The recession could be called an “equal opportunity employer,” in that it has affected every industry in the United States, including public transportation. According to a new APTA survey, Impacts of the Recession on Public Transportation Agencies, 84 percent of U.S. public transportation agencies have raised their fares, cut service, or considered either of these actions since Jan. 1, 2009—a direct result of declining revenues. [More]

By a measure of 63 percent in favor to 37 percent opposed, voters in St. Louis County, MO, demonstrated their support for public transportation April 6 by approving a half-cent sales tax to support the Metro transit system. The measure, known as Proposition A, will help Metro reverse service cuts and, later, will support MetroLink light rail expansion and operations. [More]

In addition to a letter signed by APTA and 27 other organizations regarding transportation and climate legislation, two other groups have sent letters on the issue to Sens. John Kerry (D-MA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) regarding their climate change legislation. Both letters state the need for transportation investment in a climate bill while also emphasizing the importance of “green” transportation investments. [More]

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced April 5 that national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges in 20 states will receive $24.8 million in federal funding through the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program to implement public transportation within the facilities. [More]

Only two in five American communities—or 39 percent—can be termed affordable for typical households when their transportation costs are considered along with housing costs, according to a new analysis by the Chicago-based Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT). [More]

The Southern California Regional Rail Authority, which operates Metrolink commuter rail in the Los Angeles region, named John E. Fenton as its new chief executive officer, effective April 16. He succeeds Eric Haley, who held the position on an interim basis. [More]

Sun Metro in El Paso, TX, began service to the new, $5 million Al Jefferson Westside Transfer Center on March 28, with dedication ceremonies scheduled for April 8. [More]

When crowds came to Washington in the recent unseasonably warm weather to experience the beauty of the cherry blossoms, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority provided them with a convenient and inexpensive way to see the trees. [More]

According to his biographers, Richard Nixon as a young boy used to listen to the trains rolling by his house in rural California and draw inspiration that one day he could visit places far away.

The young Nixon had the good fortune to not live next to Interstate 66 in Fairfax County. Because nobody draws inspiration from stalled traffic. [More]

APTA’s 2010 Rail Conference is coming soon: June 6-9 in Vancouver, BC, preceded by the International Rail Rodeo competition June 5.

Why should rail professionals from all modes—high-speed and intercity rail, commuter rail, heavy rail/subway, light rail, streetcar, and automated transit—attend? [More]

Local transit coalitions have until May 1 to submit applications for grant funding through APTA to support grassroots activities focused on obtaining continued financial support for local transportation systems—with an emphasis this year on proposals to partner with local transit agencies on initiatives to help transit through challenging economic times. [More]

A team of students from Redland Middle School in Rockville, MD, sponsored by APTA, gave a presentation on the environmental benefits of high-speed rail as part of the Mineta Transportation Institute’s recent annual Garrett A. Morgan Symposium on Sustainable Transportation. [More]

David Kim, DOT deputy assistant secretary for governmental affairs, reported on the current “transformational time in transportation policy” at the April 6 Transportation Tuesday event hosted by APTA. [More]