Transportation headlines, Friday, November 13th

by Fred Camino , November 13, 2009

Don’t think that just because it’s Friday the 13th the Metro Library decided to take the day off. They don’t sleep and they’re not superstitious.

Here are my “must read” headlines for today:

InTransition magazine has a fascinating and informative article on the paradox of transit funding in the United States and the effect of the economic downturn on transit budgets. Transit ridership is up everywhere across the country but agencies are more cash strapped than ever, issuing service cuts and fare increases on their growing customer base. The article provides a solid background in how transit funding works, what agencies are doing to deal with deficits, what the Federal government is (or isn’t) doing to help, and what the future holds. You must read this article.

In the north east, long distance buses are growing popularity and becoming more plush. Time magazine reports that the dingy Greyhound bus has been replaced by sleek eco-friendly coaches offering wi-fi, power outlets, and movie screenings. Megabus, who left the Los Angeles area in the summer of 2008 because of poor ridership, has seen a 60% increase in sales in the north east region. Maybe it’s time to give L.A. another try? Please?

Eastern Group Publications is posting a series of stories about the long and often tumultuous history of the Gold Line Eastside Extension. The latest article follows the physical layout of the line and the insights it offers into the East L.A. community.

The rest of the headlines following the jump.

Antonovich Provides Funding For Local Trail Improvements
Pasadena Star-News

Bicycle Production As Green Economy Indicator
Carfree USA Blog

Bus Routes Slashed In Budget Crunch
Orange County Register

DOT Bike Commuters Leading By Example
Welcome To The Fast Lane

Eastside Extension To Open With Free Rides: Rail Line Linking East Los Angeles With Downtown And Pasadena Makes Its Debut Sunday
Los Angeles Wave

Eating Along The Gold Line Eastside Extension: What Didn’t We Include?
Los Angeles Times

End Of The American Exurbs And The Death Of Sprawl?
The City Fix

Experts: Downtown L.A. Renaissance Not Over
Globe St.

Gold Line Extension Ready For Service In East Los Angeles
Transport Politic

The Gold Line Opens Sunday: The 6-Mile Light-Rail Extension, Which Costs $898 Million, Will Open Sunday With Free Rides And Entertainment
Los Angeles Times

Las Vegas And the 21st-Century Strip: Different By Design – From Desert Disneyland To Paris In The Mojave
MSNBC