Tsunami, earthquakes, and nuclear radiation in the past, Japan proceeds to build a magnetic train that defies Newton's laws of physics.
Sarah Laskow of Good Magazine reports that the Central Japan Railway has been authorized and funded to construct a maglev train that connects Tokyo-Nagoya-Osaka.
Maglev technology "channels magnetic force to levitate the train almost four inches above the track and propel it forward at speeds over 300 miles per hour," explains Laskow. In the U.S. context, the commute from NYC to D.C. will take less than an hour.
Having ridden in one of the test trains, Secretary of Transportation LaHood concedes: "I have to say, those trains are fast. Very fast."
The $112 billion project will be completed in 2027.
FULL STORY: Japan Will Build Blazingly Fast Tokyo to Osaka Maglev Train
Chinese Rail Firm Pursuing High-Speed Rail Ambitions in California, Indonesia
The China Railway International Group, working with the Chinese Export-Import Bank, responded to the California High-Speed Rail Authority's "expressions of interest." They teamed up with China Development Bank to beat out the Japanese in Indonesia.
Japan Sets Train Speed Records Twice in a Few Days
Maglev trains owned by Central Japan Railway were clocked traveling at speeds of 603 km/h, less than week after traveling 590 km/h to set a record last set in 2003.
Surveying the World's Fastest Trains, and a Possible New Entry to the List
The Telegraph compiles a list of the fastest train trips in the world, from the 90 minute journey from Brussels to Paris at 186 miles per hour to Shanghai's 268 mile per hour maglev train. A new service is poised to join them.
How Would Project 2025 Affect America’s Transportation System?
Long story short, it would — and not in a good way.
But... Europe
European cities and nations tend to have less violent crime than the United States. Is government social welfare spending the magic bullet that explains this difference?
California Law Ends Road Widening Mandates
Housing developers will no longer be required to dedicate land to roadway widening, which could significantly reduce the cost of construction and support more housing units.
Exposition Park’s $351.5 Million Transformation
This revitalization will create vital green spaces, improve accessibility, and enhance connections with community, making Exposition Park a central hub for recreation and culture in Los Angeles.
California Secures $360 Million in Federal Funding for Parks, Habitat Restoration, and Clean Transportation
This funding will drive transformative projects across the state, improving access to green spaces, protecting natural ecosystems, and advancing sustainable transportation initiatives.
Herds of Sheep Manage Vegetation Where Powered Mowers Can’t
Cities are hiring grazing sheep to keep vegetation in check in sensitive sites and uneven terrain.
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.
Ada County Highway District
Placer County
Mayors' Institute on City Design
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Cornell University's College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP), the Department of City and Regional Planning (CRP)
Lehigh Valley Planning Commission
City of Portland, ME
Baton Rouge Area Foundation