Regional Transportation Authority of Northeastern Illinois (RTA)’s Post

Congestion Pricing and a Better Subway https://lnkd.in/gkUCynMN In a new Op-Ed in the NY Daily News, Selvena Brooks-Powers, New York City Councilmember and Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, highlights the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to improve public transportation in New York City, focusing on efficiency, safety, and accessibility, while addressing mental health and infrastructure challenges amid the pressures of congestion pricing: After becoming state law and facing years of unsuccessful legal challenges, congestion pricing is here. Now that it is reality, it’s the government’s responsibility to ensure the Metropolitan Transportation Authority delivers the transportation outcomes that New Yorkers deserve and makes timely progress on capital projects while being fiscally responsible with the generated revenue. This includes maintaining a consistently reliable and accessible public transit system for all communities to navigate our city better and more safely.   Currently there are far too many neighborhoods lacking access to public transportation altogether, and what does exist is often inefficient. New Yorkers experience too long wait times on highly traveled subway lines and buses that get backed up. There are also increasing concerns about the conditions and safety in our subways, due to commuters’ negative experiences and horrific high-profile incidents.   This discomfort and fear felt by commuters who rely on mass transit is real and must be addressed with effective solutions to the underlying causes. The start of congestion pricing only raises the stakes and our city cannot afford fragmented responses that fail to improve the situation. More New Yorkers will now be expected to ride the trains and buses each day, making the task of ensuring all riders feel safe a priority. #CongestionPricing #BetterSubway #NYCTransportation #PublicTransit #TransitAccessibility #UrbanMobility #SustainableCities #TransitSafety #MTA #NYCDOT #Infrastructure #EquitableTransit #VisionZero #SubwaySafety #CongestionRelief #TransportationPolicy #SelvenaBrooksPowers #NYCCouncil #AccessibleNYC

An excellent example of good government creating a new rural public transit service in Western Mass! The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, BERKSHIRE REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY, and FRANKLIN REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY were collectively awarded $4.5 million through MassDOT's new Regional Transit Innovation Grant (RTIG) for two new bus routes that will connect Pittsfield to Northampton and North Adams to Greenfield. These three vital regional transit authorities (RTAs) have partnered together to collaborate in running this new service, which will utilize MassDOT-owned coach buses that were previously purchased for an intercity bus service known as BusPlus. Other significant news thanks to the funding awarded through the RTIG: MeVa Transit was awarded $1.9 million to create a new route as well as to expand service on an existing route, which will reduce travel times from almost an hour-and-a-half to just 15 minutes! In terms of the new route, it will allow riders to travel between two communities in less than an hour, whereas now it takes over two hours with two transfers. Finally, microtransit pilot programs in the Town of Rockport, City of New Bedford, City of Revere, and City of Chelsea and a pilot bus route by the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) were also awarded funding. #mapoli #publictransit #massdot #publictransportation #mobility #mobilityforall #rtig #innovaton #grants

Miami-Dade County is set to transform its public transportation with the ambitious SMART Plan, which enjoys 80% voter support. This initiative aims to expand rapid transit across the region and includes: 🔑 Key Features: 🚝 Five Rapid Transit Corridors: Connecting vital areas for better access to jobs and services. 🚌 Bus Express Rapid Transit (BERT): A network of express buses to enhance connectivity. 💰 Funding and Investment: An estimated $6-7 billion investment is needed, with significant state and federal funding already secured. The SMART Plan not only seeks to alleviate traffic congestion but also promotes sustainable growth in Miami-Dade, demonstrating a proactive approach to urban mobility. As Commissioner Oliver Gilbert notes, "Nothing's going to get cheaper," emphasizing the need for timely investment. #MiamiTransit #InfrastructureInnovation #PublicTransportation #UrbanMobility #SMARTPlan #HiLoStaffing https://lnkd.in/ecsEgjKN

Renae Reynolds, just published a powerful piece in Vital City laying out a clear message: without a serious overhaul of our bus network, New York City's public transit system will fail its most riders. ◦Buses are the backbone of transportation for many New Yorkers, especially those in transit deserts, yet slow speeds, inconsistent service, and outdated infrastructure are letting our communities down. ◦Her solutions are simple and within reach: more dedicated bus lanes, all-door boarding, an accelerated transition to electric buses, and a complete redesign of our bus routes to match today’s needs. It’s time we give buses the attention they deserve to reduce inequality and make our city more accessible. ◦◦Read her compelling call to action here: https://lnkd.in/e8Msc-VV #BetterBuses #NYCTransit #TransitEquity #PublicTransportation #SustainableCities

Seminole County is considering an overhaul of its Lynx bus service to improve efficiency and cut costs. Public transit is a lifeline for many, and these discussions raise important questions about balancing fiscal responsibility with the need for accessible and reliable transportation. Communities undergoing change in their urban infrastructure to a post-automobile age must be able to think critically about how to maintain vital services while innovating for the future in an age of austerity. This new look at Orlando services provides an opportunity to re-evaluate current mobility solutions like micro-transit or expanded bike infrastructure https://lnkd.in/gfABc3U6 Luis Nieves-Ruiz, FAICP

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has reported that New York City (#NYC) #traffic has fallen by 273,000 cars in the central business district from Monday to Friday since a #congestioncharge scheme for vehicles came into effect 5 January. 📖 READ MORE: https://lnkd.in/eRvQnPcF You can learn more about #congestionpricing at Road User Charging Conference 2025 on March 4th & 5th at THE WILTCHER'S | A Steigenberger Icon Hotel in #Brussels, #Belgium. At the event, Allison C de Cerreño, Ph.D., COO at #MTA Bridges and Tunnels, will discuss the #challenges behind NYC's new #congestionzone, delving into process behind the scheme and how MTA aims to to adapt it in the future. Remember, #publicsector professionals can attend the conference for just £95 (€110)! However, this offer is only available until 31 January 2025. From 1 February 2025, the standard public sector #delegate rate will be £495 (€600) per person. What's more, #privatesector professionals can attend the conference for £2,200 (€2,400). However, this offer is only available until 31 January 2025. From 1 February 2025, the private sector #delegate rate will increase to £2,495 (€2,600) per person. 👉 REGISTER HERE: https://lnkd.in/eqhesjPM #RoadUserCharging #UrbanMobility #TransportInnovation #TrafficManagement #RUC25

Exciting news! Our groundbreaking paper: "How Nashville Can Create A Multimodal Freeway System Within Five Years" (augmenting the Governor’s grand vision for a P3 project building new Choice Lanes on the I-24 Southeast) with the prioritized introduction of Flexi-Choice lanes, cash rewards, and active traffic management strategies to transform our regional commute in record time has attracted the attention of The Tennessean. A more conversational summary of the innovation was published today in the OpEd section. Building on collaboration and insights from the Nashville's Drive to Work coalition’s efforts, which include two major announcements and one fantastic action plan: - Greater Nashville Regional Council's Executive Director, Michael Skipper's regarding P3 incentive programs,  - Matt Maservey shares Tennessee Department of Transportation Long Range Planning’s initiative to restore and extend the evaluation of a Statewide Transportation Demand Management Initiative. - Michael Replogle’s former Deputy Commissioner for Policy at the New York City Department of Transportation, sharing an Action Agenda for Middle Tennessee William Ankner, former Department of Transportation Commissioner of both Rhode Island and Louisiana, Michael Replogle, and I wrote this Nashville-focused action plan (for “policy wonks") to help pave the way to congestion relief, on a timeline that is readily achievable. Please read and share the OpEd article found here - https://lnkd.in/ga5vVEpG - and let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Read and download our full groundbreaking paper: "How Nashville Can Create A Multimodal Freeway System Within Five Years" here - https://lnkd.in/gCi8qtWi Hytch, LLC, Nashville's Drive to Work, Cumberland Region Tomorrow, Nashville Entrepreneur Center, TRANSIT ALLIANCE OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE INC, Greater Nashville Regional Council, Greater Nashville Technology Council, Tennessee Department of Transportation, Nashville Entrepreneur Center Michael McSurdy, Bill Klehm, Michael Skipper, Demetria Kalodimos, Patrick DeCorla-Souza, David Plazas #NashvilleTraffic #SmartMobility #UrbanPlanning #SustainableTransportation

More than 50 years after the idea was first suggested, a tram system is on the cards for Milton Keynes. It will cover key routes all over the city and will run every 10 minutes during the day and every 20 minutes on evenings and Sundays. The city council has recruited experts to design the mechanics of the scheme, officially known as the ‘Mass Rapid Transit system’. https://lnkd.in/e5p8D8b9 #MK #trams

Boston is closely watching NYC’s congestion pricing success as it considers its own solution to tackle severe traffic. Proponents like planner Chris Dempsey and transit advocate Theresa Carr argue that congestion pricing could reduce gridlock, generate revenue for transit improvements, and promote sustainability. Critics, including City Councilor Ed Flynn, worry about its impact on working-class commuters and the MBTA’s ability to handle increased riders. Governor Maura Healey has shown interest, but political hurdles remain. Advocates suggest Boston might adopt corridor pricing, tailored to its unique layout, though significant state support is essential to move forward.