Transportation
San Diego's Journey From First to Worst in Public Transit and What Could Turn it Around
For much of the 20th century, San Diego led the nation in public transit firsts. Unfortunately, the region has slipped to the bottom of national transit rankings. Planning activist Murtaza Baxamusa explains how it happened and the needed reform.
Increased Tolls for Bay Area Bridges Headed for a Vote
It is now up to the Bay Area's transportation planning agency to determine when to ask voters to hike tolls on seven Bay Area bridges, by how much, and whether to phase the increase. A bill to allow voters to fund Caltrain was also signed.
Icelandic Town Hopes to Slow Traffic with 3-D Illusion
The small town of Isafjordur, Iceland is hoping an optical illusion painted onto a street will work to slow down drivers.
Under Construction: An Elevated Pedestrian Path on the Chicago River
The new 312 RiverRun will connect three parks on a two-mile elevated pedestrian path.
Power Shifts to Cities in San Diego County's Embattled Regional Planning Agency
Larger cities in California's second most populous county will be given more power thanks to a bill that reforms the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). One result may be that more public transit measures appear on the ballot.
New Commuter Train Comes Through for Fire-Ravaged Santa Rosa
Sonoma-Marin Rail Transit (SMART) has been operating almost continuously at full schedule, collecting no fares since the epic wildfires began in Sonoma County on Oct. 8. Two stations in the fire-zone are shut down due to lack of access.
Bikelash Reaches a Whole New Level
A Minneapolis bike lane protest sets a new bar for opposition to bike lanes—Godwin's law was definitely in play.
Where's the Concern About Spiking Traffic Fatalities?
Traffic fatalities are increasing faster than any time since the 1960s, but it's hard to notice much concern from the United States.
Autonomous Vehicles and Urban Contexts: It's Time to Engage All Stakeholders
At the 2017 Autonomous Vehicle Symposium, a group of experts were asked to predict the effects of autonomous vehicles in two case study communities, and to generate a list of proposed policy actions to prepare for a future of autonomous vehicles.
$1.7 Billion Project to Replace Critical Rail Crossing in New Jersey Underway
New Jersey's 107-year-old Portal Bridge has been a symbol of the region's crumbling rail infrastructure. A $1.7 billion project to replace the bridge, launched this week, is designed to improve the situation.
Riverview Corridor Streetcar Passes Major Hurdle, Still a Long Way Off in the Twin Cities
An oversight committee has approved the Locally Preferred Alternative for the Review Corridor Streetcar project that will connect Downtown St. Paul to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Chicago CTA Expands Hard Back Seat Pilot, Seeking to Avoid Wet Surprises
Chicago trains and buses have long had dark cloth coverings, which can hide liquids and make for unpleasant experiences for riders.
A Dozen New Laws to Spur Sales of Zero Emission Vehicles in California
Gov. Jerry Brown signed 12 bills on Oct. 10 to facilitate the transition from oil-powered light and heavy duty vehicles to electric power in California, and thus meet his goal of putting 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2025.
An Architecture Critic Lists 7 Reasons Bike Lanes Benefit All Road Users
People—on bikes, in cars, and on foot—should be able to agree that bike lanes are better for everyone.
Metro Los Angeles Has a Trippy New Take on the Transit PSA
Metro Los Angeles new transit etiquette public service announcement is either a dream or a nightmare, depending on your perspective, but the transit agency clearly spared no expense in trying to impart a few lessons on courteous riding.
Bike Ridership Outpaces Infrastructure in D.C.
D.C.'s bike-sharing programs are gaining popularity, but the city's infrastructure might not be enough to support the new riders.
Bay Area's Newest Express Lanes Opened Monday
Due to the high level of existing congestion, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission warns motorists that the new I-680 Contra Costa Express Lanes will offer relief just before and after the peak commute hour.
1,650-Mile Trail Network Proposed for New York Region
How does 1,650 miles of walking, hiking, and biking trails connecting the Tri-State area sound?
New Research on How Ride-Hailing Impacts Travel Behavior
Useable data of the effects of ride-hailing service on travel behavior is sorely lacking, but a new study sheds light on critical questions about what companies like Uber and Lyft mean for transit, active transportation, and congestion.
MBTA Pilot Makes the Case for All-Door Boarding
The MBTA pilot tested all-door boarding on two bus lines and found that the little-used best practice improved transit service.
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
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
