Local politicians and the public had years to review a proposal that would create dedicated lanes for bus service along El Camino as it cuts through the region. The project found very little support.

"After years of spinning its wheels, the controversial proposal to build dedicated bus lanes along El Camino Real appears to be dead," reports Mark Noack.
Valley Transportation Authority announced that they are "pulling the plug" on the $223 million bus rapid transit proposal after receiving insufficient support from local politicians. The most recent setback was a letter written by Los Altos Councilmember Jeannie Bruins, who chairs the project's advisory committee. In December, the Sunnyvale City Council also rejected the proposal. The project provoked resistance from local politicians for years due to concerns over the project's effect on travel times and spillover into surrounding neighborhoods. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority released a draft Environmental Impact Review for the project in late 2014.
"The original idea for Bus Rapid Transit called for an elaborate series of new bus stops and infrastructure that would dedicate two of El Camino's six traffic lanes primarily for bus traffic," explains Noack. "Once completed, the project would have streamlined bus service, potentially making it a viable transit option for more commuters."
According to planners, the bus rapid transit lane would have improved bus travel times by 40 minutes, though members of the public found that claim hard to believe.
FULL STORY: Plan for dedicated El Camino bus lanes fizzles out

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?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

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.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie