Tag

Transportation Policy

All articles tagged with #transportation policy

local-government1 day ago

SF Great Highway ballot bid collapses after deadline misses

San Francisco Supervisor Alan Wong failed to gather the four required signatures to place a ballot measure to reopen the Great Highway to cars on weekdays before the deadline; only Wong, Connie Chan, and Chyanne Chen signed, with other supervisors and insiders criticizing the late, opaque process. The measure would have allowed cars on weekdays and possibly weekends under undefined “exceptional circumstances,” while the park remained pedestrian- and bicycle-focused on weekends. The failure highlights political risk for Wong ahead of a June election and suggests future efforts may need broader, earlier community consultation.

politics6 months ago

Oregon Transportation Bill Failure Sparks Layoffs and Service Cuts

Oregon House Rep. Mark Gamba criticizes the handling of House Bill 2025, highlighting the state's underfunded transportation system, the political challenges faced, and the need for increased investment in infrastructure and safety, while criticizing the inefficiency of ODOT and the influence of misinformation and partisan politics on transportation policy.

transportation1 year ago

NYC Congestion Pricing Set for January Amid Legal Challenges

New York City's congestion pricing plan has cleared its final bureaucratic hurdle, paving the way for its implementation. This plan aims to reduce traffic congestion and generate revenue for public transportation improvements by charging drivers entering the busiest parts of Manhattan. It marks a significant step in urban planning and traffic management for the city.

transportation1 year ago

NYC Approves $9 Congestion Toll for Lower Manhattan

The MTA board has approved a $9 congestion pricing fee for non-commercial vehicles entering Manhattan's central business district south of 60th Street, set to begin on January 5. This decision follows the lifting of a hold by Governor Kathy Hochul, who proposed the reduced fee from an initial $15. The plan aims to reduce traffic congestion, although board member David S. Mack opposed it, suggesting alternative revenue sources.

transportation1 year ago

NYC's Congestion Pricing: A Tolling Tug-of-War

New York City's proposed $9 congestion-pricing toll aims to reduce traffic and generate funds for the subway system. However, there are concerns about whether this toll will be sufficient to address the subway's financial and operational challenges. The plan is part of a broader strategy to improve urban transportation and reduce emissions, but its effectiveness in solving the subway's issues remains uncertain.

politics1 year ago

Hochul Faces Political Backlash Over Controversial Toll Plan

New York Governor Kathy Hochul's decision to lower tolls to $9 may have unintended political repercussions, as the move could be seen as insufficient or controversial among constituents. While the toll reduction aims to ease financial burdens on commuters, it may not fully address broader transportation and infrastructure concerns, potentially affecting Hochul's political standing.

politics1 year ago

Hochul Revives $9 Congestion Pricing to Aid MTA

New York Governor Kathy Hochul plans to revive the congestion pricing program in Manhattan with a reduced toll of $9, after pausing the initiative due to economic concerns. The program aims to fund MTA improvements and reduce traffic congestion. This decision follows political pressure and legal challenges, especially after former President Trump's re-election, who opposes the plan. The revived tolling is expected to address a significant funding gap in the MTA's capital program, though it faces opposition from New Jersey politicians and transit worker unions.

transportation-safety2 years ago

"Implementing Vision Zero: Overcoming Obstacles to Safer Road Designs"

A decade after the adoption of Vision Zero in the U.S., the goal of eliminating traffic fatalities remains elusive, with some successes but many challenges. While some cities have seen a drop in roadway fatalities and have successfully implemented Vision Zero principles, others continue to struggle, facing pushback from residents and drivers, as well as obstacles from state rules. Despite efforts to lower speed limits, make streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists, and redesign dangerous intersections, the fight to end traffic deaths remains an uphill battle, with the ultimate goal still seeming far off.

automotive-environment2 years ago

"Assessing the Hurdles and Progress in America's Electric Vehicle Evolution"

Despite incentives and initial enthusiasm, America's push for electric vehicles (EVs) is faltering, with sales not meeting targets and automakers scaling back investments. The focus on replacing gas cars with EVs one-for-one has led to larger, more expensive EVs that don't address broader transportation issues or significantly reduce emissions. The American strategy, which mirrors Norway's approach, has not been a silver bullet for climate goals, as it overlooks the slow turnover rate of vehicles and the need for a more comprehensive transportation overhaul. Experts suggest that a successful transition to sustainable transportation should include a mix of smaller EVs, hybrids, and improved public transit, rather than relying solely on EVs for all travel needs.