Obviously, the wrong thing to do

NYT: Downturn forces transit cuts as ridership grows

If there is a reason the stimulus package needs to include money for transit, is this one. It is pretty astonishing (and completely irrational) that in a context where Americans are driving less and using transit more, state and local governments are forced to cut service in order to balance their budgets. Transit makes sense, both in the short term -people are using it now- and the long term, to create a more sustainable, smart growth friendly future.

Obviously, we must go beyond keeping what we have. Places like Meriden will benefit immensely to be a 30 minute rate of both Hartford and New Haven with departures every 30 minutes, for instance. The station is right in the middle of downtown in all three places, so commuting from Meriden will be highly attractive, sending property values and economic activity to a very depressed area almost inmediately.

The infrastructure is there, the money could be there, the technology is there. It is the perfect low-cost, high-return investment.

The feared transit cuts

For some reason states and cities always look at the same places when they need to make budget cuts, with transit being always first in the line in the chopping blog. We have talked extensively on how this is disruptive for economy in many ways, and goes against sustainable growth. Transit for America is pushing back hard in this issue, trying to make sure that states and cities don´t make cuts now that will put in jeopardy clean, efficient transportation later. 

For that they have launched a transit cuts map, to put on the table the places that are cutting and shouldn't be doing this kind of changes. Remember, most transit services that are eliminated are used by low income people in many metro areas; the cuts are not just bad in the long run, but they also hurt those who are at the bottom. 

Do streetcars make sense for New Haven?

The city of New Haven has been making noise and plans for the past couple of years about the possibility of building a streetcar line downtown. Mayor DeStefano went so far this past week to visit Washington DC, looking for a cool $20 million for the project. Do trams make sense for a city the size of New Haven?

In fact, it might make sense, although it is not all that clear. The Greater New Haven area has a population just over half a million; slightly smaller, but not by much, to metro areas like Burdeaux, and bigger than places like Montepellier or Alicante. Mid-sized cities can host successful light rail / trolley systems, specially if they are well planned and designed. Far from being a fancy project, a good network can be a great addition to the strenght and attractiveness of a metro area.

For starters, the city becomes much more walkable, as residents are less likely to need a car. This allows building with less focus on having massive amounts of parking space, as well as allowing denser zoning and more pedestrian-friendly streets. In addition, easier transportation tends to raise property values where it is installed, specially when the infrastructure is fixed and stable. Buses and bus stops are easy to move, making routes more confusing and planning around them less likely; a fixed tram line, in contrast, offers a solid path that will remain there.

Of course, all these benefits need a certain kind of city. First, it has to be somewhat dense; trams have a lot of capacity compared to buses, after all. Second, the distribution of the city needs to have at least a few "dense" destinations that generate traffic; areas with lots of activity that will benefit from being connected. Third, it is an investment that requires a strong commitment; as happens with rail, if the network is not extensive enough or the frequencies are too low, the system will be pretty useless.

New Haven has the density and the layout (potentially) to host an effective tram system. I am not sure if it has the money to make it work from day one; it will definetely need a lot of Federal or State (one can dream) help.

A different question would be if a tram should be the first in the list of city priorities, of course; if a transportation project that will only bring substantial development in the medium term should go before improving schools (one of the factors keeping many people out in the suburbs). To solve this we need to talk about property taxes and smart growth; and about that we will talk tomorrow.

More than $170 million in smart growth projects on the agenda.

Smart Growth is on the Agenda

Governor M. Jodi Rell announced a host of smart growth projects are on the agenda for the January 30th State Bond Commission. As part of her Connecticut Stimulus Package, she announced $175,300,000 for the following urban revitalization, Fix it First, transit, and transit oriented development projects is due for commission approval:

- $2 million to clean up a "brownfield" at the former Conco Medical site in Bridgeport;

- $2.5 million for design, right of way for new West Haven rail station;

- $2.8 million to fund construction costs associated with New Haven's River Street development;

- $13 million for signal upgrades and design for the New Haven rail line;

- $20 million for foundation construction on the Moses Wheeler Bridge on Interstate 95 between Stratford and Milford;

- $135 million in construction and upgrades for municipal wastewater and sewage treatment plants under the Clean Water Fund facilities slated for funds include those in Norwalk, New Haven, Bridgeport, West Haven, Torrington, and the Metropolitan District Commission.

In addition, Rell announced today that The Georgetown Redevelopment Project in Redding will receive $3.5 million in tax increment financing through the Connecticut Development Authority to revitalize the former Gilbert and Bennett Wire Mills industrial site.

This National EPA Smart Growth Award-winning project will provide a mix of uses, including market rate residential housing; affordable senior housing; artist style lofts; the return of the Georgetown Train Station; a community theater, commercial, retail and office space; and other public and community facilities.

Take time to thank the Governor for working to stimulate the state economy with projects that encourage smart, sustainable growth. Governor.Rell@ct.gov or call 800/406-1527.