A new report collects the lessons and best practices of several years of bus priority projects in the Boston region.
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC)—the regional planning agency for the region surrounding in Boston in Massachusetts—has published a new report aimed sharing lessons and best practices for the implementation of bus infrastructure improvements.
"The guide lays out steps to help municipal staff, community leaders, and advocates launch successful bus improvements in high ridership, high delay corridors. These projects are important tools in achieving climate, equity, and transit goals, as well as improving quality of life for the thousands of people in our region," according to an MAPC website that promotes the new "Get it Rolling" report.
The "Get It Rolling" report distills information from six bus priority projects implemented around the region, including projects in Everett, Boston, Arlington, Cambridge, Watertown, and Somerville. Among those cities, Everett was the first to pilot a shared-bus bike lanes in the Greater Boston region since the creation of the Silver Line in Boston.
"Everett’s transformative bus lane led to a domino effect in Greater Boston, with numerous other municipalities piloting and laying down permanent fixtures for bus lanes throughout the region: over the next four years, Roslindale, Arlington, Cambridge, Watertown, Allston, and Somerville saw the benefits of improved commute times for bus riders," according to the same website.
FULL STORY: MAPC Releases “Get It Rolling” Workbook on Bus Improvements
'Rapid Response Bus Lanes' Program Provides Equitable Mobility Relief During the Pandemic
A new Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority program has quickly deployed bus infrastructure around the Boston area, focusing on neighborhoods where people are relying on the bus during the pandemic.
The Benefits of Bright Red Bus-Only Lanes, Explained
Richmond, Virginia is adding red paint to 2.5 miles of bus-only lanes. An article in the local newspaper explains why the change is more than an aesthetic consideration.
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.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Blinded by the Light: When Brighter Headlights Decrease Safety
Bright LED headlights can create glare and reduce visibility for other drivers and pedestrians.
Study Links Covid and Poor Driving
The effects of the virus, including ‘brain fog,’ can make driving more difficult and dangerous.
Waymo Gets Permission to Map SF’s Market Street
If allowed to operate on the traffic-restricted street, Waymo’s autonomous taxis would have a leg up over ride-hailing competitors — and counter the city’s efforts to grow bike and pedestrian on the thoroughfare.
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.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service