After Atlanta's failed transportation tax referendum, commentators from across the country lamented the region's missed opportunity. Yonah Freemark looks south to Miami, a cautionary example where lofty goals for expanded transit have come up short.
With the opening of the 2.4-mile, one-stop Metrorail Orange Line extension to the Airport last weekend, completed at a cost of $506 million, Miami-Dade voters welcomed the "centerpiece" of the People's Transportation Plan (PTP), a 1/2¢ sales tax increase approved in 2002. Unfortunately, this line is the only portion of the "enormous expansion" of Metrorail that was supposed to be funded by the tax increase.
While "an impressive addition to the city's transit network," the extension offers a cautionary example of how rising construction costs (and low cost estimates) and disappointing tax revenues can sink ambitious transportation expansion plans.
"Does this mean Miami's new Metrorail extension is a waste of funds?" asks Freemark. "Not necessarily - especially considering Miami's distinctive position as
the 'capital of the Caribbean' - attracting millions of visitors and
business people each year through the airport. If the city's growth
continues to be based on its status in Latin America, the airport
connection may be invaluable."
"Miami, however, is a parable: Voters will not always receive that which they believe to have endorsed."
FULL STORY: Where There Were Once Many Lines Planned, Just One Opens in Miami
Miami Study to Connect Bikers and Pedestrians to Transit
The Transportation Planning Organization will budget a study on how best to connect trails to transit hubs.
Transit Debate Coming to a Head Soon in Miami-Dade
A new network of buses, designed with the bus priority features, has been proposed in Miami. The catch: it would come at the expense of a promised rail extension program.
Visualizing Transit Reliability (Or Not)
A new tool in Miami could use broader application in cities around the country (hint hint).
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions