Beset by chronic safety problems and rising fares, Metro is looking beyond its immediate concerns by focusing on the future, and asking its customers to help it plan for how the system should grow over the next 30 years.
With a 30% increase in population, and 40% increase in jobs, projected for the Washington D.C. area over the next three decades, and new heads of Planning and Real Estate in place, Metro is looking to chart a course for its future growth.
"While we are rebuilding the system, we need to address crowded buses,
trains and stations and develop plans to grow the system to meet
ridership demand," Catherine M. Hudgins, chairman of the Metro board,
said in a statement. "The quality of life for our residents and our
regional economic well-being depend on a robust Metro system."
In support of that strategic planning effort, this past week Metro launched a public campaign dubbed "Momentum: The Next Generation of Metro," which, as Jonathan O'Connell notes, is "aimed at eliciting answers to
some big questions: How should the agency increase capacity to reduce
crowding? Which additional types of transit are needed? What is the best
way to ensure the agency's fiscal stability?"
FULL STORY: Metro looks to riders for suggestions about the future
Houston Adding New Bus Shelters
Metro plans to add 2,000 new shelters at bus stations in the next five years.
MBTA Announces Improved Bus Frequencies, Redesigned Route Map in Boston
A large system redesign is nearing implementation in and around Boston, but the new system map will require more drivers than the MBTA currently employs.
Boosters Bring Normalcy Back to Tel Aviv
Life in Tel Aviv is bustling again since COVID-19 vaccine boosters became accessible to anyone over 12 years of age. Traffic is now more of a concern than COVID, Mayor Ron Huldai told Bloomberg CityLab during a visit to 'quiet' Manhattan.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie