For the first time in many years, Amtrak is focused on the business of running a railroad.
"Ask anyone who works at Amtrak and they will tell you: they live in perpetual crisis mode. The company exists year to year at the mercy of fickle politicians. Every autumn, Amtrak officials go up to Capitol Hill with hat in hand pleading for funding. And every year, Amtrak officials get just enough money to limp along for one more year... But one thing is different this year. The company is focused again. After years and decades of changing visions and deferred maintenance, bloated bureaucracies and a demoralized workforce, people here are feeling pretty good, relatively speaking. For the first time in a long time, Amtrak is doing what a railroad company is supposed to do. Workers are fixing track, rebuilding cars and moving more passengers than ever before. All of which is enough to make David Gunn smile."
Thanks to Chris Steins
FULL STORY: Amtrak reforms

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

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.

Since Zion's Shuttles Went Electric “The Smog is Gone”
Visitors to Zion National Park can enjoy the canyon via the nation’s first fully electric park shuttle system.

Trump Distributing DOT Safety Funds at 1/10 Rate of Biden
Funds for Safe Streets and other transportation safety and equity programs are being held up by administrative reviews and conflicts with the Trump administration’s priorities.

German Cities Subsidize Taxis for Women Amid Wave of Violence
Free or low-cost taxi rides can help women navigate cities more safely, but critics say the programs don't address the root causes of violence against women.
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
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie