Transportation
Another Outcome of Public Transit: Lessons in Virtue
An editorial for Strong Towns voices an idea perhaps thought, but rarely spoken: taking public transit can help you become a better person.
Drivers Not Ready to Give Full Control to Autonomous Cars
Consumers are interested in advanced safety technologies that assist the driver in reacting to potential collisions, but only 40% of drivers in the 25 to 34 year old age bracket are interested in full autonomy, a study by MIT's AgeLab found.
Light Rail Successes Draw Attention to L.A. Metro's Rail Problems
Two new light rail extensions opened in Los Angeles within two and a half months. Ridership is soaring on the Gold Line extension and preliminary reports look good for the Expo Line, but new riders experience problems familiar to long-time riders.
Will Columbia River Gorge Oil Train Derailment Be a 'Death Knell' for Bakken Crude-by-Rail?
After a long night fighting a fire that erupted when a 96-car oil train carrying Bakken crude from North Dakota derailed on June 3 in Mosier, Oregon, the fire chief called for an end to shipping the volatile oil by rail.
Drinking Behind New Mexico's High Pedestrian Fatality Rate
New Mexico had the nation's highest pedestrian fatality rate in 2014. Alcohol was a factor in over half the pedestrian fatalities in New Mexico, while nationally it's a third. According to the Albuquerque PD, drunk pedestrians are primarily to blame.
New Jersey Governor: Reduce General Fund Spending to Pay for Roads
Rather than supporting an increase in gas taxes and vehicle registration fees like many states are doing to fund transportation spending, Gov. Chris Christie asks the legislature to find funds by making cuts within the general fund.
A New Bus Rapid Transit Route for Fresno
Construction is set to begin on a $28 million, 15.7-mile bus rapid transit route in the city of Fresno.
Denver Area's Expensive Toll Road More Popular Than Ever
E-470 marks its 25th anniversary with increasing traffic volumes, increasing revenues, and an expansion plan in the works.
How Will Partiers Travel Safely With D.C. Metro's Late-Night Service on Hold?
With late-night weekend service on hold as the Metrorail service commences its SafeTrack maintenance program, will partiers stay home or simply find new ways to get around?
The Non-Environmental Reasons for a Massive Switch to Electric Cars
There are several practical reasons people will soon be switching to plugin electrical vehicles. Judging from past examples, the shift in consumer preference will be swift and decisive, catching car manufacturers by surprise.
Developer's Ballot Box Planning Would Allow Suburban Development at Ferry Terminal
A June 7 ballot measure in Richmond, California would permit 59 single family homes to be built on a 5-acre bayfront lot within walking distance to a future ferry landing for San Francisco service. The site is zoned for high-density housing.
Planetizen Week in Review: June 3, 2016
Planetizen Managing Editor James Brasuell shares some of the biggest news and announcements from the week in planning, land use, and related topics. All in two minutes and 30 seconds.
Michigan Bill Would Be First to Allow Cars to Drive Without Humans
A state legislation package is aiming to clear hurdles obstructing the development of autonomous vehicles.
L.A. Metro and City of Los Angeles to Launch Metro Bike Share on July 7
One thousand bikes will be available exclusively to Metro passholders who subscribe from July 7 to August 1, when the general public will be able to sign-up. Subscribers will use a single card to access both transit and Metro Bikes. Sponsor needed.
Op Ed: 'What Would It Take to Get You to Ride The Bus?'
The shortcomings of American bus systems are not lost on transportation planners. The adage of "getting what you pay for" appears to be mostly true.
Details of the District DOT's Multi-Modal Crosstown Makeover
A conceptual study released earlier this spring would add new options for alternative modes of transportation between the neighborhoods of Columbia Heights and Brookland in Washington, D.C.
Paris to Begin Serious Car Restrictions on July 1
The carefree days of driving any-old-junker-they-please are over for Parisians, and they'll be even further obsolete when the calendar changes from June to July.
Sidewalk Labs and Transportation For America to Develop Connected Streets
Sidewalk Labs has teamed up with Transportation for America in the hopes of better connecting transportation technology with desired transportation outcomes.
State Threatens Shutdown of Atlanta Streetcar
The commissioner of the Georgia Department of Transportation warned Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and MARTA CEO Keith Parker that unless corrective actions are not taken in many areas, e.g., maintenance, safety, he will shut down streetcar service.
Researchers Develop 7 Metrics to Evaluate Bike And Pedestrian Projects
New research lays the groundwork for a universal standard by which to measure effectiveness of bike and pedestrian infrastructure projects.
Pagination
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