Incentives eyed to boost use of alternative transportation in Chattanooga | timesfreepress.com

Incentives eyed to boost use of alternative transportation in Chattanooga | timesfreepress.com: "Some employers could qualify for tax breaks to reward employees who bike or use transit, Park said."

'via Blog this'

People want #publictransit. Let's invest more.

Metro Transit Records Biggest Bus Ridership Increase in the Nation Among Large Bus Systems - Citizens For Modern Transit: "What wonderful news!  Metro Transit in St. Louis once again led the nation with the largest increase in bus ridership among large transit agencies.  According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), Metro Transit saw an 8.55% increase in bus ridership from January to September of this year.  MetroBus recorded 22 million boardings as compared to 20.3 million MetroBus boardings during the first three quarters in 2011.  "

'via Blog this'

Month of Free Rides on New Bus Service Begin Dec. 10 - Dunedin, FL Patch

Month of Free Rides on New Bus Service Begin Dec. 10 - Dunedin, FL Patch: "Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority celebrates the launch of the North County Connector service during a ribbon cutting on Tuesday. The service doesn't officially start until Monday, but ridership is free through Dec. 31."

'via Blog this'

MARTA Safety video - well done

Koch brothers team with ALEC to attack renewable energy | BlueNC

Koch brothers team with ALEC to attack renewable energy | BlueNC: "So if something is working as designed, and the benefits to our society are obvious, why would there be such fierce opposition? Because renewable energy is by its very nature distributed, making mega utilities less relevant, and it also has the potential to put the fossil fuel industry on a strict fiscal diet. We're talking billions in profits, encouraging millions in investment in astro-turf and pseudo-science:"

'via Blog this'

AppalCART free transit a huge success and growing

AppalCART Sets Record for System-Wide Ridership | High Country Press: "Nov. 5, 2012. The AppalCART, Boone’s free public transportation system, reported a system-wide record-setting ridership of 212,874 passengers for October, representing a 9.8 percent increase over October last year. "

More Dangerous Than Public Service or Public Works: Miami Roads | Transit Miami

More Dangerous Than Public Service or Public Works: Miami Roads | Transit Miami: "Where is the outcry over continuous deaths of men, women and children who die on Miami roads all the time?

In just the last few days, at least 5 people have lost their lives on Miami’s roads and sidewalks. "

'via Blog this'

Rice agriculture accelerates global warming, new UC Davis research determines - Daily Democrat Online

Rice agriculture accelerates global warming, new UC Davis research determines - Daily Democrat Online: "More carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, coupled with rising temperatures, is making rice agriculture a larger source of the potent greenhouse gas methane, according to a study published today in Nature Climate Change by a research team that includes a UC Davis plant scientist."

'via Blog this'

Why voting matters - GOP will not invest in #publictransit like Charlotte light rail

Federal transit authorities, city sign light-rail deal | CharlotteObserver.com: "The contract means the FTA will spend $580 million on the new light-rail line. The city of Charlotte and the Charlotte Area Transit System will spend $250 million and the N.C. Department of Transportation will spend $299 million.

The line will connect uptown to UNC Charlotte, with 11 stations.

Construction on the 9.2-mile extension is scheduled to begin in November 2013; it could open as early as 2017."

'via Blog this'

Things that go away when public transit is free

Getty Images

At least 1 injured, many trapped in Miami parking garage collapse - latimes.com: "More than 100 rescuers on Wednesday rushed to the scene of a partially-built parking garage that collapsed on the campus of a Miami school, trapping workers inside, officials said."

A parking space can cost from 40,000 to 100,000 dollars, just for initial capital cost. What if this money was put into free buses? Then we could have parks instead of ugly parking high rises.

The Herald-Sun - Business leaders support sales tax for transit

The Herald-Sun - Business leaders support sales tax for transit: "CHAPEL HILL – With about a month to go until voters go to the polls, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce and the Regional Transportation Alliance are asking them to support a half-cent sales tax on the ballot in Orange County.

If approved on Nov. 6, revenue from the proposed sales tax will go toward new buses, improved bus service, an Amtrak station in Hillsborough and a proposed light rail connection from UNC to downtown Durham."

'via Blog this'

Tampa streetcar - free-and-frequent is the key to success

Mayor Buckhorn vows to save Tampa's struggling streetcars - Tampa Bay Times: "Buckhorn's vision: The streetcars should run every few minutes and for free. They currently run every 20 minutes between noon and 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays. Each ride costs between $1.25 for seniors to $2.50 regular admission, and an all-day pass is $5."

'via Blog this'

University 'goes green' across campus | TCU 360 - with news and sports from the TCU Daily Skiff, TCU News Now and Image magazine

University 'goes green' across campus | TCU 360 - with news and sports from the TCU Daily Skiff, TCU News Now and Image magazine: "All students can also pick up a free public transit card at the TCU Police Department, which gives them free use of public transportation such as The “T”, TRE and DART. Whitworth said he sometimes takes the bus from his home in Cleburne all the way to campus.  "

'via Blog this'

This Election Season, Americans Pony Up for Public Transpo | Transportation Nation

This Election Season, Americans Pony Up for Public Transpo | Transportation Nation: "More than a dozen transit-related initiatives will appear on local ballots in November, including a mammoth funding plan in Los Angeles. Elsewhere, a measure in Orange County, N.C., would add a half cent to the sales tax to fund transit. A third measure, in Memphis, Tenn., would increase the cost of a gallon of gas by a penny, raising an estimated $3 to $6 million each year for the Memphis Area Transit Authority."

'via Blog this'

Poll: Charlotte residents prefer transit over roads to solve traffic woes - Charlotte Business Journal

Poll: Charlotte residents prefer transit over roads to solve traffic woes - Charlotte Business Journal: "According to the poll results, twice as many people favor transit options such as buses, trains and light rail over new highways to ease traffic congestion."

'via Blog this'

Clarksville Now - Mayor McMillan Rides To Work On CTS Bus

Clarksville Now - Mayor McMillan Rides To Work On CTS Bus: "CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan headed to work Monday morning on a Clarksville Transit System Bus.  The Mayor has participated in a number of rides to work as part of her efforts to encourage more citizens to take advantage of services offered by the transit system."

After DNC, Buckhorn to renew push for light rail | wtsp.com

Republicans complain about public transit service. Huh? Use the "private option" you morons! Tampa Mayor gets it though, want tax power to build light rail.

After DNC, Buckhorn to renew push for light rail | wtsp.com: "Described as a "fiasco" by some Florida delegates, some buses got lost, others arrived several hours late.
That didn't happen at the Democratic National Convention and there could be a reason why.
"I think Charlotte is the example of a mid-sized city that has used light rail effectively," said Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn.
Buckhorn was at the DNC.
A supporter of light rail, he says it was glaringly obvious that Charlotte is well ahead of Tampa when it comes to mass transportation."

Time to put an end to the Gas and Oil Party

Occupy Wall Street | NYC Protest for World Revolution: "The Republican National Convention is taking place in Tampa starting August 27th. The Coalition to March on the RNC encourages you to join us and stand in solidarity as we march at the RNC to fight back against the political elite and the 1% agenda."

'via Blog this'

White House honors for fare-free #transit system

Seneca, bus company honored at White House » Anderson Independent Mail: "Foothill Transit was the first to put the all-electric bus to work in its fleet about three years ago. In 2013, Seneca intends to switch its entire gas-powered buses to an electric fleet. Seneca city administrator Greg Dietterick attended the ceremony. He said it offered a chance to publicize the fact that in 2013, Seneca will become the first all electric, fare-free, public transit fleet in the nation. Dietterick said the city will soon be hosting visitors from across the globe, wanting to see an all-electric bus fleet in action."

'via Blog this'

What we mean by the true [hidden] costs of fossil-fuels

Bayou tremors, methane leaks months before oil catastrophe, Evacuation ordered - National Human Rights | Examiner.com: "Assumption Parish officials have ordered immediate evacuation of Bayou Corne area and Louisiana's governor has declared a state of emergency following two months of residents reporting "strong diesel" odors, earth tremors and finally, an expanding 200 ft. by 200 ft. sinkhole that engulfed trees early Friday morning and that officials now call a "slurry area." The area has allegedly been highly polluted by oil and gas companies."

'via Blog this'

Atlanta should vote for #publictransit, the money will come back to you in so many ways.

"What TSPLOST will do for transit:
High Capacity Transit from Arts Center MARTA station to NW Atlanta and Cobb County :  $689M allocated for premium transit service between Acworth/Kennesaw/Town Center and Midtown's Arts Center Station.
MARTA State of Good Repair to improve performance, safety, and experience: $600M slated for critical upgrades to 30-year old assets including stations, tracks, communications equipment, train controls, passenger information and signage, tunnel and platform lighting, ventilation, and elevators and escalators. 
GRTA Xpress Bus Service: $95M allocated for continued operations.
Clayton County Bus Service: $100M tabbed for re-establishing this service.
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT):$225 for South DeKalb BRT and $50M for Piedmont Road/Roswell Road BRT.
Clifton Corridor Rail Extension : $700M dedicated to MARTA line extension from Lindbergh Center to Emory University.
New Streetcar with connections to Midtown: $602M allocated for design and construction of the SW and SE segments of the BeltLine along with a cross-town connection that would provide direct access to Midtown."

'via Blog this'

Nashville's mass transit ridership soars | The Tennessean | tennessean.com

Nashville's mass transit ridership soars | The Tennessean | tennessean.com: "Bus and train ridership in the region has hit an all-time high, the Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority announced Monday."

'via Blog this'

HART Receives $9 Million in Grants | Representative Kathy Castor

HART Receives $9 Million in Grants | Representative Kathy Castor: "U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor announced today two grants totaling nearly $9 million being directed to Hillsborough Area Regional Transit. The grants will support jobs in our community.

“The awarding of these competitive grants to HART is great news,” Castor said. “Approximately $4 million will go toward replacing buses that run on diesel and vans that run on gas with compressed natural gas vehicles. These new vehicles will be good for our environment and will expand HART’s fleet, which is a welcome development for the thousands in our community who rely on public transportation to get to work.”"

'via Blog this'

Wake up! Gas & Oil Party hates #publictransit

Is the Wake County Board of Commissioner serving the public by blocking transit? | New Raleigh: "The GOP of the Wake County Board of Commissioners have haulted progress on the proposed Wake County transit plan.  What’s worse, they are preventing Wake voters from having our say – our vote -- on funding this important transportation system.  Commissioner Erv Portman recently asked other commissioners to hold a public hearing, and place a funding referendum on the November 2012 ballot, but the GOP of the commission voted down Portman’s motion without even discussing the matter.  The question is why?"

'via Blog this'

Free #transit spurs $1B project in Miami

WSVN-TV - Groundbreaking ceremony held for $1B project: "According to City of Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado, free public transportation options, including the Miami Trolley and the Metromover, are making pedestrian urban living easier in Brickell, and growing retail places, like Mary Brickell Village, are making the area a vibrant place to live. "I think there was a perception that downtown was difficult, that it was dangerous, and that is no longer the case," said Regalado."

'via Blog this'

Here's what can mass transit do for you | The Tennessean | tennessean.com

Here's what can mass transit do for you | The Tennessean | tennessean.com: "Sure, gas prices and economic conditions have increased the interest in mass transit. But the real benefits are so much greater than what is represented by the response to current economic response.

Reducing traffic means less “rush hour” frustration, fewer harmful fumes, better air quality and, with use of technology while riding on mass-transit options, some additional productive time for either personal or professional use."

'via Blog this'

Florida #transit advocates getting organized

A unified front on transit | TBO.com: "TAMPA --
A nationwide movement is under way to build coalitions of transit riders who confront the same dilemma local bus agencies face: Ridership is at record levels but a decline in government funding is forcing cuts in service.

Until now, the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority and Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority have languished in the exhaust fumes of nationwide efforts to create coalitions of riders and advocacy groups to promote transit.

For the first time, though, an effort to unite transit interests, ranging from passengers to business and environmental groups, has begun to emerge locally."

Atlanta, GA, free shuttle expanding service.

Buckhead’s Free Shuttle Simplifies Routes, Optimizes Service for Commuters: "Beginning July 1, Buckhead’s free shuttle, the buc, is changing its routes and schedules. These changes are designed to increase service frequency during the peak hours of use – weekday morning and afternoon rush hours – by eliminating lunch hour and Saturday service. Routes will also be simplified, with one primary route connecting MARTA rail stations and major employment locations along Peachtree, Piedmont and Lenox Roads.

“The buc was launched nearly a decade ago, and it has provided a valuable service for Buckhead commuters, shoppers, visitors and residents,” said Denise Starling, executive director of Livable Buckhead and the Buckhead Transportation Management Association (BATMA), which manages the buc. “But the time had come for us to take a look at the system and make sure that it was optimized to cost-effectively provide the best possible service for our core riders – our commuters.”"

'via Blog this'

Free rides featured in Asheville bus changes | The Asheville Citizen-Times | citizen-times.com

Free rides featured in Asheville bus changes | The Asheville Citizen-Times | citizen-times.com: "ASHEVILLE — One of the biggest ever overhauls of the city transit system — which provides more a million rides a year to workers, students and others — kicked off Monday, complete with free bus rides."

'via Blog this'

Transit tax to appear on Nov. ballot | The Carrboro Citizen

Transit tax to appear on Nov. ballot | The Carrboro Citizen: "The Orange County Transit Plan includes expanded bus hours and service provided by Chapel Hill Transit, TTA and Orange County; route enhancements along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard; an Amtrak station in Hillsborough; and light rail that would connect UNC Hospitals to Alston Avenue in Durham."

'via Blog this'

Denton, Texas offers free transit June 18 - 23.

DCTA joins area effort to promote mass transit | Denton Local News - News for Denton, Texas - The Denton Record-Chronicle - Denton Record-Chronicle: "A gasoline receipt is good for a week of free rides for area commuters, thanks to the Denton County Transportation Authority, Dallas Area Rapid Transit and the Fort Worth Transportation Authority.
Inspired by the American Public Transportation Association’s National Dump the Pump Day, the agencies are working together to encourage commuters to take advantage of their services from June 18 to June 23."

'via Blog this'

Want a future? Get transit.

Hillsborough in dire need of transit upgrades - Tampa Bay Times: "Hillsborough County has a choice to make: It can continue to cut service and pretend that mass transit plays no role in the region's future. Or it can invest in the very sort of transportation system that communities across the country are building to make themselves more competitive. The voters' rejection of a broad transportation plan two years ago clearly was a setback. But the county should learn from the loss, not wallow in it."

'via Blog this'

Greenest small town is in Florida

Yellowfish developments: building America's greenest small town | Best practice exchange | guardian.co.uk: "The village uses a geothermal heating and cooling system and rain and storm-water harvesting means it uses 80% less water than comparable developments. There is a free public charger for electric cars and free public transport. The cafe has solar thermal panels."

'via Blog this'

People get economics. No #publictransit, no future.

Raleigh fare-free circulator

Capital Area Friends of Transit: "The Capital Area Friends of Transit (CAFT) is a Wake County based alliance of over 40 local and state organizations, more than 100 civic leaders and many citizens who support a plan for regional public transit in the Triangle.   CAFT supports a multi-modal transit plan that uses a variety of transit options, including expanded and improved bus service, light rail, commuter rail, high-speed rail, and local circulators like streetcars."

People want buses, but oil companies control government

CLIFF MCBRIDE/STAFF

HART squeezed by ridership increase, revenue decline | TBO.com: "Contrary to appearances at the beginning and end of the trip, the 35-seat bus was mostly full during much of the ride, another example of HART's continuing, record-setting ridership. Bus ridership in March set a HART record of 1.3 million passengers, 5 percent higher than the previous March.

"The full buses are killing us," HART chief executive Philip Hale recently told members of his board of directors at a streetcar meeting. "Bus ridership is far exceeding our capacity.""

Do we really believe one more highway will fix the problem?

Do we really believe one more highway will fix the problem?

— Jason E. Roberts (@mannytmoto) May 4, 2012

http://www.betterblock.org/

http://www.jasonrobertsforcongress.com/ 

Lack of #publictransit punishes our aging population

In Florida, Aging Population Struggles to Get Around | Transportation Nation: "(Orlando, FL — WMFE) With more than three million residents over the age of 65, Florida’s population has the highest proportion of senior citizens of any state in the US. One challenge facing many of Florida’s seniors is how to get out and about once they can no longer drive."

'via Blog this'

We should not cut services to the least fortunate among us.

Protesters gather at Mary Street Transit Center to voice opposition to CARTA changes | The Post and Courier | Charleston SC, News, Sports, Entertainment: "“We should not cut services to the least fortunate among us,” he said."

'via Blog this'

Nashville: Transit means business

Stephanie Coleman's Nashville Chamber Blog > 'Transit Means Business' Event Highlights East-West Connector: "On April 18, more than 100 people gathered at AT&T to learn more about Nashville’s plans to increase access to mass transit. The program, “Transit Means Business,” was one of a series of events taking place during Transit Week. The event was co-hosted by the Chamber, Transit Now Nashville, the Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee, the Nashville Civic Design Center and Mayor Karl Dean's office."

'via Blog this'

Rice’s 31st Kinder Houston Area Survey reveals more Houstonians support mass transit

Rice’s 31st Kinder Houston Area Survey reveals more Houstonians support mass transit: "A large and growing proportion of Harris County residents emphatically support improvements in mass transit, and majorities are now calling for more opportunities to live within walking distance of shops and workplaces. Fifty-six percent of the respondents in Harris County and 61 percent in surrounding counties said that the development of a much-improved mass transit system is “very important” for the future success of the Houston area. A majority (51 percent) of Harris County residents want more taxpayer money to be spent on improving rail and buses rather than on expanding existing highways."

'via Blog this'

Public is angry about foot-dragging on #publictransit investment

Chapel Hill Residents Voice Support For Orange County Transit Plan - Chapelboro.com: "“You shouldn’t have to have your arms twisted into supporting a no-brainer like this transit tax,” said Sinreich. “Everyday that you’re not working to implement and support a local and regional transit plan, you’re dragging Orange County backward. Please lead us toward a sustainable future or get out of the way.”"

Read the whole quote:
http://orangepolitics.org/2012/04/our-turn-transit#comment-137954

People are forced to use cars, because there are so few alternatives

“It’s so clear that we just don’t see eye to eye” « Beyond the Cul de Sac: "The implication is that there is not enough demand for transit services to justify spending any real money on improving or expanding them … but there’s no exploration of why that might be. Could it be that transit doesn’t serve most people’s neighborhoods, or at least not well enough to justify relying on it as one’s primary mode of transportation? Could that be because the densities in America’s sprawling suburbs are often too low to justify regular transit service? Could it also be because of a historical conservative opposition to transit in general, which has made it incredibly hard to actually allocate funds to develop and expand transit to the point where it might actually be a workable alternative for people who don’t want to (or can’t) drive?

Transit use is low because, since the end of World War II, we have built our country in such a way that has made transit very difficult for the vast majority of people to use regularly. It’s that simple."

'via Blog this'

Nashville must rethink its public transportation system | The Tennessean | tennessean.com

Nashville must rethink its public transportation system | The Tennessean | tennessean.com: "Nashville’s average household transportation spending is $4,696 higher than New York City’s (Tennessean, March 18).

Public transportation hasn’t kept up with growth. Parking is a hassle, and gas prices are soaring. Buses are slow and make frequent stops, sometimes obstructing traffic."

'via Blog this'

Benefits of Public Transit - Advocates for Public Transit

Benefits of Public Transit - Advocates for Public Transit:

• Transportation to Work
• Economic competitiveness with other communities that have transit systems for businesses looking to relocate or expand
• Economic multiplier: Every $1 returns $4 to the local economy
• Provides jobs
• Transportation for seniors, persons with disabilities
• Access to medical, shopping, employment opportunities
• Access to educational opportunities, resulting in better educated workforce
• Affordable and necessary alternative to personal transportation
• Improves the community's quality of life
• Transportation for youth to after school activities
• Relieves congestion
• Good for the environment, improves air quality, is sustainable
• Improves local planning and reduces sprawl
• Reduces need for expensive infrastructure, parking and roads
• Affordable housing by reducing the need to have a two-car family
• A critical first step towards light rail

'via Blog this'

The Daily Tar Heel :: Town Talk : Orange County Commissioners have big plans for transit

The Daily Tar Heel :: Town Talk : Orange County Commissioners have big plans for transit: "Triangle Transit Authority presented an expanded transportation plan that provides options for commuters in Orange County and could impact UNC students, with the construction of a light rail connecting UNC Hospitals and Duke."

'via Blog this'

The tyranny of the private auto has gone far enough

It is quite something to see well-off professionals in Brickell treated with such indignity simply trying to cross a street. For a successful urban environment, walking needs to be the most attractive option – not the least. See more at TransitMiami

Farmers markets sprouting at 4 transit stops in St. Louis area

Renee Flanders of St. Louis stops by the mobile farmers' market at the Delmar Loop MetroLink station on Tuesday, March 20, 2012. Photo by Ken Leiser, kleiser@post-dispatch.com

Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/farmers-markets-sprouting-at-transit-stops-in-st-louis-area/article_ee093246-71fe-11e1-b7b4-001a4bcf6878.html#ixzz1r3HrK9vF

Farmers markets sprouting at 4 transit stops in St. Louis area: "Under a new deal between Metro transit and a mobile farmers market, riders can now shop for locally grown fruit, veggies, eggs and cheese at bus and train stops."

'via Blog this'

CATS riders oppose proposed rate hike | WCNC.com Charlotte

CATS riders oppose proposed rate hike | WCNC.com Charlotte: "CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Riders who use the Charlotte Area Transit system buses and trains lined up Wednesday night to voice opposition to a proposal that would raise the fare by an average of 14%.
Bus riders, community activists and members of Occupy Charlotte packed a room where the Metropolitan Transit Commission held a public hearing at the Government Center."

'via Blog this'

How to ride a bus

[Hipster] Out of Water: Get on the Bus, Part II: How to Ride: "Once you’ve boarded and paid your fare, find a seat—proper etiquette would be to take the furthest rearward seat that’s available.  This way, as the bus fills up, it is easier for others to find seats quickly, helping to speed the trip.  Also, the most forward seats are designed to accommodate wheelchairs if necessary. "

'via Blog this'

Bus line vital to Baby Boomer generation

Vital Bus Line Connects Cleburne To Fort Worth « CBS Dallas / Fort Worth: CLEBURNE (CBSDFW.COM) - Rising gas prices and an aging Baby Boomer generation has spiked ridership on commuter buses between Cleburne and Fort Worth.
....
The transportation agency said that more Baby Boombers choose to take the bus to leave the driving to someone else.

Metro Ridership In The New Year Jumps Nearly 20% | News | KCATA

Metro Ridership In The New Year Jumps Nearly 20% | News | KCATA:
(Kansas City, Mo. – March 12, 2012) 2012 is starting out with strong ridership growth for the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA). Ridership for January and February 2012 is up nearly 20% over the same time period last year.

Recently, KCATA announced a 5.7% rise in ridership for 2011. That amounted to 15.6 million trips, the second highest annual ridership in nearly two decades. In January and February 2012, ridership is already up 18.79% on Metro and MAX routes.

Bus Riders' Union started in Memphis

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Transportation-Task-ForceFuerza-Laboral-de-Transportante-Memphis/255335834539788

WMC NEWS: "The Memphis Bus Riders Union held first meeting and public invitation Saturday for what members said is a stand to pressure MATA officials to improve its transit. The meeting was held at the AFSCME Union Hall in downtown Memphis. Members said they are fed up with high fares, overcrowded buses, and a lack of bus service at night in some neighborhoods, among other complaints. "It's an embarrassment to the city of Memphis," said Memphis Bus Riders Union member Lorenzo Irvin. "It's a disgrace." "

https://www.facebook.com/events/381364131878196/

Madison County Transit shows strong ridership gains

A bus driver navigates a Madison County Transit bus  in Edwardsville on Thursday, March 1, 2012.  Photo by Erik M. Lunsford, elunsford@post-dispatch.com

Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/illinois/madison-county-transit-shows-strong-ridership-gains/article_3c814f4e-9000-56ae-970a-b6e4fa1d90f3.html#ixzz1o9xAbvNM

Madison County Transit shows strong ridership gains: "Metro restored most of its service cuts after St. Louis County voters approved a half-cent transit sales tax in April 2010. MCT boardings began to increase steadily that summer, Morrison said.
...
Metro ridership has also been increasing. The transit agency recorded an 8.1 percent ridership increase for the period from July 1 through Dec. 31 compared to the same months in 2010.
Nationally, public transportation ridership was 2 percent higher during the third quarter of 2011 than in the third quarter of 2010. Those figures are the most recent available."

Even Texas gets it. Get #transit or get left out.

Kyle, San Marcos, Texas State University eye transit district with more bus service: "the Kyle and San Marcos city councils voted last week to work with Texas State University to create an urban transit district with a bus system that could qualify for other state and federal funds.

Though plans to create the district are in the early stages — officials have no cost estimates for a proposed bus service — city officials and growth planners say the district would fill the area's need for expanded mass transit options and could be up and running as early as 2013."

'via Blog this'

Road that killed Raquel Nelson's son keeps on killing

Another Death Crossing Austell Road - Marietta, GA Patch: "It was the third serious car-pedestrian collision and second fatality in two days in the southeastern quarter of Cobb County."

'via Blog this'

The race is on, get #transit or get left out

Light rail plans get rolling - Tampa Bay Times: "The Pinellas bus system, which is experiencing record ridership even with limited routes and declining property tax revenue, would be expanded by 70 percent. A 24-mile light rail system with 16 stations would be built between downtown St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Voters would be asked as early as next year to pay for the transit plan with a 1 cent sales tax, and the existing property tax now dedicated to the bus system would be repealed."

'via Blog this'

Mayor, MTA, Announce Free Bus Rides on March 9th

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Mayor Karl Dean and Nashville MTA CEO Paul J. Ballard announced today that the city will offer free bus rides on Friday, March 9 to encourage people who do not ride public transit to try it. The free rides will last all day and are unlimited.

“I am a regular rider and take the bus as often as possible,” Dean said. “I am convinced that if more people tried it, they would appreciate the many benefits and convenience just like I do. By offering a free bus day, I hope to encourage a large number of Nashvillians to leave their cars at home and ride on MTA buses.”

http://www.nashvillemta.org/PDF/120223_press-free-busday.pdf

Voters' commitment to transit pays off | CharlotteObserver.com & The Charlotte Observer Newspaper

Voters' commitment to transit pays off | CharlotteObserver.com & The Charlotte Observer Newspaper: "It took more than four years, but Mecklenburg County voters were rewarded for their wisdom this week.

