The 10-year old E-ZPass system which uses electronic devices to read windshield tags and automatically bill drivers' accounts is a success.
"Despite a bumpy start, however, the collection system has largely been a success. There are now 5.1 million E-ZPass tags in use in New York. Drivers can go from Boston to Washington, D.C. using the same tag. New Hampshire and Maine are expected to join the system next year. And yesterday, Governor George E. Pataki said he had ordered state transportation officials 'to embark on major improvements' to the system, including making it so that drivers may someday not have to slow down when paying tolls.'I have now directed Thruway officials to start implementing new advances such as higher-speed and highway-speed E-ZPass to make travel even safer and easier for all travelers,' Mr. Pataki said in a written statement.Terry O'Brien, a spokesman for the New York State Thruway Authority, said it was all part of the governor's plan 'to make it a priority to take the next quantum leap in using this as a traffic management tool.'"
Thanks to Sam Gold
FULL STORY: Speedier E-ZPass System Is a Priority for Pataki

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

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

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie