The autonomous, four-person pods would travel on an enclosed track, but is it an effective model for public transit?
An autonomous car company wants to bring driverless, four-person ‘pods’ to the Bay Area, reports John Ramos for CBS News, a project that would require a 28-mile enclosed roadway with 56 access points. “And because the cars are only about five feet wide, the travel route is small enough to run alongside trails, railroad tracks and streets without removing any existing lanes.”
The service, built by Glydways, could provide a link to Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and other regional transit systems for communities that lack connections. “So where will the money coming [sic] from? Right now, that's unclear. But transit planners say it will be a partnership, combining state and federal funding with private investment.”
High-tech transportation projects like this have been criticized for distracting transportation agencies and lawmakers from the less flashy transit solutions — e.g. buses — that have been proven to work when funded effectively.
FULL STORY: Autonomous car company Glydways to bring driverless public transit to East Contra Costa
Minnesota Uses Autonomous Shuttles To Improve Mobility
A pilot program will provide free rides to help rural and elderly residents reach more destinations.
A Brief History of Kansas City’s Microtransit
The city’s costly experiment with on-demand transit is yielding to more strategic investment.
Developing a Common Language for Microtransit Providers
New data specification technology could help rural agencies streamline their operations and coordinate efforts to improve service delivery.
2024: The Year in Zoning
Cities and states are leaning on zoning reform to help stem the housing crisis and create more affordable, livable neighborhoods.
NACTO Releases Updated Urban Bikeway Guide
The third edition of the nationally recognized road design guide includes detailed design advice for roads that prioritize safety and accessibility for all users.
Research Affirms Safety of ‘Idaho Stop’
Allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs does not negatively impact safety and can help people on bikes more effectively navigate roadways.
Chicago Transit Leaders Call for $1.5B Funding Package
Public transit across the Chicagoland region could suffer massive cuts without additional funding.
After the Fires: Challenges and Efforts to Heal LA’s Parks and Trails
The recent LA wildfires have devastated parks and trails, with recovery efforts requiring extended closures, collaborative restoration plans, and community support to address extensive damage and long-term risks like landslides.
DC Launches New Round of E-Bike Rebates
District residents can apply for a subsidy of up to $1,500 to purchase e-bikes.
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.
Placer County
Skagit Transit
Berkeley County
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland