Year: 2009
Top Categories
Bay Area Transit Chiefs Assume Leadership Roles at APTA
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.
October 5, 2009
Newsom Parking Meter Story is Not a ‘False Controversy’
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.
October 5, 2009
Is the Geary Bus Rapid Transit Project in Jeopardy?
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.
October 5, 2009
The Dirty Secret of Coal Ash: It’s in Our Roads
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.
October 5, 2009
Congress’ Transport Impasse Hits States — and Not Just Their Road Funds
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.
October 5, 2009
This Week in Livable Streets Events
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
October 5, 2009
Advice for the Would-Be Car Free
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.
October 5, 2009
Today’s Headlines
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
October 5, 2009
SPUR Transportation Committee Meeting
"In October 2008 the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) Board of Directors unanimously endorsed the recommendations of the Transit Effectiveness Project (TEP). Faced with a $129 million budget deficit, SFMTA plans to make numerous transit service changes in November. Come hear from TEP Program Manager Julie Kirschbaum, who will provide an update on the planned service changes and how the TEP planning process has helped SFMTA make informed decisions about providing the best possible transit service with limited resources."
October 4, 2009
Bike Traffic Where You Live
Last week we put out a call to readers and members of the Streetsblog Network
for photos of bike traffic. We got a ton of great responses, and in the
slide show below, you'll see what our readers are seeing around the
country: bikes in action, and in growing numbers.
October 2, 2009