A surprisingly large majority of voters - 70 percent - made an unmistakable statement in November 2007 when they rejected an effort to repeal Mecklenburg's half-cent sales tax for transit. With that commitment demonstrated, the nation's top transit official this week announced a federal pledge of $70 million for Charlotte's light-rail extension and a near-promise of $460 million more to come later."

'via Blog this'

UTA nursing student Anthia Meme petitions for Arlington public transportation

Photo: (The Shorthorn: Michael Minasi)

UTA nursing student Anthia Meme petitions for Arlington public transportation: "A UTA student has an online petition for public transportation in Arlington.

Arlington is the largest city in the U.S. without public transportation, according to the American Public Transportation Association. That’s a problem for nursing freshman Anthia Meme, who decided to start the petition in response to the statistics.

Meme said she found out about Arlington’s public transportation situation during class from her political science lecturer Kimberly Harper. Meme recalls her instructor saying a vote for a public bus system had been voted down in the past."

• The average household spends 18 cents of every dollar on transportation, and 94% of this goes to buying, maintaining, and operating cars, the largest expenditure after housing. 
• Households that are likely to use public transportation save about $10,000 every year. 
• Households near public transit drive an average of 4,400 fewer miles than households with no access to public transit. This equates to an individual household reduction of 223 gallons per year. 
• One person switching to public transit can reduce daily carbon emissions by 20 pounds, or more than 4,800 pounds in a year. (APTA.com)

Link to the Petition

Afraid to take the bus because you might get stuck?

Guaranteed Ride Home | Clean Air Campaign: "Commuters who carpool, vanpool, bike or use transit and are unable to catch their normal ride home due to unexpected events (illness, unscheduled overtime, etc) can receive a free Guaranteed Ride Home from The Clean Air Campaign or RideSmart."

'via Blog this'

Bus ridership in Pinellas County reaches all-time high - Tampa Bay Times

Bus ridership in Pinellas County reaches all-time high - Tampa Bay Times: "Bus ridership in Pinellas County reached an all-time high of 1,097,842 rides in December, a 9 percent increase over December 2010. Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority officials say part of the gain is the popularity of the new Central Avenue Trolley in St. Petersburg and new Jolley Trolley service for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium."

'via Blog this'

10 dead in one crash on Florida highway. End of the world.

"You could hear cars hitting each other. People were crying. People were screaming. It was crazy," the Gainesville man said hours later. "If I could give you an idea of what it looked like, I would say it looked like the end of the world."

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-01-30/florida-highway-deadly-crash/52882028/1

Authorities trying to determine the "cause." Please! The cause is the private auto! It is not safe, has never been safe, will never be safe.

#Transit and #Walkability attracts #carfree retirees

Sight unseen | CharlotteObserver.com & The Charlotte Observer Newspaper: ""We never lived in a center city environment before and found the concept of living without a car appealing. Walkability as measured by the website Walkscore ( www.walkscore .com ) was high for Charlotte city center, and the fact that Charlotte has a light rail and is expanding was also a big plus for us.""

'via Blog this'

Town Marks 10 Years Of Fare Free Transit - Chapelboro.com

Town Marks 10 Years Of Fare Free Transit - Chapelboro.com: "On January 2, 2002, the transit system officially became fare free. Assistant Transit Director Brian Litchfield says Chapel Hill has one of the largest fare-free transit systems in the United States.

"Back in 2001, before we went fare free, we were doing about three million rides per year, this year we'll do a little over seven milion rides," he says. "That's about a 120, 130 percent increase in ridership over a 10 year period, which is amazing especially in a community of our size.""

'via Blog this'