Fare-Free Chicago

Worker's Power

2012-01-27T20:36:00.004-06:00

The Occupy Chicago Labor Working Group invites you to our first Labor Solidarity Conference, TOMORROW!

https://www.facebook.com/OccupyChicago

We will let you vote for #transit taxes if you give up unions say Indiana 1%

2012-01-14T21:25:00.000-06:00

Transit bill picks up bipartisan support in Indiana House | The Indianapolis Star | indystar.com: "One possible hang-up could come from the same issue that has split the legislature this year: unionization. Democrats and union leaders have criticized language in the bill that says workers at a transportation authority could choose not to be part of a union. Language also would let the governing transit authority bypass common-wage hearings, which are seen as protection for workers."

'via Blog this'

Anti-#Transit trolls still dominate Congress

2012-01-05T01:51:00.000-06:00

Transit benefits will be capped at $125 a month in 2012 - chicagotribune.com: "The amount of income that commuters who use mass transit will be eligible to shelter from taxes to pay their fares drops on Jan. 1 to $125 a month from the current $230 a month, while the tax-free parking benefit for drivers will increase from $230 to $240 a month, officials said Thursday."

'via Blog this'

Beer Company free #transit - If it's good for holidays and football games - imagine the lives saved if free all the time

2011-12-20T03:01:00.000-06:00

MillerCoors Activates Designated Driver Programs This Holiday Season - PR Newswire - sacbee.com: "Miller Lite Free Rides, which offers free public transportation during key holidays, will be offered on New Year's Eve in Chicago, Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Madison, Wisconsin, and the Twin Cities. Within its 24-year history, more than 2.75 million people have participated in the program. In 2011 136,670 people rode Miller Lite Free Rides during St. Patrick's Day festivities, the Kentucky Derby and all Green Bay Packer home football games."

'via Blog this'

#occupy has shaken loose more #transit funding

2011-12-14T20:44:00.000-06:00

Mass transit plan for Indy metro area gets a fresh push | The Indianapolis Star | indystar.com: "Business leaders today will unveil an updated 10-year, $1.3 billion transit overhaul that would double IndyGo and add train service from Noblesville to Downtown Indianapolis."

'via Blog this'

Walkability in the western suburbs | Grid Chicago

2011-12-04T19:48:00.000-06:00

Walkability in the western suburbs | Grid Chicago: "On October 17, a 30-year old man was struck and killed by a driver traveling southbound on Roselle Road, near Kingsport Drive, in Schaumburg (Daily Herald, Chicago Tribune). The nearest signalized crossings for pedestrians are 1/4 mile to the north, and 1/4 to the south, of this location.

Two weeks later, a 69-year old man was struck and killed by a driver traveling southbound on Glen Ellyn Road, near Winthrop Road, in Carol Stream (Daily Herald, Carol Stream Press).

Both accidents took place after sunset, during the evening. No citations were issued to the drivers in either incident. The similarities in both incidents reflect how the built environment of the suburbs leads to dangerous conditions for pedestrians."

'via Blog this'

Santa loves public #transit

2011-12-03T12:18:00.001-06:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ctaweb/sets/72157628239428097/

Twin Cities Metropass could save $millions for taxpayers

2011-11-18T09:20:00.000-06:00

Red-tape warrior Zurn has been contacted by other federal agencies, including the Federal Drug Administration and the FBI, for guidance on how to get official clearance for Metropass.With 23,000 federal employees in the Twin Cities area, the savings for taxpayers could approach $2 million, she said.

read whole article: http://mn2020.org/issues-that-matter/transportation/cutting-red-tape-to-promote-the-transit-advantage

Valpo wins federal money for public transit and car-free living

2011-11-14T10:54:00.000-06:00

Valpo plans $32M transit center downtown: "The second and third levels would provide more parking for bicycles and cars and include charging stations for electric cars. It also would be the hub for Car Sharing rentals. The top level would be residential with some units set aside for the elderly or disabled who want to maintain a lifestyle without a car."

'via Blog this'

#occupywallstreet is working, shaking loose #transit funds

2011-11-03T20:14:00.000-05:00

Illinois.gov - Illinois Government News Network (IGNN) - Search the News Results: "CHICAGO – November 3, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel today announced a $646 million state capital investment grant to repair and rebuild the Chicago Transit Authority’s Red Line and improve the Purple Line. The Illinois Jobs Now! capital program investment will be combined with other state, local and federal funds for an overall commitment of $1 billion to create more than 2,700 jobs by overhauling a critical piece of the region’s transit system that accounts for nearly 40 percent of ridership on the CTA’s rail network."

'via Blog this'

Chicago - People condemn Wall Street Crooks

2011-10-10T19:39:00.003-05:00

#occupychicago

Public #transit is a tax cut

2011-10-09T12:51:00.000-05:00

The Urbanophile » Blog Archive » The Cost of Congestion, The Value of Transit: "To further show the value of transit to New Yorkers, let’s do a quick back of the envelope type calculation for illustrative purposes. The median household income in metro New York is $61,927. If each home with an auto commuter in it has one and only one commuter who obtains the average benefit, and incomes of auto commuters follow the overall, then this auto benefit is equivalent to 1.66% of income. You can think of it as sort of like a 1.5 percentage point cut in the income tax rate for those households, just based on the value delivered to them."

'via Blog this'

Kokomo, Indiana, free trolleys help attract $1.3B in new investment

2011-10-03T13:49:00.000-05:00

Kokomo Named Indiana Chamber’s 2011 Community of the Year

...

· Working closely with business leaders to create new and creative economic development programs that have led to new jobs and more than $1.3 billion of new investment in Kokomo.

· An expanding alternative transportation network that now includes free public transportation via City-Line trolleys.

· An improvement in the city's bond rating to a state-best AA+.

All of these initiatives were accomplished without raising taxes or adding fees.

"Kokomo is a resilient and determined community. We all work together to improve our neighborhoods and create an attractive environment for businesses and their employees. Our investments in infrastructure and quality of life amenities across the board have been very successful," said Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight. "The Community of the Year Award validates the hard work of dozens of organizations and hundreds of community advocates. Receiving this distinguished honor sends the message that Kokomo is a progressive city with a pro-business environment that welcomes employers and employees."
...
Read the rest at http://www.kokomoperspective.com/news/local_news/kokomo-named-indiana-chamber-s-community-of-the-year/article_676dc174-edcf-11e0-972f-001cc4c03286.html

Public transit advocates protest proposed federal cuts - chicagotribune.com

2011-09-21T18:28:00.000-05:00

Public transit advocates protest proposed federal cuts - chicagotribune.com: "More than $17 billion in transportation projects would be jeopardized and 620,000 jobs lost in the U.S. if the funding cuts are implemented in the next multiyear transportation spending legislation, according to an analysis released Tuesday by the American Public Transportation Association, which represents transit agencies."

'via Blog this'

Investors looking for young professionals. Young professionals looking for public transit.

2011-09-07T19:04:00.000-05:00

Wanted: mayor who's ready to rise to challenges | The Indianapolis Star | indystar.com: "The lack of a viable transit system hampers the city's economic development, depresses its tax base and makes it less attractive to employers and young professionals."

'via Blog this'

Free transit rides help shuttle CPS students back to school | WBEZ

2011-09-06T03:47:00.000-05:00

Free transit rides help shuttle CPS students back to school | WBEZ: "Chicago's public school students are getting a free ride on their first day of class.

Thanks to a partnership between the schools, the Chicago Transit Authority and businesses, kids can ride free Tuesday on city buses and trains. Adults with them can ride free, too, between 5:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. that day. Those are the usual hours for reduced-fare rides. Kids with student cards will also be eligible.

Schools CEO Jean-Claude Brizard says instruction begins on day one and that getting kids there on time can help ensure they're ready to learn."

'via Blog this'

Statement from Rod Blagojevich on the end of Illinois program that provided free rides for seniors | PR NewsChannel

2011-08-31T19:33:00.000-05:00

Statement from Rod Blagojevich on the end of Illinois program that provided free rides for seniors | PR NewsChannel: "STATEMENT FROM ROD BLAGOJEVICH:

“I’m really sad to see free public transportation being taking way from our seniors. I ruffled a lot of feathers to make this happen but I know it was the right thing to do. I wish I was in a position to do something about it.”"

'via Blog this'

Riders for Better Transit | activetrans.org

2011-08-24T17:36:00.000-05:00

Riders for Better Transit | activetrans.org: Riders for Better Transit is organizing riders in the Chicago region to fight for better public transportation in our communities. We serve as a voice for riders who want to boost transit funding and encourage transit-related projects that will benefit your community. Join us to show your support!

Transit riders to gain a louder voice in new campaign | Grid Chicago

2011-08-23T18:55:00.002-05:00

The Wilson Red Line CTA station was recently voted the worst station “for the third year in a row” by Chicago RedEye readers. Photo by Jeff Zoline.

Transit riders to gain a louder voice in new campaign | Grid Chicago: The first is that we want to give riders a voice. We know that transit providers are struggling to maintain what they have. We know riders have all sorts of improvements that they want to see. Incl. restoring buses they’ve lost, eliminating slow zones, better reverse commutes.

Secondly, we want to increase investment in transit in our region (this includes procuring funding for maintenance).

Lastly, we want to explore projects and initiatives that will improve transit service and experience.

Even toll road operators admit the auto-system does NOT work

2011-08-22T20:10:00.000-05:00

Illinois Tollway eyes mass transit options on Addams Tollway, but is that its job? - Chicago Tribune: But as part of its proposed 15-year road construction program, the tollway would spend $240 million to support bus transit and possible future rail service on the Addams/Interstate 90 corridor when the tollway is rebuilt and widened.

Congress infested with oil trolls - transit cuts will be harsh

2011-08-22T19:55:00.004-05:00

Here are the Mica-bill cuts.
http://1.usa.gov/ppLz7W

Disability advocate promotes public transit across the state

2011-08-10T01:16:00.004-05:00

(RICK CHASE / Courier Staff Photographer)

Disability advocate promotes public transit across the state: "WATERLOO, Iowa --- With a white cane in hand and a guitar slung over his shoulder, Frank Strong Jr. is touring Iowa in support of local bus service.
Strong, who is legally blind, boarded a MET Transit bus in Waterloo on Wednesday as part of his plan to ride all 18 fixed-route public transit systems in the state."

Access to Quality Public Transit Leads to Big Savings

2011-08-04T18:43:00.000-05:00

	City	Monthly	Annual
1	New York	$1,218	$14,618
2	Boston	$1,130	$13,559
3	San Francisco	$1,088	$13,060
4	Seattle	$995	$11,936
5	Chicago	$979	$11,744
6	Philadelphia	$976	$11,717
7	Honolulu	$939	$11,268
8	Los Angeles	$893	$ 10,712
9	Minneapolis	$890	$10,678
10	San Diego	$864	$10,369
11	Portland	$859	$10,312
12	Washington, D.C.	$861	$10,333
13	Denver	$857	$10,287
14	Baltimore	$843	$ 10,113
15	Cleveland	$828	$9,936
16	Miami	$802	$9,629
17	Dallas	$789	$9,472
18	Atlanta	$790	$9,480
19	Pittsburgh	$779	$9,347
20	Las Vegas	$763	$9,157

Flooding continues after heavy rains in Dubuque, surrounding areas | TheGazette

2011-07-28T23:36:00.000-05:00

Flooding continues after heavy rains in Dubuque, surrounding areas | TheGazette: "UPDATE: Storms dumped more than a foot of rain on parts of the Tri-States, flooding streets, homes and buildings, officials said Thursday."

Bombardier Receives Orders from CTA for 300 Additional Rapid Transit Cars

2011-07-20T19:55:00.000-05:00

Rail Network. Rail industry news, events, forum and networking - George's article - Bombardier Receives Orders from Chicago Transit Authority for 300 Additional Rapid Transit Cars: "These next-generation rapid transit cars (known as the 5000-Series) will be the first in CTA’s fleet to utilize alternating current (AC) propulsion, a technology that permits dynamic braking regeneration, lower energy and maintenance costs, and improved reliability. The new fleet of cars also will be equipped with an active suspension system to ensure that the car floor is level with the station platform during boarding, allowing passengers to board the train more easily. Other features of the new cars include greater capacity, better communications systems, increased security and real-time diagnostics to improve reliability. The 5000-Series cars are being built at Bombardier’s manufacturing plant in Plattsburgh, New York."

Climate Justice Now

2011-07-16T08:46:00.001-05:00

Chicago Public Transit: "Public transit is a solution for climate justice – meaning it advances a stable climate for all, especially those who are the least responsible and most affected by climate change.
We reject false solutions such as electric cars, which are likely to increase global emissions and dependence on toxic coal and will do nothing to reduce traffic or accidents."

The Financial Benefits of Living in Transit-Friendly, Walkable Areas - Richard Florida - Business - The Atlantic

2011-07-13T22:24:00.000-05:00

The Financial Benefits of Living in Transit-Friendly, Walkable Areas - Richard Florida - Business - The Atlantic: "The neighborhood you live in can have a huge effect on your ability to spend or save, do the kind of things you really want to, and navigate the ongoing economic crisis. The chart below, from a new report by The House Democratic Livable Communities Task Force (via Grist) shows the real financial consequences for American families that stem from living in three different kinds of neighborhoods."

Kansas City, Missouri, economy hamstrung by sprawl

2011-07-02T22:25:00.001-05:00

Tough to move forward with backward-thinking leaders - KansasCity.com: "According to Brookings, a Washington, D.C., think tank, only 18 percent of area jobs are within a 90-minute bus ride, compared to the national average of 30 percent. Only half of local residents are within three-fourths of a mile of a bus stop; nationally it’s 69 percent."

Chicago Public Transit

2011-06-27T20:16:00.000-05:00

Go Green | MTD

2011-06-21T20:09:00.000-05:00

Go Green | MTD: "Got 20 seconds? Look at the cars driving by you and count the number of passengers in each one. How many of these cars held just the driver? When people use public transportation, instead of a single-occupancy vehicle, it can become one of the largest positive contributions they make towards reducing their carbon footprint.
At MTD, every day is Earth Day. From our vehicles, to our maintenance garage, to Illinois Terminal, to our administrative offices, MTD is driven by going green. Our passion for sustainability is contagious…in a good way! MTD supports the use of alternative transportation modes by providing bike racks on each vehicle and bike lockers at Illinois Terminal. We’ve been leading a quiet revolution in the community with recycling programs, sustainability partnerships, hybrid buses, and more."

Floods threaten Nebraska nuclear plants - Washington Times

2011-06-20T19:48:00.000-05:00

Floods threaten Nebraska nuclear plants - Washington Times: "Two nuclear-power plants in Nebraska remain threatened by Missouri River flooding, including one plant where a fire briefly shut down a cooling system for spent fuel rods earlier this month."

Mass transit's time may have finally come | The Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

2011-06-14T20:00:00.000-05:00

Mass transit's time may have finally come | The Indianapolis Star | indystar.com: "'The last thing this city or state needs is another parking garage,' one reader wrote on IndyStar.com. 'How about some bike lanes, adequate sidewalks, and dependable and late-night bus service to the area from other parts of the city where there is plenty of parking.'

Yes, times and, more important, car-centric minds are changing in Indianapolis.

And starting today, the backers of a $2.4 billion transit plan will make an effort to capitalize on that shift."

Sprawl collapse continues...

2011-05-18T19:21:00.000-05:00

Real Estate Journal Online » Blog Archive » Gas Prices, Commute Times Top the List of Considerations for Home Buyers: "According to a Coldwell Banker survey, more homebuyers than ever are hoping to avoid road rage – and, more importantly, pain at the pump – by buying houses that are close to where they work or investing in a property with enough room for a home office to eliminate the commute all together[1]. Not only are gas prices, which recently hit $4.00 or more a gallon across the country, a huge concern for people buying homes, but they are also making current homeowners look twice at their current living situation. 93 percent of the people surveyed said that they would choose to live somewhere that allows for a closer commute to work if gas prices continue to rise, while 75 percent of real estate professionals reported that the recent spike in gas prices is already influencing where people choose to live."

Hultgren voted TWICE for oil subsidies and pretends not to know anything

2011-04-29T20:03:00.000-05:00

Free car with house purchase... the absurdity of sprawl just grows

2011-04-27T10:46:00.000-05:00

by Sarah Goodyear 26 Apr 2011 10:12 AM on GRIST

Desperate measures.My head nearly exploded at the breakfast table on Saturday morning.

I was reading a piece in The New York Times about an Illinois developer who has finally found a way to unload the new houses he has built some 50 miles from downtown Chicago, in a place he has seen fit to dub a "Village of Yesteryear."

When drastic price cuts weren't enough to entice buyers, he decided to throw in $17,000 cash toward the purchase of a car with every house.

Public Transit -- Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning

2011-04-23T10:51:00.000-05:00

Public Transit -- Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning: "Our region relies on its transit system, which benefits us all — not just the 2 million riders who commute each day by train or bus.
Public transportation keeps cars off the roads, reduces congestion for everyone who drives, and improves air quality for all. And the mobility enabled by transit helps our economy and quality of life, giving people more choices for getting around."

Time to fight back against KochBros

2011-04-13T19:36:00.001-05:00

[MN] Senate approves transit cuts | StarTribune.com

2011-04-05T18:59:00.000-05:00

In the face of world oil wars and climate change, the GOP, high on Koch, continues its attack on public transit.

Senate approves transit cuts | StarTribune.com: "The measure, approved 38-25, reduces spending on Twin Cities bus and rail operations by $32 million over two years.

The reduction by the GOP-led Senate is less severe than cuts favored by Republicans in a bill that passed the Minnesota House. The two bills will be reconciled in conference committees."

Chicago Public Transit

2011-03-02T20:33:00.000-06:00

Chicago Public Transit: "In Unity we have the strength to forge economic, environmental and social justice to overcome the barriers of poverty that surround us and build self-determination.
We work for justice at home and abroad, connecting our local struggle for democracy with the global one and live by the principle that, as working and poor people of color, we have the right to control our lives and resources."

The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round… | Brian's Blog

2011-02-10T18:49:00.000-06:00

The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round… | Brian's Blog: "It’s really convenient for me. Perhaps it’s not exactly that easy for others but again, check the route map and you’ll see that CityLink travels throughout Peoria and the surrounding areas. The frequency of the buses is pretty impressive too."

Free Bus Ride For UNO Students

2011-02-08T18:22:00.000-06:00

Free Bus Ride For UNO Students: "University of Nebraska at Omaha students will be offered a free bus ride. the idea is to help fight overcrowding in the schools' parking lots."

Egypt: 30 years of brutality to insure cheap oil to be wasted in traffic jams

2011-01-29T22:10:00.000-06:00

As many as 2,000 in Chicago protest for democracy in Egypt - Chicago Sun-Times
As many as 2,000 in Chicago protest for democracy in Egypt - Chicago Sun-Times: "They came from as far as Iowa, Indiana and Wisconsin — as well as from all over the Chicago area — to call for Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to step down after 30 years in power and to open his country to Democratic reforms including free elections and a new Constitution."

Politicians obey oil-industry gag order on #transit advocacy

2011-01-23T22:41:00.000-06:00

As this article in the Tribune shows, since the hysterical political attack on Blagojevich by the oil and sprawl industry, and the advent of raging oil-tea-party loonies, a gag-order is in place against transit advocacy by high-profile personalities.

Transit is a sleeper issue in race for Chicago mayor - chicagotribune.com: "The candidates in the Chicago mayoral race talk a lot about jobs, crime, education and city finances, sometimes doing so while shaking hands with potential voters at CTA rail stations.

Yet with the Feb. 22 election coming up, none of the candidates has had much to say about transportation,"

RTA Spends $200,000 on Study to Find Out If Seniors Use Public Transit

2011-01-01T14:43:00.000-06:00

Citizens Taking Action: "'Cost of Free Senior Fare' per the RTA
Remember, no new drivers or vehicles are added."

The RTA revealed on Monday, at a meeting of Citizens Taking Action, an organization comprised of transit dependent riders, that it had hired the University of Illinois to conduct a $200,000 study to learn if senior citizens use public transit. The results indicated that only about 5 out of every 100 riders is a senior, and that 75% of seniors use public transit during the off-peak or mid-day period of operations.
Charles Paidock, Secretary of the group, said that: “We had voiced concerns before with the RTA Chief regarding the seemingly countless number of studies, but this is by far the silliest. I said we need buses and trains, not more studies. Now we know that little old ladies go out on occasion to buy a quart of milk. We could have told them that for free. They’re just digging for reasons to eliminate the free senior fare provision, using money which would be better spent elsewhere.”

