TransitCenter

This is huge, and is only happening because of the tireless, disciplined, and coordinated work of NYC transit advocates to defend congestion pricing after Hochul’s "pause." https://lnkd.in/d8eu-zvi

A great new report from The Brookings Institution examines the failures of state DOTs to operate transparently or support local communities' transportation priorities. The report finds that: - While many state DOTS have long-term goals, only nine DOTS have accountability or enforcement mechanisms to meet those goals - Most states do not publicly explain why they build specific projects, including whether those projects address their long-range plans - On average, states share relatively small amounts of funding with local partners, suballocating only 14% of total transportation funding to localities - States make it difficult for the public to directly inform planning goals or evaluate which projects will be constructed The report includes suggested reforms, such as requiring published justifications for all project selections, enhancing revenue sharing and coordinated planning with localities, and expanding public communication systems to receive more input from external stakeholders.  Read more! https://lnkd.in/eFsjDERQ

We love our Van Ness Busway, where 49-Van Ness bus ridership is at 140% of 2019 levels. But we're also amazed by the performance of our quick-build transit lanes, built at a small fraction of the cost, disruption and schedule. Summary Deck: https://lnkd.in/gjEw_nMC Full Evaluation https://lnkd.in/gKh6QeQj

"State and local governments definitely have the tools to fund transit. A bunch of them spend pennies per person on transit. If you don’t like your public transportation system, it’s your state’s fault." https://lnkd.in/efQrdfxW

Join us on Bluesky! It's a positively joyful place compared to most of the alternatives.

This month ProGov21 is covering #transportation & #mobility! 🚲🚌 Many Americans lack access to reliable, safe, accessible transportation. November's model ordinance, featured policy, and updated transportation roadmap provide best practices for progressive transportation policy designed to increase accessibility, grow the local economy, minimize costs, and improve sustainability. Model Ordinance: Transit-oriented development incentives must be extended equitably to ensure that good quality jobs and affordable housing communities have close access to transit services. In 2022, the City of Chicago adopted their Connected Communities Ordinance to support equitable development near public transit. Check out the model ordinance here → https://lnkd.in/g3YiYVKD. Featured Policy: Transit agencies looking to build equitable systems should contract with community-based organizations to improve the quality of their research and engagement. The LA Metro achieved this through their CBO Partnering Strategy and Equity Platform, elevating community engagement and equity. This month, ProGov21 is featuring TransitCenter’s report on partnerships with community-based organizations, demonstrating how these practices are vital for equitable transit. Read here → https://lnkd.in/gRuKpezr. Policy Roadmap: Our latest roadmap by Gianmarco Katz and Diana McFarland with support from State Smart Transportation Initiative provides best practices and policies for local governments to ensure access to reliable, safe transportation, including strategic budgeting to improve and maintain infrastructure, integrating land use and transportation planning, complete streets policies, and more. Read the full roadmap here → https://lnkd.in/g3wjKF_i. 

As transit agencies across the country stare down fiscal cliffs, it's more important than ever for their states to take advantage of their ability to flex federal highway dollars to transit. And here's the secret: They can do it anytime, no need to wait for Biden to tell them to. https://lnkd.in/e-vWgjBz

"There are opportunities for continuing the momentum toward a zero-emission transportation future, despite the expected headwinds. Many states are committed to clean air, contributing to climate solutions, and moving towards a future of zero-emission cars, trucks, and buses alongside abundant options like transit, walking, and biking. State leadership will be as important as ever in the coming years: states can compel manufacturers to bring clean vehicle products to market, support federal investments in infrastructure, and make investments that prioritize a more comprehensive set of transportation options." In short, states will be the most realistic place to make progress on transportation over the coming years. We're fired up and ready to go. https://lnkd.in/ebvjQp9U

"Pennsylvania received about $4 billion in formula funding from the federal bipartisan infrastructure law through several different programs. While this funding is often lumped together as “highway funding,” the Federal Highway Administration guidelines permit state governments to flex — or reallocate — this funding toward transit and multimodal capital projects overseen by the Federal Transit Administration. Though flexed funds can’t generally be used directly for operations, they can free up transit agency capital funds for use in operating budgets. The pressing political question for Shapiro is this: Why should transit infrastructure bear the full brunt of funding and service cuts while highway funding is held harmless?" https://lnkd.in/dfirpZqN

I’m excited to share my #TransitTuesday story, which was featured by TransitCenter! 🚍 Growing up in a small town with no public transit, I learned early on how critical mobility is to opportunity. Today, as a strong advocate for transit in Nashville, I’m driven by the belief that no one should be held back by a lack of access to reliable transportation. Investing in public transit means investing in freedom, equity, and a better future for all. 🌍 Check out my story for why dedicated transit funding is vital to creating a more connected, livable, and sustainable community. #TransitForAll #MobilityMatters #PublicTransit #NashvilleTransit #TransitLeadership https://lnkd.in/gB-jFZfg