A new study from the University of Surrey produced counterintuitive results about the relative pollution levels of commuters around London.
"If you find yourself wheezing as you wander down a fume-filled London street, just remember that things could be worse," writes Feargus O'Sullivan. "You could be on the city’s subway system."
"According to a new study from the University of Surrey, London’s Tube riders experience worse air than those who travel by car," adds O'Sullivan. "In the worst cases, particulate levels in the subway system can be as much as eight times higher than those experienced by drivers."
The culprit of the pollution issue in the London Subway isn't the motor or exhaust of the trains—it's from "mechanical abrasion between rails, wheels and brakes."
O'Sullivan provides a lot more detail and context for the study, including listing two big lessons to takeaway.
FULL STORY: London's Subway Commuters Breathe More Pollution Than Drivers
The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall
The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.
Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities
The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.
Adaptive Reuse Bills Introduced in California Assembly
The legislation would expand eligibility for economic incentives and let cities loosen regulations to allow for more building conversions.
LA-to-San Francisco Night Train Closer to Reality
A train operator has entered into formal negotiations with Union Pacific to move the project forward with a projected launch date of 2025.
Lawsuit Aims to Stop Dodger Stadium Gondola
A proposed aerial tram project that would shuttle visitors to L.A.’s Dodger Stadium faces backlash from environmental and community groups.
Why Parking Reform Goes Hand in Hand With More Housing
To achieve the full benefits of ‘missing middle housing’ and make way for small-lot construction, cities must rethink parking mandates.
City of Yakima
City of Auburn
Baylands Development Inc.
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Birmingham, Alabama
City of Laramie, Wyoming
Colorado Department of Local Affairs
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.