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Great viewpoint today in the Lansing State Journal (I wonder if other papers will pick up on it since they copy each other) -
Megan Gibbs manages the Transit Oriented Development program at Metro, the regional transportation and planning agency in the Portland region.
We actually got our idea for the language of HB 6114 from Portland … because it works there! Let’s get it working here!
Just got word about the ninth annual America Public Transportation Association (APTA) “Wherever Life Takes You” Photo Contest.
It appears that they’re looking for photos not only depict public transportation’s significance in value, but also demonstrate how it ensures that freedom of movement is available to everyone. From creating more livable communities, providing access to commuters, older Americans, persons with disabilities and youth, or helping reduce pollution and conserve energy–public transportation is a great story.
According to their website (www.apta.com):
We’re looking for a variety of photos of diverse individuals traveling on public transportation to or from work, medical appointments, school, events, or countless other destinations, in addition to public transportation construction, expansions, and TOD making communities more livable.
Anyone got a camera?
Three weeks ago, a legislative package that would allow for a number of new local options to raise transportation/transit funds was introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives. The proposal comes from an idea that the Businesses of Better Transporation (formerly the Oakland County Businesses for Better Roads - http://www.oaklandbbr.com/default.asp) has worked on. Folks in Oakland County have realized that the issue of having an adequate transporation system (which is more than just roads and bridges, but transit as well).
On face value this would seem to be a good idea, especially since it would have to be approved by the voters at the ballot box.
“However, skeptics remain. According to MIRS News: We would oppose this,” Mackinac Center’s Jack McHUGH said. “The citizens of Michigan have been taxed enough already. Maybe after government has been downsized, privatized and restructured, at some point we could consider something like this. But at this point we’ve seen no significant reforms or restructuring. “
At least this argument is one that is based in a policy disagreement, rather than a political or personal fight, unlike the core issue at play with a proposal to allow LA to levy a local sales tax to pay for mass transit - http://www.latimes.com/news/local/los_angeles_metro/la-me-roadsage14-2008aug14,0,5586829.story?track=rss.
Hopefully, when and if Michigan gets to the point where we can safely talk about raising transportation dollars locally, we won’t have to worry about who’s running for what seat and who said what about whom. And maybe we can get “The Terminator” to govern here as well!
Check out the story from yesterdays Chicago Tribune:
While I’m not a fan of the Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, or Blackhawks - I do think there is something to be said for major sporting events in Chicago. And to pull off the Olympics in the Midwest - we’re going to need to get transit on the radar.
I have perceived, and actually have read through various media sources, that due to high gas prices there are more people using transit that in the previous few years. Makes sense, I mean how many people really enjoy paying $50 to fill up their Volkswagen Jettas, Mercury Taurus, or Ford Fusions.
At the same, as this article from the AP shows, it’s also causing exploding fuel costs for transit systems and many are taking a look at ended certain routes in order to keep the entire system running.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080804/ap_on_re_us/mass_transit_gas_prices
It’s good that ridership is up and that may help with things at thefare boxes. But the higher the fuel prices, the more expensive it is to provide the routes that people need.
To close the routes to save on fuel or not close the routes … that is the question.
A couple of weeks ago, I had the chance to attend a National League of Cities (NLC) Staff Workshop in Denver, CO. Since I live in Kalamazoo, I figured I’d fly out of the local airport to Minneapolis/St. Paul and catch a connection there.
On our approach into Minneapolis/St. Paul, I was able to see the Metrodome (maybe the Tigers will get another win there sometime this year) and the I35W bridge that collapsed last year. They are in the middle of building the new bridge that will replace it. I had a chance research the new bridge and noticed the following in the FAQ section of the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s website (http://projects.dot.state.mn.us/35wbridge/index.html):
The new bridge will be Light Rail Transit-ready. The design includes 14 foot wide shoulder lanes that allow for future development, including possibly adding light rail, dedicated bus lanes, or additional lanes of traffic.
There is an important lesson that we can learn here. As we face a transformation in Michigan’s transportation system, a transformation that is going to be spurred by the fact we must do something to adequately fund the system, we should take the most of the opportunity to bring in new technologies and ideas into the system – specifically transit opportunities. Rebuilding a bridge and keeping in transit capable in the midst of a tragedy is very forward thinking. Road agencies and transit systems at all levels are going to need this type of thinking in the months and years to come.
On a quick side note on the MSP airport – the Wolfgang Puck Express is highly recommended as you spend time between connecting flights!