The 72-year-old trolley system is beloved by local riders, but difficult to maintain.

The fate of the historic trolley cars in Boston's Mattapan neighborhood has been at issue for more than a year. It has divided transit advocates, who favor converting the 2.5-mile line to a paved bus route, and preservationists and riders campaigning to protect the unique system.
In the Boston Globe, Adam Vaccaro and Margeaux Sippell explain the pragmatic arguments for both options. The old trolleys are expensive to maintain and at higher risk of crashes than modern systems, but appear to run smoothly and experience fewer delays. Some riders also say the trolley's nostalgic aesthetic makes the trip more enjoyable—not an unimportant consideration as public transportation struggles to attract riders nationwide.
For now, the MBTA has planned $8 million in improvements to the trolleys that will carry the system through the mid-2020s—meaning the system's fate could remain an open question for much longer.
FULL STORY: Future of old-time Mattapan trolleys up for debate

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

Proposed Ohio Budget Preserves Housing Trust Fund
The Senate-approved budget also creates two new programs aimed at encouraging housing construction.

DOJ Says Trump Has Power to Roll Back National Monuments
The opinion sheds light on how the administration may justify its effort to eliminate protected public lands.

Maryland Awards $1.25M in TOD-Related Grants
The state’s DOT is funding projects that prepare sites around transit stations for future mixed-use development and housing.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)