Public Transit

Activating L.A.’s Transit Stations
Advocates say encouraging community events, vendors, and activity at transit stations can improve public safety without increasing the presence of law enforcement.

New Film, Set on a Philly Bus, Celebrates the Magic of the Latino Community
The Latino community gathers on a bus, and joy ensues, in the new short film "La Guagua 47."

A Transit Ridership Role Reversal in California
Since the outset of the pandemic, the capital of car-oriented sprawl in California has become the king of public transit. Looking for lessons about the future of public transit in the United States? Look to San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Opinion: San Francisco’s Central Subway Is a Bad Investment
Critics of the subway project argue that the line is too short and disconnected from other transit options to be useful. Meanwhile, projected costs continue to rise.

A Sustainable Future Requires Smart, Data-Driven Public Transport Networks
Devin de Vries, CEO of WhereIsMyTransport, makes the case for new and improved mobility as a tool for sustainability and equitable economic development.

Chicago’s Red Line Extension Environmental Review Complete
The Red Line Extension on Chicago’s South Side could be a game changer, if the city can figure out the local funding.

$1.66 Billion in Federal Infrastructure Funding Awarded to U.S. Bus Systems
The Federal Transit Administration announced the winners in the Bus and Bus Facilities and Low or No Emission Vehicle (Low-No Program) programs in August.

BART’s Phase II Extension Into San Jose Ready to Go
A long-awaited extension of the Bay Area’s regional rail transit system is finally coming into view, with an expected completion date of 2030.

Feds Intervene in Boston’s Transit Troubles
The Federal Transit Administration issued a scathing review of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s performance last week, ordering major changes at the Boston area’s transportation agency.

New York MTA Cuts Bus Service
The transit crisis continues.

Virginia’s Intercity Rail Investments Paying Off in New Ridership
State-supported rail lines in Virginia set a new ridership record in July.

Funding for Two Transit Projects Approved for the Valley in Los Angeles
Local funding for a new light rail line and upgrades to the G Line (née Orange Line) bus rapid transit route have been approved for the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles.

Report: Improved Service Key to Growing Bus Ridership
A NACTO report highlights the importance of bus-friendly policies and infrastructure for boosting ridership numbers and reducing urban congestion and pollution.

Opinion: Free Transit Opposition Is Tone Deaf
Critics of free transit programs argue that free fares may not decrease driving or fight climate change. Dr. Destiny Thomas explains why that argument ‘misses the point.’

Houston Inches Toward Reduced Car Dependency
The city is investing more in biking, walking, and public transit, but a lack of funding and counterproductive moves from the Texas Department of Transportation are slowing the process of shifting away from personal automobile dependency.

Opinion: Los Angeles Transportation Plan Will Increase Driving
L.A. Metro’s plan to add hundreds of miles of new traffic lanes is projected to increase carbon emissions by 10 million metric tons.

How Extreme Weather Threatens Transit Systems
As weather events become more intense and unpredictable, transit agencies must take steps to protect their aging infrastructure from flooding, storms, and extreme heat.

Jacksonville To Replace Monorail With Autonomous Shuttles
The city’s aging monorail system will be repurposed as part of an expanded 10-mile shuttle system.

Free Transit Starts September 1 for Seattle Youth
Sound Transit is launching a fare-free program for young riders in the hopes of educating and recruiting future riders and making schools and jobs more accessible to transit-dependent youth.

Congestion Pricing Details Emerge From MTA’s Environmental Assessment
After more than a decade of delays and reversals, congestion pricing is expected to take effect in Manhattan in late 2023 or early 2024.
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