Terra Nova author Eric W. Sanderson builds a refreshingly wonky case for a modern streetcar revival.
In an excerpt from his new book Terra Nova published on Places, ecologist Eric W. Sanderson investigates the physics of human transport.
He compares the energy consumption of walking, biking, roller skating, NEVs, various automobile classes, diesel and electric buses, streetcars, light rail, heavy rail, commuter rail, jet planes, and ferries, and comes to the conclusion that streetcars are the best way to travel.
After looking at the reasons historical streetcars systems failed, Sanderson lays out his plan for a modern streetcar revival, supported by municipal investment in urban rail and short-term concession agreements.
FULL STORY: Roads to Rails
Op-Ed: Detroit's QLINE Is 'At Times an Embarrassment'
Randy Essex details why it is that "rely" isn't a word that comes to mind for many Detroiters when they think about downtown's QLINE streetcar system.
Study Casts Doubt on Streetcars' Ability to Spur Development
Examining Portland and Seattle's much-talked-about systems, the authors highlight the importance of treating streetcars as a viable transport option, rather than just a means to stimulate development.
Calls to Bring the Olympic Streetcar Back to Vancouver
Vancouver's mile-long street car was built for the Olympics and ran for only 60 days, but some of the city's residents want that service back.
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?
The Five Most-Changed American Cities
A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.
San Diego Adopts First Mobility Master Plan
The plan provides a comprehensive framework for making San Diego’s transportation network more multimodal, accessible, and sustainable.
Housing, Supportive Service Providers Brace for Federal Cuts
Organizations that provide housing assistance are tightening their purse strings and making plans for maintaining operations if federal funding dries up.
Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement
An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.
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.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
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