As Attitudes Change, Engineers See An Industry Evolve
Mass transit projects are now pegged to receive $52.6 billion through 2009, thanks to long-awaited reauthorization of federal funding for U.S. transportation projects that Congress passed July 29. That is good news, but industry had not been waiting forlornly by the phone for federal aid to come calling. As reauthorization stalled over the past two years, an ongoing nationwide increase in transit ridership spurred local ballot initiatives, innovative financial schemes and closer looks at transit options. The increasing community buy-in has jump-started an evolution in transit design and construction. Transit projects are now considered an essential element of economic development and community planning, requiring engineers to evolve as well. They also are absorbing lessons from recent forays into alternative project finance and delivery methods.
Transit-oriented development (TOD), is not a new concept, but it has begun to take off in a big way over the past few years. TOD projects in trailblazing cities such as Portland, Ore., have proven successful and other regions are now taking note (ENR 5/6/96 p. 28). Engineers, designers and planners must embrace new skill sets as they involve themselves with this trend.