As both a major target of terrorism and a valuable evacuation tool, disaster planning officials are taking a closer look at the vulnerabilities and possibilities for mass transit.
"In many disaster scenarios, public transit is in the middle: Terrorists blow up buses and trains. An earthquake shakes loose BART's Transbay Tube.
But bus, subway and ferry operators are learning that buses, subways and ferries can be invaluable tools in dealing with the aftermath of terror attacks or natural disasters.
As Bay Area residents witnessed after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, a rail system like BART -- which survived when the Bay Bridge failed -- can become a vital emergency link when others fail.
Buses, key to evacuating New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, can also be used as ambulances or even shelter. Mississippi was so adamant about mobilizing public transit after Katrina that transportation authorities commandeered gasoline tankers that were deemed off-limits by the Federal Emergency Management Agency."
Disaster and public safety officials recently met in Southern California to discuss findings from past experiences.
FULL STORY: Authorities roll mass transit into post-disaster planning
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.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Adaptive Reuse Will Create Housing in a Suburban Texas Strip Mall
A developer is reimagining a strip mall property as a mixed-use complex with housing and retail.
Study: Anti-Homelessness Laws Don’t Work
Research shows that punitive measures that criminalized unhoused people don’t help reduce homelessness.
In U.S., Urban Gondolas Face Uphill Battle
Cities in Latin America and Europe have embraced aerial transitways — AKA gondolas — as sustainable, convenient urban transport, especially in tricky geographies. American cities have yet to catch up.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont