From litman at vtpi.org Wed Mar 1 15:37:07 2017
From: litman at vtpi.org (Todd Litman)
Date: Tue, 28 Feb 2017 22:37:07 -0800
Subject: [sustran] VTPI News - Winter 2017
Message-ID: <0b8301d29256$5267e8f0$f737bad0$@vtpi.org>
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VTPI NEWS
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Victoria Transport Policy Institute
"Efficiency - Equity - Clarity"
-------------------------------------
Winter 2017 Vol. 17, No. 1
-----------------------------------
The Victoria Transport Policy Institute is an independent research
organization dedicated to developing innovative solutions to transportation
problems. The VTPI website (http://www.vtpi.org ) has many resources
addressing a wide range of transport planning and policy issues. VTPI also
provides consulting services.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NEW PROGRAMS
===================
"Cities for Everyone" (http://www.citiesforeveryone.org ), a new
organization that educates and advocates for housing and transportation
affordability. It examines ways that public policies tend to favor more
expensive housing and transport over lower-cost alternatives, identifies
policy reforms that increase affordability, and encourages citizens to vote
for an affordability agenda.
* * * * *
NEW REPORTS
===================
"Reforming Municipal Parking Policies to Align with Strategic Community
Goals" (http://www.vtpi.org/vpr.pdf ). Victoria, Canada is currently engaged
in a parking policy review which proposes reducing some off-street parking
requirements. These changes are good, but modest. This short report
identifies much bolder reforms that would better align parking policies with
other community goals. Although written for Victoria, the analysis and
recommendations are appropriate for most municipalities.
* * * * *
PUBLISHED & PRESENTED ELSEWHERE
===================
"Urban Sanity: Understanding Urban Mental Health Impacts and How to Create
Saner, Happier Cities" (http://bit.ly/2gDfg3W ), The City Fix.
"Urban Sanity. Understanding Urban Mental Health Impacts and How to Create
Saner, Happier Cities" (http://www.urbanet.info/urban-sanity ), in URBANET,
which publishes information on municipal and local governance, sustainable
urban development and decentralization issues.
These two articles summarized our research
(http://www.vtpi.org/urban-sanity.pdf ) which examines how urban living
affects residents' mental health and happiness, and ways to create saner and
happier cities.
"Cities Zero in on Road Safety: Ambitious, Rapidly Expanding Vision Zero
Movement Seeks to End Vehicular Deaths" (http://bit.ly/2jlUzth ). This "In
Transition" article concerning the new traffic safety paradigm includes
discussion with Todd Litman on ways to increase traffic safety by improving
alternative modes (walking, cycling and public transport) and creating more
compact, multi-modal communities.
"Better Cities, Better Growth: India's Urban Opportunity"
(http://bit.ly/2madlJ8 ). This major study by the New Climate Economy, the
World Resources Institute and the Indian Council for Research on
International Economic Relations, describes research using night-time
satellite images and other data to evaluate development patterns in 479
Indian cities. It incorporates Todd Litman's research on the costs of sprawl
and benefits of compact urban development. The analysis indicates that more
efficient development and transport systems can save India between $330
billion and $1.8 trillion annually - up to 6% of national GDP - and provide
significant savings for households.
"Getting Victoria's Growth Right" (http://bit.ly/2lQoXjA ). This article on
Victoria regional development policies quotes Todd Litman concerning Smart
Growth benefits and affordability strategies.
"Are People Driving More or Less? Increase in Vehicle Miles Travelled Not as
Steady as it was in the 20th Century" (http://bit.ly/2mHFIv5 ). This article
in the National Association of Realtors' newsletter, 'On Common Ground,'
discusses changing travel trends and their implications for housing demand.
"Why and How to Reduce the Amount of Land Paved for Roads and Parking
Facilities" (http://bit.ly/2lvAsdM ) in 'Environmental Practice.' 50 free
online copies at http://bit.ly/2llfIo6 . This article provides an estimate
of the amount of land that is paved for roads and parking facilities in
typical urban areas, examines the full economic, social and environmental
costs of this impervious surface, and discusses the amount of road and
parking land area that can be considered optimal.
"Why an Easy Way to Reduce Traffic and Fund Transit will Never Happen in
Nashville" (http://bit.ly/2mHvIBR ). VTPI worked with the Nashville Chamber
of Commerce to evaluate potential public transit funding options
(http://bit.ly/2fmHtuR ). A local newspaper reporter investigated a rejected
funding option: congestion pricing (road tolls applied on congested roads to
reduce traffic volumes to optimal levels) as described in this article.
"Atlas of Urban Expansion" (http://www.atlasofurbanexpansion.org )
The "Monitoring Global Urban Expansion Program" (http://bit.ly/2l8Y6Rh ) is
a major study that gathers and analyzes data on a sample of 200 cities
around the world. The project used Landsat satellite imagery and census data
to analyze how these cities grew between 1990 and 2014. Housing development
and affordability surveys investigated how land use policies affect
development patterns, home ownership and housing affordability in these
cities. Todd Litman supplied this data for Victoria, Canada
(http://bit.ly/2l8RFxm ). This Atlas presents the program's preliminary
results. The "Animations of Urban Growth" (http://bit.ly/2madb4C ) page is
especially cool!
"Unlocking the Power of Urban Transport Systems for Better Growth and a
Better Climate: Technical Note" (http://bit.ly/2lvLcZI ). This report
summarizes the work of the New Climate Economy (http://newclimateeconomy.net
) and its partners on urban transport, an overview of international
collaborative transport initiatives, and recommendations for local, national
and international policy-makers. Summarized in, "Cities Are Acting On
Climate Change. Will The New Administration Join?" (http://huff.to/2mBQnIs
).
"The Effects of Long Commutes and What To Do About Them - An Annotated
Bibliography" (http://bit.ly/2l8Qo9G ). This report by CloseCommute
identifies studies that have analyzed a wide range of negative effects
associated with long commutes, ways to quantify those effects, and programs
to improve the current situation.
Recent Planetizen Blogs (http://www.planetizen.com/blog/2394 ):
* "Unaffordability is a Problem but Sprawl is a Terrible Solution"
(https://www.planetizen.com/node/91299 )
* "Shining a Light on Urban Development Policies in India"
(http://www.planetizen.com/node/90575 )
* "Defending Multi-Modalism" (http://www.planetizen.com/node/90082 )
Let's be friends. Todd Litman regularly posts on his Facebook page
(http://www.facebook.com/todd.litman ). Befriend him now!
* * * * *
UPCOMING EVENTS
=======================
"Tenth Regional Environmentally Sustainable Transport Forum in Asia"
(http://bit.ly/2mHZs1p ), March 14 to 16 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The theme
is "2030 Road Map for Sustainable Transport: Aligning with Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs)". Todd Litman will present a keynote speech,
"Insight to Implementation of the Bangkok 2020 Declaration ~ Policy Trends
and Developments, Challenges and Opportunities."
A pre-event "Contribution of Rural Transport to the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development" (http://www.slocat.net/event/1807 ) on March 13,
organized by the Research for Community Access Partnership and UNCRD. This
event is expected to conclude with the signing of the Vientiane Declaration
on Sustainable Rural Transport towards Achieving the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development (http://bit.ly/2mHRJkb ). In addition, as a part of
the 10th EST Forum, the Vientiane International Mayors Forum
(http://bit.ly/2lQFi7N ) will be held on 15 March 2017. All participating
Mayors and local government representatives will be cordially invited to
sign the "Kyoto Declaration ~ for the Promotion of Environmentally
Sustainable Transport ~ Towards Realizing Resilient, Smart and Liveable
Cities in Asia."
"Harmony Between Urban Growth and Transportation Accessibility"
(http://www.konference.pmdp.cz/en/2017/programm
), Smart and Healthy
Transport in Cities Conference, 4-5 April 2017 at Parkhotel Plze?, Czech
Republic. Todd Litman will give a presentation on 'Harmony Between Urban
Growth and Transportation Accessibility.'
Moscow Cycling Congress (http://bit.ly/2l9bTqJ ), 14-15 April 2017. The
Congress is organized by "Let's bike it!" (http://letsbikeit.ru ) and the
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Foundation (http://deu.fesmos.ru ), in
collaboration with the Russian Ministry of Transport, the Russian Global
Environmental Fund and the United Nations Environmental Program. Todd Litman
will speak at this event.
* * * * *
BEEN THERE, DONE THAT
=======================
"Right-sizing Commercial Parking- With Todd Litman" (http://bit.ly/2maC0gO
). 6 February 2017, City of Alexandria, Virginia. Introduction to a review
of municipal commercial parking requirements and management strategies.
"Transportation Systems & Urban Development Patterns for a One Planet
Region" (http://bit.ly/2lHKhsU ). A good discussion of ways to create more
resource-efficient and equitable communities at the 'One Planet Region'
Community Conversation Series
(http://bchealthycommunities.ca/event/5149/view) at the beautiful Batemen
Centre art gallery.
* * * * *
USEFUL RESOURCES
=================
"An Actionable Vision of Transport Decarbonization: Implementing the Paris
Agreement in a Global Roadmap Aiming At Net-Zero Emissions Transport,"
(http://bit.ly/2mBWtZm ) for the Global Climate Action Agenda Transport
Team. This discussion paper proposes a process to develop a transportation
emission reductions action plan between 2020 and 2050 that will achieve
targets to limit global temperature increases well below 2?C' above
pre-industrial levels. It describes various strategies that affect all
transport sectors, including passenger and freight, urban and rural
transport, surface, marine and aviation.
"Biketown YYJ" (http://bit.ly/2l9efGe ). This rap video offers a positive
and humorous perspective on bicycle planning in Victoria, British Columbia.
It emphasizes the many benefits to users and communities for improved
bicycle conditions and increased cycling activity.
"Guidance for Trunkline Main Streets, Michigan Department of Transportation"
(http://bit.ly/2llC60A ). Trunkline main streets are highways that pass
through urban areas and serve as commercial districts. This document is
intended to help communities develop a vision for their trunkline main
street corridors that balance various uses and improve multi-modal
transportation.
"Making the Case for Transportation Language Reform: Removing Bias"
(http://bit.ly/2lTIMVA ). Ian Lockwood discusses why and how to reduce
biases in transportation planning language that unintentionally favors
mobility over accessibility and automobile travel over other modes.
"International Green Roof Association Newsletter" (http://bit.ly/2mqABDx ).
This newsletter describes modern stormwater management strategies that
reduce costs and support the natural water cycle of evaporation,
condensation and precipitation.
"Unprecedented Spending Trends in America, in One Chart"
(https://howmuch.net/articles/american-spending-past-75-years ). This chart
by Yuka Kato illustrates U.S. consumer expenditure trends from 1941 to 2014.
During this period household spending on housing and transport increased
significantly, contributing to unaffordability.
"Before/After Images" (http://www.urb-i.com/before-after ) shows various
urban locations from the same viewpoint at different times, both before and
after public realm improvements.
"The Case for Healthy Places: Improving Health Outcomes Through Placemaking"
(http://bit.ly/2gkYvxe ). This report describes how placemaking strategies
for streets, parks and open spaces, housing projects, and other public realm
settings can help improve people's mental, physical and social health. It
translates academic research into practical strategies for community action.
"Trends in Walking and Cycling Safety: Recent Evidence From High-Income
Countries, With a Focus on the United States and Germany"
(http://bit.ly/2lw9UsI ). "Safer Cycling Through Improved Infrastructure"
(http://bit.ly/2gqOtv9 ). "Vienna's Path to Sustainable Transport"
(http://bit.ly/2mqgHIt ). "Reducing Car Dependence in the Heart of Europe"
(http://bit.ly/2mqiVYz ). These four new journal articles by my friends and
colleagues (Ralph Buehler, John Pucher, Alan Altshuler, Regine Gerike, and
Thomas Goetschi) describe how cities are improving walking and cycling
conditions, and the benefits that result.
"Openness to Immigration Drives Economic Success" (http://bit.ly/2mI8HyE ).
City Observatory columnist Joe Cortright examines the economic development
benefits of immigration. This research indicates that policies that exclude
immigrants are not only mean, they are also economically harmful.
"Trump Says Sanctuary Cities are Hotbeds of Crime. Data Say the Opposite"
(http://ampr.gs/2maBvmV ). 'Sanctuary cities' that U.S. President Trump
characterized as crime incubators are generally safer than other cities
according to this analysis of FBI crime data.
"On Resistance" (https://transportist.org/2017/01/29/on-resistance ).
Professor David ('The Transportist') Levinson, posted this column which
discusses why and how to resist policies that violate the spirit of
democracy and moral responsibility.
"Empty Spaces: Real parking needs at five TODs" (http://bit.ly/2l95Vq5 ).
This study measured parking supply, occupancy and turnover in five
transit-oriented developments (TODs). It found that they all generate far
fewer vehicle trips than standard guidelines estimate. It found that only
58-84% of parking spaces were occupied during peak periods.
"Safe and Sound: International Research on Women's Personal Safety on Public
Transport" (http://bit.ly/2lwcVcw ). This report investigates international
research and media coverage of women's personal safety when traveling by
public transportation, and identifies practical ways to increase women's
security.
"Small Town and Rural Multimodal Networks" (http://bit.ly/2io6A3T ). This
guidebook can help small towns and rural communities support safe,
accessible, comfortable, and active travel for people of all ages and
abilities. It describes examples of innovative and successful bicycling and
walking networks in small towns and rural areas.
"Moving to Access" (http://www.brookings.edu/interactives/moving-to-access )
by The Brookings Institution aims to inform and promote access-oriented
urban transportation policy, planning, investment, and services. It includes
several new reports.
"Sustainable Urban Transport Financing from the Sidewalk to the Subway"
(http://bit.ly/1VZdU4h ). Many developing country cities experience an urban
transport "underfunding trap" in which they lack revenue to implement
transportation improvements that will provide long-term savings and
benefits. This study identifies 24 potential urban transport financing
options.
"Sustainable Transport" (http://bit.ly/2llUSEX ). The latest edition of the
Institute for Transportation and Development Policy's magazine includes
useful and inspiring information on transportation innovations around the
world.
"Developing Voluntary Global Performance Targets for Road Safety Risk
Factors and Service Delivery Mechanisms" (http://bit.ly/2lQI2SQ ). This
World Health Organization report identifies ways to plan and evaluate
traffic safety. Unfortunately, it considers "road safety" rather than
"transportation system safety" and so fails to consider how non-road
policies, such as transport pricing reforms, public transit service
improvements and Smart Growth development policies can reduce per capita
traffic casualty rates. According to our research (http://bit.ly/2bYqQpr and
http://www.vtpi.org/safetrav ), transportation demand management strategies
are essential for achieving traffic safety goals, and these policies provide
large co-benefits besides traffic safety. Unfortunately, they tend to be
overlooked in conventional traffic safety programs which focus on safer
driving rather than safer transportation systems. Here are the Independent
Council for Road Safety International's critical comments
(http://bit.ly/2mavneq ).
* * * * *
Please let us know if you have comments or questions about any information
in this newsletter, or if you would like to be removed from our email list.
And please pass this newsletter on to others who may find it useful.
Sincerely,
Todd Litman (litman@vtpi.org)
Victoria Transport Policy Institute (www.vtpi.org)
Office: 250-360-1560 | Mobile: 250-508-5150
1250 Rudlin Street, Victoria, BC, V8V 3R7, CANADA
Efficiency - Equity - Clarity
From yanivbin at gmail.com Thu Mar 2 20:52:21 2017
From: yanivbin at gmail.com (Vinay Baindur)
Date: Thu, 2 Mar 2017 17:22:21 +0530
Subject: [sustran] Karnataka Govt scraps STEEL flyover ALL THE COVERAGE
Message-ID:
Karnataka government scraps controversial Bengaluru *steel flyover* project
Times of India - ?3 hours ago?
BENGALURU: The Karnataka government on Thursday scrapped the controversial+
Bengaluru *steel flyover* project. Bengaluru development minister KJ George
announced the cancellation of the steel bridge project+ , that has been
mired in controversy from ...
Bengaluru *steel flyover* project to be scrapped
The Hindu - ?12 minutes ago?
The Karnataka government has decided to drop the controversial *steel
flyover* project, Minister for Bengaluru Development and Town Planning K.J.
George formally announced on Thursday. He said the decision was taken after
consultation with Chief Minister ...
Bengaluru's Rs 1800-crore VVIP *steel flyover* project scrapped
India Today - ?2 hours ago?
Bowing to pressure from citizens and green activists, the Karnataka
government today abandoned the controversial *steel flyover* project in the
city, saving about 800 trees from facing the axe. "The *steel flyover* will
not be constructed as the project *...*
Controversial Bengaluru *steel flyover* scrapped after protests
Livemint - ?23 minutes ago?
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Thursday scrapped a
Rs.1,791-crore *steel
flyover* project in Bengaluru, bowing to pressure from citizen groups and
environmentalists. The flyover, which was to be built between Basaveshwara
Circle and Hebbal, ...
Bangalore *steel flyover* controversy: All you want to know in 10 points
Financial Express - ?3 hours ago?
On Thursday, the Karnataka government finally decided to scrap the
ambitious project of building a 6-lane *steel flyover* between Basaveshwara
Circle and Hebbal which it believed could have helped in solving the
problem of traffic jams on the route *...*
Bowing to pressure, Karnataka govt cancels *steel flyover* project in
Bengaluru
India.com - ?2 hours ago?
Bengaluru, Mar 2: The state-run Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) on
Thursday said that it has called off the plan to construct the
controversial *steel flyover* bridge in Bengaluru. The proposed 6.9 km
six-lane steel bridge from Chalukya circle to *...*
Karnataka govt scraps Bengaluru *steel flyover* project in a major victory
to citizens' protests
Firstpost - ?4 hours ago?
In a major victory to protesting Bengaluru residents, the Karnataka
government on Thursday decided to withdraw the *steel flyover* project
connecting Chalukya circle to the Hebbal flyover. CNN-News18 reports that
Karnataka Urban Development Minister KJ ...
Bengaluru *steel flyover* project scrapped: Activists claim victory but
govt decision largely political
Firstpost - ?35 minutes ago?
Bengaluru can breathe easy. Their 812 trees are safe. That many were to be
sacrificed at the altar of the *steel flyover*, a work of monstrosity that
was to connect Basaveshwara Circle to Hebbal to improve connectivity to the
Bengaluru international airport.
Govt dumps Bengaluru *steel flyover* project
Deccan Herald - ?57 minutes ago?
The Karnataka government on Thursday scrapped the controversial *steel
flyover* project. Bengaluru Development Minister K J George announced the
cancellation. The 6.9-km flyover was to connect Basaveshwara Circle (near
Chalukya Hotel) to Hebbal, with ...
*Steel flyover* beda, bad name beda: Karnataka shelves project opposed by
public
The New Indian Express - ?1 hour ago?
BENGALURU: The controversial *steel flyover* project in Bengaluru was
called off by the Karnataka government on Tuesday. Bengaluru Development
Minister K J George said the reason for the cancellation of the project was
that it brought unnecessary bad ...
Karnataka govt cancels Bengaluru *steel flyover* project
Deccan Herald - ?4 hours ago?
The controversial *steel flyover* project has been cancelled by the
Congress government on Thursday, according to media reports. Bengaluru
Development Minister K J George said that the *steel flyover* not to be
constructed. The 6.9-km *steel flyover* was to ...
Karnataka Govt to Scrap Rs 1761 Cr *Steel Flyover* Project Following
Protests
News18 - ?4 hours ago?
Bengaluru: In a major victory to citizens, the proposed Rs 1,761 crore *steel
flyover* in Bengaluru has been scrapped following opposition from
environmentalists and rights groups who claimed that more than 800 trees
will be cut for the project. As *...*
1800-Crore *Steel Flyover* Project Scrapped By Karnataka Government
NDTV - ?18 minutes ago?
The plan for a massive *steel* bridge to ease traffic on the road
connecting Bengaluru to its international airport has been scrapped,
Karnataka's Bengaluru city development minister K George said on Thursday,
describing it as a "decision taken with pain".
Post Congress payoff controversy and citizen protests, Karnataka government
scraps Bengaluru *steel flyover* project
Financial Express - ?4 hours ago?
bengaluru flyover, bengaluru *steel flyover*, karnataka flyover ban,
bengaluru, bengaluru *steel flyover* The Karnataka government has decided
to scrap its ambitious project of building a *steel flyover* that would
have cost it nearly Rs 1,800 Crore. (Source *...*
Bengaluru's *steel flyover* plans dumped by Karnataka government
Bangalore Mirror - ?43 minutes ago?
The controversial *steel flyover* project on that had pitted the state
government against almost everyone else has been dropped. Also Read:
Greenocide continues in Bengaluru: Not 112, Jayamahal Road will lose 892
trees. Bengaluru development minister KJ ...
Karnataka government has dropped Bengaluru *steel flyover* plan, says state
minister
Scroll.in - ?2 hours ago?
The reported decision to drop the *steel flyover* plan comes on the heels
of a controversy surrounding a diary seized from MLC Govindaraju, which
contains a list of payments made against initials attributed to central
Congress leaders, The Hindu reported.
