Transit Funding

Other Cities Look at L.A.'s Transit Funding Plan

Los Angeles has taxed itself to raise money for transit projects, and now officials want to borrow against those future earnings to speed up projects. This article wonders if that's a model other cities can and should follow.

May 4, 2011 - The Minn Post

Can 'Friends' Help Save Caltrain?

Former Palo Alto Mayor Yoriko Kishimoto has formed "Friends of Caltrain" to help prevent the train from spiraling downhill due to lack of funds. The tri-county train faces a $30 million deficit, with a total budget of just under $100 million.

January 26, 2011 - Streetsblog San Francisco

Bridge Tolls Critical Missing Part Of NY Transit Funding Package

The Post's transit reporter looks at the substantial MTA budget shortfall resulting in major service reductions and fare increases, but one MTA board member regrets the state senate's refusal to do away with the 'free ride' to Manhattan.

December 13, 2010 - New York Post

Transit Aid: The Operating Vs. Capital Dilemma

Transit advocates are used to battling the 'road lobby', but this article reports on a clash between small and mid-sized transit agencies (who want more flexibility) against the larger ones, as well as the main transit lobbying organization, APTA.

June 14, 2010 - The Washington Post

Regional Taxes For Transportation?

The NYT looks at a provision in a state assembly bill to restore transit funding to beleaguered CA transit agencies by allowing voters in regions to approve gas fees. Not only was the provision dropped by the Senate - the governor vetoed the bill.

March 22, 2010 - The New York Times - U.S.

MTA Service Cuts, Block by Block

Regional Plan Association of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut has mapped out the impact of all MTA's service cuts for every State Assembly and Senate district in the region. There's also an interactive Google Map.

March 20, 2009 - Regional Plan Association

Big Tunnels, Transit in the Works in New York

Even as service is being cut, enormous transit projects are coming online in New York and New Jersey, including a new $9 billion tunnel into Manhattan.

March 14, 2009 - USA Today

In Total, $75 Billion Approved for Mass Transit

Last week, a majority of transportation initiatives were approved by voters. This is good news for transit advocates, but risks still loom.

November 13, 2008 - The Wall Street Journal

Amtrak Funding Bill Passes

The Senate has passed a bill that will allocate $2.5 billion for Amtrak annually, with money going to operation, repairs, and new safety measures.

October 2, 2008 - The Wall Street Journal

NYC Congestion Pricing Isn't Dead Yet

The prospect of a looming MTA deficit and rising transit fares is prompting a second look at congestion pricing in Manhattan, a project defeated by the state Assembly in April, notwithstanding a federal grant for $360 million.

August 7, 2008 - The New York Times

Highway Funding: The Last Bastion of Socialism in America

Since 1956, federal, state and local governments have invested nine times more capital funding in highway subsidies than in transit.

July 24, 2008 - Streetsblog

Latest Culprit of Housing Crisis: Transit Expansion

Falling revenues from real estate taxes could impact transit expansion plans as New York's MTA faces a sharp decline.

May 24, 2008 - Tim Halbur

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