ASC's Intersections Newsletter — May 19, 2023
Nora's Note
Biking to Work for cleaner, healthier communities. The Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area has long been an area of heavy traffic generated by a high volume of commuters. In 2020, D.C. went from being the fifth-most congested city in the U.S. to the 12th. Yet, as travel has resumed and hybrid working schedules have become more common, many commuters have returned to their cars, bringing safety, congestion and emissions back to the forefront. Through various public programs and continuous outreach, Commuter Connections is working to make the D.C. area safer and more accessible by offering safe, easy-access alternatives to single-driver car usage. Today was the organization’s 22nd annual Bike to Work Day ride, and 14,000+ cyclists registered to celebrate bicycling as a green, low-cost commuting option. This year’s event featured over 100 pit stops in Washington DC, Suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia, offering raffles, food, and giveaways all to underscore the importance of making the air cleaner and communities closer by biking to work.
Transportation
MTA Will Offer Congestion Pricing Discounts For Low-Income ‘Frequent Drivers’. New York City’s proposed congestion pricing program will provide discounts for drivers with household incomes of less than $50,000 a year or who are enrolled in assistance programs such as SNAP. The plan would give a 25% discount on congestion tolls to qualifying drivers after their 10th trip in a month, and taxis and rideshare vehicles would only be charged once a day. Read more about plans for congestion pricing in NYC and goals to decrease pollution and raise funds for public transit. (Source: Streets Blog NYC)
Mass Transit Mag: FRA issues $5.8 million NOFO for new program that will advance intercity passenger rail development
Transportation Today: USDOT proposes airline requirements for stranded passenger compensation
Mass Transit Mag: L.A. Metro launches Equity Information Hub
Transport Topics: Average Age of Passenger Vehicles Hits Record High
Energy/Environment
DC Council considers funding to switch 30,000 residents from gas to electric. The District of Columbia Council is considering funding to help low-income households transition to electric appliances. Gas stoves are regularly linked to higher rates of child asthma and high carbon emissions, yet many households lack financial resources to make the switch to electric appliances. The proposed bill would fund the purchase and installation of an electric stove for DC households with an income of under $80,000 a year. Read more on efforts to ensure low-income households are supported in the energy transition. (Source: WUSA9)
WFYI: Greenhouse gas emissions from utilities, industry trend down
Smart Cities Dive: Portland, Oregon to pilot zero-emission delivery zone
Reuters: U.S. launches $4 billion effort to electrify U.S. ports, cut emissions
Grist: US support for nuclear power soars to highest level in a decade
Economic Development
U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) opens grant application for street safety in infrastructure projects. USDOT is now accepting applications for the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program, which will provide $5 billion in funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Safe Streets and Roads For All supports cities and states to pay for projects to improve walkability, provide safe biking routes, and adapt infrastructure to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. Read more about efforts to support mobility and safety improvements nationwide. (Source: Governing)
The Providence Journal: Pay what you can afford? Proposal could help low income RIers with electricity bills
Axios: Nonprofit grocery stores rehab America’s food deserts
Gothamist: NYC seeks to cap fees for yet-to-be announced outdoor dining program
Al.com: Over $4 million in grant money headed to weatherize Alabama homes
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