A quarter of German long-distance trains ran behind schedule, and they're not likely to improve soon.
German passenger trains, particularly those operated by Deutsche Bahn, are running late. The Economist points out that austere government spending means the system has not had the investment to maintain a high level of service. "The rail network has not kept pace with the long-term population shift to cities or the increase in freight traffic from ports," The Economist reports. Pension cuts have lead to the service losing many of its more experienced staff to retirement.
Deutsche Bahn's defenders point out that their have been improvements to facilities. "Train travel remains affordable, regional services are efficient, and this year passengers should be mollified by new rolling stock and renovated stations," The Economist writes.
Read the full story: The travails of Germany’s rail passengers
Amtrak unveils proposal to restructure, split into 3 divisions
Agency officials say the new structure would offer more transparency and accountability.
California rail builders sign MOU advancing statewide high-speed network
The agreement aims to create an interconnected high-speed rail network and bring down the cost of construction.
Why are America's trains so slow?
A brief historical inquiry.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin
People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.
US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico
A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
Nation's most wind-powered state turns to coal as data centers increase energy demand
For the first time in decades, Iowa has increased its generation of coal power.
NYC cools commuters with city's first rain garden above a bus stop
New York City officials say the plants in the rain garden can absorb 16 gallons of rainwater during heavy storms.
Brightline West’s future may rely on $6 billion federal loan
The company has until Nov. 2 to make a $400 million equity investment into its proposed high-speed rail line.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association