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News clippings related to transit, mobility and quality of life
MoveNews #108 for the week of July 4, 2010
Regional
Optimizing the Value of Your Commute
The Simple Dollar
Here are ten things for anyone who is seeking to optimize their commute and minimize the financial cost of it.
Standing Tall
Affordable Housing Finance, June 2010
Three years after plans for a luxury condo project fell through, a landmark affordable housing development has opened on the site. The downtown project was initially conceived as a 22-story, 184-unit condo project but the national home builder backed out as the real estate market tanked. That created an opening for Affirmed Housing Group to step in and boldly propose building 229 affordable apartments for low-income residents. The San Diego-based developer has made good on its plans by opening Ten Fifty B in May.
The $90 million, 23-story building is believed to be the tallest affordable housing development on the West Coast. ... Working with Centre City Development Corp. (CCDC), the public nonprofit created by the city to oversee downtown redevelopment, developers settled on making all the units affordable to residents earning between 25 percent and 60 percent of the area median income.... "The location and the project are so compelling," says Silverwood, explaining how they align with key smart-growth concepts. First, it is transit-oriented, sitting a block from a trolley stop and near several bus lines.
San Diego Plans Extension to Its Trolley Network, Skipping Over Inner City
The Transport Politic, April 29, 2010
You would think, with an ideal climate year-round, that San Diego would be one of the nation's most livable cities for pedestrians and transit users. What is the good excuse for being stuck in the car when the weather's perfect?... The dedication of $600 million in local funds to this line is a big commitment that prioritizes its implementation over other potentially valuable corridors....
METRO'S BRT 25 Survey: Analysis of Bus Rapid Transit in North America
Metro Magazine, April 2010
This year, METRO's BRT 25 Survey results feature 43 projects, 42 of which are located in the United States, and one in Canada. The survey, sponsored by North American Bus Industries, Inc., explored bus rapid transit (BRT) projects in North America.
The region producing the highest number of new BRT systems was the West Coast, with a total of 16 projects to begin operation between 2010 and 2017.
Bus Rapid Transit and Development: Policies and Practices that Affect Development Around Transit
National BRT Institute, December, 2009
The development of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems is relatively recent in the United States, but several systems are in operation and more are advancing. This research reflects the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between land use and BRT system development, particularly in comparison to other fixed-guideway modes such as heavy and light rail transit (LRT).
FTA-FL-26-7109.2009.5 research discusses current or potential development impacts along BRT corridors at selected North American sites, and the policies and practices that have been implemented within each respective city that has the ability to affect development patterns around transit. Additional note has been taken as to whether the benefits and incentives offered along transit corridors between BRT and LRT are equitable in cities in which both modes operate.
LINK to 72-page PDF: http://www.nbrti.org/docs/pdf/BRT%20and%20land%20use_97ver_508.pdf
International
New Zealand Train Station Transformed Into Green Meadow
Inhabitat, - Green Design Will Save the World, January 15, 2010
Often times standing around in even the most modern and sleek subway stations can be an utter drag. But imagine the surprise if your local platform suddenly sprouted a vast green meadow! Not too long ago Auckland New Zealand's Britomart Station received a grassy green makeover that transformed 1,250 square meters of its cold hard concrete into a plush green field. There's really no reason why outlets for public transportation shouldnt act as comfortable, relaxing and natural public spaces!
SEE PHOTOS: http://inhabitat.com/2010/01/15/new-zealand-train-station-transformed-into-green-meadow/
Background
Commuter Culture in the United States
Research & Markets, November, 2009
This Mintel report explores the public transit market in the US. It provides insight into the external and internal factors affecting service and ridership trends, and what they mean for launching and marketing campaigns via buses, subways and rail systems and taxicab fleets.
The report provides an in-depth examination of the public transit market for industry retailers, distributors, and marketers interested in pursuing opportunities to capitalize on trends within segments and to evaluate the competition. Additionally, the report examines the opportunities that are available through these three transit segments: buses, subways and rail and taxicabs.
Fast Facts
Transportation is currently almost entirely oil dependent to the tune of 13 million barrels per day. Of that, almost 9 mbd fuels our cars and light trucks.
Source: Energy Information Administration's Annual Energy Review
MoveNews #108 was edited by Carolyn Chase and published by Move San Diego, Inc. as a service to our members. You may subscribe, unsubscribe, or send article suggestions by sending an email request to: info@movesandiego.org
NOTE: if there is no link provided to an item, then there is no additional content on that item. All links were current as of the date of publication.
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