Transportation advocates want to see expanded intercity and regional rail service, along with improved core bus services.
Northwest Arkansas transportation advocates are calling on transit agencies to improve the region’s rail and bus networks, reports Ron Wood for the Arkansas Democrat Gazette. The region is projected to grow to house as much as 70 percent of the state’s population by 2045.
As Wood explains, “The Department of Transportation is hosting a series of face-to-face listening sessions as part of its update of the 2015 Arkansas State Rail Plan to hear what ideas people have on various rail-related topics. Among those are passenger and freight rail service, safety and economic growth opportunities.” The agency’s plan will establish a set of priorities for the state’s freight and passenger rail networks.
The article notes that “The region's current transportation plans don't include bus rapid transit or light rail options, which have proven to be cost-prohibitive and problematic to implement, according to Tim Conklin, executive director at the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission.”
The article notes that in some areas, there is no dedicated local funding sources for public transit, making expansion difficult. “Members of [advocacy group] NWA Go would like to see bus service in the four major cities in Northwest Arkansas linked regionally by bus rapid transit and commuter rail transit services in the future.”
FULL STORY: Ready for rail? Advocates want passenger service back in Northwest Arkansas
Amtrak Expanding Service in California’s Central Valley
Amtrak is planning a major expansion to the passenger rail lines connecting the Central Valley and the Bay Area.
How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
Federal Funding for California High-Speed Rail Under Review
USDOT says it will evaluate the funding currently committed to the construction of California’s high-speed rail project, which has run years behind schedule and billions over its projected budget.
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?
Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.
Making Mobility More Inclusive
A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.
Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
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