Transportation
Nine Highway Expansions Identified as Worst Boondoggles of 2018
In a new report, U.S. PIRG and the Frontier Group describe nine costly highway projects amounting to $30 billion in their fourth annual "Highway Boondoggles" report. All share the theme of induced travel demand.
3 Keys to Ending Parking Minimums
What does it take to make the bold step toward ending parking minimums in an entire city?
Light Rail Proposal for L.A.'s San Fernando Valley Wins Key Approval
Light rail could come to "The Valley" for the first time, under a plan approved this week by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Board of Directors.
Transit Board Votes Against Bus Fares
A 3-2 vote determined that Whidbey Island, north of Seattle, will continue to offer rides for free.
Bus Drivers Weigh In On New York's Falling Bus Ridership
A majority of bus drivers favor riders paying fares before they get on the bus and better bus lane enforcement.
Uber Gets its License Back, Still on Probation, in London
London gave Uber a more than a slap on the wrist for the company's lack of concern about public safety. Uber demonstrated sufficient contrition to get back in the large, influential city's good graces.
Transit Proximity Means Higher Commercial Rents in Atlanta
Due in part to a parking shortage, Atlanta firms are doling out higher rents to get closer to MARTA stations.
Google Tax to Appear on November Ballot in Mountain View, California
If a majority of the city's voters approve the city-sponsored ballot measure, business license fees will change from a flat $30 annual fee to a new tax based on the number of employees, with the largest employer, Google, to pay $3.3 million.
Friday Funny: Illinois Highway Signs Get Cheeky
Can a little levity save us from reckless and distracted drivers?
Friday Fun: Bus Simulator 18 Keeps it Real
A new video game puts you behind the wheel of a busy city bus with places to go, people to serve, and headways to keep.
Don't Forget the 'Joy of Driving'
While endeavoring to make an honest account of the motivations for driving, it's important to remember that some people really like to drive.
New York's Slow Zones Haven't Made Streets Safer
The city may not have done enough to actually slow down driving in its nominal slow zones.
Ford Motor Company Touts Carbon Reductions
Ford hit a goal to reduce carbon emissions *from its manufacturing process* eight years ahead of schedule.
More States Hoping to Monetize Highways
The commercialization of highway rights of way is largely prohibited by federal regulations, but states are looking for new ways to generate revenue from billboards and rest stops.
Self-Driving Cars Will Take More Transportation Funding Than They Give
There's a potential consequence from autonomous vehicles that has mostly gone unnoticed: municipal financial ruin.
Microtransit Still Looking for a Success
"The Story of Microtransit Is Consistent, Dismal Failure," reads the headline of this Streetsblog USA article.
Philadelphia to License Dockless Bike and Scooter Share Companies
Philadelphia offers another regulatory model to respond to the proliferation of dockless bike, ebike, and electric scooter share companies.
Amtrak Could End Service on Big Stretch of the Southwest Chief
Congress and presidents have threatened Amtrak service on the Southwest Chief, connecting Los Angles to Chicago, in the past. This time the threat is coming from inside Amtrak.
California Gas Tax Repeal Initiative Qualifies for November Ballot
The initiative is much more than whether to repeal taxes and fees enacted by the passage of the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 which brings in over $5 billion a year. The measure is a means to increase GOP turnout to retain House seats.
Miami Sends Cease and Desist to Electric Scooter Companies
Two major scooter companies operating in Miami have ceased operations in the city, at least for now.
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.
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association
