Transit Use Boom, but in Some Surprising Cities

Zachary Shahan — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:44:03 +0000

Transit use boomed from 2006-2008, but not in traditionally transit-friendly areas. This shows hope for more transit use in traditionally car-oriented places in the US in the future.

An analysis of the most recent transit use data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that transit use grew by up to 47% in major metropolitan areas in the U.S. from 2006-2008, with several metro regions in the South and West growing by more than 10%.

The South and West, being more dominated by automobile-oriented development and auto use, have historically struggled to get significant transit ridership. However, the top ten cities with the highest recent increase in ridership include several metro areas in the South and West, including Charlotte, NC (47%), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA (26.7%), Pheonix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ (23.6%), San Antonio, TX (15.1%) and others. This seems to shine a light of hope on increased transit use in the southern and western U.S. in the future.

First, however, why are we seeing a boom in these places?

Ideas for Energy-Efficient Home Building

Kristin Dispenza — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:47:51 +0000

For the past several years, the U.S. Department of Energy has been promoting the development of Zero Energy Homes (ZEHs). The DOE has put forth efforts that range from funding studies and partnering with private contractors to providing free building energy analysis software. By some estimates, over 2000 Zero Energy Homes have been built. Beginning this year, the DOE is making even more funding available to support the development of energy efficient technologies which can be applied to ZEHs.

Shirey Contracting, an Issaquah, WA-based construction firm specializing in custom residential homes as well as commercial facilities, plans to begin construction of its “Zero Energy Idea House” in Bellevue this month. Situated on Bass Cove and incorporating modern design elements, the 1700 sq. ft. house is intended to be a demonstration project. It will showcase products and systems that can move a home toward complete energy independence.

Green Options » Bellevue

Transit Use Boom, but in Some Surprising Cities

Ideas for Energy-Efficient Home Building