Tag Archives: transportation

Trump Is Bullying Air Traffic Controllers to Get Back to Work While They’re Still Going Unpaid

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Air traffic controllers aren’t being paid right now, forcing many to call out sick as they scramble to scrape together enough money from second jobs to feed their families. But President Donald Trump is not happy about it, given all the delays that are happening at the nation’s airports. The president seems convinced he can just bully his way into getting air traffic controllers to keep working for no pay.

“All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!! Anyone who doesn’t will be substantially ‘docked,’” Trump wrote on Truth Social Monday morning.

Trump went on to claim that air traffic controllers who were “GREAT PATRIOTS” and “didn’t take ANY TIME OFF” will potentially be getting a bonus of $10,000. To be more precise, Trump said he would be “recommending” a bonus, which doesn’t guarantee that anyone will actually receive it.

He referred to the government shutdown, which is currently on its 41st day, as the “Democrat Shutdown Hoax.”

The U.S. Senate made some movement on Sunday toward ending the shutdown, with eight Democrats voting in an early procedural step to push forward a final vote. However, ending the shutdown still faces several hurdles, including passage in the House. Democrats received no real concessions despite originally claiming they wanted Republicans to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits.

Trump stressed his disappointment in the air traffic controllers who had not been showing up for work. They were supposed to be paid last Tuesday but instead received notices that they would be paid $0, forcing many to work jobs like driving for Uber and DoorDash.

“For those that did nothing but complain, and took time off, even though everyone knew they would be paid, IN FULL, shortly into the future, I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU. You didn’t step up to help the U.S.A. against the FAKE DEMOCRAT ATTACK that was only meant to hurt our Country. You will have a negative mark, at least in my mind, against your record,” Trump continued.

He also said that if air traffic controllers wanted to “leave service in the near future,” they shouldn’t hesitate to do so, but they would be getting no payment or severance.

Trump’s use of the phrase “near future” is noteworthy because he seems aware that telling people to quit immediately is the opposite of what he wants. Essentially, the president is telling those he views as disloyal to come back temporarily and then quit when it’s convenient for him.

This is troubling given the current shortage of somewhere between 2,000 and 3,000 air traffic controllers, according to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. Losing more personnel would be devastating to the goal of getting more trained and hired, even if the government shutdown ends soon.

More than 2,600 flights were canceled Sunday, and at least 1,400 flights were canceled already on Monday — roughly 5.5% of all flights nationwide, according to USA Today. That’s more than the 4% threshold ordered by the FAA as the agency phases in more cancellations, which are expected to reach 10% this week. Not all the cancellations are due to FAA-mandated slowdowns; some winter weather in the Chicago area also disrupted flights.

Duffy appeared on CNN on Sunday to emphasize the real dangers caused by being short-staffed, including incidents described as “loss of separation in the airspace,” meaning that planes are flying too close together.

The president also claimed on Monday that his administration was acquiring new equipment for air traffic controllers, describing it as “in process.”

“You will be quickly replaced by true Patriots, who will do a better job on the Brand New State of the Art Equipment, the best in the World, that we are in the process of ordering. The last ‘Administration’ wasted Billions of Dollars trying to fix antiquated ‘junk.’ They had no idea what they were doing!” Trump wrote.

He concluded with a message to those still working and those not reporting:

“Again, to our great American Patriots, GOD BLESS YOU I won’t be able to send your money fast enough! To all others, REPORT TO WORK IMMEDIATELY. GOD BLESS AMERICA! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP.”

It remains to be seen how Trump’s coercive approach will be received by air traffic controllers, who are already exhausted from trying to support their families, taking on second jobs, and doing their best during incredibly difficult times.

“I’m broken down. I’m sore. I’m mentally drained,” one controller based in the southeast U.S. told the New York Times. The controller said they had been using all their free time hanging Christmas lights to earn extra money.

“There’s some times where I felt like just going into the corner and crying because it’s been pretty tough to push through the physical pain, the tiredness and waking up the next day having to do it all over again,” the controller said.
https://gizmodo.com/trump-is-bullying-air-traffic-controllers-to-get-back-to-work-while-theyre-still-going-unpaid-2000683701

Flying soon? What you need to know as Trump admin creates holiday travel chaos

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While nonessential employees were furloughed during the recent government shutdown, workers deemed essential—such as air traffic controllers—have continued their jobs. But what does this mean for the millions of Americans who take to the skies every day? To find out, The Conversation U.S. spoke with Laurie A. Garrow, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

### What Do We Know About the FAA’s Plans So Far?

The first thing to note is that the situation can change rapidly. However, as of this morning, about 4% of flights are being canceled across 40 “high-volume” airports. This list is publicly available and includes most of the major hubs in the United States such as Atlanta, New York’s airports, Chicago O’Hare, Los Angeles International, and Dallas/Fort Worth.

The plan is to increase cancellations to 10% by November 14 if the shutdown continues that long. The FAA, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the airlines are working together to decide which flights and routes will be affected. This will undoubtedly be monitored closely in the coming days, with efforts made to minimize disruption for customers.

Currently, cuts are focused on domestic flights only. International flights across the Atlantic, Pacific, and to Latin America are not subject to cuts for now. The 4% cancellations mainly target high-frequency routes to help lessen the overall impact.

For example, American Airlines typically flies nine flights a day from Miami to Orlando but plans to reduce that to eight flights this weekend. Regional flights may also see reductions; a typical route such as Erie, Pennsylvania, to Charlotte might drop from three daily flights to one or two. However, the FAA has made it clear that they will not cut flights to markets entirely, only reduce the number.

### What Will This Mean for Existing Flights?

Passengers can expect more people on the flights that continue to operate. Fortunately, we are currently in the lull before the Thanksgiving travel rush, so there is more slack in the system and extra seats available. If a flight is canceled on a busy route, it should be relatively easy to accommodate passengers on another flight.

Customers are also likely to be advised to arrive at airports earlier than usual. More delays on existing flights are expected because of safety measures.

Air traffic control can only safely manage a certain number of flights at any one time. With fewer controllers available or working reduced hours, the number of airplanes in the sky must be limited. Controllers cannot safely monitor double the usual number of flights.

To manage this, more ground delay programs will be implemented to limit aircraft movements into or out of airports, especially during peak periods. While this causes delays, it is a necessary safety measure.

### What Impact Will This Have on Airlines?

At a 4% cancellation rate, the impact on airlines is expected to be relatively minor. The affected airports are major hubs, and the reduction in flights is balanced across all U.S. carriers.

However, the broader impact may ripple across industries that depend on air transportation. According to the International Air Transport Association, the U.S. air transport sector contributes $3 trillion—about 4.7%—to GDP and supports approximately 7.6 million jobs.

If the shutdown and resulting disruptions continue, especially into the holiday season, the economic impact could be more severe.

### What If the Shutdown Continues Into the Holiday Season?

If flight reductions rise to 10% by the holidays, with added delays, carriers will likely experience significant challenges. The holiday season is a peak travel time, so disruptions during this period will be especially painful for airlines and passengers alike.

### Will This Affect How Americans Choose to Travel?

Air travel is often an emotional choice—used for significant life events like family reunions, holidays, or important business meetings. Difficulty in securing timely flights could influence travel decisions this holiday season.

Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines, noted on November 7 that the airline is already seeing an impact on bookings, with people postponing or rescheduling trips. For journeys of around 500 to 600 miles, traveling by car is becoming a more attractive option for many.

### Will Passengers Be Compensated for Canceled Flights?

Passenger compensation for delays and cancellations usually depends on whether the issue was within the airline’s control. The U.S. Department of Transportation maintains a dashboard detailing airline policies for mitigating passenger inconvenience in such cases.

However, flight disruptions caused by air traffic control staffing shortages are not considered within the airline’s control. Therefore, compensation policies vary by airline.

As of November 7, many carriers have allowed customers to change flights or request refunds without penalties, even for nonrefundable fares like basic economy. Airlines recognize the importance of maintaining customer loyalty during these disruptions.

Generally, major carriers offer more compensation for delays and cancellations within their control compared to low-cost airlines.

### Is There Any Precedent for This Situation?

There is no exact precedent for a 4% to 10% across-the-board reduction in flights caused by a government shutdown.

However, major disruptions have occurred before, such as after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and during the COVID-19 pandemic, when illness among flight attendants and pilots caused cancellations and delays before the holidays.

Historically, consumers have temporarily altered their travel behavior under such circumstances. After 9/11, for example, some travelers shifted to automobile travel for shorter journeys of 500 to 600 miles due to increased airport hassle.

### What Advice Would You Give to Would-Be Flyers Now?

1. **Download Apps:** Get the airport and airline apps for the latest, reliable information.
2. **Book Early:** For major events, consider booking flights a day earlier than usual to provide a buffer in case of delays or cancellations.
3. **Avoid Connections:** The fewer flight legs, the less chance for complications.
4. **Travel Light:** Avoid checking bags if possible to avoid dealing with luggage delays if your flight is canceled.

By taking these precautions, travelers can reduce some of the stress associated with current flight disruptions.

—

*Laurie A. Garrow, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology*
https://www.alternet.org/travel-chaos-trump/

The FAA’s order to cut flights nationwide due to the government shutdown is set to take effect

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected 40 airports across more than two dozen states for schedule reductions, according to a recent order. Major hubs such as Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, and Charlotte, North Carolina are among those affected. In metropolitan areas including New York, Houston, Chicago, and Washington, multiple airports will feel the impact. The ripple effects could even extend to smaller regional airports.

As the FAA’s official order approaches, airlines have scrambled to adjust their schedules and began canceling flights as early as Thursday. Travelers with weekend and future plans are now nervously waiting to see if their flights will take off as scheduled.

According to FlightAware, more than 780 flights have already been canceled nationwide. Delta Air Lines announced plans to cancel around 170 flights on Friday, while American Airlines said it would cut 220 flights daily through Monday.

The FAA stated that reductions will begin at 4% and could ramp up to 10% by November 14. These cutbacks, impacting all commercial airlines, will be in effect between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. The agency asserts that these measures are necessary to relieve pressure on air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay for over a month. Many controllers are working six-day weeks with mandatory overtime, and an increasing number have started calling out, citing exhaustion and financial strain.

“You can’t expect people to go in to work when they’re not getting a paycheck,” said Kelly Matthews of Flat Rock, Michigan, a frequent business traveler who has canceled most of her upcoming trips. “It’s not a matter of them not wanting to do the job, but you can’t afford to pay for gas, your day care, and everything else.”

This order coincides with the Trump administration ramping up pressure on Democrats in Congress to end the government shutdown. Airlines have said they will strive to minimize the impact on customers, with some planning to focus on reducing routes to and from small and medium-sized cities.

According to the Department of Transportation, carriers must refund customers whose flights are canceled, but are not required to cover secondary costs such as food and hotel accommodations unless the delay or cancellation was within the airline’s control.

Industry analyst Henry Harteveldt warned that the reductions will “have a noticeable impact across the U.S. air transportation system.” The cuts could also affect package delivery services, as both Memphis, Tennessee (FedEx hub) and Louisville, Kentucky (UPS hub and site of this week’s deadly cargo plane crash) are among the airports facing reductions.

*Associated Press journalists Hallie Golden in Seattle, Safiyah Riddle in Montgomery, Alabama, and Wyatte Grantham-Philips in New York contributed to this report.*
https://ktar.com/national-news/the-faas-order-to-cut-flights-nationwide-due-to-the-government-shutdown-is-set-to-take-effect/5771934/

NYC Voters want real change. They hope the next mayor can deliver it.

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**New York City Mayoral Race: Voices from Harlem 24 Hours Before the Final Vote**

*By Taya Graham and Stephen Janis*

This is Taya Graham and Stephen Janis reporting from Harlem, New York, just 24 hours before the final vote in the New York Mayor’s race. We visited this bustling neighborhood to ask voters about the issues important to them, their opinions on the frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, his opponent former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and what they hope the new mayor will accomplish.

But first, let’s hear directly from the voters themselves.

—

**Mamdani vs. Cuomo: Who Do Harlem Voters Want as Mayor?**

James B Cray shared his preference:

*“Mayor Mamdani.”*

When asked why, he explained:

*“Well, Mamdani is speaking about a lot of things that really address the people, such as housing and transportation issues. I think he’s more at the forefront of what a lot of young people want to hear about. We’ve had de Blasio and Bloomberg, and the cycle just keeps going on without a lot of our issues being addressed.”*

Another voter, who asked to be identified as “Vincent,” expressed a desire for change:

*“It’s time for a change and time for new blood.”*

When pressed if that meant support for Mamdani, Vincent agreed:

*“Yes. People that care about people, it’s important.”*

He added that he appreciated how Mamdani focuses on working-class concerns:

*“He wants to do things for people who are working class, trying to get by, make a living, put food on the table, and get to work.”*

—

**Views on Media Coverage and Socialist Label**

Taya Graham noted the mainstream media narrative about Mamdani’s socialist label and asked for Vincent’s thoughts.

Vincent responded:

*“It’s interesting because our democracy used to be about helping people and supporting working people. We’ve gone away from that. Now it’s all about corporations and giving tax breaks to the wealthy. I think it’s time we let someone who represents working-class people have a chance at the table.”*

—

**Expectations and Predictions**

Richard shared his thoughts on the race:

*“Mamdani’s going to win because he’s young and a new face. Many people can’t resist that. Cuomo has had his issues; people say he messed up a lot. I don’t really hear any negativity about Mamdani.”*

Kimberly took a more cautious approach:

*“At this point, it’s about whoever is best for the job. There have been many mayors we thought were best, but we often end up with the short end of the stick. So time will tell.”*

—

**Important Issues for the Next Mayor**

When asked about the issues they want the next mayor to focus on, conversations frequently centered around housing, food security, and public transportation.

Pastor Dave expressed skepticism about both candidates:

*“Not really inspired by those choices. We had a lot of issues with Cuomo in the last couple of years when he left office. Mamdani comes with an agenda that isn’t very American or patriotic. It’s just another socialist program, and we’re not really interested in that. What would really empower people is to make them less dependent on the government and its system. So, I’m not a big fan of him because of that.”*

—

**Voting Motivations**

One voter, who spoke with us as Speaker 7, shared their reason for voting early:

*“I voted earlier because I had to do my duty. I will always vote. I didn’t want either of the other two choices, and I knew who I was voting for. Hopefully, Mamdani will be the new mayor.”*

When asked what inspired their choice, they said:

*“He’s just something different. I worry about his experience, but hopefully, he’ll have enough help. We just need something new.”*

—

As New Yorkers head to the polls, the voices from Harlem reveal a neighborhood eager for change and representation that acknowledges the daily challenges residents face—from housing and transportation to economic fairness.

Stay tuned for more coverage as the results come in.
https://therealnews.com/nyc-voters-want-real-change

D.C. Mayor Scrambles to Impose Curfew After Massive Teen Brawl Goes Viral [WATCH]

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**Washington, D.C. Implements Temporary Juvenile Curfew Following Large Teen Altercation**

Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has announced a temporary juvenile curfew in response to a large altercation involving hundreds of teenagers in the Navy Yard neighborhood on Friday night. The curfew, effective immediately after the announcement, will remain in place through November 5.

In a post on X, Mayor Bowser stated that the curfew applies to all individuals under the age of 18 and will be enforced nightly from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

> “We are declaring a limited juvenile curfew in Washington, DC,” Bowser wrote. “Effective immediately, all juveniles under the age of 18 are subject to a curfew from 11PM until 6AM, which will extend through 11/5.”

According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), groups of teenagers began gathering near the Navy Yard Metro Station at approximately 7:30 p.m. The crowd quickly grew to several hundred within just half an hour. While the gathering initially appeared peaceful, the situation escalated as fights broke out, and groups began blocking streets and ignoring officers’ instructions to remain on sidewalks.

To restore order, MPD called in assistance from multiple agencies, including the Metro Transit Police, U.S. Capitol Police, the National Guard, and members of a federal task force. This combined response aimed to prevent the situation from spreading to other areas.

By around 11 p.m., officers had successfully dispersed the crowd, cleared nearby parks, and directed many of the juveniles toward Metro stations to leave the area. Police maintained an increased presence overnight in the neighborhood to deter additional disturbances.

In connection with the incident, four teenagers from Washington, D.C., and one 18-year-old from Maryland were arrested, though the MPD has not released their names.

