Transportation

Will Train Travel Be More Popular Post-COVID-19?
Train trips via Amtrak may get a boost due to COVID-related concerns about flying.

CNU Report Outlines Incremental Steps for More Walkable Suburbs
Transforming suburban sprawl is a massive undertaking, but these small steps can help communities understand their needs and assets and develop clear, actionable goals for the future.

Citywide Zoning Reforms Approved for Sacramento
The Sacramento City Council took steps toward an updated General Plan that includes a variety of innovative planning proposals, including the elimination of single-family zoning by allowing up to four dwelling units on all residential parcels.

Bike and Pedestrian Advocates Cautiously Celebrate Pasadena's First Bike Lane
Protected bike lanes, like the one Pasadena is installing on Union Street, increase safety for all road users and reduce the likelihood of fatal crashes.

The Slow Streets Reckoning
Slow streets programs provided a quick short-term solution and paved the way for some permanent street closures and realignments. Now, these programs are getting a second look as community groups react to the changes.

Pedestrian-Friendly Makeover of a Busy Toronto Street Stops Short of the Car-Free Ideal
The yongeTOmorrrow project is heading toward the finish line with widespread support from advocates, but a few want the plan to go one step further.

Chicago DOT Strategic Plan Update Centers Mobility Justice
The city, which has been slow to implement complete streets initiatives during the pandemic, promises closer collaboration with community groups to advance equity in transportation.

U.S. Car Prices Cross the $40,000 Threshold
Car prices have been going for a while, but even by recent standards a December jump in car prices is likely to be an outlier.

Resources for Safe, Convenient Pedestrian and Bike Infrastructure
Despite the stated goals of state and federal agencies to encourage active modes of transportation, there's still a long way to go to make sure that all cities and communities have safe, convenient sidewalks and bike lanes.

Report: Lackluster Bike Parking Reduces Cycling and Undermines Public Safety
Widely available, secure bike parking can go a long way toward encouraging cycling and keeping New Yorkers safe, a new report says.

American Automobile Manufacturers Talking Seriously About Flying Cars
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is partnering with electric aviation startup Archer to mass-produce flying automobiles, really more like helicopters or drones. General Motors also released designs for an autonomous flying car recently.

Fifth Ward Residents Oppose Houston's Interstate Expansion
The downtown freeway expansion will displace thousands of housed and unhoused residents and hundreds of small businesses.

Economic Justice Includes Highway Removals
A $435 billion "economic justice" bill proposed by Democrats in the U.S. Senate includes $10 billion for projects that remove highways and build community-oriented assets in their place.

To Carpool or Not to Carpool: That is the Question for Transit Workers in Toronto
Controversy erupts in Toronto after the TTC informed transit employees that it isn't safe to carpool to work…driving people around on transit.

U.S. DOT Releases Pair of Autonomous Vehicle Plans
On January 8, the U.S. Department of Transportation released "Ensuring American Leadership in Automated Vehicle Technologies: Automated Vehicles 4.0 (AV 4.0)." On January 11, it followed up with the Automated Vehicles Comprehensive Plan (AVCP).

Price Tag Jumps for Seattle Light Rail Projects
Land values and construction costs have increased since voters approved the Sound Transit 3 ballot initiative.

Transportation Equity Lessons from the Pandemic
Almost a year into the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Urban Institute assesses what we've learned about transportation equity—and what these lessons mean for the future.

Street Made Entirely of Recycled Plastic Asphalt
The material, now being tested on California roads, is made using recycled PET plastic and promises longer-lasting road treatments.

Is the Era of Over-Parking Over?
Cities like Vancouver are rethinking parking minimums as they try to meet climate goals, reduce traffic, and reallocate street space to other modes.

Buses and Masks
Why is it hard for transit agencies to enforce pro-mask rules?
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