A suburban city in the East Bay Area will allow commuters to use a new app that links their smartphones to traffic lights.
"Drivers on the city's crowded commute routes can join in the race to the digital future with a new app that will link their smartphones to traffic lights, giving them an alert when the green light is about to shine," reports Andrew McGall. "The free [EnLighten] app announced Thursday morning will work with all 100 of the city's traffic lights, which are linked to a city traffic control center."
McCall describes how the app works in more detail: "A few seconds before a red traffic light changes, EnLighten will chime to refocus drivers on driving, perhaps drawing them back from sipping coffee, doing their makeup or surreptitiously checking their cell phones. The EnLighten app is available for Android and iPhone users."
McCall goes on to describe the public-private partnership that enabled the program as well as a little information on the testing of the app. It will be interesting to see if real world tests prove the technology a safety improvement or just another way for cars to move quickly around the city's expansive residential and commercial arterials.
FULL STORY: Walnut Creek has green-light alert for drivers

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

Poor Conditions in Mobile Home Parks Put Residents at Risk
Failing infrastructure, poor water and air quality, and predatory owners endanger the health of manufactured home residents, many of whom are elderly and low-income.

How Complete Streets Stands to Lose in the FY26 ‘Skinny Budget’
The President’s proposed budget could cut key resources for active transportation, public transit, and road safety programs.

Dairy Queen and Rural Third Places
Dozens of Dairy Queen restaurants across Texas are closing, taking a critical community space with them.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions