NYC to DC in 2 hours!

A boy can dream, right?

Washington Times - EXCLUSIVE: Amtrak to seek high-speed train

The (Mostly) True Story of Helvetica and the New York City Subway

Intense and detailed review of the type face of the country's largest transit network. File and read this one when you're bored ...

The (Mostly) True Story of Helvetica and the New York City Subway: Voice: AIGA Journal of Design: Writing: AIGA

Terror Plotting against NYC Subways

Nothing new, but a new warning was issued last night regarding terror plots against NYC subways (Feds warn of terror plotting against NYC subways); It did get me thinking though, as discussed below, Mass Transit is at the center of 3 contemporary themes, and yet still continues to be relegated to an ancillary issue:

• Economic benefits
• Environmental benefits
• Terror concerns

What other issues of the day are more poignant than these?

Friends Don't Let Friends Pay More for Worse Transit

A note from Michael O'Loughlin, Director, Campaign for New York's Future:

Do you want to pay 3 dollars a ride in exchange for fewer trains or more crowded buses? Didn't think so. Well that could happen if our leaders don't step in and do something about the MTA's multi-billion dollar budget gaps.

My commute is already overcrowded – can you imagine what it will be like if the MTA starts making drastic service cuts in 2009 and can't raise the capital funds needed to maintain the system and expand service for a million more New Yorkers in the years ahead?

I just signed a petition asking our leaders to invest in the transit system that is so vital to New York's economy, our environment and our future – will you do the same? Click on your subway line below to sign the petition representing how you get around:

By investing in transit, we can invest in New York's economy, our environment and our future.

That's why the Campaign for New York's Future is organizing Keep New York Moving Day!

On November 19th – Keep New York Moving Day, we'll be at subway stops throughout the city asking commuters to sign postcards telling local leaders that now's the time to invest in transit.

But you don't have to wait until the 19th. You can sign the petition online right now like I did! Just click on your subway line above.

Click on your subway line or the bus image above and sign the petition today. Then, on Wednesday, look for us at a transit station near you.

Don't miss this chance to make your voice heard!

European Tram Makers to Gain From U.S. Streetcar Push

Quick overview of the current US streetcar market, of note:

"Though the Federal Transit Administration manages a $1.6 billion program for light rail, little of it, subject to complex distribution conditions, has been distributed to streetcar construction under the Bush administration. Financing has come mainly from local communities."

With many local funding sources already identified, lessening the current restrictions on Federal funding (what little of it will be left after the Autumn of Bailout) could lead to a mini-boom for some transit agencies around the country.

European Tram Makers to Gain From U.S. Streetcar Push - NYTimes.com

NYC Bus Awards

Annual Straphangers NYC Bus 'awards' announced ... I've always appreciated the exposure these awards bring to transit, of course, eh, not so rosy ... why not tie these awards to funding or mandatory reviews?

Am also mildly amused my sometime wheels M23 staved off what would have been another dubious win.

NYPIRG Straphangers' Pokey and Schleppie Awards