New NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, on his second day in office, engaged with commuters on the subway, opposed the fare hike, and signed executive orders focused on addressing the city's housing crisis, including reviving tenant protections and establishing housing task forces.
The New York City Transit has retired its iconic MetroCard after over 30 years, transitioning to a contactless payment system called Omny, marking the end of an era for subway fare payment. The MetroCard, introduced in 1994, was revolutionary at its time but had its drawbacks, including sensitivity issues and inconvenience. Its legacy is celebrated with commemorative events and memories of its role in city life, while the city moves forward with modern contactless technology.
The full moon in Sagittarius on May 23, 2024, will have a strong impact on mutable signs, particularly Sagittarius, Pisces, Gemini, and Virgo. These signs will experience shifts that bring optimism and growth, with Jupiter's impending transit adding to the transformative energy. For Sagittarius, it's a time for reclaiming power and identity, while Pisces will receive recognition for their accomplishments. Gemini can expect new relationship insights, and Virgo is urged to embrace self-love and passion.
The completion of the Automated People Mover system at Los Angeles International Airport has been further delayed, with Fitch Ratings predicting a new opening date around November 2025 due to construction delays and strained contractor relationships. The driverless rail project, part of a $30 billion airport overhaul, was initially expected to open in 2023 but is now 96% complete. The two-and-a-quarter-mile-long track aims to improve traffic flow and provide a time-saving option for travelers connecting to public transit hubs.
Ford has issued recalls for over 150,000 vehicles, including certain Ford Expeditions, Transits, Lincoln Navigators, Explorers, and E-350/E-450s due to various safety issues such as suspension, steering, seatbelt, and power steering problems. Owners are advised to bring their vehicles to Ford dealerships for free inspections and necessary repairs. The recalls involve issues with seatbelt locking mechanisms, rear axle lubricant, suspension and steering components, and power steering fluid connections. Car owners can check the status of their vehicles through the NHTSA recall check or USA TODAY's recall database.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is facing a fare evasion problem, estimating a loss of $690 million due to fare jumpers. The much-mocked new subway gates and emergency-exit timers have been defended by MTA Chairman Janno Lieber, who admitted the gates' shortcomings but argued for their partial success. The MTA is pursuing various measures to clamp down on fare evasion, including testing timed emergency gates near turnstiles and installing tighter gearing on turnstiles. Officials believe a redesign of the subway system's fare gates is necessary, with proposals for new designs due back on Feb. 29.
Pluto's ingress into Aquarius on January 20, 2024, will strongly impact fixed zodiac signs, particularly Aquarius, Taurus, Leo, and Scorpio. This transit will bring about significant changes and transformations in various aspects of their lives, including career, relationships, and personal growth, ultimately leading to a period of self-discovery and empowerment.
Gov. Jared Polis delivered his sixth State of the State address, outlining policy priorities for the 2024 lawmaking term and making pop culture references. He emphasized Colorado's history of leading change and discussed the need for more affordable housing and improved transit options. Polis also expressed support for creating a passenger rail system and highlighted the state's potential to seize federal funding for rail expansion.
NASA's Hubble Telescope has accurately measured the size of LTT 1445Ac, an Earth-sized exoplanet in a nearby triple star system. The planet, initially discovered by TESS, is similar in size to Earth but much hotter, with surface temperatures reaching approximately 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Hubble's precise measurements provide valuable insights into the composition of the planet and its potential for further atmospheric study.
Google Wallet is adding support for ORCA transit cards in Seattle, allowing users to add their ORCA card directly into the app and use it for transit access. Additionally, Google Wallet is introducing enhanced ride history, savings insights, and service updates for select UK areas, starting with Brighton and Hove Buses. The feature will be rolled out to more cities next year.
Google Wallet is updating its platform to better support open-loop payment systems for transit. The update includes a dedicated page that groups together recent activity and ride history, shows savings from time-based fare caps, and supports network-specific offerings. The update is launching first for Brighton and Hove Buses in the UK and will expand to more cities next year. Additionally, Google Wallet users in Seattle and the Puget Sound Region will soon be able to add ORCA transit cards to their digital wallet, allowing them to access real-time card balance, transaction history, and reload their balance.
Researchers from the University of Washington are set to release their findings from a study on the presence of fentanyl smoke on transit in the Northwest. The study aims to shed light on the potential risks and impacts of fentanyl exposure in public spaces, particularly on public transportation.
In observance of Independence Day, various government offices, banks, and courts in the DMV region will be closed. Traffic and parking restrictions will be implemented, and schools, libraries, and local government offices will also be closed. Transit and transportation services will operate on a modified schedule.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has relaunched the Red Line project, a planned 14-mile east-west transit rail line that would have connected isolated high-poverty neighborhoods with regional job centers from Woodlawn to west Baltimore, into downtown Baltimore and east Baltimore. The project was canceled in 2015 by former Governor Larry Hogan, but Moore is making good on a campaign promise to build the multibillion-dollar transit line. The project is considered a vital economic game-changer for residents, businesses, and developers, and will be a core reason for Maryland's decade of growth. The state plans to identify route alignments for public feedback in the spring and complete a study of the project's costs, benefits, and impacts.
Most supermarkets and pharmacies will be open on Memorial Day, but store hours may vary. Government services such as schools, courts, post offices, libraries, and city halls will be closed. Parks and beaches will be open in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Some malls will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Transit schedules will vary, with Miami-Dade’s Metrorail and Metromover running on their normal weekend schedules and Broward Transit operating on a holiday service schedule.