The Regional Transportation District will focus on providing improved service on its most popular lines while eliminating underused routes and replacing them with on-demand microtransit.

Like other transit systems around the country, Colorado's Regional Transportation District (RTD) is proposing an overhaul of its service to better serve post-pandemic travel patterns. Nathaniel Minor reports that with ridership dropping off in suburban areas, the agency will focus on boosting service in the denser areas where ridership remained steady.
The RTD's proposal, which would change around 30 percent of the bus system, would be implemented over the next five years. The agency plans to shift existing lines, adjust service frequency on highly-used routes, and eliminate underperforming lines. To make up for the loss of service, RTD plans to introduce an on-demand service to ensure residents of lower-density areas still have access to transit. Changes would apply primarily to bus lines, while RTD's light rail and commuter rail lines would largely remain the same.
Shontel Lewis, an RTD board member, praised the proposal for "prioritizing equity" and enhancing service for the low-income communities that depend on transit. Others worry that limiting transit in suburban areas will further encourage driving and reduce the likelihood of people switching modes.
FULL STORY: RTD proposes massive overhaul: Fewer suburban buses, more service where riders remained during the pandemic

The California High-Speed Rail Project Illustrates America’s Transit Issues
Slow progress and a bloated budget have plagued the High-Speed Rail project linking San Francisco to Los Angeles, exposing deeper issues with American transit projects.

What Role Does Health Care Play in Community Development?
Cities are economically diverse and require accessible health care systems, but this can be challenging to implement. Urban developers are working alongside health professionals to create affordable care for city residents.

Density and Driving: A Second Look
A common argument against more compact housing is that increased population density will only reduce vehicle miles traveled at moderate levels of density, as opposed to very low-density and very high-density areas. But this might not be so.

Boise’s New Planning Director Warns Against 'Dysfunctional Highways'
On the heels of his stint as Atlanta’s planning director, Tim Keane says Boise should avoid following in the path of American cities that have let highway expansion and sprawl go unchecked for decades.

Voters Reject Atlanta-Area Cityhood Proposals
After local activists whipped up concerns about forced density to promote cityhood for three wealthy Atlanta suburbs, residents voted to remain in unincorporated Cobb County.

Want to Drive a Big Pickup Truck in D.C.? It’s About to Get (Even More) Expensive
D.C. is considering a $500 vehicle license fee for private vehicles over 6,000 pounds.
Piedmont Environmental Council
City of Oakland, California
Marin Transit
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of San Carlos
City of Redwood City
City of Hot Springs
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.
Hand Drawing Master Plans
This course aims to provide an introduction into Urban Design Sketching focused on how to hand draw master plans using a mix of colored markers.