This post from The City Fix discusses the new bus rapid transit system that just opened in Johannesburg, South Africa, and why the system was sorely needed.
Known as Rea Vaya, the 25 kilometer bus rapid transit system connects downtown Johannesburg to nearby Soweto township. There have been more than 12,000 riders per day, according to officials. Though the system is operational, some of its features are still under development.
"Rea Vaya is off to a modest start. The system is not operating at full capacity and many of the traditional BRT features are not yet fully implemented (i.e. smart cards, turnstiles, ITS, feeder buses). While it is easy to be critical of the starter service's shortcomings, I prefer to acknowledge what has been accomplished so far.
I celebrate the launch of the starter service, however limited, because I know how hard the Rea Vaya team has worked to implement this BRT and applaud their collective achievement. I am inspired by the City's steadfast commitment to delivering a first-class public transit system in the face of vocal, and sometimes violent, anti-BRT opposition."
FULL STORY: Rea Vaya On the Move in Joburg, South Africa
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
Fair Housing Cannot Take a Back Seat to ‘Build, Baby, Build’
If we overlook fair housing principles in the plan to build US housing back better, we risk ending up right back where we started.
LA Metro Board Approves New 710 Freeway Plan
The newest plan for the 710 corridor claims it will not displace any residents.
Austin’s Proposed EV Charging Rules Regulate Station Locations, Size
City planners say the new rules would ensure an efficient distribution of charging infrastructure across the city and prevent an overconcentration in residential areas.
Making California State Parks More Climate-Resilient
A recently released report offers recommendations for keeping state parks healthy and robust, including acquiring additional land for conservation and recreation.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
