A recent report highlights the lack of safe infrastructure at the Virginia capital’s bus stops.

A “State of Transit” report from RVA Rapid Transit reveals that almost three-quarters of bus stops in Richmond, Virginia lack benches or shelter, reports Ian M. Stewart for Virginia Public Media, “and according to GRTC’s essential infrastructure plan from last year, less than half of these stops have the necessary landing pads required by the federal American with Disabilities Act.”
As Stewart explains, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation works with over 40 other state transportation agencies to develop designs for bus shelters, based on site ownership, that meet building codes and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. “It can take more than two years and thousands of dollars for a bus shelter to be put in, according to an earlier story VPM News reported.”
Stewart writes that “Officials with GRTC said they have a goal of installing 160 new shelters and 627 new benches by the year 2027.” However, the agency’s board, which voted to support that goal, did not allocate additional funding to the project but instead hopes to acquire funding from VDOT or the Central Virginia Transportation Agency.
FULL STORY: Most bus stops in Richmond lack adequate shelter or benches

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.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)