While transit systems are losing riders to Uber and Lyft, the sometimes competitors have also found ways to cooperate.
St. Petersburg, Florida, like other cities, saw its transit ridership plummet as ride-hailing companies became more popular in their community. But today, rather than simply competing, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PTSA) is also subsidizing ride-sharing and ride-hailing. "Since its 'Direct Connect' program launched in February 2016, PSTA has given $5 discounts on rides provided by Uber and a local taxi company (and, as of more recently, Lyft) to and from 24 popular bus stops in its service area to as many as 1,000 riders per month," Laura Bliss reports for CityLab.
This pattern has played out in cities around the country, where there are more than 25 programs like St. Petersuburg's around the country. But some worry about transit agencies sending funds and riders to ride-share. "These companies are notoriously protective of ridership data, which is a limitation for transit agencies trying to judge the success of these subsidy and tie-in programs," Bliss reports.
FULL STORY: Where Ride-Hailing and Transit Go Hand in Hand
There Goes the Neighborhood? The Trickle-Down Effect of High Ride-Hailing Prices
Low-cost Uber and Lyft services helped some neighborhoods thrive, making them more accessible. Now these same neighborhoods are feeling the pinch as high ride-hailing costs push customers to stay closer to home.
Study: Ride-Sharing Increases Urban Congestion
New research shows that ride sharing contributes to increased congestion and decreased transit ridership.
New Research Connects Land Use to Ride-Hailing Trips
Many of the places in Chicago generating the most ride-hailing trips with services like Uber and Lyft are accessible by transit, according to new research.
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.
Albuquerque’s Microtransit: A Planner’s Answer to Food Access Gaps
New microtransit vans in Albuquerque aim to close food access gaps by linking low-income areas to grocery stores, cutting travel times by 30 percent and offering planners a scalable model for equity-focused transit.
This City Will Pay You to Meet Your Neighbors
A North Kansas City grant program offers up to $400 for residents to throw neighborhood block parties.
Commentary: Our Silence Will Not Protect Us
Keeping our heads down and our language inoffensive is not the right response to the times we’re in. Solidarity and courage is.
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)