The MPD confirmed that the juvenile curfew will specifically apply to high-traffic locations that have seen repeated large gatherings and disorderly behavior involving minors in recent weeks. These enforcement zones include the U Street Corridor, Banneker Recreation Center, Navy Yard, and Union Station.

In a press release issued Saturday, MPD Chief of Police Pamela A. Smith condemned the violence and announced that law enforcement agencies would increase their presence in affected neighborhoods.

> “The behavior displayed last night in Navy Yard is unacceptable, and MPD and our law enforcement partners will have an increased presence tonight to ensure this does not happen again,” Chief Smith said. “This group chose not to visit any of the events hosted by MPD or our DC agency partners and instead gathered in this manner.”

Mayor Bowser’s decision follows multiple reports of escalating juvenile disturbances across the city in recent months. Earlier this fall, police responded to several incidents involving large groups of minors near public transportation hubs and recreation centers.

City officials describe the curfew as a temporary measure aimed at curbing disorderly activity while longer-term solutions are under consideration. Under District law, minors violating curfew orders can be detained by police and released to a parent or guardian. Repeat violations may result in fines or community service requirements.

The MPD emphasized that its primary focus will be on ensuring public safety and preventing property damage rather than punitive enforcement.

The limited juvenile curfew is expected to remain in effect through November 5, covering the city’s busiest Halloween weekend period. Police officials stated they will evaluate the curfew’s effectiveness before considering any extensions or adjustments.
https://www.lifezette.com/2025/11/d-c-mayor-scrambles-to-impose-curfew-after-massive-teen-brawl-goes-viral-watch/

Federal workers in South Florida left disheartened, struggling to get by amid government shutdown

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**Federal Workers in South Florida Struggle Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown**

*FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN)* — Federal workers across South Florida are facing financial hardships and growing disheartenment as the federal government shutdown continues, caught in the crossfire of a political battle.

At Miami International Airport on Friday, several Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents were seen picking up food distributed by Feeding South Florida. With no end to the shutdown in sight, these federal workers are navigating tough times.

“It does help, especially for us that have kids at home and stuff, so it helps,” said one TSA worker. Another added, “I’m grateful for all the things that we are receiving today.” A third TSA agent commented, “It’s very nice of them, because we could use it.”

Friday marked the first payday federal employees have gone without their paychecks since the government shutdown began. Republican and Democratic lawmakers failed to pass a spending bill to keep the government open past October 1st. Currently, about 1.4 million federal workers are either on unpaid leave or working without pay.

Caught in the middle of the political stalemate, many federal workers are left trying to manage their finances amid uncertainty.

“So now you have to pick and choose, what can I pay now, what can I postpone, can I call the creditors to see if they’ll work with me,” said a 10-year federal employee who wished to remain anonymous. Having previously served in the military, including deployment to Afghanistan, she expressed deep frustration.

“It’s disheartening ’cause I’ve served with, you know, my country and I chose to do it again. On this side, it’s almost like a slap in the face,” she said.

Retired TSA instructor Harry Herring told 7News the financial stress caused by the shutdown adds to an already stressful job for TSA employees.

“Rent, car loans, car insurance, all those expenses that have to be taken care of, it’s not gonna be taken care of,” said Herring. “That causes what I call ‘interference with my ability to do my duty.’”

Shaunellia Ferguson, who represents nearly 700 Social Security Administration workers for the American Federation of Government Employees in eastern Florida, said her members continue to work despite the hardship.

“We are human beings too. We don’t make a lot of money, we’re not wasteful, we’re not parasites the way they’re calling us, we’re not,” said Ferguson. “Especially now without getting paid, you’re still doing it, you’re still hearing all the concerns and you’re sitting there wondering ‘How is my rent gonna be paid?’ or ‘How am I gonna cover child care?’ We have feelings just like everyone else and we work and we are here to serve you, the American public.”

Organizations like Feeding South Florida have been working tirelessly to support federal workers throughout the country. However, Ferguson emphasized that what federal employees truly want is for politicians to come together and find a solution.

