As the site adds more transit systems to its database, some hope that Google's transit route planner could become as useful as its car route mapping software.
"Google Transit may well become the world's best way to run a railroad.
Already tremendously useful to cities that provide the site with mass-transit routes, it now comes to the city of Chicago, which has one of the most elaborate mass transit systems in the U.S. Go to Google Maps. Type in a query for directions. If your results include a button for "Take Public Transit," Google Transit will spell out directions to the closest station or bus stop, including schedule information.
The power of this is subtle. One huge impediment to wider adaptation of public transportation is the convenience factor--especially, in not knowing how long you'll have to wait for the next damned train. When it's raining or five below zero, you'll drive your car. When you're squeezed for time, you'll take a cab, even if mass transit is faster. After all, it's not faster if you wind up standing on a subway platform for 20 minutes."
FULL STORY: Google Transit Gets Smarter and Smarter
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
San Diego Votes to Rein in “Towering” ADUs
City council voted to limit the number of units in accessory buildings to six — after confronting backyard developments of up to 100 units behind a single family home.
Texas Legislature’s Surprising Pro-Housing Swing
Smaller homes on smaller lots, office to apartment conversions, and 40% less say for NIMBYs, vote state lawmakers.
Even Edmonton Wants Single Staircase Buildings
Canada's second most affordable major city joins those angling to nix the requirement for two staircases in multi-family buildings.
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.
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Smith Gee Studio
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
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Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)