New York State County Highway Superintendents Association News & Views
 

Tuesday,  August 7, 2018

NYS Transit Industry News

In Buffalo, Public Transportation Is Everyone’s Business 

Go Buffalo Niagara, a Transportation Management Association serving Erie and Niagara Counties, has launched a business membership program which encourages people to commute without a car. Walking, biking – and especially Metro bus or Metro Rail – are the kinds of alternatives that help people, and our community, in multiple ways.

“In Buffalo, the average commuter wastes 40 hours per year in peak-hour congestion, given that 82 percent of people in our region get to work by driving alone,” said Kelly Dixon, Principal Planner for the Greater Buffalo Niagara Regional Transportation Council. Fewer cars on the road means less congestion for everyone; if it is your car, that means more time for you. Reading, resting – transit can be a real asset.

Visit the GO Buffalo Niagara website to view the business memberships available.

Enter the 2018 RTAP Website Contest 

Is your website a winner? Then submit it to the 2018 National RTAP Website Contest! You will have the opportunity to win prizes and your website can be shared as an example to help other agencies just getting started with their online presence. 

There have been had photo contests, marketing brochure contests, and this year National RTAP is holding a contest to discover the top rural transit agency websites. They're collecting submissions from rural and tribal transit agency websites that contain useful information, are user-friendly, and look fabulous!

 

Got Job Postings? Bid Opportunities? 

Send them our way! NYPTA is happy to post members' employment openings or bid opportunities at www.nytransit.org at no cost. Simply email the information to info@nytransit.org, and we'll take care of the rest.

State Government Affairs

Governor Cuomo Threatens Legal Action if Trump  Implements Proposal to Weaken Emissions Standards

In a statement issued August 2, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said, "By rolling back emissions and fuel economy standards that auto manufacturers have been successfully implementing for nearly a decade, the Trump Administration is turning a blind eye to technological development and embracing the return of the smog-filled skies of the 60s and 70s. Once again, this administration is putting fossil fuel industry profits ahead of the health and welfare of Americans.

"While Washington, D.C., is locking in yesterday's gas-guzzling technology, New York is investing in the future. We are transitioning to a cleaner and more dynamic transportation system that taps into American-made technology and innovation and will protect against a changing climate.

"In New York, we will resist the Trump administration's attempt to roll back our progress and block our right to require manufacturers sell Zero Emissions Vehicles. We stand with California and other states against the EPA's irresponsible attacks on our right to enforce critical emissions standards. And if the President implements this egregious proposal, we will pursue all legal means to protect our economy, our air quality and our children's future."

 

 

Federal Developments

State of Available Funds

In the recently passed Omnibus funding bill, Congress provided historic levels of funding for infrastructure investments across America. As the Department releases these funds, the Department is committed to a responsible, expeditious, and transparent process that prioritizes safety.

Following is a summary of funding currently and recently made available for application. Please encourage interested localities to assess the criteria and apply quickly to take advantage of these opportunities.

Around the Country

Changes to BOLT Transit Aimed at Offering More
In-depth Service

The Town of Blackfalds, AB, is making some updates to its BOLT Service to better service overall user’s needs. The changes will be effective September 1.  

With continued growth, the Town is always looking at its services and will update based on use and feedback to ensure it is meeting the needs of residents.

After reviewing the current ridership numbers, BOLT is making changes to both routes and times for this service. The Town, working with the City of Lacombe, has received feedback from numerous stakeholders and riders over the past couple years asking for enhanced evening service.

 

Miami Uber Drivers May Rely on the Ride-share Service for More than Half Their Income

The next time you take an Uber in Miami, you might want to keep this in mind: Most of your driver's livelihood may be dependent on the service.

A third-party study issued by the rideshare giant Thursday shows Miami drivers took in $929 million in combined annual income from Uber and any other earnings source they may have. The study only measured drivers picking up passengers, and covered a 12-month period from mid-2016 to mid-2017.

 

FALL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHT

First and Last Mile Mobility:
Emerging TNC Partnerships with Transit Operators

Presented by Naomi Klein, Director, and Craig Lader, Principal Planner, Westchester County DPW

This session will be an overview of the emerging partnerships between transit agencies, municipalities, how transportation network companies help overcome gaps in first mile/last mile connectivity, and the barriers to implementing such partnerships.

Join us at the Albany Marriott October 23-25 for professional growth, networking, and a conference experience you just can't get anywhere else. 

Register here today and see what the 2018 Public Transit and The Mobility Movement Conference can offer you! Register by September 14 and save $100. 

 

 
 
 
Facebook Twitter Linkedin

New York Public Transit
Association Headquarters

136 Everett Road
Albany, NY 12205
United States

Ph: 518-434-9060 | 518-426-7092
info@nytransit.org | www.nytransit.org

Subscribe | Unsubscribe | Opt out of all mailings