The Nib unlocks the illustrative and narrative power of cartoons to explain the neglected state of public transit in the Unite States, and to make the case for effective and empowered transit planning.
A cartoon by Josh Kramer and Dan Nott sets out to answer a popular question these days: Why is U.S. Public Transit Crumbling?
The story starts in New York City, where the subway system has recently set records for delays, and expands to the many other U.S. cities that have no subways at all.
Along the way, cartoon caricatures of Randal O'Toole, David King, the Koch Brothers, Benjamin Ross, and Alissa Walker make appearances. International points of comparison include Toronto, Vienna, Bogotá, and Medellin.
FULL STORY: Why is U.S. Public Transit Crumbling?
Minnesota, Vermont Experiment With Rural Trip Planning Websites
Pilot programs in the two states aimed to make transit information more accessible for riders in rural areas, where on-demand and microtransit services make trip planning more complex.
Excerpt: How Individualism Harms Public Transit
Jarrett Walker calls for a more social approach to transit planning.
Atlanta Launches Regional Transit App
The app streamlines transit information from the region’s sometimes disjointed public transit system, which covers 13 counties.
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)