As the new school year starts, Chicago Public Schools yellow buses will be upgrading to new technologies including GPS, mobile data terminals (MDT), and adding hybrid buses.
With the help of a $1 million federal EPA program to upgrade bus fleets, the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) system seeks to update its buses to make them more tech-savvy and green. CPS intends to have its 1,600-bus fleet upgraded with clean technology and GPS capabilities.
The ability to monitor the location of buses will add to the safety of students as well as make operations more efficient. Mobile Data Terminals will be able to track special needs students to ensure they are picked up and dropped off to the proper locations. Dispatchers will also be able to communicate with the buses instantly.
The retrofitting will also bring old buses to emissions compliance with new emissions and fuel efficiency standards. CPS anticipates that 90-percent of its buses will be in compliance by December 2009.
FULL STORY: CPS buses to be safer, greener
MTA Poised to Break Ridership, On-Time Service Records
New York City’s transit system saw strong increases in ridership and improvements in service quality in the first half of 2025.
Opinion: Illinois Transit Bill Could Revolutionize Intercity Travel
A bill passed by the state’s General Assembly would create a permanent source of dedicated funding for intercity rail.
Atlanta Bus System Redesign Will Nearly Triple Access
MARTA's Next Gen Bus Network will retool over 100 bus routes, expand frequent service.
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.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie