Posts about Roads
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Good ideas almost everyone wants
The New York Times came out in favor of congestion pricing. Local business leaders want it, activist groups want it… but Bloomberg still doesn’t. Keep reading…
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Thin layer of ice found in hell
Smart growth, transit-oriented development - there are many names for the idea of building mixed-use, walkable communities. Whatever you call it, it’s starting to catch on in suburban communities from San Mateo to Silver Spring. But most are areas with existing transit, near to already walkable cities. What about America’s great bastions of… Keep reading…
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Congestion pricing, pro and incoherent
Enjoying a new spate of publicity, the idea of congestion pricing rated a pair of columns, pro and con, in the Daily News. The pro article, by Paul White of Transportation Alternatives, laid out some clear arguments backed up by facts: London’s pilot program reduced traffic 18% and sped up travel by 30%, in addition to generating revenue for mass transit projects. Keep reading…
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Congestion pricing: an idea whose time is coming
Congestion pricing in Manhattan below 60th Street is “being whispered in the ears of City Hall officials” according to the Times (in an article written by Sewell Chan!) It’s an idea that keeps popping up, for the simple reason that it’s an obvious, huge win. The only obstacles are inertia, and Queens councilmembers representing a small minority… Keep reading…
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News flash: people drive more if there is parking
A study from San Francisco State shows something that should be obvious, but isn’t to the New York City Council: if there are fewer parking spaces, people choose to drive less. Therefore, San Francisco should limit the amount of parking in new developments, rather than requiring a certain amount as it does today. More about free parking, and its costs, in this SF Chronicle editorial. Keep reading…
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Memorable Phrases for Parks
I’m in the bloggers’ area of the Parks1 Mayoral Forum. Up on stage, Democrats Gifford Miller, Virginia Fields, Freddy Ferrer, and Republican Tom Ognibene, are telling us why they all love parks. Keep reading…
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El Camino Bonito
I walked across El Camino Real - once. This road, once the main thoroughfare through Silicon Valley, is now a 50 mile long strip mall of motels, gas stations, mattress stores, car rental places, fast food, and one major university. Every business or shopping center along its length has a parking lot. In the utopia of sprawl, El Camino Real would be Main Street. Keep reading…
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Two plans for Times Square
Times Square was once a seedy place that many New Yorkers avoided, except for brief forays to a Broadway show. Today, many New Yorkers still avoid it, but for the opposite reason - it is really, really crowded. According to the Times Square Alliance, streets in Times Square burst with up to 16,817 people per hour on the busiest sidewalks, plus 1,279 people who can’t… Keep reading…
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The congestion pricing idea spreads
San Francisco sees the light too. But this isn’t so much of a surprise since they already have a pretty progressive attitude toward automobiles. When will New York? Keep reading…
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They’re smart up in Boston
I just ran across this month-old news report that Boston is considering London-style congestion pricing for roads downtown. The idea is that during peak hours, drivers would pay $1-$5 to drive into the most congested downtown areas, and the money raised would go to public transportation improvements. Mayor Menino is reportedly even open to considering the idea. … Keep reading…