Current edition: Mobilizing the Region #507
August 19, 2005
City Dems Queried on Congestion Pricing
All the democratic candidates for mayor of New York said they did not favor East River bridge tolls during a debate this past Tuesday.
North Jersey Plan Reinforces Smart Transportation Trends
The North Jersey Transportation and Planning Authority’s draft long range plan, “Access and Mobility 2030” endorses and promotes the smart growth and fix-it-first priorities pursued recently by New Jersey DOT.
Ferrer: Transit Security a Priority
NYC mayoral hopeful Fernando Ferrer recently issued a plan for mass transit security, blaming Mayor Bloomberg for not pushing the MTA harder on the issue during his term.
Manhattan Borough President candidate Brian Ellner has called for a London-like congestion charging system to bust traffic in the Big Apple.
New Federal Funds Factor in City Race
City mayoral candidate and Congressman Anthony Weiner is pressing for the start-up of commuter ferry service from the Rockaways to Manhattan, citing the long subway commute.
Rep. Rangel Seeks to Stop Harlem Flyover
In MTR #500 we reported on the NYC DOT’s plan for a new elevated highway structure in East Harlem, stretching from 126th to 131st Streets. It would connect the Harlem River Drive and Third Avenue Bridge, visually blighting the waterfront, increasing exposure to vehicle emissions for residents in an area that already suffers high asthma rates and divert $78 million in scarce city capital dollars and federal bridge repair funds that are badly needed elsewhere.
Rail Operators Shoot Selves, State in Foot
A battle between the state and operators of rail “transload” facilities that handle garbage has spilled onto New Jersey’s front pages in recent weeks, giving a black eye to the rail freight industry at a time when the Garden State needs to build up its rail infrastructure.
New Federal Transportation Bill Passed
Nearly two years and 12 funding extensions after TEA-21 expired, President Bush signed the 1,752-page “Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act – A Legacy for Users” (SAFETEA-LU) on August 10, 2005. The bill provides $286.4 billion in funds over six years (fiscal years 2004-2009) for highway construction and maintenance, transit projects and operations, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, and safety programs.
| Each week, the Tri-State Transportation Campaign publishes Mobilizing the Region, or MTR. MTR is a bulletin on New Jersey, New York and Connecticut transportation news and opinion from the perspective of advocacy for sustainable transportation. |
| MTR #507 printable format (PDF) file (requires Adobe Acrobat).
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GO TO INDEX of past issues of MTR, since Fall 1994.ll M
Recent editions:
MTR 506-July 25, 2005
MTR 505-July 15, 2005
MTR 504-June 24, 2005
MTR 503-June 14, 2005
