The city of Chicago is already taxing rides with transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft. Now mayor Rahm Emanual wants to raise those fees and spend the extra money on transit projects.
Heather Cherone breaks the news about a potentially game changing proposal in Chicago, where "[t]he city is set to raise taxes on Uber or Lyft rides by 29 percent next year to fund improvements to CTA bus and train lines."
Mayor Rahm Emanual announced the proposed tax earlier this week, but the City Council still needs to approve the tax next month. If approved, "the city will add 67 cents to the cost of every ride hailed with a service such as Uber or Lyft next year, up from the current charge of 52 cents per ride," according to Cherone. " In 2019, that surcharge will rise another 5 cents to 72 cents — a 38 percent increase from 2017 rates, according to the mayor's proposal."
The city's existing rideshare taxes and fees are already generating a significant chunk of revenue—$56.9 million in 2016, with 81 percent of the money coming from Uber and Lyft. "In 2017, the city expects to collect $85.2 million, with 88 percent coming from Uber and Lyft," adds Cherone.
FULL STORY: New Tax On Uber, Lyft Would Pay For CTA Improvements, Rahm Says
Chicago's Innovative Ride-Hailing Tax Approved
The Chicago City Council has approved a new budget that includes a new transit funding mechanism that could level the playing field for transit.
Op-Ed: Ride Sharing Tax Will Help Poor
Chicago's Mayor Emanuel's proposed tax would be used for the benefit of transit.
New Research Connects Land Use to Ride-Hailing Trips
Many of the places in Chicago generating the most ride-hailing trips with services like Uber and Lyft are accessible by transit, according to new research.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Understanding Road Diets
An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.
New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution
A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.
Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension
The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.
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.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service