*Copyright.*
https://wsvn.com/news/local/miami-dade/federal-workers-in-south-florida-left-disheartened-struggling-to-get-by-amid-government-shutdown/

Christopher Miller: Protect Virginians from paying billions for data center infrastructure

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Christopher G. Miller has served as The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) president since 1996. He leads strategic planning for PEC, including its land conservation program, habitat restoration, rural economics, energy policy, land use policy, smart growth, and transportation policies.

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https://dailyprogress.com/opinion/column/article_1df95201-5272-54cc-a238-3db51d37f413.html

Trump Admin Reportedly Close To Gobbling Up Stakes In Key Growing Industry

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Several quantum computing firms have reportedly been in discussions with the Commerce Department to offer equity stakes in return for federal funding.

Companies such as IonQ, Rigetti Computing, and D-Wave Quantum are considering allowing the government to take equity stakes as part of deals to secure funding designated for promising technology firms, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Wednesday, citing anonymous sources familiar with the matter. Other technology firms, including Quantum Computing and Atom Computing, are also exploring similar arrangements, according to the outlet.

The Commerce Department, Quantum Computing, Atom Computing, D-Wave Quantum, Rigetti Computing, and IonQ did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.

Deputy Commerce Secretary Paul Dabbar, who was confirmed by the Senate in June, is reportedly spearheading the funding discussions with these technology companies, the anonymous sources told the WSJ. However, any potential deals with the quantum computing firms have yet to be finalized and remain subject to change, the report noted.

This news follows the White House announcement in August that the U.S. government will take a 10% ownership stake in Intel under a deal with the U.S.-based chipmaker. Additionally, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated on August 26 that the Trump administration was considering taking equity stakes in defense companies.

Quantum computers have the ability to solve highly complex statistical problems far beyond the capabilities of today’s conventional computers, according to a March report from McKinsey & Company. These machines can be applied across a variety of key industries, including finance, transportation, pharmaceuticals, and “green” technology.

An April 2023 report from McKinsey & Company estimated that quantum computing could account for nearly $1.3 trillion in value by 2035.

Following the release of the WSJ’s report, shares in U.S. quantum computing firms jumped in premarket trading on Thursday, according to Reuters.

—

*All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline, and their DCNF affiliation. For questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.*
https://dailycaller.com/2025/10/23/trump-admin-commerce-department-quantum-computing/

Editorial: DTS fare hike is mostly reasonable

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The Honolulu City Council is considering a measure to raise public transportation fares for nearly all riders. The city Department of Transportation Services (DTS) says this increase is necessary to keep up with rising operational and maintenance costs.

While the Budget Committee did not reach a consensus on Tuesday—partly due to disagreements over proposed carve-outs—Bill 54 remains very much alive and should pass.

Honolulu’s last public transit fare increase came in 2022, before the opening of Skyline, a rail system that now adds value to the already comprehensive TheBus and TheHandi-Van services. New capabilities and conveniences come with new costs, and the proposed fare increases are reasonable.

According to the latest version of Bill 54:

– Adult annual fares will increase by 12.5%, from $880 to $990.
– Monthly adult fares will go from $80 to $90.
– Annual senior rates will increase by 11% to $50.
– Monthly TheBus fares for youth riders will rise 12.5% to $45.
– Seven-day passes will increase by 28.5% to $45.
– Single fares remain steady at $3 for HOLO card users; however, cash-paying riders will be subject to a 25-cent surcharge.

So far, these changes are justifiable.

However, some more dubious proposals have emerged, including maintaining discounted pricing for residents over nonresidents, expanding discount eligibility for low-income riders, and removing the personal care attendant (PCA) fare exemption on buses and rail.

DTS Director Roger Morton opposed these particular additions—and rightly so.

Regarding resident pricing, Morton pointed out the difficulty in distinguishing residents from nonresidents. Implementing such a system would require additional time and resources and could slow transit operations. Moreover, there is “no way” to monitor cash-based transactions, which the bill allows.

While kama‘āina pricing is an attractive idea, adopting such a model without an accurate and reliable means of verification would be unwise. Morton also noted that ridership could decline if nonresidents were required to pay more, especially as tourists and visitors increasingly opt for alternatives like rideshare services. In this case, the negatives outweigh the benefits of preferential treatment for residents.

Another amendment proposes expanding reduced fares to include a new “very low income” category, beyond the current “extremely low income” threshold. This change aims to enlarge the pool of riders eligible for discounted fares, from those receiving benefits under the Social Security Administration’s Supplemental Security Income program to individuals benefitting from the federal Section 8 housing program.

Morton’s initial analysis suggests this expansion could increase the eligible population from roughly 110,000 to 180,000 people, potentially leading to a revenue loss between $6 million and $8 million. While more concrete numbers need to be determined before making a decision, that estimate is significant and raises concerns that such an expansion could be counterproductive to the bill’s goals. As it stands, the most in need are already receiving necessary breaks.

On personal care attendants, an amendment calls for removing the current fare waiver on buses and rail. Although concerns about possible abuse exist, DTS has not provided data regarding the impact of alleged fraud. Until such information is available, PCAs should continue to have fare-free access to public transit.

While it is reasonable for DTS to raise fare prices to cover increased maintenance and operations expenses, Bill 54 clearly needs refinement. This process must start with transparent rider impact assessments and accurate revenue estimates. Raising fares only to offset some of the additional income with overly generous exceptions risks maintaining the status quo—a situation that ultimately benefits no one.
https://www.staradvertiser.com/2025/10/20/editorial/our-view/editorial-dts-fare-hike-is-mostly-reasonable/

5 things to think about as you age in Maine

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Where to Live

Deciding where to live as we age can be pretty complicated, especially in Maine where so many people live in rural areas, said Jess Maurer, executive director of the Maine Council on Aging. While moving into a senior living community might be a good option for those who can afford it, many others will choose to—or need to—stay in their homes.

There are many types of senior communities and care facilities in Maine. They range from nursing homes or memory care facilities to assisted living centers where some level of help is provided, and retirement communities geared toward independent living. Some communities offer independent living, assisted living, and nursing care all on the same campus.

Staying in one’s own home and community can often be better for an older person, but it might require some renovations to make the house more accessible, Maurer said—and that can come at a cost, too.

Some of the things people might consider doing now, to slowly age in place at home, include installing flush thresholds throughout the home, installing a curbless shower or walk-in tub, adding handrails to all indoor and outdoor stairways, adding grab bars in the bathroom, and replacing standard toilets with high-seat models.

Maurer added that if someone is willing and able to relocate, it could make sense to find housing in a town center where it would be easy to walk to stores, entertainment, churches, and places to socialize and get exercise.

How to Get Around

While not everyone will face major health problems as they age, everyone’s eyesight at some point worsens, Maurer said. That means you’ll need to decide when it might no longer be safe for you to drive at night—or at all.

AARP offers an online driver safety course designed to help you qualify for insurance discounts. But it’s also meant to make people aware of the challenges of driving as they age, including the effects of medication on driving and how to compensate for age-related challenges.

In Maine, drivers over 65 have to get their license renewed every four years instead of every six, according to the Maine Department of the Secretary of State website. Drivers over 62 are also required to get an eye exam every time they renew their license.

When to Ask for Help

For people who have stopped or cut back on driving and want to stay in their homes, there are volunteer transportation programs operating in all 16 of Maine’s counties. Some programs have age limits or limit destinations to medical appointments or grocery stores. Most are free.

To find a program in your area and more specific information, check out the list on the Maine Council on Aging website.

Medical Care

Barbara Schlichtman, chair of the trusts and estate department at the Perkins Thompson law firm, recommends people have several legal documents in place as they get older.

She encourages people to sign a financial power of attorney over to someone they trust, create an advanced health directive, and sign a HIPAA authorization. These three documents will help ensure that someone else can make decisions for you if you’re not able to, can talk to your doctors, and that your end-of-life wishes are known, she said.

Most of these require a visit to a lawyer, but the Maine Hospital Association offers a free Maine Health Care Advance Directive form on its website.

Wills and Trusts

Schlichtman says that dying without a will or a trust to specify how your assets should be divided and distributed can create legal complications for your family and friends.

Even if you think you don’t own much, you probably should have a will or a trust, she said. While a will is simpler and less expensive, a trust provides more privacy.
https://www.pressherald.com/2025/10/18/5-things-to-think-about-as-you-age-in-maine/