Experts and advocates say the proposal doesn't offer protection for New Jersey Transit and its sister commuter lines in the event that a private operator hikes track rates and fees, which would result in higher fares.
Officials hope to jump-start construction of the planned $18 billion line, which is slated to be open for the 2016 Olympic Games to be hosted by the country.
The group, reacting to the July 3 shooting of a 45-year-old transient, caused major delays for three hours and the closure of three stations during the Monday evening rush hour. No one was injured or arrested, and service was restored by dusk.
MBTA hopes to raise revenue to fill a projected $150 million budget gap for the 2013 fiscal year.
Signed legislation requiring area transit agencies to come up with a universal fare card by 2015. The concept has been in discussion for several years. However, transit experts cite obstacles, including ever-changing ticket technology and Metra’s fare structure.
At lowest levels since the CVSA's commercial vehicle safety enforcement campaign, Roadcheck began in 1988. Inspections of passenger vehicles found a compliance rate of 91.3 percent in 2011 versus 91.0 percent in 2010. The motorcoach driver compliance rate was 97.4 percent; in 2010 it was 96.4 percent.
Two pilot projects measured the effect of increased law enforcement coupled with high-profile public education campaigns. In Syracuse, N.Y., because of high-visibility enforcement, both handheld cell phone use and texting behind the wheel declined by one-third. In Hartford, Conn., there was a 57 percent drop in handheld use and texting behind the wheel dropped by nearly three-quarters.
MTA App Quest challenges tech developers to create software applications that increase access to information and improve the travel experience for customers of New York's public transit system. The winning app developer will receive $5,000. Smaller cash prizes will go to the developers of apps that are judged to do the most to help transit riders and deemed most popular by the public.