ASC's Intersections Newsletter — June 6th, 2025
Nora’s Note
Holy Grail of Transit Ridership Destined for New York? Encouraging commuters to shift to transit has long been stymied by the absence of a one-seat ride. Offering a one-seat ride has been seen as a key to getting more people off the road and onto shared commute modes. For over a century, traveling from Long Island to the mainland U.S. meant navigating transfers and time-consuming connections. Now, Amtrak is poised to change that narrative. In a recent announcement, the national railroad unveiled plans for a direct, one-seat ride between Ronkonkoma and Washington, D.C., marking a significant shift in regional transit. The proposal includes three daily off-peak trains departing from Penn Station to Ronkonkoma, with return trips to the nation's capital. This initiative aims to streamline travel, eliminating the need for passengers to switch trains at Penn Station.This initiative aims to streamline travel, eliminating the need for passengers to switch trains at Penn Station. It is a significant step toward integrated regional rail that would reshape the commuting experience for Long Islanders.
Transportation
MTA board approves $65B plan to save NYC transit systems. The budget will be in part funded by Kathy Hochul’s tax hike on large businesses, which is expected to bring the state $1.4B a year. The federal government and the city are expected to cover the rest of the cost. The money will buy 1,500 new train cars, increase station accessibility, and install new turnstiles. The plan also dedicates money towards Hochul’s new project, the Interborough Express. Read more about this new budget approval. (Source: Gothamist)
AMNY: Congestion pricing brings in $215 million for MTA so far in 2025
Mass Transit Magazine: LA Metro’s GoPass reaches 500,000 enrollment milestone
MoneyTalksNews: 18 cities rethinking transit safety before it’s too late
Climate
Why the solar industry is counting Ohio’s newest energy law as a win. This May, Republican Gov. DeWine enacted House Bill 15 (HB 15)in attempt to grow gas and nuclear power production in Ohio. HB 15 provides up to $10 million in grants to clean and prepare former brownfield sites for construction of new energy plants, which could potentially yield more clean energy production across Ohio. Read more about HB 15 and its implications on Ohio’s energy production. (Source: Canary Media)
Happy Eco News: How on-site water treatment systems are reshaping campus sustainability
The Guardian: Hawaii will tax vacation stays and use money to help counter climate crisis
EnergyMix: Climate survivors build support networks, share stories to drive change
Economic Development
NYC leaders unveil ambitious 5 Times Square office-to-housing conversion to tackle city’s housing crisis. Work is now underway to convert a mostly vacant office building in Times Square into 1,250 homes—with over 300 of the homes to be designated as permanently affordable units. The project is in line with New York City’s goals to create 82,000 new homes over the next 15 years. Read more to learn more about the project and its timeline. (Source: Harlem World)
NYC Health + Hospitals: City of New York celebrates National Nurses Month with $2 million in investments to support new registered nurses and the next generation of nurse preceptors, educators, and leaders
Time: Meet the five small businesses that helped knock down Trump’s tariffs
News Channel 2: Utica awards over $165,000 in grants to 12 minority- and women-owned small businesses
Digital
With AI, post-tornado assessments could be ‘near-instantaneous.’ A new tool from researchers at Texas A&M University could help cities respond more quickly to tornado disasters by delivering rapid damage assessments within hours. The system uses satellite imagery, AI-powered modeling, and ecosystem forecasting to support emergency planning and long-term recovery. Read more about how this technology could enhance disaster response and help direct aid to communities that need it most. (Source: Smart Cities Dive)
GovTech: NYC Transit Lab turns to 12 companies for tech innovation
Route Fifty: MTA approves millions more for OMNY chatbot in buggy system
IoTnews: Robots could build massive solar power arrays in space
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