Technology
Uber Partnering with Boston to Establish National Data Sharing Model
After months of speculation and calls for transportation network companies to share data that might be helpful in refining the transportation systems of cities, Uber has announced a partnership with Boston that could do just that.
The First-Ever 'Ecological Land Units' Map of the World
A new web-based tool by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Esri allows users to "explore the ecological tapestry of the world."
Study Shows How Useful Twitter Data Can Be for Planners
The atlantalarry blog shares news of a study in the Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence journal that used gelocalized tweets to map out nightlife areas in Madrid, London, and Manhattan.
'Pop Up' Bus Startup Bridj Expands, Updates App
Bridj, a tech-enabled "pop up" bus service that first hit the road in June of 2014, has expanded of service and launched a new version of its app with significant operational changes.
The Spinlister App: 'Airbnb for Bikes'
A new app is part bikeshare and part Airbnb.
Editor's Picks: Top Twitter Feeds
Planetizen Managing Editor James Brasuell shares his favorite Twitter feeds.
Massachusetts Approves Initial Regulations for Transportation Network Companies
Transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft took a major step toward legal recognition in Massachusetts.
Uber and Lyft Are Dragging Traditional Taxi Companies Into the 21st Century
Rideshares like Uber and Lyft have been under attack for their brash approach to local regulations and laissez-faire pricing schemes, but they've also pushed traditional taxis to dramatically improve their service in a very short span of time.
Sign of the Times: Trulia Partnering with Uber
A new technology partnership between Trulia and Uber will allow house hunters to easily access a ride from Uber when they find a home they want to visit.
Using Google Earth to Understand Parking Utilization
As planners we use maps on a daily basis. This article shares how to find the date and time that a Google Earth image was taken, which can be helpful in undertaking site analysis and understanding parking utilization.
New York MTA Buses to Alert Pedestrians When Turning
Following the lead of programs in Los Angeles, Portland, and Baltimore, a pilot program by the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority will install warning systems to alert pedestrians to turning buses.
Want an Electric Vehicle but Live in an Apartment?
Two companies have teamed up to provide solar-powered, electric vehicle charging with battery storage in 68 apartment buildings in San Francisco. They will rent spaces for charging by tenants. Roofs will also be rented and covered with solar panels.
Cheap Gas Defeats Fuel Efficiency Goals
The effect of low gas prices on motor vehicle selection by consumers could set back President Barack Obama's climate legacy, which includes obtaining fuel economy standards of 54.5 mpg by 2025.
Top Planning Trends – 2014
A deeper look at the traffic data on Planetizen reveals trends from the planning and urban design conversation of 2014.
The Year's Worst Apps for Urban Living
Along with the annual barrage of "best of lists for 2014" comes an entry from the "worst of" lists—CityLab's "awkward to awful" apps aimed at urbanites.
Seattle's Taxi Industry Fighting Back with New Apps, Licenses
After taking a 40-percent dive in revenue following the launch of transportation network companies (TNCs), Seattle's Taxi Industry has found new momentum.
The Best Planning Apps for 2015
A list of mobile apps that support planning, as part of an annual update. Learn about exciting new ways to explore cities and enhance planning via mobile apps. Please feel free to add your own favorites.
Will Electric Vehicles Feel the Pinch from $2.30 Gasoline?
Having posted two environmental pluses from low oil prices, we look at a negative—the effect on sales of EVs would seem to be one of the more evident downsides. How will alternative-fueled vehicles compete in the marketplace when gas costs $2.30?
Google Searches Reveal Christmas Lists for 24 U.S. Cities
The New York Times Upshot and Google team up to reveal the top three most-searched holiday gift items for U.S. cities, revealing local and regional trends.
Santa Claus for Digital Natives
The death of suburban malls at the hands of online shopping is well documented. It turns out Santa also has a cyber proxy rendering the old way of doing things obsolete.
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 Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority
