The D.C. Circulator is struggling with maintenance costs and system performance. The balkanization of local bus systems in the region might be to blame.

Dan Malouf explains the effects of the balkanization, or fragmentation, of bus systems in the Washington, D.C. region.
So, there are "more than 20 separate bus providers in the Washington area. WMATA is the largest and covers the most territory, but most counties and large cities have their own," according to Malouf. "DC has Circulator, Montgomery has Ride On, Arlington has ART, etceteras."
It's the financial woes of the D.C. Circulator, reported by Martin Di Caro in May, that inspires Malouf's explanation. In fact, writes Malouf, the "situation suggests some of the thinking behind balkanization of the Washington region's bus network may be faulty."
The bulk of Malouf's analysis drills down on the inadequacies of how local bus operators measure the costs of operation. While the WMATA's Metrobus costs $142 per hour to operate, Fairfax County Connector runs at $104 an hour, ART runs at $72 an hour, and the DC Circulator runs at $83 an hour. However, as Malouf notes in detail, if the math looks too good to be true, it probably is.
FULL STORY: DC Circulator woes show why local buses can’t always replace Metrobus

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