Day: October 5, 2009

The White House's effort to promote sustainable communities has prompted serious (and inadvertently humorous) hand-wringing from conservative pundits who fear the concept of livability will translate into governmental edicts on lifestyle choices. What's the best way to counter such tactics?

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) announced its newly elected executive committee today at its annual meeting in Orlando, Florida, and Bay Area transit bosses will be taking prominent roles that could influence the nation's transit priorities. San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) General Manager and CEO Michael J. Scanlon is the new Vice Chair and San Francisco MTA Executive Director Nat Ford is the new Secretary/Treasurer. APTA's new Chair is Mattie C. Carter, Commissioner of the Memphis Area Transit Authority.

The kerfuffle continues to intensify over the draft study the MTA recently completed on extending parking meter hours in commercial districts around the city, a study which, as we first reported last Friday, the Mayor doesn't want MTA Chief Nat Ford to broadcast too loudly.  

If the Geary Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project doesn't get some love from advocates and the general public, the project could be in trouble, according to several people closely following the process.

Last night's 60 Minutes featured an eye-opening report (viewable above) on the 130 million tons of coal ash waste generated every year by the nation's thirst for energy. The show outlined the lack of oversight over disposal of the toxic ash, which is routinely used in the most commonplace of areas: concrete.

When lawmakers failed on Wednesday to reach a deal on avoiding the cancellation of $8.7 billion in transportation spending authority, the consequences of Congress' inaction weren't immediately palpable to most voters -- but the loss is sinking in on the local level.

Heads up, walkers: this week holds two of the year’s most important events for pedestrian advocates: Walk SF’s annual meeting and Walk to School Day. Fans of bicycles and music have plenty to look forward to later this week as well. Here’s a taste of what’s in store. Tuesday: SPUR Lunchtime Forum: Planning Portland. Prior … Continued

The other night I was talking with a friend who wants to give up his family's car but is having trouble convincing his wife that they can do without it. I assured him that it really is possible, given his circumstances -- they live in New York, close to several subway lines, and just a couple of blocks from a garage that is well-stocked with Zipcars. 

Newsom Says Streetsblog’s Parking Story is “Factually Incorrect,” Says “Blogs Often Are” (Examiner) Matier and Ross Reiterate Streetsblog’s Parking Story. Gav? (SF Gate) CHSRA Releases Detailed High Speed Rail Alternatives Plan for Peninsula (Merc) Mission Residents Concerned Over City’s Five Year Plan for Mission (Mission Local) Sacramento Installs Illegal-Right-on-Red Cameras. Hey MTA, How About Market/Octavia? … Continued