Mass transit

Introduces Forty New Hybrid Buses to the Area

October 19, 2009 -- Philadelphia, PA – Today, Congressman Joe Sestak (PA-07) took part in announcing the procurement of 40 new hybrid buses by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA).    » read more »

October 15, 2009 -- Rep. Louise Slaughter said that a new hearing in Congress on the benefits of high-speed rail demonstrates again that the projects can spark economic growth, new jobs and improved quality of life. Slaughter has been a leader in New York in pushing for creation of a new efficient high speed corridor between Albany and Buffalo and has worked closely with federal, state and local officials to bring the plan to fruition.    » read more »

15 October 2009 -- Washington, DC -- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today received a firm commitment from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) that the long-awaited Little Rock-Memphis High Speed Rail Study will be started next year.    » read more »

October 14, 2009 -- (Washington, DC) - The Subcommittee is meeting today to hear testimony on high-speed rail in the United States. The dream of high-speed rail in America is finally coming true. In 2007, this subcommittee held a hearing to listen to the experiences of international operators and other countries in developing high-speed rail. Their advice was to invest, get a high-speed rail line operating, and once everyone saw it working they would want it for their area: Build it and they will come!    » read more »

Light Rail Extension Will Expand Sacramento’s Core

October 12, 2009 -- SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui (D-Sacramento) joined local community leaders for the groundbreaking ceremony of Regional Transit’s Green Line. The event marked the start of construction on RT’s light rail extension to Richards Boulevard, part of the Downtown-Natomas-Airport (DNA) master plan to connect Sacramento’s downtown core to Natomas, and eventually Sacramento International Airport. Representative Matsui’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below:    » read more »

October 7, 2009 -- Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28) today said the state’s $11.6 billion request for additional stimulus funds to improve high-speed rail service from Niagara Falls to New York City will help spark new economic growth.

“This application is an important step forward in building a better economic future for New York,” said Slaughter. “High-speed rail has the potential to expand our regional workforce, improve commerce, generate new tourism opportunities and spark revitalization in our region for years to come. Eventually I hope to connect the Empire Corridor to Toronto, Montreal and back down to Albany creating a large economic development center.”    » read more »

State Seeking $11.6 Billion in Federal Economic Recovery Grants to Develop Empire Corridor

October 6, 2009 -- New York Governor David A. Paterson today announced that the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has applied for $11.6 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding to improve high-speed rail service along the Empire Corridor between New York City and Niagara Falls.    » read more »

October 7, 2009 -- TRENTON - New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine issued the following Executive Order to ensure transparency and accountability regarding the expenditure of public funds on the Mass Transit Tunnel project.

The full text of the Executive Order is below.

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 155

WHEREAS, the Mass Transit Tunnel project is the largest transit public works project in the United States, and includes the construction of two single-track rail tunnels under the Hudson River to service existing NJ Transit passenger rail lines, an expanded New York Penn Station and other key elements to address the pressing regional transportation needs; and    » read more »

October 6, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded New Jersey more than $8 million in new federal funding to improve intermodal stations and expand local bus service throughout the state. The funds will provide for construction and the expansion of existing stations.    » read more »

May 8, 2009 -- On Thursday, President Obama recommended to Congress $1.83 billion in funding for major transit projects that will create jobs and increase transportation options throughout the United States. More than $600 million of those funds are being recommended for new projects in areas as diverse as Northern New Jersey; Austin, Texas; and Roaring Fork Valley, Colo. A list of projects and their descriptions is available at: http://www.fta.dot.gov/publications/reports/reports_to_congress/publicat...

“By reinvesting in our nation’s transit infrastructure, we are making our communities more livable, invigorating the local economy, and putting America back to work,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said.    » read more »

Administration Bill Passes Legislature to Make Transit Development Easier in Maryland

BALTIMORE, MD (April 9, 2008) – Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley today joined Department of Transportation Secretary John D. Porcari, Department of General Services Secretary Alvin Collins, local officials and business leaders to tour the State Center in Baltimore City, one of Maryland’s most aggressive redevelopment and transit development efforts.

State Center, Baltimore, Maryland: Photo by Chris (CC)    » read more »

Tuesday, February 5, 2008 -- Having delivered nearly $9 billion in federal funding for 22 major transit projects since he took office in 2001, President Bush today recommended a $1.62 billion funding package for Fiscal Year 2009 that includes new projects in nine cities across the nation. This New Starts amount is part of a total public transportation budget proposal of $10.1 billion, a 6.8 percent increase over Fiscal Year 2008.    » read more »

January 31, 2008 -- "The plan that the Commission is recommending today meets our goals of reducing congestion, cutting carbon emissions and providing much needed funds to improve mass transit for millions of New Yorkers.

The Commission has done a thorough and thoughtful job. They've taken testimony from hundreds of residents, community leaders and civic organizations. They've held dozens of public meetings and have analyzed mountains of data.    » read more »

January 31, 2008 -- The recommendations offered today by the New York Traffic Congestion Mitigation Commission will help us frame an important discussion as we consider thoughtful ways to improve our mass transit system, reduce congestion and keep our economy moving.

The economic impetus behind congestion pricing is strong, as is the potential for cleaner air, improved public health, and a steady and predictable source of funding to support the Metropolitan Transit Authority's (MTA) capital plan.    » read more »

Judge Denies Motion for Reinstatement of Dues Check-Off; Says Union’s Submission “Lacks Credibility”

November 8, 2007 -- New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today praised the decision by a Brooklyn Supreme Court justice to deny the Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 100’s request to have its “dues check-off” privilege restored.    » read more »