New Transit-Funding Rules Make Streetcars More Desirable

[SpartanDem]

Source: WSJ

WASHINGTON—The Obama administration said it was revamping rules on federal transit funding to funnel more of the money to streetcars, bus routes and other projects that promote "livability."

The new policy announced Wednesday, part of a broader effort by the Obama administration to use transportation and housing programs to reduce driving, contain sprawl and create transit-related jobs, could lift the fortunes of makers of light-rail and other transit equipment sold to states and cities.

Among more than 80 cities that could now qualify for funding are Seattle; Cincinnati; Boise, Idaho; and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., said Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D., Ore.), who led the push for a federal program designed to promote transit projects. Transit-industry officials said many projects had been stymied by a Bush administration policy requiring the government to evaluate projects based largely on reducing commuting times at the lowest possible expense.

HNTB Corp., an infrastructure firm that serves federal, state, and other clients, is working on a commuter-rail project in Indianapolis that could benefit from the change, said Liz Rao, the firm's national public-transit services chairwoman.


Read more: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704675104575001560050211080.html

[left coaster]

1. STELLA!!!!! nt

[Captain Hilts]

2. Yeah Yeah YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[maxsolomon]

3. CINCINNATI?

hell must be freezing over. way to go, Earl!

[TrogL]

4. We just got rid of our trollies

We're expanding our LRT and moving towards hybrid buses.

[Captain Hilts]

5. People who have a choice of driving or taking the bus, will not take the bus. nt