A new report imagines more robust service on one of Metra's regional commuter lines in Chicago.

"According to a new report, Metra North Central Service Line riders would like weekend service and more frequent weekday runs," reports Igor Studenkov.
A Chicago Metropolitan Agency of Planning’s Local Technical Assistance grant awarded to the Village of Mundelein, which is served by the NCS Line, paid for the study, long before the effects of the coronavirus pandemic gutted service along the line, explains Studenkov. Transit officials are praising the report, however, "as a solid starting point," and committed to figuring out next steps.
The article includes detailed analysis of the planning challenges presented by the line's unique situation in the geography of the Chicago region, as well as the three proposals considered in the plan.
FULL STORY: Despite COVID headwinds, study recommends ways to expand Metra NCS service

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).

DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process
The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.

Parks: Essential Community Infrastructure — and a Smart Investment
Even during times of budget constraint, continued investment in parks is critical, as they provide proven benefits to public health, safety, climate resilience, and community well-being — particularly for under-resourced communities.

Porches, Pets, and the People We Grow Old With
Neighborhood connections and animal companions matter to aging with dignity, and how we build can support them. Here’s a human-scale proposal for aging in place.

Single-Stair Design Contest Envisions Human-Scale Buildings
Single-stair building construction is having a resurgence in the United States, where, for the last several decades, zoning codes have required more than one staircase in multi-story housing developments.
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.
City of Charlotte
Municipality of Princeton
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)