Is the isolation of personal rapid transit truly viable for mass transit?
As the Shweeb takes Google's Project 10^100 prize in public transport innovation, Erica Schlaikjer of TheCityFix asks: "How much more isolated can we get, suspended in enclosed pods, watching vibrant street life whizzing by?"
She continues: "While the idea of adapting "a thrilling and innovative riding experience" to an urban setting is exciting (the Agroventures Park Shweeb ride can reach "up to 45 kilometers per hour and 60-degree swings on the bends,") it seems wasteful to seriously consider this technology as an "innovation" in public transportation, when there are so many other low-hanging-fruit solutions to improve the way people move around in cities.
Just considering the dollar cost per kilometer of infrastructure, the Shweeb seems less financially responsible than simply building more (or better) bike lanes, sidewalks or bus corridors -- all of which are relatively low-cost. Yes, the Shweeb would be cheaper than building a new metro or light rail system, but it still requires significant infrastructure to move just one person (or up to four people) at a time. Why not fund high-quality articulated buses that can transport a couple hundred passengers? If existing bus systems are costly, why not figure out ways to make them more economical, rather than creating a new type of mass transit? Or, if last-mile connectivity is the problem, why not invest in something like city-wide, high-tech, well-branded bike-sharing systems?"
Thanks to Garrett Bradford
FULL STORY: Google Awards $1 Million to Shweeb

Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

New State Study Suggests Homelessness Far Undercounted in New Mexico
An analysis of hospital visit records provided a more accurate count than the annual point-in-time count used by most agencies.

Michigan Bills Would Stiffen Penalties for Deadly Crashes
Proposed state legislation would close a ‘legal gap’ that lets drivers who kill get away with few repercussions.

Report: Bus Ridership Back to 86 Percent of Pre-Covid Levels
Transit ridership around the country was up by 85 percent in all modes in 2024.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions