David Alpert and DW Rowlands of Greater Greater Washington share their hopes for a planned review of D.C.'s bus system.
WMATA is launching a holistic study aimed at broadly rethinking the agency's approach to bus service. Led by AECOM, Boston Consulting Group, and Foursquare ITP, the "Bus Transformation Project" marks a reorientation within the agency from rehabilitating a troubled rail system to improving and expanding its bus network, say Greater Greater Washington's David Alpert and DW Rowlands.
In the first post of a new series on the subject, Alpert and Rowlands offer seven priorities to guide the year-long study—including system integration, fare restructuring, and adoption of new technology. They also urge WMATA not to cut services, but to find cost-savings and revenue generation opportunities elsewhere.
"Buses represent the biggest opportunity to improve transit for more people, cost-effectively," they write. "Plus … [m]aking bus service much more than an afterthought can help close the gap in mobility options available to lower-income residents."
FULL STORY: WMATA is looking to “transform” bus service in our region. Here are 7 ways to do it (and one not to)
DC Launches 24/7 Bus Service
Starting December 17, 14 Metrobus routes will run around the clock to better serve essential workers and visitors.
D.C. Buses to Begin All-Door Boarding
Some bus lines will start letting riders board through both front and back doors this fall as part of Metro’s efforts to improve service speed and reliability.
Report: Improved Service Key to Growing Bus Ridership
A NACTO report highlights the importance of bus-friendly policies and infrastructure for boosting ridership numbers and reducing urban congestion and pollution.
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.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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)