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Atlanta City Council Urges Mayor Dickens Administration to Revisit Stalled Beltline Rail Project

Atlanta City Council Urges Mayor Dickens Administration to Revisit Stalled Beltline Rail Project

Atlanta City Council members are advocating for Mayor Andre Dickens' administration to re-evaluate the Beltline rail project, which has been on hold for approximately a year and a half. A resolution introduced by Council member Kelsea Bond on Tuesday seeks to reaffirm the Council's support for the long-anticipated project. The resolution specifically calls upon Mayor Dickens' office to collaborate with MARTA and Atlanta Beltline, Inc. to initiate progress on the rail development. The proposed resolution requests the development of a timeline and a comprehensive plan for the construction of 22 miles of Beltline rail, with these plans to be presented by late January. This move comes after local leaders had previously voted to halt the project, a decision that was reportedly made in secret.

Omaha Metro Transit Reports Significant Ridership Growth, Approves Bus Purchase

Omaha Metro Transit Reports Significant Ridership Growth, Approves Bus Purchase

The Regional Metropolitan Transit Authority of Omaha announced substantial ridership growth during its August meeting. In July, the authority recorded over 287,000 fixed-route trips, marking the highest July ridership since 2019. Both ORBT ridership and K-12 student ridership achieved record highs for the month. Transit staff also provided updates on ongoing transportation planning initiatives, which include a safety survey focused on Ames Avenue, upcoming discussions with federal transportation officials, and continued analysis of expanded microtransit service areas. These efforts are intended to inform future transit planning and service improvements. Additionally, the board approved several administrative items, such as updated actuarial reports and mortality tables for employee pension plans, confirming their sound financial status. The authority also authorized the purchase of seven replacement buses, costing up to $6.6 million, with the majority of the expense covered by federal grants. Delivery of t...

Why Does Los Angeles Feel So Different From Other Major U.S. Cities?

Why Does Los Angeles Feel So Different From Other Major U.S. Cities?

Los Angeles, a city often defined by its entertainment industry and diverse population, is also a place subject to numerous perceptions, some accur...

Summerland Initiates Two Major Active Transportation and Coastal Access Projects

Summerland Initiates Two Major Active Transportation and Coastal Access Projects

Summerland has commenced construction on two significant projects aimed at enhancing active transportation and coastal access. The Santa Claus Lane Streetscape and Coastal Access Improvements Project Phase 2 began on September 1. This $11 million project, funded by State Interregional Transportation Improvement Program funds, includes a new pedestrian at-grade railroad crossing to provide safe public access to Santa Claus Lane Beach, addressing current limitations imposed by the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way. While road travel will not be affected, beach access will be temporarily limited. Additionally, the County is constructing an 800-foot multi-use path to connect the existing Class I bike path over Ortega Hill to bicycle and pedestrian facilities along N. Jameson Lane. This $1.5 million project, fully funded by the State’s Solution Congested Corridors Program, will fill a gap in the California Coastal Trail and Pacific Bike Route, improving safety and mobility for cyclists and pedestrians between...

NJ Transit Enhances Bus Technology and Real-Time Information Across Statewide Fleet

NJ Transit Enhances Bus Technology and Real-Time Information Across Statewide Fleet

NJ Transit is implementing significant technology upgrades across its bus fleet, aiming to improve real-time location data and passenger experience. Over 1,500 buses currently feature new computer equipment, advanced antennas for more precise GPS tracking, and free Wi-Fi. This initiative is projected to expand to nearly 2,000 buses by the end of 2026. The enhanced GPS hardware and antennas are designed to provide more accurate bus arrival predictions, which will be accessible to customers through the NJ Transit website, mobile app, station signage, and various third-party applications starting in October. Additionally, NJ Transit is piloting new high-tech bus stop signs equipped with digital screens that display real-time arrival information, detours, delays, service alerts, and bus occupancy levels. These solar-powered signs, from infrastructure provider BusPas, are ADA-compliant, feature e-paper displays, and include text-to-speech announcement capabilities and automated safety lighting.

New York Lawmakers Propose Legislation to Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled by 20% by 2050

New York Lawmakers Propose Legislation to Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled by 20% by 2050

New York lawmakers are considering Senate Bill S4044 and Assembly Bill A4230, which aim to establish a statewide goal of reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 20% by 2050. This legislation would require certain highway-capacity projects to be evaluated against this VMT reduction goal, potentially necessitating additional analysis or mitigation for projects expected to increase vehicle miles. The bills, currently in committee, reflect a growing national trend where states like California, Minnesota, Colorado, Washington, and Oregon are shifting transportation policy focus from traditional traffic congestion to VMT reduction and greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed New York legislation does not impose a mileage tax but seeks to create a policy framework where reducing private driving is an official government objective. Mitigation strategies outlined in the bills include promoting public transportation, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, remote work, broadband expansion, and changes to parking manag...

Nashville Initiates Affordable Housing First Strategy for New Nissan Stadium Development

Nashville Initiates Affordable Housing First Strategy for New Nissan Stadium Development

Nashville is undertaking an unusual urban development strategy for the area surrounding the new $2.2 billion Tennessee Titans stadium, which is scheduled to open next year. Unlike typical stadium megaprojects that prioritize market-rate housing, retail, and entertainment, Nashville is leading with affordable housing. The first building to break ground on a 30-acre city-owned parcel near the new Nissan Stadium site is Eastpoint Flats, an apartment complex designed for renters earning 80% or less of the area median income. This initial phase includes 323 affordable units, approximately 20,000 square feet of retail space, and a daycare center. The Boston-based master developer, Fallon, agreed with the city to launch the project with this affordable housing component. Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, who previously opposed the stadium as a council member, advocated for this sequencing to ensure that individuals who work in or help build the stadium have the opportunity to live in the adjacent neighborhood. T...

Austin City Council Mandates On-Site Affordable Housing for Developments Near Light Rail

Austin City Council Mandates On-Site Affordable Housing for Developments Near Light Rail

The Austin City Council has unanimously approved new regulations requiring developers to include affordable housing directly within their projects if those projects are located near future light-rail stations. This decision eliminates the previous option for developers to pay a fee to the city's Housing Trust Fund instead of building affordable units on-site. The change specifically tightens the citywide density bonus program, a zoning tool that allows for larger developments in exchange for community benefits like affordable housing. While developers in other parts of the city can still opt for the fee-in-lieu payment, this option is no longer available for projects situated along the future Project Connect light rail corridor. This move aims to ensure that lower-income residents can afford to live near public transit, a key goal for the city as it encourages denser development in these areas.

U.S. Representative Lizzie Fletcher Secures Federal Grant for Heights Sidewalk Improvements

U.S. Representative Lizzie Fletcher Secures Federal Grant for Heights Sidewalk Improvements

The Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority (MHRA) has been approved for an $850,000 federal grant, secured through the office of U.S. Representative Lizzie Fletcher. This funding is earmarked for significant sidewalk improvements in the Heights area, aiming to enhance mobility, pedestrian safety, and access for students and children. The grant was part of a Community Project Funding request during the fiscal year 2023-2024. Officials from MHRA stated that the funds will specifically cover the construction phase of the project, addressing missing, poorly conditioned, or undersized sections of sidewalks. The associated design, survey, environmental work, and grant management will be funded locally by MHRA. This initiative is set to create several new sidewalk areas, contributing to a more accessible and safer environment for residents.

Fresno County Voters to Decide on Measure S, a Proposed $7.4 Billion Transportation Sales Tax

Fresno County Voters to Decide on Measure S, a Proposed $7.4 Billion Transportation Sales Tax

Fresno County residents will vote on Measure S, a proposed half-cent sales tax projected to generate nearly $7.4 billion over 30 years for transportation improvements. This measure, also known as 'Better Roads Safe Streets,' is designed to replace Measure C, a half-cent sales tax that has been in effect since 1986 and is set to expire on June 30, 2027. Measure S significantly reallocates revenue compared to its predecessor, with 65% designated for existing neighborhood roads and 5% for regional improvements, including 1% for Fresno Yosemite International Airport. This contrasts with Measure C's allocation of 34.6% for local roads and 30.4% for regional projects. The new measure also mandates the construction of at least 120 miles of bike paths or protected bike lanes and 150 'Safe Routes to Schools' projects. Additionally, 25% of the tax revenue is allocated to public transit, with specific requirements for year-over-year improvements in service metrics.

Arizona Republic

Love it or hate it, Valley Metro lauded for nation's 'best' service

Love it or hate it, Valley Metro lauded for nation's 'best' service

After record lows during the pandemic, Valley Metro invested in bringing ridership back. Here's how the agency recovered.

Climate Change Fuels Rise of Vector-Borne Diseases and Waterborne Pathogens in Urban Areas

Climate Change Fuels Rise of Vector-Borne Diseases and Waterborne Pathogens in Urban Areas

Climate change is significantly contributing to the increased prevalence of vector-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and oropouche, as well as the spread of pathogens through contaminated water sources. This phenomenon is particularly evident in urban areas, where increased monsoon flooding leads to more standing water. These stagnant water bodies create ideal breeding grounds for disease vectors. The intersection of water and infectious diseases is becoming a critical public health concern, necessitating improved urban infrastructure and planning. Experts highlight that climate change is projected to exacerbate over half of all known human pathogenic diseases, underscoring the urgent need for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to address these growing health challenges. The current urban landscape, characterized by unsustainable development, contributes to various physical and mental illnesses, with 81.2% of the population in some continents residing in urban settings.