It was a big year for transit in Houston: two new light rail lines launched operation and the regional bus system got a makeover on the high frequency grid model. Ridership is also up.
A press release by the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Metro) announced that ridership on all fixed routes grew 11 percent between November 2014 and November.
"Local bus ridership numbers for November 2015 are up more than 4 percent from a year ago. METRORail's Red Line ridership is up nearly 26 percent and Park & Ride boardings have increased nearly 6 and a half percent."
Metro Board Chairman Gilbert Garcia provides soundbites in the press release, noting the improved ridership on routes in the city's "New Bus Network," which launched to great fanfare in August 2015. Garcia also notes that the city is in the first year of a five-year plan to improve mobility option in the Houston region. Next up for the agency: a new two-way transfer policy, which will be announced on January 24, 2016.
FULL STORY: Slow but Steady Climb in Riders Shows METRO is on Right Track

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
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie