A pilot project in downtown Toronto shows improvements in travel times after the signal priority system is reactivated.

Oliver Moore reports that transit signal priority is back in use in downtown Toronto, allowing transit vehicles to pass through intersections more quickly. The system was shut down last November at the start of a King Street pilot project to speed up streetcars, when the city implemented new traffic regulations preventing motorists from using the road as a thoroughfare.
The system uses transponders on approaching vehicles to hold green lights longer and to turn red lights to green faster. In July, the technology was turned back on, and travel times throughout the pilot area decreased anywhere from 30 seconds to over two minutes compared to the month before.
Moore points out that while streetcars are traveling faster with the technology in operation, other outcomes can pose challenges. “Fiddling with the length of a traffic signal can mess up vehicle flow on the intersecting streets and also reduce the crossing time available for pedestrians. And the effects may be prolonged since it can take a few light cycles to adjust back to the normal timing, only to have another streetcar come along,” says Moore.
FULL STORY: City reactivates transit signal priority for streetcars along King Street

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

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

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service