Author Archive
Daniel C. Vock
Infrastructure
A Strong Rebound For Shared Bikes and Scooters
New figures show the use of “microbility” services returned to near-record high levels last year after a pandemic dip. City policies to manage the devices are also evolving to cut down on problems like cluttered sidewalks.
Infrastructure
D.C. Would be Biggest City Yet to Make Bus Rides Free
The Washington, D.C. Council is set to vote on a plan next week that would drop the $2 fare for riders on the local bus system. It mirrors programs smaller U.S. cities have adopted in recent years.
Finance
Wildfires are Burning an Ever-larger Hole in State Budgets
New research looks at the fiscal pressure states are under dealing with the blazes and makes suggestions for funding improvements.
Infrastructure
Biden’s Pick to Oversee Highways Moves Toward Confirmation
Shailen Bhatt previously led state transportation departments in Colorado and Delaware. He’d take the helm of an agency that has drawn flak from Republicans over infrastructure law guidance.
Infrastructure
Rethinking How to Solve Transit Problems
New research looks at a city with a legacy of racial and income segregation to explore ways transportation agencies can work with the public to provide better and more equitable service.
Infrastructure
Gulf Coast Passenger Rail to Restart as 17-Year Dispute is Resolved
Amtrak and freight railroads said they struck a deal to revive the route. It’s a bright spot for passenger rail advocates who hope to see service expand as new federal infrastructure funding flows.
Infrastructure
Backlash Over New ‘Buy America’ Rules for Infrastructure Projects
State and local transportation agencies are concerned the feds are moving too fast in imposing tighter requirements, complicating a wave of new construction.
Infrastructure
Housing Advocates Worry About Civil Rights Protections in Texas Disaster Standoff
The state is under scrutiny for how it distributed billions in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development dollars to prevent future storm and flood damage. But whether the feds will take action to address discrimination concerns is an open question.
Management
With Arizona Win, Democratic Governors Hang Tough in Midterms
Vulnerable incumbents defended their seats, as the party also managed to take control of three governorships held by Republicans, while only ceding one to the GOP.
Infrastructure
In a Rural Corner of the West, a Local Level Push to Revive Passenger Rail
Cuts in the late 1970s ended Amtrak service across southern Montana. Now, a county-led coalition wants to bring it back.
Infrastructure
It’s Been a Good Election Year for Transportation Funding
Nationwide, voters approved most of the proposals on the ballot to fund roads and transit, unlocking billions in new revenue for projects.
Featured eBooks
Management
Democrats Win Full Control of Government in More States
In places like Michigan, they secured majorities in legislatures and hold governors’ offices. But the GOP still maintains greater sway in statehouses and the political rifts between blue and red states seem to be growing more ingrained.
Infrastructure
High Stakes for Transportation in Governors Races
Incoming governors will have big decisions to make about roads and transit and how projects are paid for.
Infrastructure
Michigan Test Drives Country’s First Mobility Officer
Trevor Pawl hopes transformations in the automotive industry will also help state government replace “Depression Era departmental structures” with more nimble organizations.
Infrastructure
Should Homeowners or Cities Maintain Sidewalks?
Denver voters are set to weigh in on the question in next week’s election, while also deciding on a tax that could help pay for sidewalk upgrades.
Infrastructure
Republican Governors Blast Biden for Infrastructure Labor Plan
They’re at odds over a proposal calling for contractors to agree to project-specific labor standards on federal job sites.
Management
The Economic Hotspots Outside of Downtowns
Development in and around cities is different than it was a generation ago. New research looks at the emergence of “activity centers,” asset-rich hubs peppered throughout metro areas.
Infrastructure
Feds Call for State-Local Cooperation on Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety
The Biden administration is urging state DOTs to turn to local governments as they plan for projects to make streets safer for people outside of vehicles.
Public Safety
Why Many Fire Departments Aren’t Ready for Electric Vehicles
When EV batteries go up in flames, they present different challenges than car fires involving gasoline. Route Fifty spoke with an expert about the new risks and how firefighters can prepare.
Infrastructure