Light Rail

Baltimore Neighborhood Looks to Transit for Revival

West Baltimore residents and community groups see a new light rail project as their way up for their blighted neighborhood.

June 30, 2008 - The Baltimore Sun

Would Starbucks and Designer Interiors Get You to Ride Transit?

Toronto's Metrolink brings together city and transportation planners to brainstorm the transit of the future.

June 25, 2008 - The Toronto Star

New Lines Approved For Houston Light Rail

A five-line extension of Houston's light rail system was just approved by the city council.

June 20, 2008 - The Houston Chronicle

It's Dump the Pump Day

Today is "Dump the Pump" Day, an annual event created by the American Public Transportation Association to bring awareness to the benefits of public transit. Transit agencies across the country are offering free rides, including many in Florida.

June 19, 2008 - Tim Halbur

A Train That Never Stops

A Taiwanese inventor is proposing a rail system that never stops for passengers, virtually eliminating delays. Follow the full story link to see the video.

June 19, 2008 - boingboing.net

Honolulu Eyes Light Rail As Savior of Local Economy

With plans for a $4 billion light rail system, the city of Honolulu is hoping to boost its economy and create more jobs by contracting a number of smaller firms to do the project's work instead of one big firm.

June 16, 2008 - Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Light Rail a Boon for Charlotte and Beyond

Charlotte's light rail system has proven to be a major success in the city, spurring development and igniting the local economy. But as it expands, will the other communities it benefits join in the funding party?

June 5, 2008 - Governing

A New Proposal For Kansas City's Transit System

Mayor Mark Funkhouser's new proposal calls for a regional transit system spanning 119 miles, though it relies on much less light rail than some transit advocates had hoped for.

May 27, 2008 - The Kansas City Star

Should Seattle Wait To Plan Its Light Rail Expansion?

Instead of asking residents to consider a timid plan this November, the region's transit agency should wait until its first light rail line opens, and gas prices rise even higher. Voters will then be ready for a grander plan, argues a recent column.

May 17, 2008 - The Seattle Times

Tampa Starts Planning For Light Rail System

With the Tampa region one of only two top 25 metro areas without rails in the ground or on the drawing board, local leaders want to kick start the planning process. But is the region ready for light rail when only 1 percent of locals ride the bus?

May 16, 2008 - The St. Petersburg Times

Agrarian Past Drives South Atlantic Sprawl

North Carolina bills itself as the "good growth state." But as North Carolina's population heads toward 10 million, the state's low-density pattern of development is straining the infrastructure.

May 14, 2008 - California Planning & Development Report

Is A Prius Greener Than Light Rail?

Light rail vehicles aren't as green one might think, and cities that really want to lower carbon emissions might want to take a harder look at new hybrid-electric buses, argues a recent column.

May 12, 2008 - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Developer Action Needed to Spur Light Rail Plans

Private investors and developers must come forward and plan around proposed rail lines in Detroit if there is any hope of transit materializing, according to this editorial.

April 30, 2008 - The Detroit Free Press

Relocation of Sports Team Could Benefit Light Rail Plans

Officials in Oklahoma is hoping to woo the Seattle Supersonics to relocate in Oklahoma City by offering tax incentives. One politician is hoping to advance plans for a light rail transit system by planting the idea with team officials.

April 23, 2008 - The Norman Transcript

The Transformation Of A Light Rail Corridor

Seattle's new light rail line is poised to usher in a new era for Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Though most are excited about the new development, the fear of gentrification has made some residents worry that they won't be around to reap the benefits.

April 22, 2008 - The Seattle Times

Cash-Strapped Transit Agency Needs Funding Plan

Forget major rail expansion. The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority hopes a new bill will first allow it to afford office space and hire an executive director.

April 18, 2008 - The Tampa Tribune

A Final Plea For Transit In Southwest Michigan

If local officials don't come together with a workable plan, Detroit may just blow its last chance to implement a regional transportation system.

April 16, 2008 - The Detroit Free Press

Honolulu Light Rail Plans Expected to Receive Nearly $1 Billion

Politicians in Washington D.C. are getting behind Honolulu's plans for a $3.7 billion light rail system, calling it the "most efficient light rail project in the country".

April 9, 2008 - Great Falls Connection

Atlanta's Streetcars Sidetracked

Atlanta's ambitious plans for inner-city rail were downsized, as New Urbanist Andres Duany criticized the City's implementation of his vision for streetcars in Midtown Atlanta.

March 28, 2008 - Atlanta Journal Constitution

Funding Remains Uncertain for Sydney's 'Grand Project'

A major plan to improve Sydney's walkability, urban design and public transit system have been applauded throughout the city. The only problem is figuring out how to pay for it.

March 27, 2008 - The Sydney Morning Herald

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.

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