Commuter Rail
New York's Commuter Rail Ridership May Never Reach Pre-Pandemic Levels
Shifting commute patterns and the popularity of remote work could pose an existential threat to the New York City region's commuter rail services.
Big Transit Projects To Look Forward to in 2022
An exhaustive list of all fixed-guideway projects scheduled to open or break ground in the U.S. in 2022.
What Transit Systems Can Learn From D.C. Metro
The nation's second-largest transit system—and one of its newest—persists in the face of a host of challenges exacerbated by the pandemic.
Railroad Merger Would Add Service Between Detroit and Toronto
An agreement between two rail companies would create a connection between Michigan and Ontario, improve passenger rail service in the Midwest, and add new lines in Louisiana and Texas.
What States Can Learn From the Success of Maine's Downeaster Train
As Amtrak gears up to plan expansion projects supported by new federal funding, states can take some advocacy lessons from Maine's popular Downeaster train.
Northern California Rail Plan Promises Improved Service, Reduced Traffic
The Link21 program proposes a new transbay tunnel and other improvements to the Northern California megaregion's commuter rail system.
Revised Amtrak Mandate Could Allow for 'Paradigm-Shifting' Changes
Language in the new infrastructure bill calls for the agency to prioritize ridership and service levels over profitability.
To Regain Transit Ridership, Policymakers Must Address Land Use and Housing
More buses and trains alone won't bring back riders; other incentives are needed to boost ridership and encourage new users.
D.C. Has Concerns About Parking and the Cost of Maglev Proposal
Washington, D.C. officials are urging modifications to key components of a proposal to build a maglev system between D.C. and Baltimore, citing disruptions to neighborhoods and cost concerns.
Changes for Amtrak in the New Infrastructure Bill
While the agency is receiving less funding than advocates say is needed, it will also have a new mandate that prioritizes public service over profitability.
D.C. Transit Agencies Ready to Serve Returning Commuters
The region's transit providers are gearing up to provide enhanced service, shorter headways, and reduced or free fares as more people return to public transportation.
Maryland Looks to Replace Reconstruction-Era Train Tunnel
The 148-year old tunnel, which slows trains to 30 miles per hour, is the biggest bottleneck between Washington, D.C. and New Jersey.
How Virginia Became a Leader in Passenger Rail
The state's consistent investment in passenger rail has resulted in one of the nation's most effective regional rail networks.
San Diego High-Speed Rail Plan Counts on Future Density
Despite slowing population growth statewide, officials believe the region will "grow into" the new rail system if cities promote dense development around transit stations.
The High Cost of Adapting Commuter Rail for the Post-COVID Future
U.S. commuter rail systems, primarily designed to bring workers to and from central business districts, must adapt to serve a broader population as the traditional workday changes.
Opinion: 'Commuter Rail' Must Adapt to the New Commute
The sharp historic division between commuter rail and other forms of transit has limited the ability of regional rail systems to serve more users.
Montana Coalition Wants to Revive Passenger Rail
Supporters of the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority argue that a new train could spur economic development and provide a valuable service for the state's non-driving residents.
B Line Commuter Rail Extension Gets a Green Light in Colorado
The Board of Directors for the Regional Transportation District has given a preliminary green light to accelerate planning work on the B Line extension from Denver to Boulder and Longmont.
New 'Capital Regional Rail Vision' Revealed
An idea to expand regional rail service around D.C. has new substance after the Greater Washington Partnership revealed the first details of a plan to convert the MARC and VRE commuter train systems into high-frequency, all-day regional service.
Political Pressure Reinvigorates B Line Extension Plans in Colorado
The CEO of the Regional Transportation District speculated recently about whether a planned extension of the B Line to Boulder was necessary or desirable. The governor doesn't think the speculation was necessary or desirable.
Pagination
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Thousand Oaks
City of Wisconsin Rapids
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello