Transportation

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

Amtrak 2035

Amtrak Proposes Five New Routes in Ohio

The nation’s most populous state without an intercity passenger rail program could be the benefit of ambitions to expand the network of Amtrak service around the country.

February 4, 2021 - All Aboard Ohio

Autonomous Vehicles

Shaping the Future of Automated Mobility

Automated mobility technologies are coming. How do we ensure that they serve everyone?

February 4, 2021 - Urbanism Next Center at the University of Oregon

Everett, Washington

Transit Investments for Operations Would Make a World of Difference

Transit advocates are launching a new push for federal funding aid to increase service on existing transit routes.

February 4, 2021 - TransitCenter

Bikeshare

'Bikeshare Transit Act' Would Make Federal Transit Funding Available for Micromobility

The Congressional Bike Caucus has reintroduced the Bikeshare Transit Act.

February 3, 2021 - Streetsblog USA

Street Traffic

Despite Stay-at-Home Orders, U.S. Traffic Deaths Rose in 2020

Dangerous behaviors picked up during the early, low-traffic days of the pandemic are partly to blame.

February 2, 2021 - The Washington Post

2020 Presidential Campaign

Notes on the Buttigieg Confirmation Hearing

Takeaways from last week's Senate confirmation hearing for the nominee to be secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg.

February 2, 2021 - Transportation for America

Brooklyn Bridge Bike Lane

New Bike Lanes Planned for Two New York City Bridges

The de Blasio administration is offering a parting gift to the city's cyclists.

February 2, 2021 - The New York Times

New York Subway

Major Transit Openings Expected in 2021

All the heavy rail, light rail, bus rapid transit, and commuter rail projects expected to open in North American in 2021.

February 1, 2021 - theTransportPolitic

Construction on the Georgia 400 / 285 Interchange

Sandy Springs Spending $5 Million on Bike and Pedestrian Improvements

The Atlanta suburb is taking advantage of a state project on SR-400 to add bike and pedestrian infrastructure to three area bridges.

February 1, 2021 - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

New York Subway Coronvairus

CDC's New Face Mask Requirement on Transit Takes Effect Tuesday

Travelers will be required to properly wear a face mask when riding all forms of public transportation, e.g., ride-share, bus, train, ferry, or plane. The rule applies to transportation hubs and boarding platforms. Not just any face-covering will do.

February 1, 2021 - Slate

Bollards

Opinion: 'Performative' Pedestrian Improvements Need Deeper Scrutiny

Minor pedestrian-oriented improvements alone won't improve walkability if infrastructure still prioritizes fast-moving vehicles, according to this article.

February 1, 2021 - City Observatory

Biden administration

Biden Administration Rules Out Gas Tax Hike

Shortly after Transportation secretary-nominee Pete Buttigieg told a Senate committee that all options were on the table to pay for federal transportation investment, a spokesperson ruled out a gas tax hike.

February 1, 2021 - Roll Call

Marina City House of Blues parking

What Are Parking Requirements?

Parking requirements determine by law the amount of parking developers must include when building new developments. Though a standard of zoning and development codes nationwide, parking requirements are undergoing a process of reform.

January 31, 2021 - James Brasuell

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.

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.