- Sam Schwartz Invokes Frank Sinatra To Explain MTA Congestion Pricing's Significance
- Queensland Funds $24 Million Feasibility Study Of Brisbane Toll Tunnel Proposal
- Minnesota Adopts Package Delivery Fee To Augment Transportation Funds
- These are just some of the toll industry developments TRN is following.
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Sam Schwartz Invokes Frank Sinatra To Explain MTA Congestion Pricing's Significance
In his Daily News column, Sam Schwartz makes a concise, cogent argument for Manhattan congestion pricing and answers common objections to the concept. He also explains why the current state of the climate — which is attributable in large part to the greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles — and New York’s global prominence mean there are high stakes riding on the success of MTA’s evolving congestion pricing program. As Schwartz puts it, “[T]his is far bigger than just a New York strategy to cope with traffic congestion and reduce pollution. If we are successful, every major city in the Americas from Buenos Aires to Quebec will be encouraged to use road pricing as a tool to protect our planet. As Sinatra sang, ‘it’s up to you New York, New York.’”
Congestion Pricing Environmental Protection Policies Procedures And Initiatives Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New Jersey New York New York City Transit and Toll RoadsQueensland Funds $24 Million Feasibility Study Of Brisbane Toll Tunnel Proposal
Queensland state government announced it will invest 35 million AUD (about 23.8 million USD) “in a detailed investment proposal towards building a [tolled, 4.35-mile] congestion-busting road tunnel between Kedron and Carseldine in Brisbane’s north. The proposal will be led by a new entity, North Brisbane Infrastructure, which will be established through the [state-owned] Queensland Investment Corporation. Its assessment will include “detailed transport modelling, technical assessments and financial analysis as part of this process. The analysis will also consider the interaction of the proposed tunnel with public and active transport needs and opportunities along the corridor.”
Brisbane Times reports, “The state government’s foray into the area comes after it refused to participate in a federally funded study, commissioned by Brisbane City Council, because it could not take the lead. That three-year study looked at road, rail and public transport options to realign movements on the northside, and also resolve the fate of the preserved North West Transport Corridor.” The council-sponsored study identified a need for new infrastructure, but was deemed ineligible for federal funding.
Australia QueenslandMinnesota Adopts Package Delivery Fee To Augment Transportation Funds
MPR News reports, Minnesota lawmakers recently approved legislation that, effective July 1, 2024, will impose a a 50-cent fee on deliveries of most online purchases that amount to $100 or more. (Deliveries of medical supplies, food, infant merchandise and some other products are exempted.) “The fee is expected to raise more than $60 million a year, which will go directly to local governments to help pay for road maintenance.” The legislation’s author, Representative Erin Koegel (DFL-39A), noted that the fee will also compensate for the drop in gas tax revenue that is accompanying motorists’ adoption of electric vehicles and consumers’ embrace of new shopping patterns.
The fee was enacted through a state omnibus transportation bill approved in May (see Fifth Engrossment of HF 2887 at sections 8-12).
Company and Agency Financial Issues And Reports Minnesota Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) (MnPASS)These are just some of the toll industry developments TRN is following.
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