New Tech & Tools Make Car-Free Living Easier

A report from the WISPIRG Foundation and Frontier Group shows how American cities are using new technologies for their transportation needs. The report, “The Innovative Transportation Index,” explores how these advances make it easier for more Americans to live full and engaged lives without owning a car.

The report ranks major American cities on a number of different types of new transportation technology options in the city, including: ride-sharing, bike-sharing, public transit navigation apps, and virtual transit ticketing, among others.

“None of these options even existed a few years ago, and this trend is just beginning,” said Phineas Baxandall, WISPIRG Foundation transportation program director. “Technology has given people new convenient ways to get around.”

The report calls on policymakers to tap into the potential of these services to address transportation challenges and increase the number of people able to live car-free or car-light lifestyles.

Perceptions of Transit in 2014

We now have a snapshot into perceptions of transit and neighborhoods in 2014. As Millennials take center stage in American life and the Baby Boom generation confronts retirement, both the transit and real estate industries will have to adjust.

  • Report “Who’s on Board 2014”
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You can also go to the Transit Center web site for more information.

“Driving Wisconsin’s Brain Drain”

A new report analyzes how Wisconsin’s lack of transit undermines the state’s ability to retain young talent. It lays out the case for robust transit options as a means of retaining college graduates. Millenials have different travel preferences than their parents. They are postponing buying cars or even obtaining driver’s licenses. Instead, they are taking transit in increasing numbers. Will Wisconsin policy makers address this trend to keep our young people here?

  • Report: “Driving Wisconsin’s Brain Drain: How Outdated Transportation Policies Undermine Wisconsin’s Ability to Attract and Retain Young Talent for Tomorrow’s Economic Prosperity”
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You can also go to the WISPIRG foundation to find out more and currently, find the report on their website here.