Washington, D.C. officials are urging modifications to key components of a proposal to build a maglev system between D.C. and Baltimore, citing disruptions to neighborhoods and cost concerns.

In comments submitted to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Washington, D.C. "is urging federal officials to modify key aspects of a proposed high-speed maglev train line before deciding whether to support a project that would take passengers between Washington and Baltimore in 15 minutes." As reported by Luz Lazo, the Northeast Maglev project aims to be in operation by 2030 and could be part of a future system "that eventually would carry passengers between D.C. and New York in an hour."
However, "[a]mong the District’s biggest objections is a 1,000-parking space garage proposed for Mount Vernon Square," which the comments call "an antiquated and inefficient way of managing transportation demand to the station." D.C. officials "echoed concerns raised by Baltimore and other project critics that the service would only be available to wealthier residents. The expected average fare would be $60 for a one-way trip, although it could vary between $27 and $80 per trip, project documents indicate."
Rather than building a new train system, critics argue, "the region should invest in improving existing rail operations, such as Amtrak and MARC commuter train service." The District's comments also called for "better pedestrian and bike connections, as well as links to the Convention Center, and to Metro stations at Gallery Place and Metro Center."
FULL STORY: D.C. wants changes to maglev train proposal, citing downtown disruptions and increased traffic

The Slow Death of Ride Sharing
From the beginning, TNCs like Lyft and Uber touted shared rides as their key product. Now, Lyft is ending the practice.

Cool Walkability Planning
Shadeways (covered sidewalks) and pedways (enclosed, climate controlled walkways) can provide comfortable walkability in hot climates. The Cool Walkshed Index can help plan these facilities.

Congestion Pricing Could Be Coming to L.A.
The infamously car-centric city is weighing a proposed congestion pricing pilot program to reduce traffic and encourage public transit use.

Activists Mourn Potential Death of Bay Area Transit With Mock Funeral
In an action meant to draw attention to the financial crisis facing California’s public transit agencies, activists held a mock funeral for BART and Muni, citing the cause of death as ‘neglect.’

Proposed Short-Term Rental Tax Would Fund Affordable Housing in California
A state bill would impose a tax similar to a hotel tax on short-term rental owners, with the revenue funding affordable housing projects.

The Challenges of Aging in Place
Seniors in one Bay Area community want to stay in their communities, but many find the cost of living and maintaining older homes prohibitive.
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency
City of Orange
City of Charlotte - Charlotte Area Transit
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Montrose County
Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department
City of Lomita
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.