Recent Streetsblog USA posts about Streetsblog Capitol Hill

New Report Examines the Media’s Role in the Gas Tax Debate

By Elana Schor | May 26, 2010 | 6 Comments

(Chart: University of Vermont Transportation Research Center) The success of state-level plans to increase gas taxes is tied to the media’s portrayal of the proposals in question, with narratives tied to "crumbling infrastructure" and "economic progress" showing more success than those emphasizing long-term transportation budget gaps, according to a new report released by the University […]

Eight Senate Dems Offer $2B Plan for Emergency Transit Operating Aid

By Elana Schor | May 25, 2010 | 6 Comments

Transit agencies forced to raise fares or cut service to close budget gaps would be eligible for $2 billion in emergency operating funds under legislation unveiled today by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd (D-CT) and seven other Democratic senators, including two members of the party’s leadership. Sens. Chris Dodd (D-CT), left, Charles Schumer (D-NY), […]

Tracing the Fault Lines Between Public and Private Transit Operators

By Elana Schor | May 25, 2010 | 7 Comments

Should private transit companies enjoy the same federal gas tax exemption that many public operators receive? How does the existence of private inter-city bus service affect the government’s development of new high-speed rail lines? And does it matter that private transit firms are eligible for public subsidies, even if at a much smaller rate than […]

Feds to Start Scoring Transportation Potential of Housing Grant Applicants

By Elana Schor | May 24, 2010 | 2 Comments

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan said late Friday that his agency will soon start gauging the "location efficiency" of its grant applicants, determining each project’s potential for connecting residents to surrounding neighborhoods — and mirroring the recommendations of a recent report that found a correlation between homeowners’ foreclosure risk and their dependence […]

On Bike to Work Day, U.S. DOT and Cycling Advocates Eye New Moves

By Elana Schor | May 21, 2010 | 5 Comments

In addition to the announcement of a new local bike-share system, today’s D.C. Bike to Work Day found both the U.S. DOT and the nation’s leading bike advocacy groups positioning themselves to claim new victories for cyclists in the coming days. FTA chief Peter Rogoff addressing cyclists at this morning’s Bike to Work Day events. […]

Blumenauer to Celebrate Bike to Work Day Despite Delay in PA Ave. Lane

By Elana Schor | May 20, 2010 | 2 Comments

Several of the capital’s most famous cyclists will be on hand tomorrow to help Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), founder of the Congressional Bike Caucus, celebrate the local Bike to Work Day — an event that was originally set to mark the unveiling of the new Pennsylvania Avenue bike lane, which was delayed by city officials […]

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