Don Kettl’s Post

Chicago-area public transit has consistently been underfunded compared to transit in other parts of the country since before the pandemic, Regional Transportation Authority of Northeastern Illinois (RTA) Kirk Dillard said in a statement. Talk of reforms must be paired with discussion about finances. “We welcome discussion on reforms that strengthen coordination, efficiency and accountability across the regional transit system,” he said. “Riders expect and deserve faster, more reliable service, and a safer and more accessible system. But reforms must come with the necessary funding to upgrade service and maximize transit’s impact on the region’s economy, climate, and access to opportunity for all residents.” https://lnkd.in/g7AWYRsx

If funding transit doesn't resonate with you, then this should: "Even those who never or rarely use the system rely on others who do for a smoother experience on the city’s roads. In densely populated rowhouse neighborhoods, a surge in car traffic prompted by fewer SEPTA services could lead to more competition for limited parking spots, while the region’s roads would likely see gridlock spike as those who previously relied on public transportation are forced behind the wheel." This persistent policy issue is often seen as car vs. transit (us vs. them) problem when really it's a transportation system issue that affects everyone.

‘Why transit matters’ to me: 2/3 The lack of suitable transportation options in car-centric cities often leads low-income individuals to resort to petty crimes such as driving uninsured. Without affordable public transportation, these individuals face the impossible choice of risking legal consequences or being unable to access employment and essential services. The costs associated with such crimes, including fines, impound fees, and increased insurance premiums, further exacerbate their financial struggles, creating a vicious cycle. By investing in robust public transportation, cities can break this cycle, preventing the escalation from petty crimes to deeper, more serious offenses, thereby supporting vulnerable populations and fostering safer communities. #PublicTransportation #EconomicParticipation #ReduceCrime

Many things have been said about the Inner West Councillors but the one thing they did well is understand and support the advice of their planners. They understood that WestConnex and this interchange would generate induced demand and lead to local congestion, so much so that "WestConnex Won't Work" posters were all over the Council area. Now we have traffic gridlock in the area and the promises of urban boulevard'ing Parramatta and Victoria Roads has all but disappeared. Arguments that the new Harbour Tunnel will relieve the problem aren't true either, how can adding thousands of cars from the North Shore into the mix make things better? Not to mention the new $60 toll cap means taxpayers are paying for the motorway twice over! If we want to keep Sydney liveable as we continue growing, investment in motorways should be redirected towards a metro rail network with multiple lines and many stations. https://lnkd.in/gfTwM7tA

A Gonzales statewide poll of #Maryland voters published in February found that a remarkable 64 percent majority think their government should prioritize improving roads and bridges rather mass transit, according to an article from The Maryland Public Policy Institute running in citybiz. This comes at a time when costs for the Purple Line have now balloon to $572 million per mile. Given this, the state also needs to think about building the Red Line with bus rapid transit (BRT) versus light rail, if it still plans to move this project forward. #masstransit #publictransit #publictransportation #infrastructure

Transit systems are slowly gaining back pre-pandemic ridership levels, but often are not generating enough fare revenue to sustain their operations. Here's what you need to know.

New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is facing a significant funding shortfall with its newly proposed $65 billion plan to upgrade New York City's subway and bus system. What strategies can it implement to secure sustainable funding while ensuring that essential transit projects are not sacrificed due to financial constraints? The MTA anticipated that congestion pricing could generate $15 billion, but that program was recently suspended. Without adequate funding, the authority may need to make “sweeping cuts” to its current capital plan at a time when it needs to upgrade its aging infrastructure, enhancing accessibility for riders with disabilities, and prepare for the effects of climate change. At some point, the MTA may need to find compelling arguments to support its value. What does a state-of-the-art sustainable transportation system mean for a city such as New York? In a previous post we touched on the unique value that New York provides in terms of finance, education, culture, and medical services, among other assets. Accessing that ecosystem - and moving around easily within it - is indeed valuable. #MTA #NYC #NewYork #CongestionPricing #Transportation #Subway #Pricing https://lnkd.in/gvyuUbS6

WHY TRANSIT MATTERS – PART 2 – ECONOMIC BENEFITS Public transportation critics wax on about subsidizing transit, admonishing that “it’s a free lunch!” In December 2013, UTA opened the S Line, a two-mile streetcar service with seven stations. The line’s total cost, including additional double tracking added in 2019, was approximately $60M. In 2022, the University of Utah studied the performance of the project and estimated a decade-long return of $2B (that B stands for billion). Yet, there’s no need to regale the number when a picture speaks a billion words. Scroll down and check out the time-lapse return on investment that the S Line has produced. Transit matters because it is an investment. Transit spurs economic development. Public transportation adds revenue to government treasuries. Transit creates connected communities, mobility options, and access to education and jobs. At the same time, transit reduces costs associated with road and private vehicle maintenance. And transit mitigates the environmental and health effects of the world's largest pollutant – fossil fuels. The next time someone complains that transit costs too much, hold up the S Line photo and show them that funding for the Utah Transit Authority’s operators, operating team, and administrative employees is an investment creating economic benefits for everyone.

Transit systems are slowly gaining back pre-pandemic ridership levels, but often are not generating enough fare revenue to sustain their operations. Here's what you need to know.

Transit systems are slowly gaining back pre-pandemic ridership levels, but often are not generating enough fare revenue to sustain their operations. Here's what you need to know.