Having gone 25 years without a comprehensive review of all routes and operations, officials at MARTA -- metro Atlanta's transit system -- have decided that the time is finally right for an overhaul.
Twenty-five years ago, MARTA retooled bus routes in a hub-and-spoke system oriented around newly opened rail lines. "Now that the transit system has matured, MARTA officials say it's time to take an in-depth look at the bus and rail network and see what should be done to make things run better."
"MARTA has hired engineering and consulting firm HDR Engineering to conduct a review, which could last 18 months and cost $1.8 million. Almost everything is on the table - bus routes and schedules, rail station and bus stop signs, bus stop locations and even the type of vehicles used."
"Indeed, much has changed in the past 25 years in how people move about the region. Huge job centers have sprouted in the suburbs, public housing projects have been demolished, suburban commuter bus lines have launched, and deteriorating intown neighborhoods have seen a renaissance."
FULL STORY: MARTA to kick off major review

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
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie