The MBTA is considering the future of a unique service: the Mattapan high-speed trolley line. Upkeep costs are high, but replacing the track with buses might be a shortsighted move.

Its iconic rolling stock gives Boston's Ashmont-Mattapan line an ambiance right out of the golden age of American streetcars. But those classic trolleys may be the line's undoing. Recently, "the [MBTA] control board, charged with whipping the T's finances into shape, put the 2.5-mile Ashmont-to-Mattapan line on the chopping block because maintaining its fleet of ancient trolleys likely costs more than replacement buses would."
This editorial makes the case for updating, not stripping out, this distinctive transit resource. "Board members should give some thought to why New York, Salt Lake City, Washington, Portland, Tucson, and other US cities have committed to streetcar lines, despite what sometimes seem like unfavorable economics. What those cities have concluded is that streetcars make communities more attractive and liveable in ways that buses don't."
A refurbished Mattapan line could make its surroundings more valuable in a way buses never could. "It's hard to see how taking away the neighborhood's signature transit amenity would make the T's 2.5-acre parcel more valuable. If anything, by ending the trolley, the T could be shooting itself in the foot."
FULL STORY: Boston shouldn’t derail Mattapan trolley

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

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

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions