A weekly roundup of good deeds, missteps, heroic feats and epic failures in tri-state transportation news.
Winners
Connecticut State Rep. Jonathan Steinberg –Steinberg has championed increased pedestrian safety along Connecticut’s most dangerous road.
New York Senator Charles Schumer –Recognizing that rail can “be a powerful engine in our efforts to attract private development,” Schumer pushed the Federal Highway Administration to transfer $2 million to the Federal Transit Administration to help fund a Long Island Rail Road station at the Wyandanch Rising redevelopment.
Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance — Vance is the latest high-profile elected official to come out in support of speed cameras.
Losers
J.D. Carlisle — The developer, who owns a block of residential towers and retail stores on Second Avenue in Manhattan’s Kips Bay, pulled its support for a pedestrian plaza adjacent to its property.
Governor Christie and the New Jersey State Legislature — While New Jersey’s transportation infrastructure deteriorates, neither Governor Christie nor the New Jersey Legislature have mustered the political courage to raise the gas tax, which hasn’t been increased in over 20 years.
TSTC Staff – I might suggest that one examines the toll burden in New Jerey on the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway and the Port Authority Facilities – these have been raised repeatedly over the last 20 year – and faster than inflation in many cases.