transportation

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is Not Alone in its Financial Struggles

Even in comfortable times, the service cutbacks and fare increases being proposed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority would have sparked outrage from New Yorkers. Coming in the depths of the most serious economic crisis since the Great Depression, things seem that much worse.

Not that it's any consolation to frustrated New York transit riders and taxpayers, but you are not alone. Transit agencies like the MTA are reeling nationwide; all are suffering from factors at least some of which they really can't control without some legislative help.

This is not to deny the pain that could occur unless the state comes up with a rescue plan. In its 2009 budget, the agency proposes painful service cutbacks and fare increases to help cover a projected deficit of around $1.5 billion.

No fewer than 51 transit agencies around the country are in the same financial situation. For example, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority that runs Boston's smaller transit system is chewing over major service cuts and fare increases if the state doesn't help cover its $160 million deficit.

The fact that so many transit agencies are struggling may come as a surprise. After all, didn't Washington just pump a lot of money into infrastructure as part of the $787-billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act? Wasn't public transit a big part of that law?

Yes. The stimulus package provides $8.4 billion to be spent on transit this year. That's a helpful shot in the arm to metropolitan transit agencies that Washington ordinarily relegates to second-class status. And the MTA will receive the largest portion of this money: more than $1 billion. Even by today's standards, that's nothing to sneeze at.

But how much will it really help? Federal rules in effect since 1998 stipulate that this money can be spent only on capital improvement projects and not to finance gaps in day-to-day operating expenses.

Surely there is no transit service without capital - the buses, trains, tracks and other facilities that make the system run. However, operating costs - which are generally about twice as high as capital expenses for the largest transit agencies - cover the salaries of the workers who keep the system running, as well as the debt contracted to pay for capital projects.

So as the federal government aims to put Americans back to work on shovel-ready, temporary construction jobs, transit agencies are looking at the likelihood of laying people off from stable, permanent positions.

Why the disconnect?

The response in Washington is predictably stubborn: Recovery money cannot be used for operating expenses because operating is not a federal role.

You would think that the pressure of this policy would lead to transit agencies that are self-sufficient - where passenger fares pay the full costs of operating the system.

But large metropolitan transit agencies generally "recover" only about one-third of their costs from subway riders and about one-quarter from bus passengers. The MTA has the highest cost-recovery ratio among all subway operators - its fares pay for two-thirds of operating costs.

For large bus systems, the MTA's New York City Transit ranks second only to New Jersey's in terms of the share of operating costs paid for by riders. The Long Island Rail Road is the seventh among the 21 commuter rail systems in the country, recovering from fares close to half of its operating costs.

So what should be done to close the MTA's budget gap?

For one thing, lawmakers in Albany need to recognize that the state contributes a lower proportion of the MTA's budget from its general revenue than other states provide to their transit agencies from general revenue. In New York, about 4 percent of all the MTA operating costs are covered by the state budget; in other states, transit agencies are getting closer to 6 percent.

Raising state general fund support to national levels would be a good place to start helping the MTA.

Another idea is to get Washington to help. Not in doling out more money, but in stepping aside and empowering metropolitan agencies to spend their federal money in ways that best meet their own needs.

Specifically, the federal rules could be changed to allow transit agencies to spend their transit capital stimulus dollars on operating expenses. Certainly, agencies have capital needs as well, but particularly in these stressful economic times they should have the short-term flexibility to use those federal dollars to meet their immediate problems.

Over the long term, some form of federal competitive funding for operating assistance also might provide the right incentive - or reward - to states and localities to commit to funding transit.

Based on their level of commitment, metropolitan agencies, localities and states that legislatively dedicate a stable stream of funds could potentially receive federal operating assistance, perhaps as a matching grant. The federal government would be helping those who help themselves.


The New York metropolitan area cannot afford to have a transit system that is hampered from operating at its fullest and most efficient potential.

An extensive transit network like the MTA provides important transportation alternatives to those who have options and basic mobility for those who don't. It can help mitigate regional air-quality problems by lowering overall automobile emissions and slowing the growth in traffic congestion.

It also can provide economic benefits by creating development opportunities around transit stations and help enhance regional economic competitiveness as an important and attractive metropolitan amenity.

Such a functioning network plays a fundamental role in attracting highly skilled labor and talent, which we know is so important in 21st century metropolitan America.

Publication: Newsday
      
 
 




transportation

Weakening environmental reviews for transportation infrastructure is a bridge too far

This January, the Trump administration published a proposed rule to update long-standing government-wide regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)—the law which requires public disclosure and discussion of environmental impacts before undertaking a so-called “federal action.” All types of infrastructure—from roads and bridges to dams to conventional and renewable energy developments on public lands—are…

       




transportation

If Missouri Has Transportation Needs, Where Did Amendment 7 Go Wrong?


Earlier this month, Missouri voters overwhelmingly rejected a 10-year, 3/4 cent sales tax increase to boost statewide transportation investment. With local referendums an increasingly popular method to raise transportation funding in an era of federal uncertainty, the result has lessons for Missouri’s transportation interests and the country as a whole.

Like many states, Missouri has a clear infrastructure deficit. A legislatively-mandated citizens committee found the state needs an additional $600 million to $1 billion in investment per year. The problem is finding the money. Outside of federal funds, the state primarily relies on a 17.3 cent gasoline tax and local property taxes to fund transportation projects, plus location-specific revenue streams like a half-cent sales tax in St. Louis city and county. Yet with Missouri residents driving less in recent years—down 5 percent per capita between 2000 and 2012-—there is less money available to fund critical projects.

This vote offered one remedy. The statewide bump in sales tax would’ve generated upwards of $5 billion over the ten-year period. The new monies would go to 800 projects across Missouri, primarily for roadways. The governance was a similarly unequal split, with the state department of transportation directly controlling all but 10 percent of the new revenue.

And this is where the referendum’s problems become clear. While each of the state’s seven transportation districts managed their own project list, there was no guarantee local sales taxes would be spent on local projects. There were also legitimate questions whether a heightened focus on roadways made sense in the face of falling statewide driving. This was at the heart of the opposition argument, led by Missourians for Better Transportation Solutions.

In many ways, the Missouri results reflect what happened in a failed 2012 Atlanta referendum. That transportation package contained a hodgepodge of road and rail projects, barely increased connectivity across the sprawling metro region and couldn’t align local interest groups. Much like Missouri, Atlanta has clear transportation needs—but voters sensed the current plan wouldn’t do enough to adequately improve their commutes and livability.

As Missouri’s transportation leaders regroup, they’d be wise to follow the “economy-first” lesson of successful referendums in places like Los Angeles, Denver and Oklahoma City. The common thread in all three was a great job proving the need for greater infrastructure investment. But as my colleagues outlined in a recent report, they also captured how transportation could support industrial growth and metro-wide economic health. Americans have proven time and again they’ll pay for transportation projects, but they want to know what they’re getting and how it will benefit their communities.

In this sense, I’m heartened by a recent Kansas City Star editorial related to their failed streetcar vote the same day. Even with a failed vote, the metro area still needs a better infrastructure network. The key is for public, private and civic leaders to continue working with the public to determine which transportation investments will best support regional economic growth for decades to come.

Ballot measures may fail, but they’ll always provide lessons to improve the plans that will pass.

Authors

Image Source: © Jim Young / Reuters
      
 
 




transportation

Don’t dismiss Obama’s clean transportation plan

President Obama recently unveiled an ambitious new plan to pump $32 billion more annually into sustainable 21st century transportation infrastructure. With a dual focus on jumpstarting economic investment and reducing carbon pollution, the plan aims to drive innovations in public transit, intercity rail, and electric vehicle technology, and other clean fuel alternatives. In short, the…

       




transportation

Pathways to opportunity: Housing, transportation, and social mobility

Two important factors connecting communities to employment, education, and vital services are affordable housing and transportation. While improving proximity and access to jobs alone certainly won’t solve our social mobility challenges, it can ameliorate problems like segregation, concentrated poverty, and low-density sprawl that pose real barriers to economic progress for low-income families. Both the U.S.…

       




transportation

Pathways to opportunity: Linking up housing and transportation

Although the U.S. economy experienced 71 consecutive months of job growth, many people and households are not better off. This is particularly true if you are poor and physically isolated from jobs and good schools. The barriers facing many Americans are multiple, and creating effective pathways to opportunity requires action on a wide range of…

       




transportation

Remaking urban transportation and service delivery

Major changes are taking place in urban transportation and service delivery. There are shifts in car ownership, the development of ride-sharing services, investments in autonomous vehicles, the use of remote sensors for mobile applications, and changes in package and service delivery. New tools are being deployed to transport people, deliver products, and respond to a…

       




transportation

Transportation and the Economy

Opportunity 08 hosted U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters for a discussion of America's transportation infrastructure. Secretary Peters focused on the challenges facing the nation’s transportation network, and how local, state and national leaders can take advantage of new technology and approaches to unleash a new wave of transportation investments in this country.