Karnataka government cancels Bengaluru *steel flyover* project
Oneindia - ?4 hours ago?
The Karnataka government dropped its ambitious yet controversial *steel
flyover* project. An official announcement regarding the same was made by
Bengaluru Development Minister K J George. The decision seems to have been
finalised in a meeting led by ...
Karnataka: State government scraps plan for *steel flyover* in Bengaluru
India Today - ?2 hours ago?
In a big win for people of Bengaluru, the Karnataka government today
scrapped the controversial *steel flyover* project for the city. This move
has saved about 800 trees from facing the axe. The expensive six-lane
project was meant to ease traffic on the *...*
Bengaluru *steel flyover* shelved: It's an important victory for citizens,
says activist Priya Chetty Rajagopal
International Business Times, India Edition - ?23 minutes ago?
Bengaluru Development Minister KJ George on Thursday said that the *steel
flyover* project has been shelved. The 7 km-long flyover would not be
constructed in the city. The state government had planned to build the
steel bridge between Basaveshwara *...*
Massive win for citizen groups, Karnataka scraps Bengaluru *steel flyover*
project
The News Minute - ?1 hour ago?
In a massive victory for citizen groups, the Karnataka government announced
the scrapping of the controversial *steel flyover* in Bengaluru on
Thursday. Sources in the government told TNM that Chief Minister
Siddaramaiah was unhappy with allegations of ...
Bangalore *Steel Flyover* Worth Rs 1761 Crore Scrapped, 800 Trees Saved
Jagran Post - ?3 hours ago?
?*Steel flyover* won't be constructed. The project has been cancelled,?
said Bengaluru Development Minister KJ George said to news agency ANI. On
September 28, last year the Karnataka Cabinet awarded the project to Larsen
and Toubro, as they bid the ...
Karnataka govt scraps Rs 1800 crore Bengaluru *steel flyover* project
Deccan Chronicle - ?40 minutes ago?
Bengaluru: Karnataka government has scrapped the project to construct a
*steel* bridge *flyover* in Bengaluru to ease traffic between the city and
its international airport. According to a report in NDTV, the decision
seems to have been taken after the *...*
Massive win for citizens of Bengaluru; Karnataka Govt scraps VVIP *flyover*
Times Now - ?4 hours ago?
In a massive win for the citizens of Bengaluru, the Karnataka Government
has scrapped the Rs 1800 crore *steel flyover* project. The Karnataka
government had faced massive protests against the construction of the
flyover in Bengaluru. The citizens of ...
The big news: Kansas engineer's wife appeals for tolerance on return to US,
and 9 other top stories
Scroll.in - ?2 hours ago?
Karnataka government has dropped Bengaluru *steel flyover* plan, says state
minister: Unconfirmed reports said the decision to scrap the Rs 1,791-crore
project was made in light of recent corruption allegations against the
Congress. Police arrest man for ...
Speak up people, if you want to be heard
Governance Now (blog) - ?25 minutes ago?
Bengaluru's overly ambitious *steel flyover* project, which would have led
to 800 trees being sliced and diced, has been dropped. Karnataka minister
KJ George said the decision was taken as the BJP was trying to cash in on
allegations that the project *...*
From yanivbin at gmail.com Sun Mar 12 03:05:40 2017
From: yanivbin at gmail.com (Vinay Baindur)
Date: Sat, 11 Mar 2017 23:35:40 +0530
Subject: [sustran] Turns out, Uber is clogging the streets
Message-ID:
http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/turns-uber-clogging-streets-article-1.2981765
Turns out, Uber is clogging the street
[image: Clogged arteries]Clogged arteries (THEODORE PARISIENNE/FOR NEW YORK
DAILY NEWS)
BYBRUCE SCHALLER
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Monday, February 27, 2017, 5:00 AM
As Uber and Lyft burst onto our streets and smartphones, they promised
benefits to all. Passengers would get a quick, convenient alternative to
the hide-bound taxi industry. Shared rides would replace solo drivers. Uber
promised to take ?1 million cars off the road in New York City.?
Today in New York, we finally have the data to see how these promises are
working out. It?s not a pretty picture. On-demand companies are fueling a
cycle of increasing congestion and declining transit use, and it demands
immediate attention by Mayor de Blasio and Gov. Cuomo.
Initially, on-demand companies grew mostly by attracting yellow cab
passengers. A January 2016 report from Mayor de Blasio, which I helped
prepare, concluded that growing Uber and trips were not the primary cause
of worsening congestion.
But growth didn?t stop with the mayor?s study. Since June 2015, on-demand
companies? passenger volumes have tripled, to 500,000 per day. That has far
outpaced the drop in yellow cab rides. And most trips are still exclusive
rides, not the long-envisioned shared trips with passengers traveling on
overlapping routes.
Uber to launch $10 carpool deal to help ease congestion
I?ve analyzed Taxi & Limousine Commission trip and vehicle odometer records
to see how this translates to the streets of New York. The results:
On-demand ride companies drove 600 million miles on New York City streets
in 2016 ? more than the same year?s total yellow cab mileage in Manhatta n.
Most of the added driving is in Manhattan and congested parts of Brooklyn
and Queens near the East River, piling more cars onto already crowded
streets.
On-demand trips that aggravate already-slow traffic speeds undercut the
essential role of mass transit in absorbing growth in residents, workers
and visitors. In 2016, subway ridership fell for the first time in years.
Bus ridership dropped for the third consecutive year. Uber, Lyft and the
other companies are making up the difference. They ? together with bikes ?
are now serving the new travel demands generated by our growing city.
That?s not a sustainable way to grow the city.
But we shouldn?t blame the companies or their customers for adding to
traffic woes. Riders are voting with their feet for what they value most:
prompt, responsive, reliable and comfortable transportation.
Cuomo gets highest approval rating of second term
Mayor de Blasio has recognized the need for the city to act, promising an
anti-congestion plan in his State of the City speech. His plan will need to
more efficiently use scarce street space by tackling transit delays, slow
speeds, and crowding so that buses and subways are a viable choice when up
against deep-pocketed, nimble and aggressively customer-focused private
sector companies.
He should aim to speed up bus service by rapidly expanding the number of
bus lanes and vigorously enforcing bus lane and double-parking rules. And
time traffic signals on avenues with high-ridership bus service so that
buses get from stop to stop without wasting time at red lights.
Cuomo must act, too. He should direct the Metropolitan Transportation
Authority to expand off-the-bus fare collection, enabling people to board
through all doors on high-ridership routes where long delays for getting on
and off buses are an everyday, every-stop fact of life.
He should also insist that the MTA implement all-door boarding on all
high-ridership routes when the MetroCard fare payment system is replaced in
a few years.
Dozens of Uber employees describe sexist, hostile work culture
Finally, the MTA and state Legislature should revamp contracting procedures
so that system-wide improvements like new subway signal systems can be
built more quickly and cheaply. New signals can make possible higher
frequency and more reliable subway service.
These initiatives are far more critical than splashy but low-ridership
distractions like the LaGuardia AirTrain and BQX streetcar. Without
system-wide improvements, the on-demand companies will keep attracting
transit riders at an ever-increasing pace.
That will mean slower travel for everyone, from motorists to bus passengers
to truck drivers, and higher costs for goods and services. It?s not the
future we were promised. Nor is it one we can live with. Fortunately, it?s
one that city and state officials can avoid, but only by acting now.
*Schaller is the former deputy commissioner of traffic and planning at the
New York City Department of Transportation and author of ?Unsustainable?
The Growth of App-Based Ride Services and Traffic, Travel and the Future of
New York City.?*
From paulbarter at reinventingtransport.org Tue Mar 14 10:51:27 2017
From: paulbarter at reinventingtransport.org (Paul Barter)
Date: Tue, 14 Mar 2017 09:51:27 +0800
Subject: [sustran] Fwd: CfP Mobilities in the Global South @ Mobile Lives Forum
In-Reply-To: <97c1ea4e4b72a849db1b1e48fb2f5a07@forumviesmobiles.org>
References: <97c1ea4e4b72a849db1b1e48fb2f5a07@forumviesmobiles.org>
Message-ID:
A call for papers. This approach is not my thing. But it may be relevant
for some in sustran-discuss, perhaps?
Paul Barter
www.reinventingparking.org
www.reinventingtransport.org
http://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/faculty/barter-paul/
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Javier Caletr?o
Date: 10 March 2017 at 00:41
Subject: CfP Mobilities in the Global South @ Mobile Lives Forum
To: sppbpa@nus.edu.sg
Dear Paul,
I am writing to bring to your attention a call for short papers on
mobilities in the Global South.
Please feel free to circulate this information to colleagues who may wish
to participate. It would be great to have submissions from Singapore.
If you have any queries, do not hesitate to contact me.
With best wishes,
Javier
--
Dr Javier Caletr?o
Scientific advisor
Mobile Lives Forum
http://en.forumviesmobiles.org/
javier.caletrio@forumviesmobiles.org
https://javiercaletrio.net/
---
Southern Diaries
The Mobile Lives Forum is pleased to announce the creation of a new
thematic section of its website entitled ?Southern Diaries? with the aim of
promoting mobilities research in the Global South.
Traditionally research has privileged the realities and problems of
societies in the ?North? and the aim of Southern Diaries is to give greater
visibility to lesser known issues and researchers in southern societies.
>From April 2017 this new thematic section will regularly feature research
on a wide range of mobility issues.
Researchers and practitioners working on mobility-related issues in the
Global South are invited to submit short notes (700 words) about any aspect
of their work.
The Mobile Lives Forum?s research focus is on people and their lived
experiences rather than solely the technical aspects of transport
infrastructures. Broadly understood this categorisation gives scope for a
wide range of topics and approaches examining the role of mobility in
social life and its territorial and environmental implications. Submissions
with a specific emphasis on people?s ways of life and aspirations and the
challenges and opportunities of ongoing social and cultural transformations
for sustainable mobility transitions are encouraged. So too are
contributions about case studies and projects with a strong component of
?public sociology? (see below).
Selected contributors will be invited to submit full texts (1,500 words)
for publication in the Mobile Lives Forum?s website and regular newsletter
(reaching +10,000 academics and practitioners all over the world).
The deadline for this round of submissions is 31 March.
Please note that the contact address included in previous calls for
participation was incorrect. The correct address is javier.caletrio (at)
forumviesmobiles.org
Further information
About us
The Mobile Lives Forum is a research institute created in 2011 to foster
critical research and debate about mobility futures. In collaboration with
academic and civil society institutions worldwide we bring together
practitioners, artists, scholars and the general public to discuss and
raise awareness about the plurality of ideas of the good life in
contemporary societies and the role of mobility in the pursuit of
individual and collective aspirations. Through this dialogue we seek to
inform policies for sustainable mobility transitions.
