Transportation
In Congestion Fight, Market Trumps Policy
Despite efforts by politicians to enact policies that reduce congestion, the biggest improvements in traffic reduction appear to be tied to rising gas prices and tolls, according to data from New York.
Bridge Expansion Plans Ignore Effects of Growth
Plans to build a new bridge over the Columbia River in Portland ignored projections that said the newer, bigger bridge would contribute to outward expansion of development from the metropolitan core.
America's Most Fuel-Efficient Neighborhoods
Forbes works with the Center for Neighborhood Technology to find the best neighborhoods to get around affordably.
It's Not That Easy Greening Your Fleet
Austin and a number of other cities are working to reduce the carbon footprint left by their fleets of city vehicles. Austin officials are looking for ways to offset their remaining emissions.
Employers Going Beyond Requirements for Commute Alternatives
Employers in the Seattle area are outpacing City Hall in providing incentives to employees not to drive to work in single occupancy cars. A state law even requires companies with 100 or more commuters to provide alternative commuting plans.
High-Speed Transit Comes to Second Life
UC Irvine student Cristi Lopes is writing software for "SkyTran", a virtual high-speed train based in Second Life. The virtual world will actually serve as a useful simulator for the real thing.
Report Predicts 'Mass Exodus of Vehicles off America's Highways'
A new report for a Canadian bank examining the economic impact of rising oil prices predicts that millions of Americans will be forced to give up driving as gas reaches $7.00 a gallon.
Underground Art
Portland's Bike Sharing Proposal Hits Snag
Plans to establish a European-style citywide bike-sharing program in Portland have been put on hold, as city officials encounter recurring logistical issues.
Freight Trains to the Rescue
A new study suggests that getting freight onto trains and off of trucks would have a significant impact on traffic.
Bike Buddies Turn Commute Into Workout
T.J. Kelly was finding it difficult to squeeze in exercise, and looking at his rising commute costs. A new co-worker helped him turn his commute into a workout.
Dar es Salaam Invests in Public Transit
With crippling traffic congestion, the Tanzanian city of Dar es Salaam has pooled $158 million to improve its public transportation system -- adding new service, stations, and walkways.
The Bronx Debuts BRT
Wired rides the Bronx's new Bus Rapid Transit, and determines that "rapid" is in the eye of the beholder.
Eight Options on Table for Seattle's Alaskan Way Viaduct
State County and city officials revealed eight new options for dealing with Seattle's Alaskan Way Viaduct, a damaged double-decker inner city freeway.
Amtrak Struggles To Meet Skyrocketing Demand
With unprecedented demand, Amtrak is hampered by years of neglect. The agency is unable to handle all the new customers resulting from high gas prices and plane tickets and is struggling to replace aged equipment and pay for increased fuel costs.
Town Removes All Traffic Signals
Bohmte, Germany is following the lead of an EU program called "Shared Space", which recommends that cities remove traffic signals and find ways to encourage cars to share their space with pedestrians and bicyclists.
Detroit Auto Critic Reviews New Ride -- the Bus
Joe White, who reports on the auto industry in Detroit, steps out his car and reflects on the city's mixed history of transit. To get the full picture, he tries to ride the bus himself.
People Mover
This article from Next American City looks at escalators -- the expensive, energy-intensive, and often under-used transportation mode.
Bucky's Sustainable Planet
Inventor, visionary, and architect Buckminster Fuller used design to tackle problems including homelessness and environmental degradation.






