Detroit Department of Transportation drivers are mobilizing against a plan to expand regional service on the SMART system. Supporters say the proposed changes are for the benefit of commuters.
"The union representing bus drivers in Detroit wants to stop a plan that would open key routes in the city for expanded service by the region's suburban bus system," reports Eric D. Lawrence.
The controversy pits drivers for the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) against SMART, the regional bus system, following "tense negotiations between the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan and the two transit agencies in the fall to shift $2.8 million in funding to allow for SMART to expand service on Woodward and Gratiot."
The DDOT drivers, represented by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 26, oppose the move due to fears of layoffs and service cuts. Transit planners supporting the expansion of the SMART system tout benefits for "riders who must currently transfer buses traveling to and from the suburbs outside of rush-hour periods," according to Lawrence's explanation.
FULL STORY: DDOT drivers want city to reject expanded SMART service
Driver Shortages and Service Reductions: The Crisis in Public Transit Continues
While transit systems around the country had reason to celebrate the new funding made available in the federal infrastructure bill, long-term concerns about operational capacity have not been resolved.
The New Trend in Transit: $0 Transfer Fees
After Detroit eliminated its fee to transfer between DDOT and SMART buses. Advocates in Pennsylvania want Philadelphia to be next.
Detroit Transit Expansion on the Table
Bidding for the second Amazon headquarters got the creative juices flowing in Detroit, and one outcome is a new regional transit plan
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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.
Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.
Charlottesville Temporarily Has No Zoning Code
A judge ordered the Virginia city to throw out its newly revised zoning code, leaving permitting for new development in legal limbo.
In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.
Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont