Planetizen’s Friday Funny stories are often satirical, but this nutty story from Reuters is 100 percent genuine.

When the announcer said “all aboard” on the 8:54 a.m. service from Reading in southern England to Gatwick Airport last week, a wider range of local residents than likely intended took them at their word. “While pets such as dogs often take trains in Britain, rodents are a less frequent passenger,” a Reuters article said of the incident.
"We can confirm that the 0854 Reading to Gatwick was terminated at Redhill after a couple of squirrels boarded the train at Gomshall without tickets, breaching railway byeclaws," a spokesperson for the railway told Reuters. Railway staff was able to remove one of the “furry freeloaders” from the train at Redhill, but one refused to leave, forcing them to cancel the service and return the train to Reading, which was the second squirrel’s final destination.
FULL STORY: UK train cancelled after squirrel refuses to get off

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.

How Public Spaces Exclude Teen Girls
Adolescent girls face unique challenges and concerns when navigating public spaces. We can design cities with their needs in mind.

Proposed Ohio Budget Preserves Housing Trust Fund
The Senate-approved budget also creates two new programs aimed at encouraging housing construction.

DOJ Says Trump Has Power to Roll Back National Monuments
The opinion sheds light on how the administration may justify its effort to eliminate protected public lands.
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Planning for Universal Design
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US High Speed Rail Association
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