Detroit is infamous for its lack of regional transit (or local transit for that matter), but the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan this month launched a master planning process that could finally fill some of the region's gaps.
Leonard N. Fleming reports on the mood at recent public hearings held by the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA) as it undertakes a master plan process that would set an agenda for transit in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Washtenaw counties.
The public hearings are taking place in advance of a 2016 ballot initiative that will ask voters "to fund the RTA and three bus rapid transit routes up Woodward from Detroit to Pontiac, Michigan Avenue from Detroit to Ann Arbor, and up Gratiot in Detroit to M-59." The master plan is expected to be complete by the end of 2015.
Ryan Felton reported the initial announcement of the master plan process, which is described as "a step forward in developing a comprehensive plan for public transportation across metro Detroit." Felton also notes the hiccups experienced by the RTA since its creation in 2012.
The RTA's website also includes a website introducing the master plan, titled the BEST: Regional Master Transit Plan, which it says will plan for transit on a 20-year horizon.
FULL STORY: Metro Detroit residents sound off on public transit
Regional Transit in Detroit: An Idea Whose Time Has Not Yet Come
Transit supporters in the Detroit region suffered a setback last week, but the hope is that they've only lost a battle, not the war, for regional transit.
Cultivating a Culture of Transit
How Detroit, historical home of the U.S. automotive industry, can create a culture of transit and the equitable transportation system its residents need.
Detroit CEOs Want a Regional Transit Plan
The idea has failed before, most recently in 2016, but the attempt at wooing Amazon has the idea of a regional approach to public transit back on the table in Detroit.
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design
Unlike other new builds in Denver, Colorado, a new high-rise reveals a unique “sculptural canyon” running vertically through the facade to foster a sense of community and connection to nature.
Federal Resilience Program a Lifeline for Affordable Housing Providers
The little-known Green and Resilient Retrofit Program funds upgrades and repairs that improve efficiency and comfort in existing housing stock.
Fort Worth To Relaunch Bike Share System in January
Trinity Metro shuttered its current system at the end of November and plans to relaunch with a mostly-electric system.
A Brief History of Kansas City’s Microtransit
The city’s costly experiment with on-demand transit is yielding to more strategic investment.
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.
Village of Glen Ellyn
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners