A rescue package for New York’s debt-ridden M.T.A. includes two new revenue generators: first-ever tolls for the East and Harlem River bridges, and a 12-county, corporate payroll tax, to supplement fare and toll increases and transit service cuts.
"The authority is facing a $1.2 billion shortfall next year and even larger deficits in the future because of the economic downturn. The authority relies heavily on revenue from taxes on real estate transactions, which have plummeted as the real estate boom has fizzled."
"The authority has called for raising revenues from fares and tolls by 23 percent next year - which could mean a base subway and bus fare of $2.50 or higher, up from $2, the elimination of the W and Z subway lines," amongst other transit service cuts."
"The idea of collecting tolls on the bridges over the four East River and nine Harlem River bridges has enticed and tormented mayors for decades. It has repeatedly been proposed and then shot down, with especially strong opposition coming from elected officials in Brooklyn and Queens and on Long Island, whose constituents account for much of the traffic on the free bridges.
There would be no toll plazas: Most tolls would be collected through a system of E-ZPass readers. Drivers without E-ZPass would be identified and could be billed using digital cameras that snap a picture of each vehicle's license plate."
FULL STORY: Taxes and Tolls Sought in Plan to Save M.T.A.
MTA Rescue Plan Wins Support Of NY Governor
The MTA rescue plan, with its new East & Harlem River bridge tolls and first-ever, 12-county transit payroll tax cleared a major political hurdle by winning the crucial support of NY Gov' Paterson. Winning support from mayor, outer boroughs remains.
New York MTA Increases Transit Fares to Fund Capital Investments
The latest fare increase for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority comes against the backdrop of record ridership and a $15 billion funding gap for the system's five-year capital plan.
New Philly Fare Gates ‘Astonishingly Easy to Beat’
A set of high-tech gates aimed at limiting fare evasion is already failing.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.
Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US
The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.
New York’s Deadliest Neighborhoods for Pedestrians
Pedestrian deaths rose last year, but remain below pre-2020 levels.
Eviction Looms for Low-Income Tenants as Rent Debt Rises
Nonprofit housing operators across the country face almost $10 billion in rent debt.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
