A new pilot program uses trains to deliver packages at off-peak hours, lowering emissions from trucks.

The city of Madrid, Spain will use its transit system to deliver packages during off-peak hours as part of a pilot program aimed at reducing transportation emissions.
According to an article by Ian Betteridge in Global Railway Review, “The project, undertaken in collaboration with courier company GLS Spain, will run for an initial three-month period. These trains will operate between 19:00 and 20:00 to avoid disruptions to regular passenger service. An estimated 700 parcels per day will be transported, with stops at key stations including Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón Central, Hospital Severo Ochoa and El Bercial.”
A second phase of the project will introduce deliveries from outer areas to the central low-emissions zone (LEZ) using freight trains, as well as bikes and trolleys for last-mile segments.
The city, which is a major distribution hub for Southern Europe, is launching a Logistics Agency to better manage regional logistics infrastructure.
FULL STORY: Madrid Metro to launch pilot logistics programme for parcel delivery

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

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

Albuquerque’s Microtransit: A Planner’s Answer to Food Access Gaps
New microtransit vans in Albuquerque aim to close food access gaps by linking low-income areas to grocery stores, cutting travel times by 30 percent and offering planners a scalable model for equity-focused transit.

This City Will Pay You to Meet Your Neighbors
A North Kansas City grant program offers up to $400 for residents to throw neighborhood block parties.

Commentary: Our Silence Will Not Protect Us
Keeping our heads down and our language inoffensive is not the right response to the times we’re in. Solidarity and courage is.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)