The federal government was already slow to cooperate with a plan to charge automobile drivers for entering certain parts of Manhattan, but with coronavirus commanding so much attention, the project isn't likely to move forward any time soon.
"New York’s congestion pricing plan is on ice thanks in part to the coronavirus pandemic — and the delay could imperil the MTA’s plans to overhaul the city’s mass transit networks," reports Clayton Guse.
"The plan to toll vehicles in Manhattan south of 60th St. is intended to fund $15 billion of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s $51.5 billion five-year capital plan, which includes the rapid modernization of delay-inducing subway signals and accessibility additions to 66 subway stations," explains Guse of the transit planning connection to the congestion pricing scheme proposed for automobile drivers on the streets of Manhattan.
As noted by Guse, the congestion pricing scheme had already encountered delays while seeking federal environmental approval for the plan, but the coronavirus adds a new layer of difficulty. "Now, with the feds in the trenches of a pandemic, transit honchos don’t expect congestion pricing to be a priority for officials in the Trump administration," according to Guse.
First New Bridge to Manhattan in Decades Proposed Just for Pedestrians and People on Bikes
Introducing the proposed Queens Ribbon Bridge, a $100 million idea to connect Manhattan to Long Island City in Queens, by way of Roosevelt Island.
Congestion Pricing Details Emerge From MTA’s Environmental Assessment
After more than a decade of delays and reversals, congestion pricing is expected to take effect in Manhattan in late 2023 or early 2024.
Planning for Congestion Relief
The third and final installment of Planetizen's examination of the role of the planning profession in both perpetuating and solving traffic congestion.
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