"Cool, cool, cool, cool, in every way," is Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority CEO Keith Parker's assessment of a proposed deal to install cell phone and WiFi access in transit stations and tunnels.
"MARTA is on the verge of approving a contract with a provider to install cell phone and Wi-Fi access in its stations and tunnels," reports Andria Simmons.
According to Simmons, "a six-month pilot project would start in January with three stations — Five Points, Peachtree Center and Georgia Dome/Georgia World Congress Center and inside a tunnel that connects them. All 38 stations would feature cellular connectivity and Wi-Fi access by July 2018. The $25 million system would be designed, installed and maintained at no cost to MARTA."
The article goes on to explain the public-private partnership that will enable the upgrade, as well as MARTA's potential to profit from the deal.
FULL STORY: MARTA pursuing cell and Wi-Fi service in stations, tunnels
MARTA Adds Train Service for NYE Events
The Atlanta transit agency will run additional trains to accommodate traffic to sporting and cultural events downtown over the New Year’s holiday.
Atlanta Transit Officials Call for Traffic Cameras to Enforce Bus-Only Lanes
MARTA says bus-mounted cameras would be a more effective way to keep bus lanes clear and make upcoming bus rapid transit lines run smoothly and reliably.
Atlanta City Leaders Call on MARTA to Expand Weekend Service
The city is set to host multiple major sporting events in the next several years, prompting calls for expanded transit service on weekends and to popular areas.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie