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.
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.
"It will severely curtail the purchase of new buses and trains, reduce critical maintenance and safety programs, and could cut operating funds for transit systems in small communities and rural areas," said APTA President William Millar.
Six-year transportation reauthorization bill proposal calls for spending $230 billion. Proposed spending level would cause cuts in funding to states for road and bridge programs, prompting massive job losses and further deterioration of infrastructure, critics warn.