Public Transit

N.Y. governor sends National Guard troops into subway to tackle the “psychology of crime”

The New York governor's supporters say the specter of National Guard troops checking bags will make New Yorkers feel safer, but activists say it’s just a militarized version of stop-and-frisk.

No fare! Free bus rides raise questions of fairness, viability.

The strategy is especially helpful to lower-paid workers, but it might not be sustainable.

As pandemic aid winds down, states scramble to fill gaps

COVID-19 left a lasting mark on a few sectors, with schools, public transit and child care providers facing fiscal cliffs as federal funding dries up. State legislators, many already grappling with shortfalls, are looking for solutions.

Local transit agencies mimicking Uber and Lyft are seeing big ridership gains

Connect is so popular that it’s having trouble keeping up with demand, even as the Minnesota legislature allocated over $9 million last year to build out Connect and similar systems statewide.

What kind of transportation future do we want?

COMMENTARY | Autonomous vehicles should be thoughtfully integrated into a balanced transportation system that also accommodates pedestrians, transit riders and cyclists.

Transit agencies scramble to piece together funding as ‘fiscal cliff’ looms

Ridership in San Francisco and New York remains below pre-pandemic levels. As the end of federal aid nears, these agencies are racing to shore up funding.

Infrastructure funding is bringing zero-emission buses to communities that need them most

The awards have already added 1,800 no-emission buses to the nation’s roadways, more than doubling the number of such vehicles in use.

Public transit systems remain vulnerable to cyber threats

Despite repeated warnings, a report on Washington, D.C.’s transit authority finds it is still at risk of a cyberattack. Its issues aren’t unique, though, and experts warn that public transportation at-large is vulnerable unless leaders act.

We’re going to Miami. Join us to learn what’s new in state and local technology.

Our annual Tech Summit is June 26-27. Come hear how local leaders from across the country are using technology to address the biggest issues facing communities.

Virginia Gives Its Transit Agencies Access to Planning Software

The software helps agencies find gaps in their transportation networks and understand where service can be added or refined. It can also analyze demographic data to ensure that service is as equitable as possible. 

Debt Limit Talks Dim Prospects for Addressing Nation’s Housing Crisis

The president has proposed freezing spending, which could impact additional funding for housing, public health and transit projects.

City Greenlights Autonomous Vehicle Testing for Public Transit

Phoenix wants AV providers to test automated driving systems to help it make decisions about future public transit.

Congestion Pricing in Manhattan Clears Federal Hurdle

The city still has to determine the details before New York becomes the first American city to charge for the right to drive on certain roads.

Low-Cost, High-Quality Public Transportation Will Serve the Public Better Than Free Rides

COMMENTARY | Everyone likes getting something for nothing, but history shows why the math behind free public transit doesn’t add up.

Why the Humble City Bus is the Key to Improving US Public Transit

COMMENTARY | High-quality bus service is the fastest route to rapid, comprehensive public transit in the United States. This country was once a leader in bus transit, and with adequate funding, it could be again.

‘Ghost Buses’ Haunt Transit Agencies and Frustrate Riders

Transit agencies should release canceled or delayed bus data to the public to avoid unhappy travelers, experts say.

Over $1 Billion Now Available to Convert Bus Fleets to Cleaner Fuels

Purchases of electric and hydrogen-powered buses are among the projects eligible for a new round of federal grants.

New Federal Cash Headed to Trail Projects Nationwide

Some of the money is from earmarks included in a recent federal spending package. The funding comes as bike and pedestrian trail use has been on the rise.

City Bus Reliability Picks Up With Automatic Vehicle Location Tech

Real-time location data increases the efficiency of bus operations and boosts rider trust.

Ridership Trends Emerge From Transit Data Archive

The nation’s local transit data now sits in a centralized archive, giving officials an understanding of how communities use transportation systems.