"Buses should be cool!" transit advocates continue to yell into an uncaring oblivion.

Stacy Thompson of the Livable Streets Alliance wants buses not to feel "second class." While there are functional ways to accomplish that goal, like bus lanes and protected bus lanes, she is also interested in changing attitudes, "…giving the humble bus an image makeover in hopes of boosting its popularity and, perhaps, its perceived status," writes Nicole Dungca in the Boston Globe.
This is not a new idea. Many transit advocates have made similar observations about the way buses may be hampered by their status. Happy City's description of the tall red buses of Bogota is as adoring as an Apple fan boy's review of the latest iPhone. How much "cool" is a factor of sizzle and how much cool has to do with actual functionality is an open question, but it's hard to make buses feel first class in cities where their schedules are irregular and where they move more slowly than traffic.
FULL STORY: Can buses be cool? Transit advocates hope so

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.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip
Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
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