Lobbyists from a diesel bus manufacturer, New Flyer, reached out to Miami's mayor after the company lost a bid for new buses in the city to electric bus company Proterra.
Miami-Dade County administrators have made steps to modernize the bus fleet with a purchase of new electric buses, but diesel bus manufacturer New Flyer is hoping the purchase won't go through. "With the estimated $23 million deal awaiting a final sign-off from Mayor Carlos Gimenez, a losing bidder is urging Miami-Dade to throw out the recommendation and buy its vehicles instead," Douglas Hanks writes for the Miami Herald.
New Flyer argues that the electric buses from Proterra could pose a risk to the county if they are delivered late or if the technology isn't as dependable as advertised. For his part Proterra's CEO,Ryan Popple, has countered that his competitor has spent its money on lobbying over innovation.
Meanwhile, Miami commuters are suffering. The city's public transit has been rated the least reliable in the country, partly because of frequent breakdowns.
FULL STORY: Miami-Dade is almost ready to buy its first electric buses. Enter the lobbyists
Miami Breaks Ground on All-Electric Transit Center
The terminal will have the capacity to power 100 electric buses.
Learning From Miami
Miami is denser than most American cities, but is more car-dependent than some less compact cities. Why?
Miami-Dade County Could Be Next on the Fare-Free Bus
A county commissioner is asking for a study of fare-free transit programs in Kansas City and Salt Lake City to inform the potential implementation fo a similar program in the South Florida county.
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.
.jpg){kind=link}
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie