Amtrak announced this week that they will train 8,000 employees across the nation on how to identify and report potential victims of human trafficking.
In collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Transportation, Amtrak plans to join a strengthening initiative to curb human trafficking in the United States. While trafficking has not yet been detected aboard Amtrak trains, CEO Joseph Boardman says the goal of the new plan is prevention. Management throughout the agency will be trained via internet videos and, in turn, inform crew members about the importance of identifying and reporting suspicious situations.
DOT Secretary Ray LaHood supports the initiative, saying, "we cannot let the American transportation system be an enabler to these criminal acts. Raising awareness can save lives. Anytime someone travels by plane, train, bus or car they have a responsibility to keep an eye out for these activities."
Thanks to Jessica Brent
FULL STORY: Amtrak Plan Targets Human Trafficking
Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip
Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.
Five Key Transportation Funding Proposals in Trump’s Budget
The President’s proposed 2026 budget would keep spending roughly the same for transit and rail and eliminate over $5 billion in funding for EV charging infrastructure.
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?
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.
Car Designs Make it Harder to See Pedestrians
Blind spots created by thicker pillars built to withstand rollover crashes are creating dangerous conditions for people outside vehicles.
Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions
An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.
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