A new ad by Swedish public transit agency Västtrafik pulls quite a bait and switch.
Andrew J. Hawkins shares news of a new ad for Swedish public transit agency Västtrafik with all the trappings of the traditional hyperbolic boasting of a car commercial, save only the rich tones of a Jon Hamm voiceover.
Rumbling synthesizer tones, smooth lines, deep shadows teasing a big reveal, and a catch phrase so overblown only caps lock will do: "THE FUTURE OF MOBILITY." This must be the big reveal of the 2018 model of some self-driving electric car that will also deliver your groceries on time and raise your children well.
FULL STORY: This Swedish ad perfectly skewers the hype surrounding self-driving cars
How to Improve Buses, the Overlooked but Essential Part of Urban Mobility
A new book argues that buses are an integral part of successful mobility networks and that better bus systems improve cities in ways benefiting all residents.
Opinion: Make Buses More Like Sidewalks
Sidewalks are an intuitive, low-cost, and easily accessible mobility tool. Can local buses function in the same way?
Gas Too Expensive? Cincinnati Metro Has You Covered With Free Rides
Cincinnati residents and visitors will have access to free transit for a week as the agency aims to boost ridership.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process
The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.
Parks: Essential Community Infrastructure — and a Smart Investment
Even during times of budget constraint, continued investment in parks is critical, as they provide proven benefits to public health, safety, climate resilience, and community well-being — particularly for under-resourced communities.
Porches, Pets, and the People We Grow Old With
Neighborhood connections and animal companions matter to aging with dignity, and how we build can support them. Here’s a human-scale proposal for aging in place.
Single-Stair Design Contest Envisions Human-Scale Buildings
Single-stair building construction is having a resurgence in the United States, where, for the last several decades, zoning codes have required more than one staircase in multi-story housing developments.
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.
City of Charlotte
Municipality of Princeton
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)