Public transportation

Fighting Gas Prices, Nearly A Third of Americans Age 50+ Hang Up Their Keys To Walk But Find Streets Inhospitable, Public Transportation Inaccessible

August 13, 2008 -- A new poll by AARP finds that while many Americans ages 50+ are trying to move away from car transportation as a result of high gas prices, their attempt to go “green” is challenged by inadequate sidewalks and bike lanes, as well as insufficient public transportation options.

Subway entrance in Brooklyn, New York: Photo by ian crowther (CC)    » read more »

Construction set for four State E-85 facilities across Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August, 2008) – Just weeks after announcing plans to transition 500 MTA buses to hybrid, and days following the award of the highest grade ever for environmental initiatives from the Maryland League of Conservation Voters, Governor O’Malley was joined by Lt. Governor Anthony Brown and administration officials to present roadmap for a more sustainable transportation fuel system in Maryland, beginning with the construction of four new E-85 fuel pumps throughout Maryland.

To promote Maryland’s energy independence, Governor O’Malley outlined a plan that will combine consumer education, new technologies, and the development of an infrastructure such as the new facilities announced today.    » read more »

June 14, 2008 -- With ridership numbers growing, Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell today applauded “smart Connecticut commuters” who are increasingly using the state-owned bus system, CTTRANSIT.

“Part of the growth on the system is doubtless due to increased fuel prices,” Governor Rell said. “And we also think some portion of this growth is due to service initiatives that have been undertaken in the past two years.”    » read more »

June 2, 2008 -- San Francisco – On Sunday, Speaker Nancy Pelosi delivered the keynote address at the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) rail conference in San Francisco. Below are her remarks as prepared:

“Thank you, Nat [Ford]. Nat does an excellent job leading the SFMTA in managing San Francisco’s ground transportation system, which includes our transit system, Muni, one of the oldest and greenest transit systems in the United States. Under his tenure, San Francisco has opened a new light rail line and established the largest municipal bio-diesel fleet in the nation, with bio-diesel fuel now utilized in all Muni’s diesel fleet vehicles.    » read more »

May 30, 2008 -- "I met today with Congressman John Mica of Florida, the Ranking Republican on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, who briefed me on his plan to encourage proposals to bring high-speed rail service to New York. Congressman Mica's plan makes a great deal of sense and I strongly support it.

High speed rail service could cut the travel time between New York and Washington to only two hours. This would encourage more people to take the train, which simultaneously would relieve congestion at New York City airports and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.    » read more »

May 21, 2008 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today ceremonially signed LD 2019, “An Act To Implement the Recommendations of the Governor’s Task Force on Passenger Rail Funding.” The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Boyd Marley (D-Portland), was at the ceremony, as were cosponsors and supporters of the legislation.

Train tracks, Maine: Photo by Sue (CC)

“Long before near-$4 a gallon gas prices, I joined with rail advocates to support extending our rail system for both passenger and freight in Maine,” Governor Baldacci said. “Rail is an increasingly viable option – in economic and environmental terms.”    » read more »

On Eve of Amtrak's Nationwide Celebration, Resolution Highlights Passenger Rail's Critical and Growing Role in Serving America's Travel Needs

May 9, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) introduced a bipartisan resolution to celebrate Amtrak’s first annual National Train Day.

Amtrak trains in Chicago: Photo by Steven Vance (CC)

The resolution, joined by 20 co-sponsors, raises awareness about the critical and growing role that passenger rail plays in serving America’s daily travel needs.    » read more »

Nearly 1.4 Million New Customers Traveled on Connecticut’s Commuter Rail Service; Ridership Also Up During First Two Months of 2008

April 8, 2008 -- Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that rail ridership increased by nearly 1.4 million new riders on Shore Line East and New Haven Line rail service in 2007.

New Haven Line schedule: Photo by churl (CC)

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) today released its annual rail ridership report for the calendar year 2007 and first two months in 2008, marking across-the-board increases.    » read more »

Report Requested by Sen. Lautenberg Highlights Need for Improved National Rail Policy

April 1, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new report requested by Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and released today describes how delays to Amtrak trains that operate over freight railroad lines cost the company almost $137 million in fiscal year 2006, an amount equal to 30 percent of its federal operating subsidy.

Railroad crossing at 4th street and the Berkeley Amtrak station, Berkeley, California: Photo by Patrick Boury (CC)    » read more »

March 31, 2008 -- The following are the New York City Mayor's remarks as delivered.

"Madam Speaker, thank you. You left one person off the list that deserves thanks and that is you because I think what is clear here is that Speaker Quinn's principled leadership throughout the Council's deliberations on congestion pricing shows this time, as it has in previous times, that she cares about the city and the interests of the city come first with her.

New York City Mayor Bloomberg Praises Passage Of Congestion Pricing Legislation: (Photo: Spencer T. Tucker)    » read more »

Congestion Pricing will Create Jobs and Improve Transit for 95% of Working New Yorkers Who Don't Drive to the Central Business District

March 31, 2008 -- New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg was joined today by Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, Michael Fishman, President of SEIU Local 32BJ, Edward J. Malloy, President of the Buildings and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, and Edward Ott, Executive Director of the New York City Central Labor Council, to urge City and State lawmakers to enact congestion pricing legislation this week, so that New York City will qualify for $354 million in federal funds for immediate mass transit improvements.    » read more »

March 31, 2008 -- "We've taken another step towards implementing a congestion pricing plan that is equitable and won't be a burden on lower income New Yorkers and that will result in an immediate $354 million in federal funds for mass transit improvements.

New York City Mayor Bloomberg holds a press availability before riding No. 4 train to Yankee Stadium. March 31, 2008: (Photo: Spencer T Tucker)

The amendments that the Senate introduced last night to their bill will address many of the remaining concerns that we've been hearing from the City Council and members of the State Legislature. This legislation already made certain that all revenues from congestion pricing will go to the MTA Capital plan.    » read more »

Mayor Bloomberg, U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, NYC Transportation Commissioner Sadik-Khan, And MTA Executive Director Elliot Sander Unveil Transit Signal Priority System; Federally-Funded Pilot Program Has Already Cut Travel Times For MTA Buses On Staten Island 17 Percent By Turning Traffic Lights Green As Buses Approach

March 19, 2008 -- Green-Lighting Buses Could Be Expanded Regionally if Congestion Pricing Passes

New York City Mayor Bloomberg rides MTA bus to demonstrate Transit Signal Priority System: Rides with U.S. Transportation Secretary Peters, MTA Executive Director Sander and Transportation Commissioner Sadik-Khan (Photo: Edward Reed)    » read more »

Discusses Need to Invest in Maryland’s Future

GREENBELT, MD (March 19, 2008) – Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley today unveiled his vision for the development of sustainable communities around Maryland’s existing transit stations, while addressing elected officials, business organizations, developers and environmental groups from around Maryland at a luncheon in Prince George’s County.

Governor O’Malley’s vision includes promoting future growth in areas served by transit, to enhance economic vitality, increase transit ridership, reduce sprawl and vehicle emissions impacting the environment and improve the quality of life in the state.    » read more »

03/07/2008 -- Continuing his efforts to stimulate California's economy, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced approximately $394 million in Proposition 1B bond funding for 106 transit projects statewide. In total, these projects will create 7,200 jobs and more than $256 million in wages and leverage total investment of $1.9 billion.    » read more »