Senior governments consider providing new sources of sustained funding for public transit and affordable housing
At a historic and unprecedented summit federal and provincial members of parliament from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) met with their municipal counterparts. One plan that they discussed would involve injecting $600 million a year into public transit and $700 million into affordable housing across the GTA. The increased transit funding would be directed towards both operation and maintenance of existing transit systems as well as new capital projects. This could be implemented by tripling the share of gas taxes that are directed to municipalities from the current four cents a litre to twelve cents a litre. To keep the ball rolling on this historic initiative, the participants agreed to meet again early in the new year.
Thanks to Geoffrey Singer
FULL STORY: Summit signals new era
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.
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.
Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.
Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
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