Is your city's transit agency caught in a cycle of rising fares, declining service, and chronic financial problems? Mark Aesch has used an innovative approach to turn around the bus systems in Rochester and Detroit. Could it work in your city?
With a consulting firm called TransPro and a book called Driving Excellence, Mark Aesch, the former head of the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority, is on a mission "to encourage transit officials to bring a 'private-sector mindset' to public transportation," writes Eric Jaffe. "So far it's working. Last year, Aesch even stabilized the bus system in Detroit, of all places. If his methods can succeed there, they should do well in any number of struggling systems across the country."
"These days the public expects transit agencies to cut service or hike fares when funding runs low. But Aesch's entire philosophy is based on the belief that the best way to raise both ridership and revenue is by improving the transit experience."
FULL STORY: How to Fund Transit Without Raising Fares or Cutting Service
Lowering Transit Fares and Raising Revenue
Unlike the public transit systems of many other cities, Rochester, New York, recently lowered its fares -- and they've got a budget surplus to boot. But to maintain this economic rarity, service has been reduced.
Detroit Transit Plan Would Improve Bus Frequencies
The proposal would also introduce bus rapid transit and increase service on the city’s busiest corridors.
Driver Shortages and Service Reductions: The Crisis in Public Transit Continues
While transit systems around the country had reason to celebrate the new funding made available in the federal infrastructure bill, long-term concerns about operational capacity have not been resolved.
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
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Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
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