Extra charges for Uber and Lyft rides isn't enough to decrease traffic and speed public transit Joe Cortright argues in City Observatory.

Joe Cortright believes that cities have a rare opportunity to change how we fund roads. "A system of road pricing would make a world of difference, reducing traffic in Manhattan, speeding buses, and easing the strain on the subways," Cortright writes for City Observatory.
Cortright argues against the notion that the road pricing should only be levied on ride-hailing services as a dangerous half-measure. "It strikes us that there’s little reason to single out ride-hailed vehicles for congestion pricing. Each incremental vehicle (taxi, Uber/Lyft, delivery truck or private car) makes essentially the same contribution to congestion as it travels city streets at the rush hour," Cortright argues. Further, if road pricing for these services doesn't cut congestion, it will be used by enemies of these policies. "As we’ve argued, even a 'dumb' vehicle miles tax is a half-step in the direction of a road pricing system that embraces readily available technology and achieve maximum results," Cortright says.
FULL STORY: Road pricing for all vehicles, not just ride-hailed ones

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.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie