Public Transit
New York's MTA considers flying drones to keep watch over buses
The transit agency is so far just seeking “information” about the possibility of using flying vehicles to “manage and oversee its bus operations” but union officials balk at the idea of replacing humans on the ground.
For rural transit agencies, a rocky road to zero emissions
Rural public transit agencies are up against limited choices and resources as they work to decarbonize their fleets.
This city is turning subway trains into power stations
Barcelona is using the regenerative braking of its subways to power trains, stations and neighborhood EV chargers. Could New York do it too?
Passing the torch, Los Angeles begins sprint to host 2028 Olympics
Mayor Karen Bass has already set the city’s plans for the event apart from others by declaring it a “no-car Games” and pledging to only use existing buildings.
This commuter rail agency just went electric
Caltrain is ditching most of its diesel trains between San Francisco and San Jose, a switch that will bring modern amenities and shorter trips to Bay Area residents. But it also lays the groundwork for high-speed rail along the route in the future.
Trump, Harris offer starkly different paths on transportation policy
The next president will decide how best to carry out President Joe Biden’s infrastructure initiatives. They could affect what cars Americans drive, the air they breathe and how easy it is to get a job in construction for transportation projects.
Colorado takes a new—and likely more effective—approach to the housing crisis
COMMENTARY | Colorado’s transit-oriented housing has gained support among developers, city planners and environmental advocates.
Popular in cities, transit trip planning and payment apps are slowly coming to rural communities
The variable and underappreciated nature of rural public transit systems is why both Minnesota and Vermont decided to develop their own trip planning websites for rural areas.
N.Y. governor sends National Guard troops into subway to tackle the “psychology of crime”
The New York governor's supporters say the specter of National Guard troops checking bags will make New Yorkers feel safer, but activists say it’s just a militarized version of stop-and-frisk.
No fare! Free bus rides raise questions of fairness, viability.
The strategy is especially helpful to lower-paid workers, but it might not be sustainable.
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As pandemic aid winds down, states scramble to fill gaps
COVID-19 left a lasting mark on a few sectors, with schools, public transit and child care providers facing fiscal cliffs as federal funding dries up. State legislators, many already grappling with shortfalls, are looking for solutions.
Local transit agencies mimicking Uber and Lyft are seeing big ridership gains
Connect is so popular that it’s having trouble keeping up with demand, even as the Minnesota legislature allocated over $9 million last year to build out Connect and similar systems statewide.
What kind of transportation future do we want?
COMMENTARY | Autonomous vehicles should be thoughtfully integrated into a balanced transportation system that also accommodates pedestrians, transit riders and cyclists.
Transit agencies scramble to piece together funding as ‘fiscal cliff’ looms
Ridership in San Francisco and New York remains below pre-pandemic levels. As the end of federal aid nears, these agencies are racing to shore up funding.
Infrastructure funding is bringing zero-emission buses to communities that need them most
The awards have already added 1,800 no-emission buses to the nation’s roadways, more than doubling the number of such vehicles in use.
Public transit systems remain vulnerable to cyber threats
Despite repeated warnings, a report on Washington, D.C.’s transit authority finds it is still at risk of a cyberattack. Its issues aren’t unique, though, and experts warn that public transportation at-large is vulnerable unless leaders act.
We’re going to Miami. Join us to learn what’s new in state and local technology.
Our annual Tech Summit is June 26-27. Come hear how local leaders from across the country are using technology to address the biggest issues facing communities.
Virginia Gives Its Transit Agencies Access to Planning Software
The software helps agencies find gaps in their transportation networks and understand where service can be added or refined. It can also analyze demographic data to ensure that service is as equitable as possible.
Debt Limit Talks Dim Prospects for Addressing Nation’s Housing Crisis
The president has proposed freezing spending, which could impact additional funding for housing, public health and transit projects.
City Greenlights Autonomous Vehicle Testing for Public Transit
Phoenix wants AV providers to test automated driving systems to help it make decisions about future public transit.
