ASC's Intersections Newsletter — June 27th, 2025
Nora’s Note
Modernizing the commute. More than 300 new railcars are on the way, built by Alstom in Hornell, New York, as part of a $1.3 billion investment in comfort, reliability, and local jobs. These sleek new additions to the LIRR and Metro-North lines come equipped with climate control, better accessibility, and long-requested Wi-Fi. More than a refresh, the new cars will support hundreds of union jobs in a long-term bet on a region that moves millions every day. When we talk about investing in public transit, this is what it looks like. Smart, tangible improvements that serve the public and strengthen the communities that build them.
Transportation
Congestion pricing is cutting traffic jams in New York and New Jersey. Congestion pricing has cut traffic jams in Manhattan, giving commuters back tens of thousands of hours since introducing the initial $9 peak toll, according to a Regional Planning Association report.Data analysis reveals a 28% decrease in hours lost to congestion inside Manhattan — from 4,384 to 3,161 hours — and similar drops in the Bronx, Bergen, and Hudson counties. Read more discover expert insights, detailed regional impacts, and interactive graphics illustrating the toll program’s success. (Source: Streetsblog)
Gothamist: All e-bike Citi Bikes now restricted to 15mph in NYC
AMNY: MTA is evaluating new buses as part of its goal to have a more environmentally friendly fleet
Transport Topics: Trucking’s next generation brings new ideas to the workplace
Climate
In California, a push to decommission gas lines in low-income neighborhoods moves forward. Local community action groups have driven the charge to switch from gas lines to electrification in some of California's low-income neighborhoods. The change is intended to improve indoor air pollution, which especially benefits children and those with respiratory diseases like asthma. To support these efforts, California recently passed SB 1221, lowering the required resident sign-up from 100% to 67%, enabling up to 30 neighborhood-scale electrification projects statewide Read more about “Neighborhood-scale decarbonization.” (Source: Inside Climate News)
Grist: What one town learned by charging residents for every bag of trash
Canary Media: Colorado landscapers are discovering the perks of electric lawn equipment
Anthropocene Magazine: From crop waste to clothing: new research takes a first step
Economic Development
NYC schools are getting financial coaches. See which 15 districts are first to get them this fall. This is the first step in the “Financial Literacy for Youth” (FLY) initiative with the goal of bringing financial educators into public schools. The FLY initiative is expected to expand into every NYC school district by 2030, making NYC one of the first public school systems to provide schools with financial educators directly. Read more about the initiative and the first 15 districts to get financial coaches. (Source: Chalkbeat)
Smart Cities Dive: Targeted investment, tech can sustain critical infrastructure
Electrive: New York expands truck voucher incentive programme
CBS News: NYC’s Elizabeth Street Garden will be saved in a deal that includes 620 affordable housing units, sources say
Digital
How a new wave of defense spending is helping climate innovators. Governments around the world are channeling increased defense budgets toward climate innovation. The U.S., EU, and Asiaare not only scaling up military spending but also mandating greener operations, such as reducing emissions at bases and integrating renewable energy into defense infrastructure. This shift has pushed climate tech into defense’s orbit, creating opportunities for technologies that improve energy resilience, secure supply chains, and support both military and civilian use. Read more about evolving climate tech. (Source: Forbes)
GovTech: Chief AI Officer: higher education’s new leadership role
Route Fifty: How one Ohio county uses tech to help residents navigate the benefits cliff
Tech Times: What Colossal’s dire wolves mean for biodiversity protection
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