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.
Road Pricer in Manhattan Race
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.
