Tag Archive for: transit

Building the New America: Report on trends shaping the migration of people and jobs

Report: Building the New America

How do we build a new urban model for America — one that is better aligned with the aspirations of most Americans? This newly released report examines the housing trends that are driving today's migration of people and jobs.
SH 146 construction, Houston

Comparing the Inflating Costs of Houston Highways vs. Transit

Inflation is causing huge cost increases for all types of infrastructure projects; this week we compare Houston highway vs. transit cost inflation.
Houston's mini kaihatsu, sinking a false alarm

Houston’s Mini-Kaihatsu, Sinking False Alarm, and more

by Tory Gattis — Houston's reported rate of sinking may be a false alarm in terms of the city actually disappearing below sea level, and a new book notes similarities between Tokyo's mini-kaihatsu and Houston's townhouse developments.
Texas Highway Interchange Stack

Silliness of Induced Demand Arguments, NZ MUD Troubles, and more

by Tory Gattis — On the silliness of the induced demand anti-freeway-expansion argument; taxpayers *want* government to invest in infrastructure where there is demand!
Las Colinas light-rail station in Irving, Texas

With Low Ridership, Should Metro’s Excess Cash Pile Go To Flood Control?

by Tory Gattis — In spite of ridership being cut in half due to Covid, Metro's financial position became stronger than ever due to a huge influx of federal grants, a total of $714 million in Covid relief in 2020 and 2021. Should this excess go to flood control?
The Case for Suburbia

“Drivable Urban” Houston and the Case for Suburbia

by Tory Gattis — "Drivable urban" Houston has a lower cost of living than most major metros across the U.S., making a persuasive case for suburbia.
405 Transportation Plan

Can Houston Avoid L.A.’s Mobility Disaster?

Over the past 20 years, Los Angeles County drastically curtailed highway improvements and poured massive resources into expanding public transit. The result: disaster. Why do Harris County officials want to bring Los Angeles-style transportation planning to Houston?
Las Colinas light-rail station in Irving, Texas

Preventing big infrastructure failures, mass migration to Texas and more

by Tory Gattis — To prevent big infrastructure failures, we need to compare a proposed project estimate to similar projects actual costs BEFORE a project goes through the approval process.
Las Vegas Convention Center transit

Houston Should Learn from the Future of Public Transit in Las Vegas

by Tory Gattis — This week we have a post from Oscar Slotboom on how Houston should learn from the future of public transit that Las Vegas is pursuing.
I 45N Expansion Plan

What the Katy Managed Lanes Tell Us About the NHHIP 45N Expansion

by Tory Gattis — This week we have a post from Oscar Slotboom on on the effectiveness of managed lanes and why they're so critical to the 45N expansion plan in Houston, TX.
Las Colinas light-rail station in Irving, Texas

Infrastructure Bill Problems, Dallas TOD Failure, Transit Issues

I have mixed feelings about the $1T infrastructure bill - a lot of money will be going into transit — a black hole, especially Amtrak.