Aaron Donovan

Don't forget to vote today.

MTA New York City Transit is exploring an option that permits payment of fare at the point of entry using a standard, bank-issued contactless smart card device. This is a paradigm shift from traditional approaches to fare collection in which transit agencies issue fare media and tickets that are integral to a stand-alone, custom-designed fare collection system. Panelists will review this paradigm shift and explore some of its implications.

On October 12th, NYC DOT Commissioner Iris Weinshall spoke at Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer's transportation forum and shocked conference attendees with her promise to promote "aggressive pedestrianization" measures and to move as many people as possible out of cars and into more efficient modes of travel, like buses and bicycles.

Enrique Peñalosa has become internationally recognized as a political leader and visionary who "walks the walk" regarding issues of social equity, sustainability, and civic participation. As mayor of Bogota from 1998 to 2001, he oversaw the transformation of a major city beset by many of the problems that face other cities in the developing world: stark disparities in income, disenfranchised citizens, traffic congestion, pollution, and more.

Some reading ahead of tomorrow's big Transit-Oriented Development forum at NYU...

The Earth Institute's Office of Educational Programs presents, "Practical Approaches to Climate Change," the annual Student Lecture with Jeffrey D. Sachs, Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University.

Recalling William H. Whyte's 1958 anthology The Exploding Metropolis, this program explores innovative approaches to making cities and suburbs greener, healthier and more equitable. Rutherford H. Platt, editor of The Humane Metropolis: People and Nature in the 21st-Century City (University of Massachusetts Press, 2006) and professor of geography at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, is joined by four New York-area experts with diverse perspectives on urban rehabilitation. Reception and book signing to follow.

Architect David Rockwell discusses Spectacle (Phaidon Press, 2006), his new book about festivals and celebrations. A panel featuring the book’s designer Bruce Mau and moderated by design consultant Chee Pearlman considers the creation of spectacular, larger-than-life events through the eyes of producers and designers, and examines their value in bringing people together. Co-sponsored by the Municipal Art Society and the Architectural League of New York.

Savvy Cyclist is a free, one-day, basic "introduction to cycling" program for teens and adults who want to improve their cycling skills. This class is ideal for new cyclists who want to learn the basics, or those returning to cycling from a long hiatus. It’s a great class for those who want to know more, to be more independent on their bike, and for those who feel a little nervous while cycling in traffic. It provides essential knowledge and skills to know, adjust, repair, and ride your cyclist like an experienced pro.