Transportation

Why So Big? Rethinking Fire Truck Design
When they're not extinguishing actual flames, fire trucks can seem comically over-sized on city streets. Replacing portions of the fleet with smaller response vehicles might save money without sacrificing capability.
Uber Drivers to Protest on Super Sunday
It's easy to see why Uber would look on a Super Bowl hosted near its Bay Area home would look on the event as a large PR opportunity. Disgruntled Uber drivers see it the same way.
Tunnel Projects Pitched to Ease London's Traffic
London's mayor has proposed a solution to tackle the city's congestion and an expected population increase of 20 percent by 2030: build a system of tunnels to alleviate automobile traffic.
Kayoola: Uganda's Solar Powered Bus
The Kiira Motor Corporation of Uganda has developed a 35-seat bus that includes solar panels on the roof. The bus travels up to 50 miles on two rechargeable batteries. Due to its limited range, the Kayoola is intended for inner-city travel.

Obama's Bold Transportation Funding Proposal Likely to Go Nowhere
President Obama, long opposed to increasing the gas tax, has proposed a $10-per-barrel oil fee to be paid by energy companies. It will fund his 21st Century Clean Transportation System to reduce carbon emissions and promote new vehicle technology.
What to Watch for on Super Bowl Sunday: Traffic
The contest on the gridiron might be of secondary consideration if the NFL and regional transportation planners can't manage the traffic to and from the game on Sunday.

A New Era of On-Street Parking Policies
The influence of Donald Shoup's classic book, "The High Cost of Free Parking," is becoming more and more apparent in more and more cities around the country.
Georgetown-Rosslyn Gondola Proposal Gets a Funded Study
The idea of a gondola crossing the Potomac might still seem a little pie in the sky, but it has legs.
Streetcar Connection Between Queens and Brooklyn Proposed
Mayor Bill de Blasio is expected to announce ambitious plans for a 16-mile, $2.2 billion streetcar route to connect some of the city's up and coming, but still transit-light, neighborhoods.
Volkswagen Submits Another Recall Plan for Diesel Cars
Volkswagen has already submitted its recall plan for its 2-liter diesel engines—it was rejected by both the EPA and California Air Resources Board. It also needed to submit a recall plan for 3-liter diesel engines to CARB by Feb. 2, which it did.

The Little-Known Pollutant That Could Finally Reprioritize Transportation Projects
When the public learns that freeway pollution discriminates against nearby residents with devastating health consequences, the tide of public opinion will finally turn against the automobile—a call to action by Bill Adams.
Feds Coming Around to Level of Service Reform
Streetsblog USA notes that the federal government is following the lead of California in awakening to the negative effects of Level of Service.
Highway Widening Plan Meets Resistance in Birmingham
A petition and a lawsuit are so far the tactics used by local advocates to oppose a plan by the Alabama Department of Transportation to widen an interstate that runs through the heart of Birmingham.
Survey Reveals Mayoral Support of Bike Infrastructure
The U.S. Conference of Mayors recently released the results of the 2015 Menino Survey of Mayors, which finds political support for bike lanes has reached the highest ranks of local government.
The First Leg of Germany's New 'Bike Autobahn' Is Complete
The first five kilometers of a bike route that could eventually stretch 100 kilometers opened recently in Germany. An eventual "bike autobahn" could become even more expansive.
Coming This Week to D.C. Metro Stations: Grocery Delivery
Three D.C. Metro stations will now include grocery delivery. The service could expand, especially if it raises revenues for the cash-strapped transit agency.
Philadelphia Getting Its Very Own 'Complete Streets Commissioner'
Philadelphia magazine says a staffing decision by new Mayor Jim Kenney is a big victory for urbanists and bike advocates.
New Houston Mayor Calls for a Paradigm Shift in Highway Planning
On the heels of the #NoNewRoads campaign, new Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner gave a "rousing" speech calling for the state of Texas to change its thinking about highway widening projects.
Portland DOT Gives Protected Bike Lanes New Clout
Portland, Oregon Transportation Director Leah Treat quietly enacted one of the nation's most pro-bike policies last fall.

FHWA Ruffles Feathers With Font Change for Highway Signs
After adopting the Clearview font in 2004, ending the Highway Gothic in use since the 1960s, the U.S. Federal Highway Administration reversed course in January and will again require the older font. This small change matter a great deal.
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Planning for Universal Design
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City of Charlotte
Municipality of Princeton
Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)