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May 2023
Welcome to Local Motion, a monthly email newsletter from the North Central Texas Council of Governments Transportation Department.
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Celebrate Bike Month by pedaling to work or just getting active
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| On a typical morning, most North Texans drive to their destinations. Whether they are going to work, dropping the kids off at school or running errands, the day usually starts behind the wheel. There are opportunities throughout May to try something different. May is Bike Month.
Take a spin around the neighborhood. Explore a nearby trail. Even ride your bike to work.
This year, there are two separate Bike to Work Day observances for North Texans to consider. Dallas Area Rapid Transit is holding a local event May 12 with giveaways and free snacks from 7-9 a.m. at the following four rail stations: Akard, CityLine/Bush, Downtown Garland and Parker Road.
In addition to the DART event, the League of American Bicyclists is asking workers to extend their focus on bicycling into the next week. Bike to Work Week begins May 15, concluding with Bike to Work Day on May 19.
If people find it difficult to ride their bicycles to work, they could use them for the first and last miles of their trips, riding to and from the nearest transit stop. All three of the region’s public transportation providers allow bicycles on their buses and trains. For more information on Bike to Work activities, including safety tips and advice on how to get started, visit www.nctcog.org/biketowork.
May is also National Bicycle Safety Month, when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urges bicyclists and motorists to share the roadways by obeying the traffic laws and respecting each other’s rights. The safety of all roadway users is an important emphasis area in North Texas and across the state. For more on the North Central Texas Council of Governments’ bicycle and pedestrian safety campaign, visit www.lookouttexans.org.
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Improve your health, clean the air, take the pledge
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| Despite improvements in air quality, Dallas-Fort Worth is still working to meet the federal government’s standards for ozone pollution. North Texans have an opportunity to help boost the region’s air quality, and they can do it without making significant changes. Clean Air Action Day will take place on June 2 this year.
This day is a chance for residents and employers to consider small changes to their routines that might help boost air quality throughout Dallas-Fort Worth. While attention should be paid to air quality all year, summer is the height of ozone season.
Better air quality can be achieved in a variety of ways such as working from home, finding an alternative commute, limiting unnecessary idling or even taking lunch to work. For a full list of clean air strategies individuals, businesses and governments can enact to help the region move closer to attainment, visit www.airnorthtexas.org/cleanairactionday. Consider how you can help, and then take the pledge to complete one action to benefit regional air quality. Additionally, signing up for air quality alerts at www.airnorthtexas.org/signup can keep residents informed of when action is needed.
North Texans are encouraged to maintain their Clean Air Action Day commitments made on June 2 throughout ozone season, which ends Nov. 30. Residents are encouraged to use #CAAD2023 and tag @NCTCOGtrans on social media to publicly show their commitment to clean air and to get others involved.
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4 DFW cities express interest in gondola-style transportation system
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| The Regional Transportation Council’s Certification of Emerging and Reliable Transportation Technology program allows for transportation technology providers to implement innovative solutions to transportation issues in the Dallas-Fort Worth region while simultaneously obtaining required certifications to serve the public.
Swyft Cities is designing and testing a gondola-style system that offers a potential solution to first- and last-mile connectivity challenges, as well as circulation of travelers in a dense urban district or campus setting. These gondola networks can provide an alternative to walking, cycling, or driving, particularly in areas with major highways or heavy traffic congestion.
NCTCOG received 10 submissions from four cities: Arlington, Dallas, DeSoto and Plano. Each city documented the specific transportation challenges and locations that could be served by this innovative technology, and Swyft Cities will determine which opportunities it wishes to pursue.
While these submitted projects are not yet funded, they are the first step in an ongoing conversation between Swyft Cities and interested municipalities. NCTCOG will continue to provide support as needed for future project planning.
Learn more about CERTT at www.nctcog.org/certt.
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By the Numbers
10
The number of submissions from four Dallas-Fort Worth area cities interested in pursuing a gondola-style system being developed by Swyft Cities.
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Legislative Session ends May 29
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| The Texas Legislature is winding down, with less than 30 days left for lawmakers to pass proposed bills into law.
In April, the Texas Senate and House each approved versions of the two-year statewide budget. Senators voted on a $308 billion spending plan, which includes $141.2 billion in general revenue for major investments, including $37.4 billion for the Texas Department of Transportation. The Senate budget includes slightly more transportation revenue than its House counterpart, with the additional funds going toward port and ship channel projects, and general aviation facilities.
The House approved a $302.6 billion budget that includes $37.1 billion for transportation. Funding for transportation is approximately $5 billion more than the 2022-2023 biennium. The two chambers will meet in a conference committee to negotiate a final compromise bill.
Some transportation bills currently moving through the legislative process would create standards for electric vehicle charging stations, impose a new fee for electric vehicle owners for the purpose of funding transportation and increase penalties for creating fraudulent temporary tags for vehicles.
Monday, May 29 is the final day of the 88th Regular Session.
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Nominations open for Clean Cities advisory committee
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| Each year, the Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Coalition works to bring affordable, efficient and clean transportation to the region. DFW Clean Cities stakeholders reduce the equivalent of more than 20 million gallons of gasoline per year and improve air quality through the adoption of electric and alternative fuel vehicles, and other efficient practices.
Now DFW Clean Cities has set its sights on the creation of a Technical Advisory Committee made up of public- and private-sector representatives to guide the coalition's strategic direction, support its activities and facilitate its capacity for growth.
If you would like to nominate a member of your organization, email their name and why you believe they would be a good fit to cleancities@nctcog.org. Nominations are being accepted through May 31. Staff will select the committee following the nomination deadline. Nominees should have knowledge of topics such as alternative fuels and fleets, energy and local governments. For more information, visit dfwcleancities.org. NCTCOG plans to host the first meeting this summer.
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Mobility 2045 Policy Bundle applications due May 31
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The growth of the Dallas-Fort Worth area will require the continued development of roads, public transportation and bicycle and pedestrian facilities, as well as maintenance of the current infrastructure. However, building infrastructure alone cannot achieve the goals of the region’s long-range metropolitan transportation plan, Mobility 2045: 2022 Update. The plan also includes vital policies and programs that aim to improve the quality of life for North Texans.
The MTP Policy Bundle is a regional effort to promote the implementation of the plan’s policies across Dallas-Fort Worth. When cities, counties, transit authorities and other agencies complete certain actions outlined in the bundle, they can receive Transportation Development Credits, which offset required local match payments for federally funded projects. By avoiding paying a local match, governments can put funds toward other local priorities.
The Policy Bundle includes 20 policies from the long-range plan; policies include environmental and safety programs, promoting alternative modes of transportation, school siting and land use. Round 5 of the MTP Policy Bundle is open now, and eligible entities have until May 31, to apply. The RTC is expected to consider awards this summer.
More information about the policy bundle can be found at www.nctcog.org/policybundle.
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For more information about Local Motion topics, contact Brian Wilson at 817-704-2511 or bwilson@nctcog.org. Visit www.nctcog.org/trans for more information on the department.
--Imagery provided by Canva, Getty Images, NCTCOG, Swyft Cities.
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