All articles tagged with #transit
The Chicago Transit Authority filed a federal lawsuit in Illinois to recover more than $2 billion in federal funding frozen by the White House during last year’s shutdown, arguing the move was political retaliation that could halt red and purple line expansion and maintenance and jeopardize thousands of jobs and transit service.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s requirement that nearly all streets and transit projects go through her for approval has slowed or halted most Streets Cabinet work for about a year, prompting staff turnover and morale drops while raising concerns from advocates that federal funding could be at risk; several high-profile plans remain in limbo even as a few ongoing efforts proceed under ongoing oversight.
California drivers are cutting back on car trips as gas prices spike to about $5.33 per gallon overnight and stay higher than the national average; many commuters are turning to public transit or using apps like GasBuddy to locate cheaper fuel, with some areas such as San Francisco topping $6 and Sacramento suburbs feeling the pressure, affecting families and the local economy.
Everett is pursuing a package of transit upgrades—extending the Silver Line, adding a pedestrian/bike bridge to Somerville, and potentially a commuter rail stop near Encore—to improve access to Boston and support future developments like a new soccer stadium, though location and funding questions remain.
A powerful blizzard dumped heavy snow and high winds across the East Coast, forcing widespread transit disruptions from New Jersey to Massachusetts. NJ Transit and LIRR were fully halted, Metro-North trimmed service (with West-of-Hudson canceled), and New York City subways and buses faced delays. Amtrak suspended Boston–New York service, while a Massachusetts travel ban covered parts of the Cape and southern coast. More than 6,000 flights were canceled, and regional systems like MBTA, RIPTA, and SEPTA reduced or halted service as the storm intensified.
Trump’s DOT proposal to curb transit funding for cities that offer free bus service tests the fragile détente between President Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The move highlights how federal dollars underpin NYC services and big projects—from education and housing to the Gateway tunnels—and could force serious tradeoffs if funding is reduced. Mamdani has benefited from private communication with the White House, but the administration’s pressure shows how quickly federal leverage can reshape the city’s policy agenda and finances.
Facing a large budget gap, BART warns that voters' rejection of a regional sales tax could trigger up to 15 station closures and about 1,200 layoffs in 2027, plus reduced service, shorter hours, and longer wait times.
A major winter storm is moving through the Philadelphia region, bringing heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain with strong winds and travel-disrupting conditions. Forecasts predict 8–12 inches of snow for Philadelphia (with higher totals to the north and up to 18 inches in the Poconos) and ice accumulations that could cause power outages. Transit is being suspended or reduced (SEPTA, NJ Transit, PATCO), schools are closed, and officials have declared emergencies and snow-related restrictions; after the storm, bitterly cold temperatures are expected with warming centers available for unhoused residents and extensive safety guidance in place.
With a winter storm expected, the MTA will adjust weekend service: some subway express trains will run local while many planned changes are canceled; buses may have longer waits and snow-chain deployments; the LIRR will operate a modified Sunday schedule with no Ronkonkoma-Greenport service and reduced Babylon Branch; Metro-North will run hourly on Sunday on the Hudson, Harlem, and New Haven lines with West of Hudson service suspended after 2 p.m.; Monday will see Saturday schedules with extra rush-hour trains; riders should check the MTA TrainTime app or site and travel cautiously.
Health officials warn that a person with measles traveled through Philadelphia last week, potentially exposing travelers at Philadelphia International Airport (Terminal A East) 7:50–11:00 p.m., 30th Street Station 8:15–11:25 p.m., and Amtrak Northeast Regional Train #175 (Boston–DC) around 9:23 p.m.; exposures may have extended to Baltimore area airports and shuttles. Immune individuals don’t need to act. Non-immune exposed people should see a doctor about getting the MMR vaccine as soon as possible, and high-risk individuals should seek care if symptoms appear. Measles is spread by air and can be contagious for about four days before and after the rash, with early symptoms like runny nose, cough, and red eyes followed by a rash. Exposed non-immune individuals should wear masks in indoor public spaces for up to three weeks. Call 215-685-6740 for Philadelphia cases; 877-724-3258 for other PA residents. Vaccination guidance stresses protecting travelers and young children; immunity is typically from birth before 1957, prior infection, or two MMR doses.
NASA's Pandora, a 17-inch orbital telescope launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9, will hunt for exoplanets by watching starlight for transits in infrared and visible light. In a year-long mission in a Sun-synchronous orbit, it will observe at least 20 exoplanets and their host stars, spending 24 hours per target and revisiting each star ten times to separate planetary signals from starspot noise and refine atmospheric measurements for molecules like water vapor and clouds, potentially edging closer to detecting signs of life.
New NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, on his second day in office, engaged with commuters on the subway, opposed the fare hike, and signed executive orders focused on addressing the city's housing crisis, including reviving tenant protections and establishing housing task forces.
The New York City Transit has retired its iconic MetroCard after over 30 years, transitioning to a contactless payment system called Omny, marking the end of an era for subway fare payment. The MetroCard, introduced in 1994, was revolutionary at its time but had its drawbacks, including sensitivity issues and inconvenience. Its legacy is celebrated with commemorative events and memories of its role in city life, while the city moves forward with modern contactless technology.
The full moon in Sagittarius on May 23, 2024, will have a strong impact on mutable signs, particularly Sagittarius, Pisces, Gemini, and Virgo. These signs will experience shifts that bring optimism and growth, with Jupiter's impending transit adding to the transformative energy. For Sagittarius, it's a time for reclaiming power and identity, while Pisces will receive recognition for their accomplishments. Gemini can expect new relationship insights, and Virgo is urged to embrace self-love and passion.
The completion of the Automated People Mover system at Los Angeles International Airport has been further delayed, with Fitch Ratings predicting a new opening date around November 2025 due to construction delays and strained contractor relationships. The driverless rail project, part of a $30 billion airport overhaul, was initially expected to open in 2023 but is now 96% complete. The two-and-a-quarter-mile-long track aims to improve traffic flow and provide a time-saving option for travelers connecting to public transit hubs.