Every person is unique. Every day is unique. Every trip is unique. As a result, an efficient and equitable transportation system must be diverse, so people can choose the best option for each trip. For example, today you might prefer to walk or bicycle, but tomorrow find it best to use public transit or drive.
Public Transportation
New Lines Approved For Houston Light Rail
A five-line extension of Houston's light rail system was just approved by the city council.
The Houston Chronicle
It's Dump the Pump Day
Today is "Dump the Pump" Day, an annual event created by the American Public Transportation Association to bring awareness to the benefits of public transit. Transit agencies across the country are offering free rides, including many in Florida.
Transit Struggling To Keep Up
Transit use is surging, but operators are facing the same fuel crunch as consumers and public monies for new investments aren't up to addressing the new demand.
The Christian Science Monitor
Federal Funding At Risk If KC Alters Plans
Streetcars and rail in place of bus rapid transit said to jeopardize federal funding.
The Kansas City Star
The End of Car Culture?
Transit ridership is spiking across the country as gas prices go up. Is this a tipping point for America's car culture?
The Philadelphia Inquirer
L.A. Subway Ridership Spikes in 2008
With gas prices rising beyond the comfort zones of many drivers, ridership on L.A.'s train system has seen record highs in the early months of 2008. For many in the city, the price is prompting a major paradigm shift in terms of mobility.
BBC
Virginia Governor Seeks Sales Tax Raise For Transit Projects
Virginia Governor Tim Kaine has proposed a plan to raise sales taxes in the state to help fund public transportation projects -- a plan similar to one voters turned down in 2002. But this time, voters won't be involved in the decision.
The Washington Post
Americans Turn To Transit For Gas Price Relief
Record gas prices have helped the nation's transit systems attract record numbers of riders. Notably, the biggest increases have occurred in the South and West, where public transportation has traditionally been underutilized.
The Seattle Times
El Paso On Fast Track to Transit
Officials in El Paso, Texas have been working with state and federal officials on a plan to bring rapid transit to the city within three years.
El Paso Times
Implications of Driving Less
A new report from the American Public Transportation Association hypothesizes that people who live in places shaped by transit tend to drive less thereby reducing their overall petroleum use and their carbon footprint.
American Public Transportation Association (APTA)
Report Calls for More Transit Investment
A recent report form the U.S. Public Interest Research Group highlights the arguments for increased investment in public transportation.
U.S. PIRG, the Federation of State Public Interest Research Groups
'Cathedral Thinking' For Transit
This editorial argues that cities should build transit the way they used to build cathedrals: with a long-term mindset from the start.
The Ottawa Citizen
Transit's Environmental Benefits
A recent study from the Washington Public Interest Research Group shows the environmental benefits of public transit.
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer
New York's Transit Needs Congestion Pricing
This editorial from The New York Times argues that the city's public transportation system needs congestion pricing to stay alive.
The New York Times
The Party Train
Fri, 12/14/2007 - 10:02
Metrolink is Southern California's regional rail system linking several counties. The 15-year old system with 7 lines, 54 stations, and 388 route miles serves over 40,000 passengers in the Southland. Metrolink says its mission is "to provide the people of Southern California safe, reliable and environmentally friendly commute option." Sure, but can it also serve as an interesting venue to host a 4-year old's birthday party?
One birthday boy in particular loves trains and is a fan of a popular TV series featuring trains. His mother told me that their family trips were often planned around using rail transit to get to destinations in Central and Southern California. So what better way to celebrate his birthday than to invite his friends -- accompanied by parents of course -- for a trip on a commuter train? Children that age are probably more used to birthday parties where they are entertained by clowns or magicians. Would these children, growing up in Southern California's car-centric culture be entertained at a party where the view through a train window was the main attraction?
Tunnel Vision: Has Tysons Missed the Train?
Fri, 03/16/2007 - 13:15
First, let me begin by introducing myself. I am Parris Glendening, and I serve as the president of the Smart Growth Leadership Institute in Washington, D.C., which is part of Smart Growth America. From 1995-2003, I was Governor of Maryland, and for more than 20 years before that I served at various levels of local and county government. I am excited about being part of the network of contributors here at Planetizen and participating in the discussion.
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In 1956 Pres. Dwight Eisenhower shepherded the Interstate Highway into existence, fulfilling a decades-long aspiration to link the nation with highways that could move both people and materiel as efficiently as those he had seen in Germany. Later, he would warn us against the military-industrial complex, but with a bit more foresight he might have warned against the asphalt-industrial complex, as well.
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In 1956 Pres. Dwight Eisenhower shepherded the Interstate Highway into existence, fulfilling a decades-long aspiration to link the nation with highways that could move both people and materiel as efficiently as those he had seen in Germany. Later, he would warn us against the military-industrial complex, but with a bit more foresight he might have warned against the asphalt-industrial complex, as well.
