As regular readers know, we often take the opportunity to assert that we have a single, integrated, multimodal transportation system in Pennsylvania, as opposed to separate transportation systems for this mode and that mode.
This issue’s news links help us again make that point. Below you’ll see news about highways and bridges, public transportation, pedestrian and bicycle access, air travel, PhilaPort, and a “hyperloop” that some say isn’t as far into the future as one might think.
As we are fond of saying, whatever helps to move people, products or materials from Point A to Point B, anywhere in the Commonwealth, is part of that integrated system. Enjoy the news links below.
Transportation Issue Update
- We’ll start with an obvious item – the Commonwealth Financing Authority approved $55 million in Multimodal Transportation Fund grants for 106 projects in 40 counties.
- What? British Airways is returning to Pittsburgh International after leaving 20 years ago? It’s true, and the Steel City’s economic resurgence is to thank for it.
- The Capital Star worked up a story about the most dangerous states for pedestrians. Think you have a hard time crossing busy streets in Philly, Pittsburgh or Harrisburg? The analysis says it’s not even close to several Sun Belt locations.
- Public transportation agencies are voicing concerns over the negative impact of the impending “financial cliff” that will result from the loss of a $400 million annual subsidy from the Turnpike, which could happen as early as mid-year. Here’s the news from Erie.
- Harrisburg city officials say they’re not fond of plans to improve I-83 through the city and will spend $72,000 to see if they can come up with something better.
- The majority and minority chairs of the state House and Senate Transportation Committees became the latest to weigh in with concerns over impending transportation funding crises.
- Pittsburgh City Paper reported that expanded passenger rail service to and from the city is being threatened by funding issues.
- PhilaPort announced that Colette Pete has joined PhilaPort as chief counsel. She comes to PhilaPort from the Philadelphia Gas Works.
- Star Trek is getting closer. The Turnpike Commission commissioned a study of the cost and feasibility of a “hyperloop,” which could whisk cargo and even humans across the Commonwealth in 30 minutes.