After buses were unable to meet range expectations in Indianapolis, the city reached an agreement with Chinese bus supplier BYD to provide new charging facilities.

Indianapolis’ 31 battery electric buses are getting upgraded wireless charging stations. "During testing, IndyGo realized low temperatures were causing a dramatic drop-off in predicted range," Phil Dzikiy reports for Electrek. The city was promised 275-mile ranges, but when it found buses running out of power by mile 200 in colder temperatures, they looked to hold their supplier accountable. To make up for the range issue, the Chinese bus manufacturer BYD has equipped the city with three additional charging stations.
These chargers take 10-20 minutes to charge buses batteries. "IndyGo claims it can be done without interrupting service, as drivers will take scheduled breaks with no passengers on board during those times," Dzikiy reports.
The articulated BYD buses are crucial to Indianapolis’ long term public transit plans, as the city has promised its Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line will be completely electric. If the city is able to operate a completely electric fleet on that line, it would be the first fully electric BRT in the United States.
FULL STORY: BYD installing wireless charging in Indianapolis to boost disappointing range of its electric buses

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)