taking a beating lately.

December 3, 2008 - The Christian Science Monitor

Architect Hopes To Spread 'Pedestrianizaton'

The transformation of Copenhagen from a car-choked thoroughfare to a lively, pedestrian center began in 1962 with the closing of the Strøget, and folks walked and biked in record numbers. Now architect Jan Gehl hopes to spread this new urban culture.

December 3, 2008 - The Globe and Mail

Woes Awaiting New Transportation Secretary

Of primary importance will be dealing with the National Highway Trust Fund, long the source of federal transportation funding, but not having seen an increase in the gas tax for 15 years, it is essentially broke - spending more than it brings in.

December 3, 2008 - The Washington Post

Cities are Gas Guzzlers, Too

Like the major automakers, cities have been warned for years that they need to rein in sprawl and become more energy-efficient; and having neglected these warnings must now restructure how they operate, says Jack Diamond of the Globe and Mail.

December 2, 2008 - The Globe and Mail

New Rail Brings Opportunities and Fears to East L.A.

As rail expands into East L.A., residents are both excited about economic opportunities and worried about gentrification and the possible loss of the area's distinct Latino character.

December 2, 2008 - Los Angeles Times

Roads or Police?

A bi-partisan PA bill with considerable support seeks to redirect funds from the Motor License Fund, paid by motorists, that currently go to the State Police to roads. The police budget would have to compete with other needs from the general fund.

December 2, 2008 - Land Line

Dublin the Number of Taxis Was a Mistake

With thousands more licensed taxis than New York City, Dublin Ireland is facing a glut of idle cabs.

December 2, 2008 - The Globe and Mail

3 Plans to Rescue the Economy and the Earth with Public Transportation

Treehugger.com talks to Andy Kunz of urbandesign.org, The Apollo Alliance, and Transportation for America about their proposals to move America forward with expanded public transportation initiatives.

December 2, 2008 - Treehugger.com

Intercity Bus Use Highest in 40 Years: Study

A new report from the Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development finds that a combination of high gas prices and airline industry woes have contributed to a dramatic increase in intercity bus ridership.

December 1, 2008 - Forbes

RAND Corp. Offers SoCal Short Term Congestion Fixes

Author Paul Sorensen details the findings of a recent RAND study recommending short term (i.e., within five years) fixes for rampant congestion in Southern California.

December 1, 2008 - The Planning Report

In Light of Violence, Student Subway Passes Reconsidered

Subway violence and crime in Philadelphia have been unofficially traced to truant students, who are enabled by unlimited rides on the SEPTA throughout the week. Whether or not the student TransPass system should be eliminated is being debated.

December 1, 2008 - Philadelphia Daily News

Transportation Secretary Will Have to Hit Ground Running

Outdated funding mechanisms and systemwide maintenance issues ensure that the next transportation secretary will have a full plate during the Obama administration.

December 1, 2008 - The Washington Post

The Problem of Less Driving

This year, oil prices in America rose to heights drivers had never seen. So they cut back on driving. But that reduction is now causing oil prices to fall back down, and many say drivers will soon revert to old habits.

November 30, 2008 - The Wall Street Journal

London Mayor Cuts Cycling Funds

London mayor Boris Johnson is facing backlash for withdrawing money from bike route funds to rephase traffic lights, among other things. The move is less than effective for making London a "true cycling city," say critics.

November 29, 2008 - Guardian (UK)

Xmas Gift for the Transit Nut

Lionel is offering its first ever model subway set, recreating the New York subway system complete with station announcements and subway sounds.

November 28, 2008 - The New York Times

New Orleans' Streetcars Make a Comeback

All of Canal Street's red streetcars were damaged by Hurricane Katrina, but up to nine restored streetcars may be in service by the end of the year.

November 26, 2008 - The Times-Picayune

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