It's great that the New York MTA is overhauling its fare system and doing away with the MetroCard, but there's so much more potential to realize.
Colin Wright of TransitCenter and Vincent Pellecchia and Nick Sifuentes of Tri-State Transportation Campaign have authored the "A New Way to Ride" [pdf] report to prepare for the MTA's adoption of a tap-based fare system.
"[The report] focuses on several fundamental changes advocates believe the MTA should begin discussing in advance of the phase out, including all-door bus boarding, 'fare capping' and new data collection to improve commutes," according to an article by Vincent Barone sharing the news of the new report.
The report also digs into the potential benefits of the new data the tap system will collect. As for how the new fare system is expected to work: "The slow rollout of the new technology will begin in the spring of 2019, with bank cards and smartphone payments made available at 500 station turnstiles and 600 buses," according to Barone. "The system will be available citywide by September 2020."
In addition to a pdf version of the report posted online, the TransitCenter website has a post introducing the recommendations detailed in the report. The TransitCenter team has also produced the following nifty animation to explain the concept of fare capping.
FULL STORY: MTA must prepare now for next-generation tech implementation, report says
All-Door Boarding Stuck in Neutral in New York City
MTA leadership has decided all-door boarding will lead to fare evasion and isn’t willing to adopt a program that was already well underway.
All-Door Boarding a Missed Opportunity in NYC
American transit systems are increasingly moving to structures that allow pre-paying and all-door boarding. David Meyer argues that these systems have proven their worth and fears of fare evasion aren't enough to justify inferior services.
Changes to Local Service in the Bronx Benefit Bus Speeds, Ridership
Another example of how improving bus service design can benefit transit riders and transit systems emerges in New York City. More such local system redesigns are on the way soon in the Big Apple.
Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Minneapolis Bans Rent-Setting Software
Four cities have enacted restrictions on algorithmic software that can inflate rent costs.
Oakland to Add 244 New EV Chargers
Oakland plans to launch its new charging network at eight locations by the end of 2025.
Jane Goodall Inspires with Message of Hope, Resilience, and Environmental Action
Speaking in Pasadena, Jane Goodall offered a hopeful and inspirational message, urging global compassion, environmental responsibility, and the power of individual action to shape a better future.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland