NARP Blog

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

This map—courtesy of our friends over at Transportation For America—show how widespread the negative effects of the recession has been. Click on a pin to see transit agency details, and what cuts are being considered (yellow pins designate a Stranded at the Station case study).

In a speech given earlier this week to the heads of transit agencies from across the country, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood expressed support for growing transit systems in American cities, but warned that a “lousy economy” would hinder efforts to increase levels of federal investment.

The speech, given as part of the annual conference held by the American Public Transportation Association in Washington, D.C., included a question and answer session, where transit heads expressed frustration at the lack of a permanent, transit-friendly successor to the federal surface transportation policy which expired last fall (Congress has been passing a series of short-term extensions in the meantime). Passengers across the country have been hurt as transit agencies faced with widening budgetary shortfalls—due to decreased commuter traffic resulting from high levels of unemployment, and decreased tax revenue in general—are forced to choose between cuts in service and fare hikes. (New Jersey Transit, New York City’s MTA, and Washington D.C.‘s WMATA have all recently been faced with these decisions)

More after the jump…

Friday, November 19, 2010

Here are three quick petitions you can sign to bolster support for better train and transit service:

Transportation for America and Commuter Nation are working to defend the Recovery Act’s historic introduction of parity in commutation modes to federal policy. But if Congress lets this provision expire, drivers will be able to receive twice as much in parking benefits from their employers as transit riders will be able to get in checks they can use to pay transit fares. The new policy has resulted in fewer people driving to work and more using trains and buses. Sign this petition to preserve equity for transit commuters.

If you live in Wisconsin (and even if you don’t), you can sign petitions from the Wisconsin Public Interest Group and the Wisconsin Sierra Club urging Governor-elect Scott Walker not to scrap the construction of a higher-speed Chicago-Milwaukee-Madison rail link.

Enjoy the weekend!

—Malcolm Kenton

You may register to post comments in response to NARP-generated postings on the Blog. By registering you agree 1) that all comments will be relevant to the respective posting and 2) not to post any messages that are obscene, vulgar, slanderous, hateful, threatening, or that violate any laws. We reserve the right to permanently block postings from any user who does not abide by the above terms. NARP reserves the right to remove, edit, or move any messages for any reason.

NARP blog

DOT Head Sympathizes With Transit Cuts…But Says Meager Budgets Will Continue

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Transportation For America’s United States of Transportation Cutbacks

Posted by NARP

Act to Preserve Commuter Benefits Parity & Save the Wisconsin Train

Friday, November 19, 2010

Posted by Malcolm Kenton

©2010 National Association of Railroad Passengers | » NARP website

» Recent Entries

» Blogroll

» Terms of Service for Comments

» Monthly Archives