Rail DOT Changes

Link to NYT

I believe that these types of changes can greatly improve rail safety within large cities, the reduction in speed reduces the probability for time consuming derailments or crashes. Unfortunately, a side effect for crossings that are not rail dedicated and share a vehicular or pedestrian paths will increase wait time at the intersection and could potentially lead to increased traffic load during peak hours. The offset however, is that by reducing derailments and accidents the likelihood of a regional shutdown is decreased. Because an environmental cleanup is much more involved with chemical tankers, as compared to lumber, passenger, or other dry goods; the newer models will decrease the probability of a rupture which can lead to large infernos, explosions, and other ill-fated results. Personally, I view this as an environmental response rather than safety, but the net effect is the same.

New Transit Bill

Link to NYT

I think that these issues will continue to creep up on us and find unsubstantiated resistance from most of the population. Even though improving our transit system is an idea that is bipartisan, funding is not and it will likely take a majority in both houses to get something like this passed while mitigating public backlash from the other half. In some ways, the good of the people is sacrificed for the good of the party, which I guess isn't surprising, but it can be debilitating for areas desperate for renovations.