Southern Environmental Law Center’s Post

In today's rapidly changing world, our public transit systems need to evolve to meet the demands of the future. Reinventing transit isn't just about new buses or trains; it's about creating smart, resilient communities where everyone can thrive. #neworleansregionaltransitauthority, #Inclusivity&Accessibility, #sustainabletransportation, #resillientcommunity

#congestionpricing. Here are my abridged comments from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board meeting today. I want to reaffirm my commitment to congestion pricing as THE forward-looking policy to center people in our city. The discussion we are having now will have a generational impact because all transit decisions are generational. I know; I worked on the Hudson River Tunnel project – the precursor to the Gateway Tunnel project- before it was canceled. Now, the once-called Fast Forward plan to upgrade our dilapidated subway and bus system with a focus on signaling--that program is now at risk. Congestion pricing is a necessary regional policy that has been vetted in NYC for decades under multiple administrations. It succeeded in places like Stockholm, London, and Singapore—proven to reduce pollution and traffic and improve road safety. Climate leaders from the Sierra Club, Evergreen Action, and League of Conservation Voters believe we need swift implementation of congestion pricing. Not moving forward could put 100,000 jobs at risk! Climate policy is a jobs plan. Given the meticulous, deliberative, and thoughtful process we, as an MTA staff and board, went through, I would like to know how we can move forward on this policy. I am a proud fiduciary and steward of our incredible public transit system alongside all of you. MTA states that we are ready, willing, and able to go. We are in a Catch-22. For us to move forward and toll federal-aid highways, we need, in this specific scenario, consent from the State of New York to enter a pilot program—the Variable Pricing Program Pilot (VPPP). Our legacy national highway policy is anti-transit. What a world. I digress because the conversation lately has revolved around burdens on drivers. Yes, who will think of the drivers? But I can guarantee that drivers are livid that New York City is the world’s most congestion-ridden urban area. This costs our city $9.1 billion in lost time per year. Why wouldn’t we want to move people quicker through and into New York City? Let’s get back to riders. Because at the end of the day, we are here for our transit riders. The millions who use our system—whether it's pandemic, recession, climate emergency, or the flash flood of the day. They are the people waiting countless minutes—wishing for more buses, wondering why our subway public address system doesn’t work, why we have so many inaccessible stations, wondering why the 7 line can get 3-minute headways but my beloved Q train cannot. What is that cost? Who will speak for them? We do. I am a proud Brooklynite, an immigrant, a mom, and a Latina. I support transit. Some of you may know, but once upon a time, I worked at the MTA. I know hundreds of employees and field personnel have worked countless hours to get us ready. I want to thank them. We are not done here. Stay tuned. #climatecrisis #publictransit #fixourtransit #trafficproblems

Article | How one city pulled public transit from the brink — and what the rest of the country can learn from it.  There’s no substitute for better service.  Read more at this link (https://lnkd.in/epeqT5PQ).   🚇 #DCMetro #PublicTransit #Urbanism #CityLife #Commuting #Transportation #DC #WMATA #BetterService #SustainableTransportation #CityLiving 🚇

Where Are The Best Public Transportation Systems In The World? Urban mobility is becoming a major challenge for cities around the globe as streamlining traffic and dealing with population growth isn’t as easy as it sounds. Urbanization has led to many issues such as traffic jams, air pollution, and infrastructure in need of upgrades and repairs, making navigating cities a real struggle. https://lnkd.in/gbwPpjZY.

Since 2008, bus services have been cut by more than 80% in parts of England and Wales. How do we revitalise public transport in Britain's rural communities? Martin Howell goes into more detail with Urban Transport Magazine. Read here: #PublicTransport #RuralBritain #Transport #Insight

Hot off the press! 🗞️ "To create a safer and more accessible San Antonio, we need to update our city’s complete streets policy, which helps communities develop and implement processes that ensure streets are safe for people of all ages and abilities, balance the needs of different modes, and support local land uses, economies, cultures and natural environments. .... The city of San Antonio adopted its current complete streets policy in 2011. The San Antonio Complete Streets Coalition advocates for new standards such as coordination, clear exceptions, performance measures, criteria for project selection, design updates, equity focus, and prioritizing vulnerable pedestrians and cyclists." 🌳 🧑🏻🦽 🚶🏽♀️ 🚲 🚌 🚙 🌳 Check out our latest feature in the San Antonio Express-News covering the future of transportation in San Antonio! Written by Joey Pawlik (ActivateSA Executive Director), Beto Altamirano (CEO and co-founder of Irys, ActivateSA board member), and Javier Paredes (VIA Metropolitan Transit board member, founder of StudioMassivo), this op-ed covers topics ranging from Transit Oriented Development, Complete Streets, and data-drive transportation solutions. Most importantly, "Such advancements not only preserve our environment but also bolster our economy by reducing congestion, improving public health, and fostering vibrant, walkable communities that attract businesses and residents, ensuring our thoroughfares lead to a thriving, sustainable future." 🌳 🧑🏻🦽 🚶🏽♀️ 🚲 🚌 🚙 🌳 Learn more about our local Complete Streets efforts and how to get involved here: https://lnkd.in/guz2qmfn #CompleteStreets #SanAntonio #TransportationFuture #TransitOrientedDevelopment #DataDrivenTransportation #InclusiveCommunities #SaferStreets #SustainableCities #Walkability #Bikeability https://lnkd.in/gUrygtYh

🚆 Imagine a future where quality public transport, like that in London, becomes a reality for communities across the UK. To ensure all communities stay connected via public transport, certain measures need to be taken in rural parts of the country. We dive deeper into public transport in Rural Britain here: https://lnkd.in/e9rqyMbP #PublicTransport #MobilityAsAService #TechForGood

The Cool Down: Town lauded for innovative new public transportation model where 'everyone wins': 'A critical step' Sustainable transportation networks that provide #walkability and #greenway are vital in improving health, making cities accessible, efficient, and cleaner, and even increasing business at local stores. They also reduce pollution and improve public health, equity, and economic development with a clean, connected statewide transportation network. #sustainabletransportation

"These are ambitious goals that are achievable through a strategy that invests in enhanced public transit services and greater transit service frequency along with a housing strategy that ensures that transit connections are a part of planning for walkable and bikeable neighborhoods." https://lnkd.in/ehpCuWKS

Metro Vancouver stands at a crucial juncture in shaping its 🚊 transportation future amidst rapid population growth and housing challenges. By leveraging development to fund construction costs and prioritizing cost-effectiveness, the region can meet the needs of its growing population. Gabriel J. Lopez-Bernal, President of Icomera North America, recently sat down with Bridgitte Anderson, ICD.D, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, and Lee Haber, Director of Strategy and Partnerships, at Mountain Valley Express (MVX), at the CityAge Vancouver Summit, to explore strategies for fostering an affordable and sustainable transportation landscape. 🎤 "Vancouver is a city where ideas meet decisions." - Michael Buda, Executive Director of the TransLink Mayors’ Council Secretariat, as he opened the Summit as the MC. 🎤 “As our cities grow, attracting people to public transportation becomes increasingly important. To do that you need to make their ride safe and enjoyable, which means improving the user experience in every way possible. You can do that by adding digital connectivity through reliable internet access every rider can use.” - Miro Cernetig, CEO of CityAge    📑 -> Article: Navigating the Future: Metro Vancouver's Blueprint for Sustainable Transportation and Housing. #vancouver #transit #cityage #buildthefuture