The Center Square – Page 12

Federal Funding for Chicago Transit Jumps 5,000% for Operating Expenses

July 7, 2022 The Center Square

The Chicago Transit Authority saw a more than 5,000% increase in federal money for operating funds in 2020, an increase that helped CTA maintain services throughout COVID-19. The bailout by the federal government meant that operating expenses remained flat despite a 60% drop in passenger miles, largely due to the pandemic.

Metra Ridership Remains Below Pre-Pandemic Levels as Expenses Grow

July 7, 2022 The Center Square

Ridership on Metra, the taxpayer-supported commuter train agency that serves Chicago and its suburbs, continued to remain significantly below pre-pandemic levels in 2021 while the agency’s operating expenses continued to grow.

Lawmakers Frustrated Over Blocked Rail Crossings and Late Passenger Trains

June 22, 2022 The Center Square

The head of the Federal Railroad Administration was put on the defensive regarding poor on-time service by Amtrak trains in Illinois that taxpayers subsidize.

Georgia’s Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority Approves $1.3B budget

June 14, 2022 The Center Square

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority board has approved a $1.3 billion fiscal 2023 budget.

Hyundai to Build First Electric Vehicle Plant in Georgia, but Officials Mum on Incentives Offered

May 20, 2022 The Center Square

Hyundai Motor Group has selected Georgia for its first fully dedicated electric vehicle and battery manufacturing facility and plans to invest more than $5.5 billion to build the facility.

Georgia Ports Authority to Spend $430M to Improve Container Port in Savannah

May 19, 2022 The Center Square

The Georgia Ports Authority plans to spend roughly $430 million on infrastructure improvements at the Port of Savannah.

$3.7B Sound Transit Light Rail Project Delayed

May 2, 2022 The Center Square

The east link extension project is a 14 mile extension with 10 stations between the Seattle Chinatown-International District and the Redmond Technology Station. The extension would run from Seattle through Mercer Island, Bellevue and end in Redmond.

Proposed Regulations on Rail Industry Will Worsen Supply Chains, Inflation, Opponents Argue

April 28, 2022 The Center Square

The Biden administration’s proposed new regulations on the railroad industry will have adverse economic consequences for the industry and consumers, a wide range of groups argue.

NJ Transit Board Approves More Than $40 Million in Project Contracts

April 20, 2022 The Center Square

More than $40 million in contracts for a series of projects ranging from a tunnel rehabilitation to helping the agency prepare for severe weather have been approved by the New Jersey Transit Board of Directors.

Mayor: No cost for added police presence in New York subway system

April 18, 2022 The Center Square

New York City Mayor Eric Adams told reporters Friday that any plans to implement new security equipment or bolster police presence in the subway system would not add any burden to the taxpayers.