Supporting good transportation policy is not about ideology, but education. In an interview with Blueprint America, ranking Republican John Mica of Florida has this to say:
“If you’re on the Transportation Committee long enough, even if you’re a fiscal conservative, which I consider myself to be, you quickly see the benefits of transportation investment. Simply, I [...]
Posts under ‘Transportation’
Ideology vs. Education
Looking Under LaHood
Today’s New York Times profile for US Transportation Secretary is garnering a bit of attention from the blogosphere today. Particularly, Mr. Lahood’s self-recognition that he is not a transportation expert. However, Lahood is proving to be an admirable champion for a more balanced transportation approach, especially as it relates to high-speed rail and bicycle infrastructure.
For [...]
Obama Administration Unveils High-Speed Rail Plan
In a moment rail advocates around the country have been waiting for, the Obama administration unveiled its plans for American High Speed Rail.
Amen.
While many advocates say the plan does not go far enough, the so called $8 billion “down payment” will jump start the process, with another $5 billion paid over the next five years. [...]
Follow the Money
As Tony has written, and as Streetsblog profiles, stimulus money is being disbursed–or not–in all sorts of non-sensical ways. Regardless, you can follow the progress and see how much AARA money has been spent on transportation projects here.
Action Alert
The Congress for the New Urbanism, an organization for which I am a proud member, has informed its members that the latest CLEAN TEA legislation is to add language supporting federal funds for walkable street networks to their bill, the overall goal of which is to direct funds from future carbon cap and trade for transportation and planning investments [...]
Fleecing the CITT
I mentioned last week that the commission is going to consider changes to the rules governing the transportation surtax- allowing for flexibility in using the funds for operations and maintenance. Larry Lebowitz goes a little further today and describes the result of the proposed legislation:
If the measure is approved on Tuesday the county would [...]
A Transit Paradox
Noting the transit paradox — more and more riders, less and less funding — Richard Fausett of the LA Times has written an excellent piece featuring our own embattled Tri-Rail system. Says Fausett:
The dramatic spike in gas prices that began in 2005 sent Americans flocking to trains, buses and subways, a trend that appears to [...]
Livable Streets Education Flashback: 1950
This Disney cartoon from 1950 (!) places Goofy in a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde scenario whereas Mr. Walker (pedestrian) is perpetually threatened by Mr. Wheeler ’s (driver) quest for roadway supremacy.
Sadly, not much has changed…
Thanks to Felipe Azenha for the tip.
Mexico City: Mega-City, Mega-Smog, Mega-transit
I returned yesterday from a whirlwind weekend trip to Mexico City. My head is still buzzing, perhaps due to the overwhelming amount of smog, but more likely because the sheer amount of kinetic energy inherent to the world’s seventh largest city is still pulsing through my veins. I will post more complete and complementary [...]
A Dubious Distinction
Miami may be one of “America’s cleanest cities,” but it certainly is not one of the most bicycle-friendly. This fact was recently recognized in the June 2008 issue of Bicycle Magazine, which bestowed Miami with the dubious distinction of joining Dallas and Memphis as one of the three worst cities in America for bicycling. [...]
Thursday Quote: 20th Century Paradox
“The paradox of transportation in the late 20th Century is that while it became possible to travel to the moon, it also became impossible, in many cases, to walk across the street.” [...]
Air Travel Tips
Many people are going to be traveling this holiday season. The Sun-Sentinel and the Miami Herald both point out that airports will be crowded and parking scarce for the Thanksgiving travel days. They offer tips like “get a ride,” but they neglect to offer the best suggestion to avoid both the parking issues and the [...]
Paris Sets a Global Precedent for Urban Transportation Policy
Paris has finally unveiled its highly anticipated bicycle sharing program, sending a global message that it’s serious about reducing emissions and embracing sustainable urban transportation. Over 10,000 bikes are now available for rent at over 750 stations, with plans to double the fleet to 20,000 by years end.
Dubbed “Velib” (a play on words – Velo [...]
Dump The Pump!
The day is dedicated to raising awareness that public transportation helps improve the environment and conserve fuel. It also offers the opportunity for people to beat the high price of gasoline and support public transportation as an important travel option [...]
