Environmental and transit advocacy groups, along with the MTA, are suing USDOT over its recent crusade to end the cordon pricing program.

The Sierra Club joined the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and other groups in filing legal action against the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) for its attempt to end New York City’s congestion pricing program.
According to a press release from the Sierra Club, “The legal complaint charges that the Trump administration made serious legal mistakes in its rush to deprive New Yorkers of the benefits of Congestion Pricing, and that these mistakes suggest that the administration is acting pretextually.” The program raised $48.6 million in its first month and has been shown to reduce congestion and improve travel times.
“We’re filing today’s case because congestion relief is saving us time on buses, fixing our aging subways, and improving our health. We can’t afford to go back.” — Riders Alliance Executive Director Betsy Plum
The new lawsuit argues that the plan to end the program has a flawed legal basis. “The letter states that federal law has never contemplated ‘cordon pricing’ as a permissible congestion pricing strategy, except where toll-free options are available to drivers. In fact, cordon pricing has for decades been recognized by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) as a form of congestion pricing, and it authorized cordon pricing projects more than twenty years ago.”
FULL STORY: New Challenge on Trump Administration’s Attempt to “Terminate” New York’s Congestion Pricing Program

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

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.

Dear Tesla Driver: “It’s not You, It’s Him.”
Amidst a booming bumper sticker industry, one writer offers solace to those asking, “Does this car make me look fascist?”

A Visual Celebration of Manhattan’s Chinatown Elder Community, Through Food
Lanterns, cafeteria trays, and community connection take center stage in this stunning photo essay.

How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
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.
City of Santa Clarita
Ascent Environmental
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