The Mobile Lives Forum is a not-for-profit organization based in Paris and
supported by the state-owned SNCF (French railways).
?Global South?
There are multiple, changing and contested conceptual and geographical
understandings of the notion of ?Global South?. Acknowledging this
plurality of views, the ?southern perspective? encouraged by this
initiative loosely refers to contexts, experiences and ways of framing
research that can illuminate other realities ?beyond the North?, their
particularities but also their connections with other places and
experiences. In adopting this loose definition we would also like to
encourage submissions from peripheral areas in southern and eastern Europe.
Public social sciences
Mobilities research is being produced in multiple places and with different
purposes. Some research is conducted by well-resourced universities,
concerns mostly conceptual matters or high-profile policy issues, and tends
to be disseminated through high ranking British and North American academic
journals or as eye-catching media reports. Behind this world of highly
visible, relatively well funded research, the everyday reality in poor
universities and southern countries is often characterised on the one hand
by intense teaching commitments, and on the other by a vocational
engagement with local communities, neighbourhood associations, labour
movements, environmental associations, and minority groups. While retaining
the academic rigor and methodologies of sociology as a discipline, this
style of doing research seeks to illuminate and address problems through a
dialogue with different sections of the ?public?. This kind of public
engagement involves varieties of participatory action research and the
development of alternative techniques of collaborative research. Since
Michael Burawoy's 2004 Presidential address to the American Sociological
Association, the term public sociology or public social science is widely
used to describe the effort of these researchers ?working tirelessly and
invisibly in the trenches of civic society?. Public sociology is practiced
in every society and exists wherever sociologists engage in a dialogue with
a public. It is however in southern countries where it is most active.
Latin America and South Africa, for example, are today epicentres of a
publicly oriented social science.
Submissions will focus on mobility and sustainability, ways of life and
aspirations. Submissions will consist of a short essay that could involve,
for example, the description of projects informed by public sociology or
the presentation of research that questions assumptions cherished by a
particular public, or reorients a public?s focus to issues that are being
overlooked. Ideally the case studies described would enrich discussions of
mobility in the North.
Writing public sociology
Writing public sociology is not just writing in an accessible manner,
avoiding jargon. It involves a familiarity with the lifeworld of a specific
public, taking into consideration the ideas, knowledge, debates, and frames
of reference of that public. It is about using a style and developing a
content that resonates with the audience one wishes to engage with.
Authors are encouraged to accompany the text with audiovisual material
(photos, videos, comic vignettes, sound recordings, etc.) when relevant.
Practical information
Submissions will be acknowledged on receipt and authors will be notified
about the decision.
Submissions should be 700 words. Selected entries will be invited to submit
the full text (1,500 words)
Submissions should be accompanied by a one-page cover letter including a
brief biographical note (up to 100 words) and a brief introduction to the
theme and relevance of the submitted text.
Who can participate: Submissions are encouraged by anyone working on
mobility-related issues in the Global South. Practitioners and scholars
from poorly resourced universities in Europe?s periphery and the Global
South are particularly encouraged to submit their work.
Entries should be sent to javier.caletrio (at) forumviesmobiles.org
Please allow two weeks for receipt of submission acknowledgement.
--
Dr Javier Caletr?o
Scientific advisor
Mobile Lives Forum
Email: javier.caletrio@forumviesmobiles.org
Personal website: javiercaletrio.net
Article: Bauman on mobilty
Article: Mobilities paradigm
From yanivbin at gmail.com Fri Mar 24 23:40:51 2017
From: yanivbin at gmail.com (Vinay Baindur)
Date: Fri, 24 Mar 2017 20:10:51 +0530
Subject: [sustran] Uber Said to Be Rethinking Its Car Leasing Strategy in
India as Driver Incomes Drop
Message-ID:
http://gadgets.ndtv.com/apps/news/uber-said-to-be-rethinking-its-car-leasing-strategy-in-india-as-driver-incomes-drop-1672916
Uber Said to Be Rethinking Its Car Leasing Strategy in India as Driver
Incomes Drop
Reuters, 24 March 20
[image: Uber Said to Be Rethinking Its Car Leasing Strategy in India as
Driver Incomes Drop]
Global ride-hailing firm Uber Technologies is rethinking its car leasing
strategy in India, its second-biggest market, as drivers have returned
dozens of leased cars early after the company cut incentives, people
familiar with the matter told Reuters.
Uber had planned to buy 15,000 new cars
last year and lease them out in a bid to attract more drivers - a strategy
it has used in other markets - but it suspended the scheme for a while in
December after leasing just a third of that total.
After burning through millions of dollars over three years in a battle for
market share with local rival Ola ,
backed by Japan's Softbank , Uber
has cut the incentives it gives to drivers and raised the fares it charges
passengers.
The incentives - from free smartphones to cash bonuses worth as much as
double a day's fares - meant drivers could earn as much as Rs. 120,000
($1,838) a month.
Those incentive payments have been pared back, in some cases to as little
as 10 percent of fare income. Ride fares have risen to Re. 1.5 per minute
of travel from Re. 1.
The incentives and, to an extent, the leasing scheme aimed at drivers
without their own cars, boosted Uber's driver numbers, helping it rapidly
gain around 30 percent market share.
Uber has faced challenges elsewhere in Asia, but the stakes are high in
India's $12 billion taxi market, a key area after it exited China last year
,
and one where CEO Travis Kalanick
has said it expects to be
profitable soon.
