Transit experts want to optimize the benefits of the biggest network of separated busways in the country.
Rather than building light rail, highways, or hyperloops, some advocates want Pittsburgh to look to its extensive busway system as a means to ease traffic, reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, and improve access to jobs.
Speaking to experts on transit and economic development, Ryan Deto recommends three basic strategies to expand the benefits of Pittsburgh's existing system.
-
Rebrand: Pittsburgh busways were originally named for colors, and the article suggests returning to this system. Currently, lines are named for the directions they take: South Busway, East Busway, and so forth.
-
Improve accessibility: Many stations are hostile to pedestrians and people with disabilities, Deto writes. Better ingress and street-facing design could improve visibility and use of the stations.
-
Encourage transit-oriented development: Deto points to studies suggesting that mixed-use development around busway stations could reduce poverty by providing access to jobs. Port Authority, which manages Pittsburgh buses, offers TOD guidelines, but they are not mandatory.
Advocates are pushing for a busway vision before potential changes to state and federal transit funding in 2022, when funding from the Turnpike Commission expires. A more thorough set of suggestions for Pittsburgh's busway network is explored in the article.
FULL STORY: How busways can lead Pittsburgh into an equitable public transit future
Systemwide Evaluation of Bus Stops Underway in the Pittsburgh Region
The Port Authority of Allegheny County is evaluating how to make improvements at
Doubling Down on Bus Rapid Transit in Northern Virginia
Arlington County plans an expansion of the D.C. region's first Bus Rapid Transit line.
Bus Lane Plans Continue Retreat in New York City—This Time it's Fifth Avenue
The de Blasio administration caved to the interests of a Manhattan real estate developer and shelved a plan to prioritize bus transit over private automobiles on one of the most famous corridors in the world.
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)