      
 
 




transportation

Boosting Jobs with the Right Kind of Housing and Transportation Efforts

Last week, President Obama called for “any idea, any proposal, any way we can get the economy growing faster so that people who need work can find it faster.” There is a tried and true idea that has always been used in past recoveries; activate the building of the built environment … but with a major…

       




transportation

Is NYC’s Bold Transportation Commissioner a Victim of Her Own Success?

The New York Times’ profile of celebrated and embattled New York City Transportation Commissioner, Janette Sadik-Khan, shows how getting things done in a democracy can be bad for your political future. Sadik-Khan has increased the amount of bike lanes by over 60 percent, removed cars from congested places like Herald and Times squares enabling them…

       




transportation

Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood Leaves a Legacy

Lahood presided over "the end of favoring motorized transportation at the expense of non-motorized."




transportation

The latest in multi-modal transportation: The Belt Scooter

Hold on to your pants as we show you how to solve the last mile problem.




transportation

British Columbia promotes active transportation (e-bikes! scooters! skateboards!), Vision Zero, $850 incentive for e-bikes

There is so much in their new strategy that I can't get it all in the title.




transportation

MOVE: The Transportation Expo Looks at How We Will Get Around in the Future

A remarkable exhibition of the future of transportation is mounted in the middle of industrial archaeology.




transportation

Two transportation tragedies show how it is time to put pedestrians first

On National Walking Day, a look at how putting cars first kills people who walk and drive.




transportation

Next transportation mode ripe for revolution: e-boats

Templar Marine introduces a Torqeedo powered dayboat that is a thing of beauty.




transportation

Join Authors Jarrett Walker and Darrin Nordahl for a Discussion of Public Transportation and Community

Whether urban, suburban, or rural, transportation systems dictate and define human interaction and community. Join BookHugger for a panel discussion of this phenomena.




transportation

Transportation is the killer of a 1.5 degree lifestyle

Part of a series where I try to calculate the carbon footprint of my life.




transportation

UK Report: Active transportation can fight climate change, air pollution and traffic congestion

It talks a lot about cycling, but notes that we don't do nearly enough about walking.




transportation

Let's Learn From Medellín, Colombia’s Sustainable Transportation Capital!

Medellín has a great sustainable transportation vision for the future, and so far they seem to be executing it extremely well.




transportation

Office clothes are an impediment to green transportation

It's time to rethink how we dress for work.




transportation

National Transportation Safety Board recommends mandatory helmet laws for cyclists

Why stop there? Helmets for everybody!




transportation

The future of transportation is the bus, the bike and the elevator

Henry Grabar writes a really wonderful article that shows how "a better world is possible."




transportation

UTI-Transportation and Logistics Fund-Income Option- Direct

Category Equity Scheme - Sectoral/ Thematic
NAV 31.6612
Repurchase Price
Sale Price
Date 08-May-2020




transportation

UTI-Transportation and Logistics Fund-Income Option

Category Equity Scheme - Sectoral/ Thematic
NAV 29.2533
Repurchase Price
Sale Price
Date 08-May-2020




transportation

- Furnished Accommodation - Free Medical and Transportation - Excellent Recreational facilities - Annual leave with ticket - Tax free Income, save all that you earn, no deductions - All facilities within the medical complex such as Salon, Laundry, Grocery

Company: Jesseena Marine Services Private Limited
Experience: 4 to 5
location: Saudi Arabia
Ref: 24827520
Summary: Job Description : Vacancy for one of the Reputed Ministry of Defense -Military Hospital in Saudi Arabia. Criteria: - BSc / Post BSc Nursing from Govt. approved college through regular medium - minimum 3-5 years of ....




transportation

- Furnished Accommodation - Free Medical and Transportation - Excellent Recreational facilities - Annual leave with ticket - Tax free Income, save all that you earn, no deductions - All facilities within the medical complex such as Salon, Laundry, Grocery

Company: Jesseena Marine Services Private Limited
Experience: 3 to 5
location: Saudi Arabia
Ref: 24827519
Summary: Job Description : Vacancy for one of the Reputed Ministry of Defense -Military Hospital in Saudi Arabia. Criteria: - BSc / Post BSc Nursing from Govt. approved college through regular medium - minimum 3-5 years of ....




transportation

Ola Launches Enterprise Transportation Solution

Leading app-based cab service provider Ola on Monday launched Ola Corporate - an enterprise transportation solution aimed at transforming the way India Inc. travels




transportation

Iraq CPI Transportation

The transportation sub-index of the CPI basket in Iraq increased to 97.50 points in January of 2020 from 96.70 points in December of 2019. CPI Transportation in Iraq averaged 96.53 points from 2015 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 102 points in May of 2018 and a record low of 94.50 points in April of 2016. This page provides - Iraq Cpi Transportation- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.




transportation

Burundi CPI Transportation

The transportation sub-index of the CPI basket in Burundi decreased to 116.40 points in January of 2020 from 116.70 points in December of 2019. CPI Transportation in Burundi averaged 103.73 points from 2012 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 119.70 points in January of 2019 and a record low of 87.20 points in December of 2012. This page provides - Burundi Cpi Transportation- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.




transportation

Portugal CPI Transportation

The transportation sub-index of the CPI basket in Portugal decreased to 99.88 points in March of 2020 from 101.80 points in February of 2020. CPI Transportation in Portugal averaged 57.70 points from 1977 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 103.42 points in January of 2020 and a record low of 3.31 points in January of 1977. This page provides - Portugal Cpi Transportation- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.




transportation

Luanda CPI Transportation

The transportation sub-index of the CPI basket in Angola increased to 197.63 Index Points in October of 2019 from 195.29 Index Points in September of 2019. CPI Transportation in Angola averaged 81.93 Index Points from 2002 until 2019, reaching an all time high of 197.63 Index Points in October of 2019 and a record low of 10.83 Index Points in January of 2002. This page provides - Angola Cpi Transportation- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.




transportation

Netherlands CPI Transportation

The transportation sub-index of the CPI basket in Netherlands decreased to 106.92 points in March of 2020 from 107.99 points in February of 2020. CPI Transportation in Netherlands averaged 100.24 points from 2009 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 110.31 points in August of 2019 and a record low of 87.21 points in December of 2009. This page provides - Netherlands Cpi Transportation- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.




transportation

France CPI Transportation

The transportation sub-index of the CPI basket in France decreased to 104.97 points in March of 2020 from 107.42 points in February of 2020. CPI Transportation in France averaged 83.19 points from 1990 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 108.99 points in December of 2019 and a record low of 57.10 points in January of 1990. This page provides - France Cpi Transportation- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.




transportation

Spain CPI Transportation

The transportation sub-index of the CPI basket in Spain decreased to 106.16 points in March of 2020 from 109.57 points in February of 2020. CPI Transportation in Spain averaged 95.39 points from 2002 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 110.76 points in September of 2012 and a record low of 71.87 points in January of 2002. This page provides - Spain Cpi Transportation- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.




transportation

Somalia CPI Transportation

The transportation sub-index of the CPI basket in Somalia remained unchanged at 110.57 points in March of 2020 from 110.57 points in February of 2020. Cpi Transportation in Somalia averaged 107.14 points from 2018 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 110.57 points in October of 2019 and a record low of 102.11 points in January of 2018. In Somalia, Transport accounts for 4 percent of total Consumer Price Index (CPI). This page provides - Somalia CPI Transportation- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.




transportation

Germany CPI Transportation

The transportation sub-index of the CPI basket in Germany increased to 107.20 points in January of 2020 from 106.90 points in December of 2019. CPI Transportation in Germany averaged 87.61 points from 1991 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 109.50 points in September of 2012 and a record low of 57.30 points in February of 1991. In Germany, Transport accounts for 13 percent of the consumer price index. This page provides - Germany Cpi Transportation- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.




transportation

Euro Area CPI Transportation

The transportation sub-index of the CPI basket In the Euro Area decreased to 104.69 points in March of 2020 from 106.33 points in February of 2020. CPI Transportation in the Euro Area averaged 87.62 points from 1996 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 107.87 points in August of 2019 and a record low of 66 points in January of 1996. This page provides - Euro Area Cpi Transportation- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.




transportation

Ukraine CPI Transportation

The transportation sub-index of the CPI basket in Ukraine increased to 101.40 points in March of 2020 from 100 points in February of 2020. CPI Transportation in Ukraine averaged 100.98 points from 2007 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 113.90 points in February of 2015 and a record low of 94.20 points in April of 2015. This page provides - Ukraine Cpi Transportation- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.




transportation

United Kingdom CPI Transportation

The transportation sub-index of the CPI basket in the United Kingdom decreased to 111.80 points in March of 2020 from 112.40 points in February of 2020. CPI Transportation in the United Kingdom averaged 75.85 points from 1988 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 114.90 points in August of 2019 and a record low of 40.40 points in February of 1988. This page provides - United Kingdom Cpi Transportation- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.




transportation

South Africa CPI Transportation

The transportation sub-index of the CPI basket in South Africa decreased to 115.50 points in March of 2020 from 116.30 points in February of 2020. CPI Transportation in South Africa averaged 101.59 points from 2008 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 116.90 points in November of 2016 and a record low of 81.70 points in January of 2008. This page provides - South Africa Cpi Transportation- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.




transportation

Canada CPI Transportation

The transportation sub-index of the CPI basket in Canada decreased to 138.90 points in March of 2020 from 144 points in February of 2020. CPI Transportation in Canada averaged 61.60 points from 1950 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 144.20 points in July of 2019 and a record low of 10.90 points in February of 1950. This page provides - Canada Cpi Transportation- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.




transportation

Japan CPI Transportation & Communication

The transportation sub-index of the CPI basket in Japan decreased to 99.90 points in March of 2020 from 100.10 points in February of 2020. CPI Transportation in Japan averaged 90.61 points from 1970 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 104.40 points in August of 2008 and a record low of 38.50 points in January of 1970. This page provides - Japan Cpi Transportation- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.




transportation

Gambia Cpi Transportation

The transportation sub-index of the CPI basket in Gambia increased to 101.89 points in March of 2020 from 101.12 points in February of 2020. Cpi Transportation in Gambia averaged 212.02 points from 2011 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 245.17 points in December of 2019 and a record low of 100 points in January of 2020. This page provides - Gambia Cpi Transportation- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.




transportation

Australia CPI Transportation

CPI Transportation in Australia decreased to 106.50 points in the first quarter of 2020 from 108.60 points in the fourth quarter of 2019. CPI Transportation in Australia averaged 64.91 points from 1972 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 108.60 points in the fourth quarter of 2019 and a record low of 11.30 points in the third quarter of 1972. This page provides - Australia Cpi Transportation- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.




transportation

Turkey CPI Transportation

The transportation sub-index of the CPI basket in Turkey decreased to 411.33 points in April of 2020 from 419 points in March of 2020. CPI Transportation in Turkey averaged 210.70 points from 2003 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 428.76 points in January of 2020 and a record low of 94.61 points in January of 2003. This page provides - Turkey Cpi Transportation- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.




transportation

Mexico CPI Transportation

The transportation sub-index of the CPI basket in Mexico decreased to 95 points in April of 2020 from 102.25 points in March of 2020. CPI Transportation in Mexico averaged 43.80 points from 1981 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 105.61 points in January of 2020 and a record low of 0.06 points in January of 1981. This page provides - Mexico Cpi Transportation- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.




transportation

Luxembourg CPI Transportation

The transportation sub-index of the CPI basket in Luxembourg decreased to 100.24 points in April of 2020 from 101.69 points in March of 2020. CPI Transportation in Luxembourg averaged 101.90 points from 2015 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 105.94 points in January of 2020 and a record low of 98.21 points in February of 2016. This page provides - Luxembourg Cpi Transportation- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.




transportation

Myanmar Cpi Transportation

The transportation sub-index of the CPI basket in Myanmar decreased to 114.62 points in February of 2020 from 117.14 points in January of 2020. Cpi Transportation in Myanmar averaged 100.82 points from 2013 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 118.78 points in October of 2018 and a record low of 87.69 points in March of 2016. This page provides - Myanmar Cpi Transportation- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.




transportation

Uruguay CPI Transportation

The transportation sub-index of the CPI basket in Uruguay increased to 201.41 points in April of 2020 from 200.75 points in March of 2020. CPI Transportation in Uruguay averaged 101.82 points from 1997 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 201.41 points in April of 2020 and a record low of 34.75 points in March of 1997. This page provides - Uruguay Cpi Transportation- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.