Transit Security-The Twain
Should Meet
MTA Chair Peter Kalikow says the rules around federal
transit security aid prevent him from spending it on “operations” costs
like overtime pay to boost police presence in the transit
system, even though that is probably one of the more
effective and immediate ways to make the region’s
huge mass transit network safer from attack.
NJ Struggles with Transportation Finance
When questioned by reporters after the release of a report
by transportation groups, New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial
hopeful Jon Corzine said Monday he didn’t think
an increase in the state gas tax was a good way to raise
money for transportation needs. Republican candidate
Douglas Forrester also distanced himself from
a gas tax hike.
Albany Releases Transit and Road Programs
Albany’s approval of the MTA and NY State DOT 2005-2009 capital programs
this week finally clears the way for campaigning around the $2.9 billion transportation
bond issue that will be on NY State voters’ ballots this November.
Congressman Rangel Urges NYC to Call Off Harlem River Flyover
Last month (MTR #500) we reported on an emerging NYC DOT plan for an elevated
highway structure in East Harlem stretching from 126th to 131st Streets.
CT Acts to Close Transport Deficit
Governor Jodi Rell signed a 10-year, $1.3 billion transportation spending initiative
in the first week of July.
Rail Expansion in Connecticut
ConnDOT has developed an initial plan for commuter rail service between New Haven
and Springfield, MA.
NJ Transit Gaining on MTA Railroads
NJ Transit saw striking growth in commuter rail patronage during 2004, outpacing
its two fellow regional rail systems, the MTA’s Long Island Rail Road and
Metro-North Railroad.
Driven to Spend
In a new report, Driven to Spend: Pumping Dollars out of Households and Communities,
the Surface Transportation Policy Project and the Center for Neighborhood Technology
found that American households are paying a great deal for transportation, and
in areas where there are fewer transportation options, the costs are higher.
Oceans of Parking-a Tragedy of the Commons
The matter of parking is largely taken for granted, until you’re circling
the block looking for that elusive space. Even for many transportation professionals
and urban planners, parking tends to be little more than an afterthought. But
a major new treatise by UCLA professor Donald Shoup makes a strong case for more
attention to parking. Shoup determines that in the United States, off-street
parking consumes an area roughly the size of Connecticut.
Amtrak Funding in Limbo-as-Usual
The U.S. House has rejected appropriations legislation that would have halved
Amtrak’s budget, a cut Amtrak president David Gunn says would drive the
passenger railroad out of business. Instead, the House transportation appropriations
bill gives Amtrak $1.2 billion for the next federal fiscal year – essentially
holding its budget steady from this year’s level.
