Light Rail

Open 7 Months Ahead of Schedule: Mesa, Arizona's Light Rail Extension

The Valley Metro Rail system launched a new light rail extension over the weekend that connects the city of Mesa into Phoenix, Tempe and to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

August 24, 2015 - East Valley Tribune

Downtown Phoenix Skyline

Support for Rail Heats Up in Phoenix

A seven-year-old light rail line has beaten ridership projections and transformed neighborhoods in Phoenix. Now, one of the nation's most sprawling cities considers where to expand the system—and how to pay for it.

August 17, 2015 - Governing Magazine

Buffalo Considering Light Rail Expansion to the Suburbs

As the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority wraps up a study of expanding into suburban Amherst, support from the community "is stronger than it’s been in decades."

August 14, 2015 - Buffalo News

Durham's Transformation Built on Redevelopment Near Future Light Rail, Freeway

Two adjacent properties in downtown Durham totaling 18 acres were recently purchased by developers planning for intensive mixed use projects near the former tobacco warehouse district and future light rail station.

August 2, 2015 - The Raleigh News & Observer

Phoenix Sales Tax Measure Key to County's Transit Future

On August 25, voters in Phoenix and Maricopa County will determine the outcome of Proposition 104, a transportation sales tax measure that would raise $17 billion for a wide variety of transportation improvements, including extended light rail.

July 29, 2015 - ABC 15 (Phoenix)

A Systems Approach to Planning and Urban Revitalization in Edmonton, Canada

The city of Edmonton’s comprehensive planning strategies aim for an "innovation ecosystem" that can compete with cities yet to be built.

July 17, 2015 - The Planning Report

Baltimore Rail

Op-Ed: Maryland Governor Is No Friend to Transit

According to this editorial, Governor Larry Hogan's decision to halt a planned $2.9 billion light rail line betrays a politically-motivated preference for roads.

June 30, 2015 - Baltimore Sun

Phoenix Mayor Advocates Self-Reliance Due to Federal Gridlock

Frustrated with Congress' inability to fund a six-year transportation bill, Mayor Greg Stanton is backing an August sales tax measure to expand light rail. Stanton also discusses climate change and water rights in the article and accompanying videos

June 29, 2015 - The Washington Post

Seattle Streetcar

Op-Ed: Streetcars Should Actually Serve Locals

While they're currently in vogue, streetcars are only worthwhile if they can be a viable option for local residents. Unfortunately, this is rarely how the systems are designed.

June 29, 2015 - ULI Urban Land Magazine

Detroit's M-1 Rail Line Credited for Delivering Investment—A Year Before Opening

The 3.3-mile M-1 Rail line in Detroit has been described as a boondoggle of unparalleled proportions. Boosters of the project, however, have gathering evidence of investment in neighborhoods along the route.

June 24, 2015 - The Detroit News

trax light rail train in foreground, snow-covered mountains in background

Affordable Housing Follows Good Transit

More raw housing stock is only the first step. Without comprehensive transit, the value of density can't extend beyond the city center.

June 22, 2015 - Grist

Bus Stop Winter

People Still Want Buses, But Buses Aren't Delivering

Urban light rail has enjoyed a renaissance since the Great Recession, but during the same period cities have quietly reduced bus service. Daniel Hertz argues that while rail is commendable, buses remain a vital transit component.

June 8, 2015 - City Observatory City Commentary

Link and Bus Seattle

Light Rail Doesn't Always Mean Fewer Buses

Cities that have recently adopted light rail sometimes actually add bus riders.

June 4, 2015 - Michael Lewyn

Chattanooga Mayor: No Chance for High-Speed Rail to Atlanta

A proposed plan to connect Chattanooga and Atlanta via high-speed rail, 17 years in the making, appears to be dead in the water. Chattanooga will now turn its attentions to a possible light rail system.

May 26, 2015 - Chattanooga Times Free Press

Houston Light Rail

Opening Today: Two New Light Rail Lines in Houston

Today's a big day in Houston: two new light rail lines will now supplement the success of the city's Red Line. Meet the Green and Purple Lines, serving the East End and Southeast Houston.

May 23, 2015 - Houston Public Media

Gentrification Concerns Ride Light Rail in Seattle

As Seattle considers a $900 million levy proposed by Mayor Ed Murray, locals are already wondering if new transit investments are precursor of unwanted gentrification.

May 13, 2015 - Seattle Weekly

Cancellation an Option as Costs Jump for Minneapolis' Light Rail Extension

An already controversial project got bad news earlier this week, as substantial increases in the expected cost of the Southwest LRT extension added more fuel to the fire for opponents of the project.

May 3, 2015 - MinnPost

Welcome to Minnesota

Op-Ed: Minneapolis Pedestrian Bridge to Nowhere

Okay, technically it leads to the new Vikings stadium, but Nick Magrino doubts its benefits justify $6 million of public spending. A proportion of the Metropolitan Council is inclined to agree.

April 27, 2015 - MinnPost

Tysons Corner

Suburbs Try to Figure Out Transit

Of the many reasons why the suburban lifestyle is falling out of favor with young Americans, reliance on automobiles is near the top of the list. Some suburbs are now figuring out that, to attract Millennials, they must also invest in better transit.

April 6, 2015 - The Washington Post

nyc. subway.

New York Will Phase Out C Train 'Brightliners' By 2017

Once the subway's pride, R-32 'Brightliner' trains that operate on the C line will soon disappear from service. Mid-century promo videos notwithstanding, the line's rolling stock was in dire need of an update.

March 31, 2015 - WNYC: Transportation Nation

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