This is an ongoing series that will keep you informed about the goings-on in the transit industry. Hopefully, it will provide little perspective on the larger environment in which DART operates.

The U.S. Department of Transportation pursues a substantial investment in transit; North Texas considers the future of housing, infrastructure and transit in view of projected growth; and Amtrak moves forward in Massachusetts. Here’s this week’s news:

‘Once in a generation’ investment

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg is calling for substantial ($2.5 billion) investment in the nation’s transit systems. The money quote, reported by Metro Magazine:

“Across the country, communities are seeking to expand public transit as a way to create economic opportunity, improve safety, advance equity, reduce congestion and pollution, and lower the cost of living for their residents,” said […] Buttigieg. “These capital projects will improve life in 25 communities and are the start of what we hope will be a once-in-a-generation investment to modernize and expand public transit across the country.”

Plano embraces microtransit

At a more local level, Bisnow explores the challenges North Texas will experience as its rapid growth continues in the coming years. The piece tackles urban-planning issues ranging from housing, to infrastructure, to transportation. The article mentions Plano as an enthusiastic adopter of new transit service models, like the GoLink on-demand microtransit service:

“Plano also is looking to improve public transportation options from the light rail to the local busing system. The need for more busing shows Plano is now a well-established city that's starting to deal with the increased demands of a larger metro.

"I think the DART System is looking at a redesign of the bus system right now," [Plano Comprehensive Planning Manager Mike] Bell said. "In the DART service area, Plano has greater usage of the on-demand GoLink service than cities like Garland, Irving and Richardson, and some of the other established suburbs."

Adding Amtrak in New England

Amtrak’s vision for expanded service nationwide is gaining traction in Massachusetts. Mass Transit magazine gives the details, and also notes:

“Amtrak’s release last week of region-by-region plans, including several investments in the heavily traveled Northeast Corridor, came as several local and federal lawmakers continue to pitch expanded rail service across Massachusetts as fuel for the economy.”

Elsewhere in transit

• The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency rolls out “smart” traffic-signal technology to enhance mobility for all modes of travel.
• A major tunnel project that will go under the Hudson River and involves multiple agencies (notably New Jersey Transit) hits a milestone.

This is an ongoing series that will keep you informed about the goings-on in the transit industry. Hopefully, it will provide little perspective on the larger environment in which DART operates.

The U.S. Department of Transportation pursues a substantial investment in transit; North Texas considers the future of housing, infrastructure and transit in view of projected growth; and Amtrak moves forward in Massachusetts. Here’s this week’s news:

‘Once in a generation’ investment

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg is calling for substantial ($2.5 billion) investment in the nation’s transit systems. The money quote, reported by Metro Magazine:

“Across the country, communities are seeking to expand public transit as a way to create economic opportunity, improve safety, advance equity, reduce congestion and pollution, and lower the cost of living for their residents,” said […] Buttigieg. “These capital projects will improve life in 25 communities and are the start of what we hope will be a once-in-a-generation investment to modernize and expand public transit across the country.”

Plano embraces microtransit

At a more local level, Bisnow explores the challenges North Texas will experience as its rapid growth continues in the coming years. The piece tackles urban-planning issues ranging from housing, to infrastructure, to transportation. The article mentions Plano as an enthusiastic adopter of new transit service models, like the GoLink on-demand microtransit service:

“Plano also is looking to improve public transportation options from the light rail to the local busing system. The need for more busing shows Plano is now a well-established city that's starting to deal with the increased demands of a larger metro.

"I think the DART System is looking at a redesign of the bus system right now," [Plano Comprehensive Planning Manager Mike] Bell said. "In the DART service area, Plano has greater usage of the on-demand GoLink service than cities like Garland, Irving and Richardson, and some of the other established suburbs."

Adding Amtrak in New England

Amtrak’s vision for expanded service nationwide is gaining traction in Massachusetts. Mass Transit magazine gives the details, and also notes:

“Amtrak’s release last week of region-by-region plans, including several investments in the heavily traveled Northeast Corridor, came as several local and federal lawmakers continue to pitch expanded rail service across Massachusetts as fuel for the economy.”

Elsewhere in transit

• The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency rolls out “smart” traffic-signal technology to enhance mobility for all modes of travel.
• A major tunnel project that will go under the Hudson River and involves multiple agencies (notably New Jersey Transit) hits a milestone.

This is an ongoing series that will keep you informed about the goings-on in the transit industry. Hopefully, it will provide little perspective on the larger environment in which DART operates.

The U.S. Department of Transportation pursues a substantial investment in transit; North Texas considers the future of housing, infrastructure and transit in view of projected growth; and Amtrak moves forward in Massachusetts. Here’s this week’s news:

‘Once in a generation’ investment

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg is calling for substantial ($2.5 billion) investment in the nation’s transit systems. The money quote, reported by Metro Magazine:

“Across the country, communities are seeking to expand public transit as a way to create economic opportunity, improve safety, advance equity, reduce congestion and pollution, and lower the cost of living for their residents,” said […] Buttigieg. “These capital projects will improve life in 25 communities and are the start of what we hope will be a once-in-a-generation investment to modernize and expand public transit across the country.”

Plano embraces microtransit

At a more local level, Bisnow explores the challenges North Texas will experience as its rapid growth continues in the coming years. The piece tackles urban-planning issues ranging from housing, to infrastructure, to transportation. The article mentions Plano as an enthusiastic adopter of new transit service models, like the GoLink on-demand microtransit service:

“Plano also is looking to improve public transportation options from the light rail to the local busing system. The need for more busing shows Plano is now a well-established city that's starting to deal with the increased demands of a larger metro.

"I think the DART System is looking at a redesign of the bus system right now," [Plano Comprehensive Planning Manager Mike] Bell said. "In the DART service area, Plano has greater usage of the on-demand GoLink service than cities like Garland, Irving and Richardson, and some of the other established suburbs."

Adding Amtrak in New England

Amtrak’s vision for expanded service nationwide is gaining traction in Massachusetts. Mass Transit magazine gives the details, and also notes:

“Amtrak’s release last week of region-by-region plans, including several investments in the heavily traveled Northeast Corridor, came as several local and federal lawmakers continue to pitch expanded rail service across Massachusetts as fuel for the economy.”

Elsewhere in transit

• The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency rolls out “smart” traffic-signal technology to enhance mobility for all modes of travel.
• A major tunnel project that will go under the Hudson River and involves multiple agencies (notably New Jersey Transit) hits a milestone.