Transportation

Deep Cut Proposed for California's Gas Tax
A proposal to cut the gas tax by 21 percent would dig a huge hole in the state's transportation budget. It comes from a requirement in 2010 fuel tax swap legislation that doubled the excise tax while reducing the sales tax on gas by 6 percent.
I-94 to Expand Out (Not Up) in Milwaukee
Wisconsin state transportation officials have settled on a plan to expand the I-94 freeway in Milwaukee—instead of building a double deck freeway through a cemetery the plan is too widen the freeway without disturbing an human remains.
Funding Questions Loom for Montgomery County's BRT Plans
Even when a community has thrown its full support behind a transit project, questions of funding and operations can create controversy. The next few months will be worth watching for Montgomery County, Maryland's proposed BRT system.

How Austin Paved Paradise and Put up a Parking Lot
A local blogger takes umbrage with claims that Austin's density is causing its traffic problems. The obvious problem with that argument: Austin is 68% as dense now as it was in 1950.
Can Taxis Survive Competition from the Sharing Economy?
Two experts consider the future of cab companies in the age of Uber and Lyft.
Oil Train Derailment in W.Va. Results in Fiery Explosion and Oil Spill
A 109-car oil train carrying crude from North Dakota derailed Monday afternoon, causing a fireball that was still burning Tuesday morning. Initial reports had at least one tanker leaking oil into a tributary of the Kanawha River, closing water plants
Changing the 'How' and the 'What' in Infrastructure Spending
When it comes to infrastructure, we are frequently reminded of the consequences of not repairing roads and bridges. Two prolific transportation writers recently changed the focus to where the money is spent.
The Best and the Worst Airports to Access
If you want great access to an airport, go overseas—that's the main finding of a study by Golden Gateway Alliance, a Manhattan-based airport advocacy organization. Tied for dead-last in terms of access is Denver and a certain New York airport.

Ready, Set, Action: Using 'Active Lifestyle Cameras' in Planning
Active Lifestyle Cameras are increasing in popularity—allowing for people to capture the moment on camera while in action. Now planners can use active lifestyle cameras to study all manner of activities, from use of parks to commuting.
Atlanta Voters to Decide on $250 Million Infrastructure Bond
States aren't the only ones looking for new ways to fund crumbling transportation infrastructure. Atlanta voters, for instance, will consider a $250 infrastructure bond proposal in the March election.
Report: Divvy Proving Safe for Chicago Bikers
DNAInfo Chicago reports on new data showing the relative safety of bikeshare operations in Chicago.
Crowdfunding Campaign Raises Money and Awareness for Boston's MBTA
A Boston resident has launched a not totally-serious crowdfunding page called "Modernizing Boston's Transit" to help raise the $30 billion needed to fix the MBTA.
Houston Approves Transit System Reimagining Plan
Jarrett Walker shares the news that the city of Houston gave final approval to overhaul its public transit system, including the implementation of a frequent network grid. The changes are expected to be complete by August 2015.
GOP Lawmakers Target the Federal Transit Subsidy for Cuts
A transit subsidy established in 1983 during the Reagan Administration is under attack by GOP lawmakers in Washington D.C.
Failing Infrastructure Strikes the Beltway
Driving under a structurally deficient bridge took on a whole new meaning, even for those with the Beltway, when concrete fell on a passing vehicle under a bridge awaiting repair in Prince George's County, Md. on Feb. 10. The driver was OK.

Weekend Ignominy: the Worst Bus Stop in the United States
You, the voters, have decided: The worst bus stop in the United States is located in St. Louis, Missouri.

Part Two: Should MoMA Tout Tactical Urbanism(s) as a Solution to Uneven Growth?
The second and final post about MoMa's exhibit, "Uneven Growth: Tactical Urbanisms for Expanding Megacities."

Fast Train To Big D
Many citizens in independent-minded Texas may not like the idea of spending $10 billion on high speed rail. Backers in Dallas, though, have begun to dream up big plans for a station area to serve Texas Central Railway.
New Jersey's Transportation Legacy: Cheap Gas, Bad Roads and Bridges
NPR reports on the incipient movement among a dozen states considering raising gas taxes. It centers on New Jersey which arguably illustrates best the need to raise gas taxes to maintain roads and bridges, but it won't be easy, as the interviews show
Tracking the Growth of U.S. Bikeshare Systems
A post on Greater Greater Washington takes inventory of the nation's bikeshare system, finding steady growth in the number of bikshare systems in 2014, but not the explosive growth of 2013.
Pagination
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
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)