Transportation

Shepherd Drive & South Shepherd Drive Bridges over Buffalo Bayou, Houston, Texas

High Hopes for the Future of Biking in Houston

Despite Houston's reputation for sprawl, the city has made impressive efforts to build out its bike infrastructure.

February 14, 2021 - Rice Kinder Institute for Urban Research

High-Speed Rail

California High-Speed Rail Project Seeking Change in Funding Plan

State lawmakers will have to approve a change in plans for how the California High-Speed Rail project will fund the ongoing work in the Central Valley.

February 12, 2021 - The Mercury News

Pedestrians

Opinion: To Reduce Emissions, Listen to Those Who Don't Drive

An initiative to promote pedestrian-oriented infrastructure investments in Washington state highlights the lessons that policymakers can learn from people who rely on walking and public transit.

February 12, 2021 - The Seattle Times

Arlington Cemetery Station

D.C. Metro Blue Line to Close for 3+ Plus Months, Starting Saturday

Platform improvements will close down another rail transit route in the D.C. region for three whole months.

February 12, 2021 - Arl Now

Denver Regional Transit

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.

February 11, 2021 - CPR News

Dallas Freeway Removal

Reimagining the Urban Freeway

With the new administration placing racial justice and equity at the forefront of transportation policy, will America finally reckon with the legacy of its freeways?

February 11, 2021 - Common Edge

Amtrak 2035

Amtrak's Proposed 'Corridor' Expansion, Explained

Even while dealing with the economic fallout of the pandemic, Amtrak is forging forward with plans to expand intercity rail passenger service around the country.

February 11, 2021 - Albany Times Union

Government Center Station Miami

How $30 Billion in Stimulus Funding Would Change the Equation for Transit Agencies

The funding in the draft stimulus funding package making its way through Congress falls short of the total requested by the American Public Transportation Association, but would go a long way to helping transit agencies weather the pandemic.

February 10, 2021 - TransitCenter

Americans With Disabilities Act

New Orleans Facing ADA Lawsuit for State of Sidewalks and Lack of Curb Cuts

The city of New Orleans' compliance with Americans With Disabilities Act compliance is too little, too late, according to the plaintiffs in a new lawsuit.

February 10, 2021 - NOLA.com

Electric Cars

How Far, How Fast, Will Electric Car Policies Go?

The federal government, and even some automakers, seemed poised to nudge the country toward a future of electric vehicles. But the American preference for large trucks will be an obstacle to those plans.

February 10, 2021 - Los Angeles Times

Portland, Maine

Opinion: It's the Perfect Time for More Trains in Maine

A more concerted effort could bring together the state's recent plans and federal infrastructure investment to link the region and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

February 9, 2021 - Press Herald

Virginia

A Regional Vision for Virginia, Maryland, D.C. Rail

Expanding rail service to more communities in Maryland and D.C. could enhance the benefits of Virginia's recent investments in intercity rail.

February 9, 2021 - The Virginia Mercury

Capitol Hill

Proposed $1.9 Trillion Stimulus Includes $30 Billion Each for Transit and Rent Relief

Democrats in Congress are moving forward with a massive COVID stimulus package—with or without Republicans.

February 9, 2021 - CNBC

Biden administration

You're in Charge of the U.S. DOT; Where Do You Start?

You just got the top transportation job in the country. What are your priorities? Who are your allies? And one last question: Do you even want the job?

February 8, 2021 - Robert Fischer

110 Freeway

New Climate Leadership in Transportation at the California Assembly

California Assembly Transportation Committee Chair Laura Friedman shares policy priorities for reducing emissions, eliminating traffic fatalities, and improving the connectivity of urban regional light rail in Southern California.

February 8, 2021 - The Planning Report

Freeway park over I-5

I-5 Study Shows Benefits of Capping Urban Freeways

Putting a lid on the interstate through downtown Seattle could create new space for parks and housing, reduce pollution, and reconnect the disrupted street grid.

February 8, 2021 - The Urbanist

Bike Lane

A Year of Cycling Deaths on American Roads

Arterial roads and poorly designed intersections pose significant threats to cyclist and pedestrian safety.

February 8, 2021 - Outside Online

I-45 and I-69

TxDOT Approves I-45 Widening Despite Local Opposition

Despite every manner of local opposition, the Texas Department of Transportation is pushing forward with a plan to widen Interstate 45 north of the city of Houston, demolishing and displacing thousands of homes, businesses, and community facilities.

February 7, 2021 - Houston Chronicle

Maglev

Federal Review of High-Speed Maglev Train Between D.C. and Baltimore Nearing the Finish Line

The Federal Railroad Administration recently released a preliminary study of a proposed high-speed maglev train route between Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

February 7, 2021 - The Washington Post

Radar Speed Sign

Speed Limit Reform Spreading Across Minnesota

After the Twin Cities lowered speed limits in the urban core of the region in 2020, a trio of suburban cities are planning to follow. Two of the cities are planning to set some speed limits as low as 20 mph.

February 5, 2021 - Star Tribune

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.