The Port Authority of Allegheny County is moving forward with plans to remove buses and bus stops from Downtown Pittsburgh in an effort to decrease congestion on the streets and sidewalks. The plan is supported by the presumptive next mayor.
"The plan, backed by Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and the city's presumptive mayor-to-be, Bill Peduto, would relocate routes and stops toward the edges of the Golden Triangle, creating what Mr. Fitzgerald called 'a zone in the core of Downtown that is bus-free'," reports Jon Schmitz.
"Mr. Fitzgerald acknowledged that some riders might have a longer walk to their destinations. 'Bus service into Downtown Pittsburgh is not going to be a door-to-door operation. You may have to walk a couple of blocks. Downtown is very walkable,' he said."
The Port Authority's planning is just getting off the ground, but the concept has the support of the Downtown business community. Advocates for the disabled and some riders were less enthusiastic.
"'I think it might be a good idea, cutting down on the people standing and waiting for buses,' said Kimberly Bluming of McKees Rocks, as she waited for a bus on Fifth near Smithfield. She said she wouldn't mind a longer walk, 'but there are people who are unable to walk who depend on the buses.'"
FULL STORY: Proposal will make Downtown Pittsburgh core totally bus-free
‘Request Stops’ Make Bus Travel Safer and More Convenient, but Most Riders and Drivers are Unaware of Them
Many U.S. transit agencies have policies allowing riders to request dropoffs between stops, but fail to publicize them to passengers and operators.
Richmond Transit to Add Bus Stop Benches, Shelters
The region’s transit agency plans to install new benches and shelters at as many as 75 percent of bus stops systemwide.
Where to Preview L.A.'s New Bus Shelters
Angelenos can try out the new designs at six locations this summer, with the full program set to launch in 2022.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US
The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours
The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.
New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths
Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.
AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth
Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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.
