Posts

Deadbeat Drivers Racked Up $5B in Unpaid MTA Tolls in 4 Years -- And Closing Booths to Go "Cashless" May Be to Blame

Jan

2025

Deadbeat Drivers Racked Up $5B in Unpaid MTA Tolls in 4 Years -- And Closing Booths to Go "Cashless" May Be to Blame

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is facing a staggering $5.1 billion in unpaid tolls and penalties accrued over the past four years, a situation exacerbated by the shift to cashless tolling systems. As the agency prepares to implement a new congestion pricing fee, concerns are raised regarding the potential for increased revenue losses and the effectiveness of current toll collection practices.

3 min read

Jan

2025

School Bus Cameras

Putting a Stop to Public Corruption

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recently highlighted a public corruption case involving a Dallas city councilman who accepted bribes related to a school bus stop-arm camera program. This case underscores the detrimental impact of corruption on public resources and community trust.

3 min read

Report Raises Ethical Questions About State Rep's Support of School Bus Camera Laws

Jan

2025

School Bus Cameras

Report Raises Ethical Questions About State Rep's Support of School Bus Camera Laws

A report by The Tributary has raised ethical concerns regarding Florida State Representative Vicki Lopez's support of school bus camera legislation, particularly given her son's employment with BusPatrol, a company that could potentially benefit from such laws.

2 min read

Jan

2025

Speed Cameras

Speed Camera Study

As another "study" comes out claiming the snake oil of speed scameras. Note to be wary of "study's" that don't make a apples to apples comparison like take into account.

1 min read

Trio of Federal Bills Goes After New York’s Congestion Pricing and MTA

Jan

2025

Congestion Pricing

Trio of Federal Bills Goes After New York’s Congestion Pricing and MTA

Recent legislative efforts by a trio of federal lawmakers from New Jersey and New York aim to dismantle New York City’s congestion pricing program and scrutinize the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The representatives have reintroduced three key bills that target the congestion pricing initiative, which has faced significant backlash from various stakeholders.

4 min read

NYC Restaurants Offer to Cover Congestion Tolls Amid Customer Backlash

Jan

2025

Congestion Pricing

NYC Restaurants Offer to Cover Congestion Tolls Amid Customer Backlash

In response to the new $9 congestion toll in New York City, restaurant owners are offering to cover the cost to attract customers. This initiative reflects growing frustration among New Yorkers regarding transportation issues and the impact on local businesses.

3 min read

Iowa Lawmaker Proposing Additional Traffic Camera Regulations

Jan

2025

Speed Cameras

Iowa Lawmaker Proposing Additional Traffic Camera Regulations

Iowa lawmaker Rep. Henry Stone is advocating for new regulations on traffic cameras, aiming to keep the revenue from fines within the state. This proposal comes after the state has seen an increase in cities contracting with out-of-state companies to manage their traffic enforcement programs, raising concerns over local tax dollars being funneled elsewhere.

4 min read

To Ensure Compliance With Trash Laws, NYC Considers Deploying Drones

Jan

2025

Drones

To Ensure Compliance With Trash Laws, NYC Considers Deploying Drones

New York City's sanitation department is exploring the potential use of drones to enhance enforcement of cleanliness regulations, particularly targeting illegal dumping and the improper disposal of trash. While supporters argue that drones could improve neighborhood quality of life, privacy advocates express significant concerns regarding surveillance and civil liberties.

3 min read

Congestion Pricing: After 2 Weeks MTA Calls It a Success

Jan

2025

Congestion Pricing

Congestion Pricing: After 2 Weeks MTA Calls It a Success

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has declared its new congestion pricing toll, implemented two weeks ago, a success despite mixed feedback from commuters and independent traffic trackers. While MTA Chairman Janno Lieber cites reduced vehicle entries and improved commute times, critics point to a lack of significant improvements in traffic speed within the congestion zone.

3 min read