A sweeping new subway improvement plan is on the table in New York City. The "Fast Forward" plan will modernize the subway's signal system, improve wheelchair accessibility, and "restructure the inner workings of the department."
"A sweeping proposal to overhaul New York City’s subway and improve the broader transit system is expected to cost more than $19 billion, " reports Emma G. Fitzsimmons.
The proposal expands on the emergency repair plan unveiled last summer (although to questionable effect), according to Fitzsimmons, who is reporting information shared by two people briefed on the proposal this week.
New York City Transit Authority President Andy Byford is spearheading the proposal. "His plan will focus on speeding up the rollout of a new signal system to replace the subway’s current antiquated equipment," reports Fitzsimmons.
Additional coverage of the proposal is available from Jim Dwyer, also reporting for the New York Times, and Vincent Barone, reporting for amNewYork.
Byford's actions since taking the helm of the New York City Transit Authority at the beginning of 2018 include an ambitious plan to resurrect the city's struggling bus system.
FULL STORY: A Sweeping Plan to Fix the Subways Comes With a $19 Billion Price Tag
Subway Rescue Plan Wins New York Times Editorial Board Support
An editorial by the New York Times puts the onus for implementing the so-called Fast Forward plan on New York's political leadership.
New York MTA to Spend $4 Billion for New Subway Cars
Over 1,600 new subway cars may be ordered, a minimum of 200 with open gangways, by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The first 500 will be purchased from the Japanese company, Kawasaki, to be assembled in Yonkers and Lincoln, Nebraska.
Fancy New Subway Cars Join the New York Subway System
New York has been planning on adding these new subway cars for years, finally achieving their goal in March 2023. More than a thousand of the new R211 trains will be running in New York within two years if all goes according to plan.
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