Applying the Tricks of Tactical Urbanism to Transit

The semi-legal world of quick, informal city improvements called tactical urbanism is finding a home inside transit departments.

1 minute read

January 7, 2017, 7:00 AM PST

By Casey Brazeal @northandclark


Broadway Bus Lane in Everett

Mayor Carlo DeMaria / Facebook

Interested citizens will sometimes intervene to solve small neighborhood problems, like repainting a faded crosswalk or placing wayfinding signs on lamp posts. The practice has been called "tactical urbanism" and it offers the advantage of taking small actions to solve problems that cities, slowed by bureaucracy or competing interests, can be slow to address. Some transit agencies, seeing the beneficial effects of such actions, are adopting similar tactics. They’re looking for small quick fixes that can be implemented and tested at low costs.

Among other examples, a post on the TransitCenter website cites an activation from New York City: "Recently, the city expanded its 'quick delivery' repertoire for bus corridors with a rubber bus bulb-out or curb extension along the Utica Avenue corridor rather than traditional cement." Another bus project was laid out with the help of some orange cones, "In Everett, Massachusetts, a pilot project recently transformed a parking lane in a heavily congested portion of Broadway/Route 99 into bus-only lane during rush hour." Some city problems need huge spending and coordinated efforts to solve, but many don't, and nimble departments may be able find many ways to help communities.

Monday, December 19, 2016 in TransitCenter

stack of books

Planetizen’s Top Planning Books of 2023

The world is changing, and planning with it.

November 24, 2023 - Planetizen Team

Close-up of 'Red Line Subway Entry' sign with Braille below and train logo above text in Chicago, Illinois.

Chicago Red Line Extension Could Transform the South Side

The city’s transit agency is undertaking its biggest expansion ever to finally bring rail to the South Side.

November 24, 2023 - The Architect's Newspaper

Diagram of visibility at urban intersection.

How ‘Daylighting’ Intersections Can Save Lives

Eliminating visual obstructions can make intersections safer for all users.

November 27, 2023 - Strong Towns

Aerial view of San Jose, California downtown at night.

San Jose Affordable Housing Development Gains Approval

A proposed project is moving forward with reduced building heights and all-affordable units.

26 minutes ago - The Mercury News

Green painted bike lane protected by rown of parking.

Oklahoma City Begins Work on Parking-Protected Bike Lane

The project is part of the city’s broader plan to improve bike and pedestrian infrastructure and road safety.

1 hour ago - The Oklahoman

Blurred dense crowd of people with no recognizable faces walking in a busy city.

How Cities Can Avoid Perpetuating Segregation

Residents of big cities, known as the ‘melting pots’ of America, have fewer interactions with people outside their socioeconomic group than those in smaller communities, according to new research.

2 hours ago - Stanford News

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

"Rethinking Commuter Rail" podcast & Intercity Bus E-News

Chaddick Institute at DePaul University

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.