Needed: Aging-driver Policy

Reluctance to face 'graying' demographics could cause a crisis for America's roadways. Is public transit the answer?

1 minute read

September 3, 2003, 1:00 PM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


Elder driving cannot be viewed in a vacuum -- nor can the lack of concrete action taken to address the issue. The problem is an example of America's reluctance to face its rapidly "graying" demographics... Rather than quick fixes, we need a comprehensive national agenda: First and foremost, invest heavily in public transportation to reduce dependence on automobiles. It is an inhumane recipe for disaster to insist that a senior stop driving without offering an affordable, reliable transportation alternative.

Thanks to Chris Steins

Wednesday, September 3, 2003 in The Christian Science Monitor

Lake Powell with much of the water evaporated.

Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River

Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.

October 30, 2026 - Yale Environment 360

A road in north eastern Nebraska with power lines on either side, and grassy fields.

Eastern Nebraska is running out of electricity

Data centers and electrification are straining eastern Nebraska’s grid, throttling economic development.

November 6, 2026 - Grist

People walking in downtown St. Louis, walking past shops.

Move over, LA: St. Louis gears up for Olympics, invests millions in downtown redevelopment

The Missouri city will host the 2028 Olympic soccer group stage and knockout matches.

November 1, 2026 - Smart Cities Dive

construction near Boston, with machinery digging at large pit.

Mass. votes against statewide minimum lot size for single-family homes

Over 2 million residents voted on Question 7; it was decided by just over 30,000 votes.

1 hour ago - GBH

A bridge over the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.

Maryland’s $15 billion bridge project gains key approval

The Maryland Transit Authority said the project will create over 60,000 jobs and add $23 billion to the local economy.

2 hours ago - WTOP News

A crowd of people cheering for an unseen performer.

‘No clear next steps’ for Chicago's permanent festival grounds

Eleventh Ward Ald. Nicole Lee has suggested Soldier Field as a possible location for the permanent event space.

3 hours ago - Chicago Sun Times

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.