Uber has said its services are in 29 Indian cities and it has more than
250,000 drivers on its platform, but it lags Ola, which says it operates in
more than 100 cities with about 550,000 drivers.
*Business shift*
Two people with knowledge of the matter said Uber miscalculated the impact
that the reduced incentives would have on drivers' earnings, especially
those making lease payments.
At an open meeting for staff in December, around the time the incentives
were being reduced, Uber's India chief Amit Jain said the buying-for-lease
scheme was being temporarily suspended while the company evaluated its
leasing strategy, one of the sources said.
Uber did not comment on Reuters queries related to Jain's announcement or
the impact of the incentives cuts on its leasing programme.
Raj Beri, business head for leasing in India, said the scheme was set up to
help drivers without cars get on its platform and make money. "We are very
pleased with our progress toward this goal so far, and look forward to
introducing the opportunity to more prospective driver partners this year,"
he said in a statement.
In a recent blog post on Uber's website, Jain defended the cuts to driver
incentives
and
signaled a strategic shift for India. "We can shift from startup mode to a
more sustainable business model," he wrote.
*"No benefit in leasing"*
Leasing is only a small part of Uber's overall supply in India, but is seen
as a way to lock drivers on to its platform for longer, and stop them
switching to Ola.
To lease a new small car through Uber's scheme, drivers pay a Rs. 33,000
($499) deposit - less than what they would pay to buy a car from a dealer
with a bank loan. But weekly payments of about Rs. 5,500 over three years
add up to nearly double what drivers would pay to service a car loan.
That wasn't an issue when incentives were high.
Several Uber drivers said they feel trapped as a surge in the number of
cars on Uber's platform has led to fewer rides, at a time when incentives
have been cut, making it harder to keep up lease payments.
"I'll not be able to save even Rs. 10,000 a month," said Arjun Chouhan, 38,
an Uber driver in Delhi who has leased a car. "There's no benefit in
leasing. What if I'm unwell? They don't listen."
In a dusty car lot on Delhi's outskirts, guards told Reuters that dozens of
cars standing idle belonged to Uber and had been returned by drivers.
When Reuters phoned Xchange Leasing, Uber's local leasing arm that has an
office near the car park, officials said no new cars were currently being
leased out. One said the priority was to lease those cars returned by
drivers, and it could be 2-3 months before new cars would again be offered.
An Uber spokesman said the company doesn't comment on "anonymous
speculation".
As part of its review, Uber may reduce the three-year lease term and let
two drivers share the rent on a car, one of the sources said.
Uber did not comment on its leasing targets or the future of the scheme.
"People left well-paying jobs to drive an Uber," said Sandeep, another
Delhi driver, adding his monthly ride income has nearly halved to Rs.
60,000 in two years, despite working longer hours.
"We were tempted at the thought of becoming millionaires."
From yanivbin at gmail.com Tue Mar 28 02:14:51 2017
From: yanivbin at gmail.com (Vinay Baindur)
Date: Mon, 27 Mar 2017 22:44:51 +0530
Subject: [sustran] Bhubaneswar To Give Metro A Miss, to focus on BRTS
Message-ID:
City Focus: Bhubaneswar To Give Metro A Miss, to focus on BRTS
*Bhubaneswar Smart City has decided to do away with the metro rail and is
focussing on improving the bus transport system, installing intelligent
traffic system and creating cycling tracks for the convenience of cyclist
and pedestrians*
24March, 2017 by
Manish
Arora
It was for a reason that Bhubaneswar topped the list of the first pack of
20 cities selected by the Urban development Ministry under the Smart Cities
Mission. As the city has decided to do away with the Metro, it is opting
for Intelligent Traffic System(ITS), revamping its public bus transport
system and creating infrastructure for cycle sharing to make its mobility
solution intelligent and green.
?We need not have car-centric development and must have efficient, reliable
and cost-effective bus-based public transport system as metro rail is not
feasible in a city like Bhubaneswar even in coming two three decades,??
Aditya Prasad Padhi, Chief Secretary, Odissa Government said.
And that is the reason the city has opted for BRT system, with new fleet of
modern buses.
According to Vice-Chairman BDA, Krishan Kumar, during the Citizen
Engagement exercises Mobility was voted as the most prioritised sector for
the city?s development and said that the city?s planning will be people
centric and not car centric.
?Bus transport as the mass mobility tool would be the most suited option
for a city like Bhubaneswar,? he added citing an example of London city,
which having an efficient metro system, still depends on buses to carry
more and more people on daily basis.
The buses will have options like standard buses, trolley buses, electric
buses and BRTS or a collage of some from these models.
As per Bhubaneswar Development Authority, Metro system for Bhubaneswar
might cost Rs 6,000 crore for a route of 100 km, but with a 10 percent of
the cost they can have an efficient bus transport network. With a new fleet
of around 500 buses, we have decided to change the city?s mobility scenario
within two years? time. We have already started the process to have an
expert from mobility sector to do a DPR,?? Kumar informed.
Bhubaneswar has already working on Master System Integrator, which aims to
integrate an array of services such as traffic, parking, transit and city
WiFi into a single service with an investment worth Rs. 585 crore. The
smart tracking management will look after functions of about 475 public
service vehicles. This will help in streamlining the traffic and will be
implemented by next two years. The city is also developing a cycling track
of 105 km with help of Germany to boost cycling and promote cycle sharing