Congressional oil-trolls plan attack on public transit

2010-11-30T17:31:00.000-06:00

A New Political Reality Settling in for National Transportation Financing « The Transport Politic: "Tanya Snyder of Streetsblog Capitol Hill broke the news last Friday that House Republicans are planning to push to “stabilize” the Highway Trust Fund by cutting back expenditures to meet revenues without raising any taxes in the process. The result would be a large decrease in overall federal transportation funding — a potential reduction in spending by $7 to 8 billion a year from around $50 billion today. According to Snyder’s sources, transit financing would be hit especially hard, seeing its annual appropriation cut from $8 billion to $5 billion."

Of course, banksters will still get their quantitative-easing and bailouts, and energy wars will get a blank check. And they will put the highway money back at the last minute by "popular" demand. There will be calls for more toll roads. The auto-system is just not working and the public purse is empty. The best thing to do would be to put more money into transit which would make the energy wars unnecessary and reduce pollution, medical costs, congestion, parking problems, drainage problems, etc, etc.

What happens when you threaten oil profits

2010-09-27T20:10:00.000-05:00

(article accompanied by a huge shell ad)
Federal prosecutors should not retry Rod Blagojevich: "Mr. Fitzgerald brought unlimited resources and the power of the federal government to the case against Mr. Blagojevich. The charges included racketeering, bribery, conspiracy, extortion and making false statements. He was accused of exchanging state contracts for campaign donations. The most explosive accusation was that Mr. Blagojevich was trying to sell his ability to appoint someone to fill President Obama's former Senate seat. The charges against him were enough to get him impeached and removed from office in January 2009."

We don’t need better cars, we need less cars.

2010-09-13T18:50:00.001-05:00

Streetsblog.net � Our Car-Based Environments Are Making Us Sick: "I’ve been saying this for a long time, and it’s funny how few people take it seriously. They think, “Nah, you just have to go to the gym more.” The problem is: there are more gyms than ever, and we are more obese than ever! And that’s because humans (generally-speaking, not that there aren’t exceptions here and there) will never get enough exercise if they have to seek it out explicitly. It’s simply not fun enough for the average person to rely on solely that to burn enough energy. Instead, we are meant to get exercise *while* doing other things, eg, riding our bike or walking to get somewhere, taking the stairs instead of the elevator (by the way, it drives me nut that public buildings like hotels make the elevators center stage and the stairs are in some dank, poorly designed and non-welcoming back area … why aren’t the stairs done nicely right in the middle of everything and the elevator in the back?), carrying something instead of throwing it in the car, etc. Sure, our crappy diets of processed, carb- and fat-loaded foods is part of the problem as well, but only when we build exercise into our day-to-day lives of getting around and doing things will we find balance.

People need to realize that the problem with cars isn’t just the fuel they burn and the pollution they create. It’s also the laziness they cause and how they dehumanize us be allowing us to hide anonymously behind a hulking piece of steel rather than deal with (and hence empathizing with) each other. That’s also why electric cars, though progress in some sense (they are more efficient), really do nothing to solve the real problem with cars. We don’t need better cars, we need less cars. We need to take back out cities from cars and design them around people. Both our health and that of the environment will improve massively as soon as we do that."

jd commenting on Streetsblog

Senate hopefuls see need for transit but, after Blago, will not offend oil industry

2010-08-28T18:09:00.001-05:00

Daily Herald | Senate hopefuls agree on transit needs, disagree on funding: "The two men who want to be Illinois' next U.S. senator both say improving public transportation for suburban residents is a top priority, though they have different ideas about how to implement and pay for some major projects.

'Talking with residents of the collar counties, one of their main complaints is sitting in traffic, wasting their time,' Chicago Democrat Alexi Giannoulias said."

Disabled Veterans Ride Free in Superior Wisconsin

2010-08-25T07:24:00.000-05:00

DULUTH, MINN. -- Minnesota provides Disabled Vets with free public transportation on DTA buses and now Superior Wisconsin will follow suit. NorthlandNewsCenter

Cars are literally killing us

2010-08-12T08:04:00.000-05:00

A new report , released by the American Public Transportation Association, which surveys current research has found that people who live in communities with high-quality public transportation drive less, exercise more, live longer, and are generally healthier than residents of communities that lack quality public transit.

Evaluating Public Transportation Health Benefits, a study conducted for APTA by Todd Litman of the Victoria Transport Policy Institute aggregates the findings of several recent studies and concludes that people living in transit-oriented "smart growth" communities enjoy several health benefits, not seen in other communities, including residents drive less, exposing them to a lower risk of fatal vehicle accidents.

Such communities also have less pollution, because public transportation produces far less emissions per passenger mile than private automobiles. In addition, people who live near quality public transit are more likely to undertake regular physical activity than residents of automobile-dependent communities. APTA

Congress intimidated by Foxxil Fuel News

2010-07-30T12:39:00.000-05:00

...Almost no one noticed last week when the Senate pulled the plug on the comprehensive energy/climate bill. (Overshadowed, perhaps, by the Lindsay Lohan thing.) Congress is so afraid of clamping down on climate-changing pollution and so fearful of cleaner alternatives that killing the bill wasn't quite enough; now some members are trying to strip the Environmental Protection Agency of its limited administrative powers to cut carbon emissions on its own.
The only conclusion to draw is that we're in love with our addiction to fossil fuels. We cherish our roles as stooges for the coal barons, the oil tycoons and the mullahs. We're happy to send kids to fight and die in faraway wars to protect our right to drive to the mall anytime we want for a reasonable price. And we don't mind pushing the consequences of our addiction to future generations.... Minnesota Post

The hotter it gets, the faster it gets hot

2010-07-21T18:31:00.000-05:00

Dropping the ball on global warming - Global warming - Salon.com: "But there's no doubt that high temperatures translate immediately into increased burning of fossil fuels -- and, inevitably, increased concentrations of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. This year is on track to be one of the hottest years in the historical record. If fossil fuel consumption is contributing to a warmer world, then our efforts to cool ourselves are only going to make matters worse."

Heartland Community College OKs free bus plan

2010-07-21T04:30:00.000-05:00

HCC OKs free bus plan: "NORMAL -- A plan to allow Heartland Community College students and employees to ride city buses for free was approved by the college's board of trustees Tuesday night,"

The commuting paradox

2010-07-12T10:31:00.000-05:00

I live in Chicago. At least 10 people have recommended I get a car and move out of the city. Why the hell would I do that? Besides the costs of having a car, it makes no sense to suffer the commute. I enjoy reading on the bus/train and people watching. Not to mention that public transportation is safer. Read more on Simoleon Sense

Downtown Trolley Free for One Year | METRO Transit Providing Central Oklahoma Transportation & Bus Service Options

2010-07-08T16:37:00.000-05:00

Downtown Trolley Free for One Year | METRO Transit Providing Central Oklahoma Transportation & Bus Service Options: "OKLAHOMA CITY – With an estimated 50,0001 people expected in downtown Oklahoma City this upcoming Fourth of July weekend, people in downtown can take advantage of free public transportation thanks to a new year-long sponsorship.

The Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority recently announced that beginning July 1, downtown Oklahoma City trolleys will be free to ride for one year thanks to a sponsorship by Platt College.

“With a higher than average number of people in downtown over the July fourth weekend, this was perfect timing to launch the free downtown trolley rides and a great time for people who have never ridden the trolley to try it at no cost,” said Rick Cain, administrator of COTPA and director of public transportation and parking for the City of Oklahoma City."

Aviva employees to get free bus rides on DART | Des Moines Register Staff Blogs

2010-07-06T19:35:00.000-05:00

Aviva employees to get free bus rides on DART | Des Moines Register Staff Blogs: "Aviva USA has enrolled in the Unlimited Access program of the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART), allowing Aviva’s employees to now ride DART free of charge any time the service is in operation – including after work hours and on weekends. Employees need only show their Aviva identification badge to a DART operator and they can board the bus at no cost.

“We’re very excited about offering our employees a free public transportation option,” said Chris Littlefield, president and CEO of Aviva USA. “Our employees save money, DART gains increased ridership and the community benefits from reduced traffic congestion and carbon emissions.� This is another example of Aviva’s strong commitment to our people, our community and the environment.”"

Car dependent? Expect war without end

2010-06-22T11:08:00.000-05:00

Pakistani PM ignores US warning on Iran gas deal
By SEBASTIAN ABBOT (AP) – 2 hours ago

ISLAMABAD — Defying a warning from Washington, Pakistan's prime minister promised Tuesday to go ahead with a plan to import natural gas from Iran even if the U.S. levies additional sanctions against the Mideast country....AP

Rome is burning and Illinois Senate in on Blago Watch

2010-05-06T15:25:00.002-05:00

Oil burns in the Gulf; commuters languish in gridlock; Wall Street wobbles; and high unemployment reigns. In response the Illinois media is busy conducting a "Blago Watch" and the Illinois Senate is busy protecting taxpayers from the masses of wealthy elderly transit riders. Apparently there are thousands of millionaire senior citizens crowding the buses in Illinois to get free rides.

Why are they making such an effort to get a few seniors back on the roads? They have to prove to their fossil-fuel/autosprawl masters that they will be good trolls and do whatever possible to crush public transit. Pathetic.

Images of disappearing glaciers

2010-04-12T19:13:00.002-05:00

Left: Summer 1938. Right: Summer 2005. (Photo: U.S. Geological Survey)
Grinnell Glacier, Glacier National Park, MontanaThese photos accurately reflect what is happening at Grinnell Glacier, which has been reduced by nearly 90 percent over the past century, and elsewhere in Glacier National Park, according to glaciologists. “When Glacier National Park was formed back in 1912 there were 100 glaciers in the park,” says Lonnie Thompson, a professor at the Ohio State University. “This year there are 26 glaciers, and those are expected to disappear within the next 30 years.”
More images on YahooNews

Let us stop subsidizing death

2010-03-28T20:04:00.000-05:00

WKRG.com News

The private auto system kills and maims our loved ones. Yet we throw billions of dollars at it every year to keep it going. We are now even printing money to keep up with the infrastructure costs. Let's stop.

Quincy to keep free transit for seniors

2010-03-14T21:33:00.000-05:00

The city of Quincy will probably keep providing free bus rides to seniors even if the Illinois General Assembly passes legislation to end the statewide practice of granting free public transportation to the elderly.
..."When we decided to follow the lead of the state, it turned out to be easier for us because we didn't have to worry about issuing yearly passes to seniors anymore," Spring said.
"So from our perspective it's been a good thing for our community. We haven't had a great loss of income at all from it. At this point, my recommendation would be to continue that for our seniors...."
Edward Husar Quincy Herald-Whig

Another conservative breaks free from the highway lobby

2010-03-12T15:08:00.001-06:00

“For the 101st time: sprawl — an umbrella term for the pattern of development seen virtually everywhere in the United States — is not caused by the free market. It is, rather, mandated by a vast and seemingly intractable network of government regulations, from zoning laws and building codes to street design regulations. If [nominally libertarian newsman John] Stossel wants to expand Americans’ lifestyle choices, he should attack the very thing he was defending, namely, suburban sprawl.

-- Austin Bramwell, in The American Conservative pasted here from NRDC Switchboard

Why can't autosprawl operate as a business?

2010-03-10T21:14:00.000-06:00

... Many rural lawmakers would happily see urban transit systems dry up and blow away. The common cry from the transit doubters is the same today as it's always been: Why can't the MTA operate as a business?

The problem with this thinking is that it recognizes the costs of transit services but not their value. The MTA's fare box recovery rate may be hovering around 30 percent, but that doesn't mean it's inefficient. Roads are heavily subsidized by tax dollars, too, as is every form of transportation, yet nobody talks of the state highway or airport "business model."

Transit connects people to jobs and gets them off government subsidies. It reduces traffic congestion and the need to build massively expensive new highways. It uses energy more efficiently, causes fewer pollutants to be spewed into the environment and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Why spend taxpayers' money on transit? Ultimately, for only one reason: because it's in their interests.

If the MTA can be more efficient, we're all for it. Still, the question the MTA ought to be asking itself is this: What can we do to attract more customers?... BaltimoreSun

The Urbanophile speaks up for free public transit

2010-03-08T19:55:00.000-06:00

...Why have a fare in the first place? It is odd that we pay per use on transit. We don’t pay to check books out of a library. We don’t pay to visit most city parks. We don’t pay when the police or fire department come to our house for a legitimate emergency. Most non-utility municipal services are provided for free to users and funded by taxes. So why is transit different?... Urbanophile

Free Public Transport - It works

2010-02-18T21:49:00.000-06:00

Free public transport @ Yahoo!7 Video

Wired Magazine - "The logic of free public transit is compelling"

2010-01-21T22:30:00.002-06:00

The logic of free public transit is compelling: Despite the high costs and massive subsidies implicit in driving, forking over a relatively small fee to ride a bus or subway is a psychological barrier to getting people out of cars. Even the most efficiently run buses can be crowded and slow, but by running at frequent intervals on dedicated lanes between fixed stops — as the Circulator does — delays can be kept to a minimum. The bus might not stop next to, or even near, every rider’s point of origin or destination, but it ensures a measure of proximity for most riders. Rare indeed is the mass transit system that shoulders its own financial burden, and the free bus systems that last generally have dedicated sources of income aside from direct subsidies. Baltimore’s system is financed by a 16 percent tax on parking, which will raise about $5 million annually.

Read More http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/01/circulator-brings-free-transit-to-baltimore/#ixzz0dJQBcwlT

Metra fare increases are a step in the wrong direction

2010-01-15T10:01:00.002-06:00

...the RTA's MagicCard which gives seniors free travel on the CTA, Metra and Pace all 24/7.
Despite efforts in Springfield to limit or eliminate this program last fall, it survives for all of us over 65. I'm a firm proponent of subsidized transit for everyone, paid for by much higher GAS TAXES. So rather than eliminate the MagicCard, I hope free subsidized transit someday becomes available for all, as a step toward combating Global Warming, the US's massive balance-of-trade deficit, the destruction of our urban neighborhoods, and the country's increasing class segregation and sprawl, all made possible by the car. Next month's fare increases are ridiculous wrong-way legislation. Comment by Clark on ChainLink discussion of Metra Fare increase

Stop the subsidy, the system doesn't work

2010-01-13T08:25:00.000-06:00

The autosprawl system just DOES NOT WORK. Let's face it. We have tried everything. Look at the Tri-State, we have filled in thousands of acres of farmland with cement and we still have gridlock and mayhem. Now we are trying traffic enforcement by camera. The money changing hands is just more out the pocket of the public to support the profits of the fossil-fuel and auto companies. Public money for private profit is subsidy. Let's put an end to it.

...For example, in Roselle where two cameras are up at Lake Street and Gary Avenue, nearly $298,900 in fines was collected over nine months. Of that, $117,333 went to the camera company, RedSpeed, according to information culled from Freedom of Information requests by the Daily Herald as part of its Seeing Red investigative series.... DailyHerald

What is a good transit system?

2009-12-27T22:31:00.004-06:00

1.A Good Transit System has Frequent and Convenient Transportation for all.

2.A Good Transit System Helps Strengthen the Community.

3.A Good Transit System Helps Encourages People to Leave Vehicles at Home and Help out our Environment.

4.A Good Transit System Helps Individual's become More Physically Fit.

5.A Good Transit System Helps Reduce Traffic Grid Lock.

6A Good Transit System Helps Reduce the COST and NEED for PARATRANSIT.

7.A Good Transit System Helps Reduce Road Construction.

8.A Good Transit System has Free Public Transit.

9.A Good Transit System works on Barrier Free, Benches and Shelters.

10.A Good Transit System Treats their Employees with Respect.

from Catmeow Transit - Salt Lake City

Do you feel crowded?

2009-12-12T18:59:00.001-06:00

ATU Leader advocates free public transit

2009-12-04T20:59:00.005-06:00

...This is a model that Kelly says he’d like to see instituted full-time, as well. Members of ATU 308 would prefer to see a “no fare” system for CTA, Metra and Pace, where the systems would instead be entirely funded exclusively from dedicated long-term sources of revenue, he said.... chicagocurrent.com

Protesters picket Chicago Transit Authority board meeting

2009-11-17T19:54:00.000-06:00

The demonstration was organized by NoCTACuts.org, ctariders.org and Little Village Environmental Justice Organization. Protesters yelled chants demanding that the board members step down and that the layoffs and cutbacks be stopped. Seniors at the protest also stood up to demand that the free rides for seniors program remain in place, a policy that has been targeted by lawmakers for elimination. Party for Socialism and Liberation

Greenland ice melt accelerating

2009-11-13T08:08:00.000-06:00

"It does show that the [ice loss] trend has accelerated, and the reported contribution to sea level rise also shows a significant acceleration - so if you multiply these numbers up it puts us well beyond the IPCC estimates for 2100." BBC

The cost of autosprawl: coal externalities

2009-11-09T14:38:00.001-06:00

The subsidy of autosprawl is broad and deep. It is much more than direct taxpayer handouts, "cash for clunkers", $30 billion in road stimulus money...etc. The costs of fossil fuels, the auto, and sprawl are very high, but the prices have been kept low. The difference is externalized costs - a subsidy by force. Here are some of the costs of coal that the builders of car-only-accessible, spread-out, individually-heated-and-cooled, taxpayer-bank-bailed-out homes do not have to pay:

Tales of damaged homes, of contaminated water supplies, of divided families and communities. Accounts of severe flooding, of sludge and coal ash spills, of alarming asthma and cancer rates.
These stories represent the true costs of coal being paid by the citizens of Kentucky—indeed, by all of us gathered here, regardless of region—a price due in large part to mountaintop removal mining. Jason Howard-On the Margins

Transit fares are a direct, regressive tax on the poor

2009-11-05T08:58:00.000-06:00

I have been advocating free public transit for more than a decade, as one of the original organizers of Citizens Taking Action - for transit dependent riders. http://www.ctariders.org/ We have been doing a survey of transit fares in 25 major metropolitan areas for a number of years. I testified before the IL House Transportation Committee in favor of adoption of this policy for senior citizens. Chicago has always ranked as first or second for having the highest transit fares in the country.
Fare free pubic transit already exists in numerous locations in some fashion. Transit fares are a direct, regressive tax on the poor. The collection of fares is an anachronism leftover from the days when transit systems were private concerns, prior to CTA being formed in 1947, and not municipal entities. At one time CTA had, if I recollect correctly, as many as 18 different categories of riders, and it obviously got too cumbersome to administer. Some of the state legislators not only wanted to exclude the millionaires people keep complaining about, but every senior who was not penniless.
When one considers the difference between peak and off-peak transit services, a valid argument is made that seniors have been cheated over the years. A common complaint was that buses and trains sometimes had few riders, so when there is a way to correct this, everyone it seems is opposed to it.
One could also say that the rush hour riders have already paid for the system, and seniors riding in the middle of the day cost nothing.
For years I was a public librarian, and never asked a patron how much money they had in order to borrow a book.
The topic of how transit is funded is a detailed topic, and a bit more than I need to get into here. It's a little discouraging when 10x more is spent for highways, and transit goes begging.... Charles Paidock at blogs-SunTimes

"You have to care about getting people where they're going."

2009-11-04T22:55:00.002-06:00

Public transit has been neglected for years. Service is poor, funding is erratic, management subject to politics. Why is the public investment so neglected? The answer is: many firms profit from the auto and sprawl, they use their influence in government to make sure that public transit does not work as a transport system. At a CTA hearing the people's anger spilled out:

But many complained the CTA itself is a sinkhole prone to frequent fare raises and endless budget crises. The very first speaker, a bus driver and representative of the bus drivers' union, drove home that point by noting in the last 25 years his union has given back over $220 million in wage and benefit gains and yet the CTA, which just two years ago threatened to close down, is once again in crisis.
"You never talk to us," he noted. "You never come and listen to our suggestions, how we can make this(the transit system) work for all the people. You have to love this job. You have to care about getting people where they're going." Examiner.com

They don't talk to you because their job is not to provide transportation, but to make sure that the CTA does not cut into auto, sprawl, or fossil-fuel profits.