Daniel Borenstein points out the irony that while the Bay Area may be the world's top tech hub, BART has no real plans to consider driverless trains.

Daniel Borenstein criticizes Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), writing that "BART directors have given lip service to the notion of driverless trains, but when it comes to spending billions of dollars on upgrades, they're sticking with the status quo — no matter the long-term cost."
He points to the many Bay Area companies working on self-driving car concepts, and to driverless train models already implemented elsewhere. "This is not just about getting on board with the latest new, new thing. Driverless trains merit serious consideration for much-needed labor cost savings [...]."
According to Borenstein, labor is the force fending off autonomous trains. "But most BART board members are unwilling to risk the wrath of labor unions and the campaign muscle they control. They're unwilling to even discuss the issue. [...] As for BART staff members, they insist that train operators are needed for safety. Never mind that train systems elsewhere in the world are successfully and safely operating without them."
FULL STORY: Borenstein: BART scoffs at driverless train technology

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.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
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