ASC's Intersections Newsletter — March 6th, 2025
Nora’s Note
Stronger, More Connected Future Ahead. This week, at NYU Wagner’s Advancing U.S. Passenger Rail event, Amtrak leaders outlined a bold vision for the future. With a $4.5 billion infrastructure investment, the largest in its history, Amtrak is focused on connecting America and Americans while driving economic growth. The company is on track to double ridership to 66 million by 2040, exceeding pre-pandemic levels and strengthening mobility nationwide. Nicole Bucich, Vice President, Network Development, Jeannie Kwon, Vice President, Mega Program Development & Coordination and Anna Lynn Smith, Vice President, Strategy & Planning talked through Amtrak’s overarching vision, homing in on projects in the Northeast Corridor. Danelle Hunter, Amtrak’s Senior Director of Community Engagement, emphasized the importance of meeting communities where they are. From clean-up projects in Baltimore to pre-apprenticeship programs for veterans and at-risk youth, Amtrak is investing in more than infrastructure—it is investing in people. Thoughtful, tailored outreach fosters strong partnerships, maximizes economic impact, and creates lasting opportunities for a stronger, more connected future.
Transportation
NYC's 'Fair Fares' low-income transit discounts now available on OMNY cards. The Fair Fares program, which provides half-price transit rides to low-income residents, is now available on OMNY tap-to-pay cards. This update reduces the cost of a subway ride from $2.90 to $1.45, making MTA transportation more affordable. The shift benefits the program’s 364,000 enrollees by allowing them to reload cards online, eliminating the need for MetroCards. Read more about eligibility, enrollment, and the future of OMNY. (Source: Gothamist)
Smart Cities Dive: New commuter rail service to open in southeastern Massachusetts
Houston Public Media: Houston transit authority unveils ‘METRONow’ initiative focused on cleanliness, safety and ridership
Transportation Today: Bill supporting domestic bus manufacturing introduced
Climate
Electric Heat Pumps Get Warm Reviews at Queens Public Housing Development. Over the past two years, New York City Housing Authority’s (NYCHA) Woodside Houses has taken part in an experiment to trade steam radiators for heat pumps. While keeping homes warm on the coldest days and cool on the hottest, they’ve demonstrated more than 87% savings in energy and cost savings of almost 50%. This is part of an initiative to develop heat pumps that can reduce both carbon footprint and expenses. Read more about NYCHA heat pumps. (Source: The City)
Canary Media: Electric school buses could help power Illinois’ grid
Utility Dive: Grid equipment manufacturers anticipate 2% annual US load growth through 2050
Happy Eco News: Chicago clean power buildings: a major leap toward sustainability
Economic Development
NYC commits $390M to upgrade flood-prone Bushwick, Brooklyn. As part of Mayor Adams' $5 billion "City of Yes for Housing Opportunity" plan, the project aims to reduce flooding by expanding the sewer system's capacity from 226 million to 1.9 billion gallons per day. Construction is set to begin in 2029, with additional upgrades to water mains and lead service line replacements. NYC has invested over $1.2 billion in stormwater mitigation efforts since the start of the Adams administration. Read more about this project in Brooklyn. (Source: Gothamist)
Governing: The Number of Black-Owned Businesses Increased by More Than 50%
Smart Cities Dive: Miami developer breaks ground on $1B transit-oriented project
Reuters: California could bump fast-food minimum wage to $20.70
Digital
The NYC Subway is using Google Pixels to listen for track defects. The NYC Subway is exploring innovative technology to enhance track inspections by using Google Pixel smartphones. Mounted on subway cars, these devices leverage sensors and AI to detect potential issues like loose bolts or rail defects. Early results have shown strong accuracy, leading the MTA to expand the project into a full-scale pilot, reflecting a broader shift toward AI-driven transit maintenance. Read more on this AI initiative. (Source: Wired)
GovTech: Through IT Modernization, Locals Reshape Service Delivery
Yahoo Finance: Empower students with free resources to thrive in today's digital world from the new digital citizenship initiative by discovery education with Verizon and Fortinet
EIN News: New Mexico leads in tech sector
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