It's the nation's shortest commuter route, less than 3 miles with no intermediary stops. The train is composed of two electrified cars, with presidential history in its 145 years. If Princeton University has its way, it will soon be replaced by a bus
Technically know as the Princeton Branch, amongst locals as the Dinky Line for the name of the single Budd Arrow III self-propelled electric coach that connects Princeton University to Princeton Junction, it is up to New Jersey Transit to decide if a bus will replace it.
"The bus makes sense in transportation terms, said Mr. Reed, a former mayor of Princeton borough, but he argued that it would also allow the borough and the university to sidestep their long impasse over the school's planned arts complex. The university wants to move the Dinky station 460 feet farther south to make room for the complex, but the borough is resisting that idea because it would make the station a longer walk from town.
Townspeople keen to preserve the train have flocked to a "Save the Princeton Dinky" Facebook group.
But if these are the Dinky's final days, one might not immediately sense it from riding the train. On a recent weekday morning, most of the seats in the Dinky's one open car were filled with commuters sharing newspapers and conversation."
Correspondent's Notes:
*Do note confuse this line with Florida's 6-mile Dinky Line, 1889-1969.
*Should the university be successful, it will have to shorten its "Mass Transit Travel Options" included on its "Traveling To Princeton" page in its Parents Handbook.
Thanks to NYT Alerts - commuting-transit
FULL STORY: Princeton Journal: Dinky or Bus? A Town Is Torn

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie