The lack of robust public transit networks in many U.S. cities reduces access to opportunity and drives those who can afford it to buy private vehicles.

Before buying a car, writes Dharna Noor in Gizmodo, "I had to plan my life around my carlessness." The improvement in her life after becoming a vehicle owner, Noor writes, made her realize that it shouldn't be that way.
"Cars are dangerous. They constitute one of the largest shares of greenhouse gas emissions of any sector in the U.S., and they also produce toxic pollution like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter," not to mention the 6,000 pedestrians killed by cars every year. Fighting guilt, Noor took the plunge into car ownership. "Immediately, it was like I lived in a different city."
The car opened up new possibilities, and the same holds true in cities across the country. "A 2017 analysis of Census data by Governing found that in nearly every U.S. city, driving to work is much quicker than using a bus or train," encouraging people to drive. Yet "[t]here’s nothing inherently slow about public transit—in fact, when it’s properly designed, it can actually save users hours of their lives." Noor argues that improving public transit would not only reduce carbon emissions but also "ensure everyone has access to opportunity" and increase ridership. "Imagine if access to parks and lakes weren’t limited to those who can afford to buy, maintain, and park their cars. That could go far in improving access for exploited, poor communities who are disproportionately harmed by highway pollution."
FULL STORY: Buying a Car Improved My Life. It Shouldn't Have.

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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