Despite the benefits, just three Midwestern cities have bus rapid transit lines.

Writing in Streetsblog Chicago, Steven Vance describes his experience using Madison, Wisconsin’s bus rapid transit (BRT) system, whose new Rapid Route A line opened last September.
The line features dedicated center bus lanes, level boarding, and faster ticketing and service. “The first thing I noticed at the First Street station was the extensive shelter. Not only was there a canopy, but side walls enclosing the shelter from the ‘roof’ to the ground, overhead heating, skylights, and openings aligned with the buses’ doors.”
Riders can pay by tapping their cards on readers after boarding the bus. As Vance explains, “Being able to alight via any door is part of the BRT standard, which was created and stays updated by the Institute for Transportation Development Policy (ITDP).”
The buses also include a designated area for bikes inside the bus, whereas most buses have bike riders use front-mounted exterior racks. What most impressed Vance was the speed and efficiency of the bus line, which is due to its dedicated lanes and signal prioritization.
Vance notes that only two other Midwest cities have true BRT: Indianapolis and Cleveland. While Chicago had plans for multiple BRT lines, they’ve all been scrapped in favor of other projects.
FULL STORY: Taking a ride on Madison’s new (and quick) bus rapid transit line

Legendary Parking Guru Donald Shoup Dies at 86
Urbanists are mourning the loss of a dynamic voice for parking reform and walkable cities.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

Federal EV Charging Program Suspended
The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program planned to fund the construction of hundreds of EV charging stations across the country.

A Monument to Resilience: Native Hawaiian Art Installation Honors History and Healing
The towering ʻUmeke Lāʻau installation by Native Hawaiian artist Meleanna Aluli Meyer, unveiled at Honolulu's city hall, is a powerful symbol of cultural resilience and healing.

Rethinking Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Which Trees Should We Plant?
Fire experts emphasize the need to replace highly flammable trees like Mexican fan palms and eucalyptus with fire-resistant species such as oak, sycamore, and toyon, while also strengthening home fire defenses to reduce wildfire risks in California.

Fremont, California Criminalizes Homelessness, “Abetting” Encampments
Non-profits worry the ordinance, which does not explicitly exempt service providers, will have a chilling effect on unhoused residents and those who offer resources.
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.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
City of Bakersfield
Standridge Inc.
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service