The 'Green' Line

With Nashville quickly establishing itself as a national leader in sustainability, it seems only logical to have a transit system just as cutting edge.  Communities globally are utilizing advanced technological to reduce automobile dependence and alleviate emissions by integrating renewable energy systems with public transportation.

For example, Adelaide City Australia set an international standard for sustainable public transportation with its introduction of Tindo, an entirely electric bus recharged with 100% solar energy.  Tindo has the capabilities of a standard bus with a carrying capacity of forty-two passengers plus comparable acceleration.  Tindo’s batteries are recharged through a solar photovoltaic system making it completely carbon neutral.  Most importantly, the city has made it free to ride!

Nashville is in a prime position to further establish itself as a national leader in sustainability by implementing similar green public transportation.  The Nashville Electric Service is already working with local businesses to promote the use of alternative energy resources and Nashville MTA is in the midst of strategically planning the next 5 years.  Moreover, with the US on the brink of initiating substantial funding for infrastructure projects and renewable energy research, it appears the timing is perfect.

-j 

Transit and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was released last week. Many people have been speculating and waiting on the contents of the bill. The expectations were that it would contain a significant investment in our nation’s transportation infrastructure. Maybe my judgment is skewed by the large sums the government has been spending over the past few months, but the money allocated to mass transit seems quite small. It does not appear to be a major priority. The bill includes a total of $10.1 billion dollars for mass transit related projects across the country. Roads and bridge funding accounts for over $30 billion. It is not surprising that highway funding outpaces mass transit. The $10.1 billion for mass transit is broken down as follows:

New Construction: $1 billion for Capital Investment Grants for new commuter rail or other light rail systems to increase public use of mass transit and to speed projects already in construction.

Upgrades and Repair: $2 billion to modernize existing transit systems, including renovations to stations, security systems, computers, equipment, structures, signals, and communications.

Transit Capital Assistance: $6 billion to purchase buses and equipment needed to increase public transportation and improve intermodal and transit facilities.

Amtrak and Intercity Passenger Rail Construction Grants: $1.1 billion to improve the speed and capacity of intercity passenger rail service.

The Federal Transit Administration already has $2.4 billion in pre-approved projects and the American Public Transportation Association has identified 787 ready-to-go transit projects totaling $15.5 billion. The repair backlog for mass transit is estimated to be nearly $50 billion. Obviously, not all needs will be met and for the most part, we should not expect any newly proposed projects to be funded by this legislation. Especially with the short start times required by the bill. Priority will be given to projects that can award bids in 120 days. However, Nashville and the region may see some small upgrades to the existing mass transit system. We will have to wait and see what they are. For more information see the links below.

Links
Summary of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Committee on Appropriations Website (Details of Bill)
Transportation for America Analysis of Legislation

-Brian

MTA Strategic Master Plan

Check out the MTA master plan concepts at their upcoming meetings (see meeting schedule below). The meetings are setup as an informal table discussion that offers the opportunity for everyone to learn and share their views.

Meeting Dates:
·Tuesday, Jan. 20, 11am-1pm at the Antioch Community Center

·Tuesday, Jan. 20, 4-6:30pm, East Library, 206 Gallatin Rd.

·Wednesday, Jan. 21, 7-9am, MCC Community Meeting Room

·Wednesday, Jan. 21, 11am-1pm at the Looby Library

·Thursday, Jan. 22, 4-6:30pm,University School of Nashville

Let's get involved and keep in mind this great quote by MTA CEO, Paul Ballard: "The next five to ten years will be critical to developing a world-class public transportation system. Public transportation goes hand in hand with economic development, tourism, jobs, and is a critical part of any city's success." Learn more at www.nashvillemta.org

-Mary

Take Action

As President-Elect Obama reiterates the need for the 111th Congress to act fast on the stimulus plan, the public must demand greater economic return on those spending projects. As transit advocates, we need to contact our Senators and Representatives today and urge them to support alternative modes of transportation. Remind them of the record increases in public transportation ridership over the past year. Highlight our transit “ready to go” projects including bus rapid transit and extending our greenway system. Explain that transit is a sustainable solution and that unnecessary road building is wasteful spending. New transit projects will put our country to work.

We need economic recovery legislation that invests in a greener future.

Lean more at www.apta.com