Transportation
New York MTA Buses to Alert Pedestrians When Turning
Following the lead of programs in Los Angeles, Portland, and Baltimore, a pilot program by the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority will install warning systems to alert pedestrians to turning buses.
Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton Proposes Gas Tax
The tax would be a wholesale tax paid by fuel suppliers as has become more common in the last two years, not a retail tax at the gas pump. The Democratic governor's main problem may be his timing—the house flipped to Republican control.

Study Casts Doubt on Bike Helmet Laws for Children
Do bike helmet laws prevent injuries for children, or do they just discourage children from riding bikes?

Has the Streetcar Boom Reached the End of the Line?
Politico takes a critical look at the streetcar trend in American cities—which had some high profile setbacks during 2014—with an eye toward the legacy of the Obama Administration.
The Story of New York's First Commuter
Sam Roberts tells the story of commuting in New York City, starting from the very beginning, the maiden voyage of the first ferry from Brooklyn to Manhattan.
2014 Declared the 'Year of the Bike Commuter'
"From cycletracks to helmet laws, 2014 has been a big year for bikes," according to Next City before looking back at what made 2014 such a big year for bikers.
Sound Transit Adopts Long Range Plan for Metropolitan Seattle
Earlier in December, Seattle's Sound Transit Board approved a Long Range Plan as a part of its final meeting of the year.
Want an Electric Vehicle but Live in an Apartment?
Two companies have teamed up to provide solar-powered, electric vehicle charging with battery storage in 68 apartment buildings in San Francisco. They will rent spaces for charging by tenants. Roofs will also be rented and covered with solar panels.
Cheap Gas Defeats Fuel Efficiency Goals
The effect of low gas prices on motor vehicle selection by consumers could set back President Barack Obama's climate legacy, which includes obtaining fuel economy standards of 54.5 mpg by 2025.
Americans Are Multimodal
82 percent of public transportation users last summer report having an automobile in their household.

Top Planning Trends – 2014
A deeper look at the traffic data on Planetizen reveals trends from the planning and urban design conversation of 2014.
Port Authority Recommends Cutting PATH Service
The Port Authority released a controversial report over the weekend that recommends cutting overnight and weekend service for Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) service. So far, the governors of New York and New Jersey support the plan.

RFQ Released for Atlanta's Planned 'Airport City'
The city of Atlanta is moving forward with a plan to upgrade the world's busiest airport to "Airport City" status.
Seattle's Taxi Industry Fighting Back with New Apps, Licenses
After taking a 40-percent dive in revenue following the launch of transportation network companies (TNCs), Seattle's Taxi Industry has found new momentum.
San Fernando Valley Playing Catch Up in the Los Angeles Transit Boom
Dakota Smith reports that the Los Angeles transit renaissance is leaving the political leadership in the San Fernando Valley feeling left behind.
The Online Tool for Comparing Bus Rapid Transit Data
A tool from EMRARQ Brasil allows users to compile and compare data on the use and growth of bus rapid transit around the world, including in the United States, where 18 cities now use BRT or bus priority corridors.
Will Electric Vehicles Feel the Pinch from $2.30 Gasoline?
Having posted two environmental pluses from low oil prices, we look at a negative—the effect on sales of EVs would seem to be one of the more evident downsides. How will alternative-fueled vehicles compete in the marketplace when gas costs $2.30?

Is America's Best Bike Lane Overrated?
The SF Examiner reports on America's top-rated bike lane, as rated by People for Bikes. The protected contraflow lane runs from Market Street to Grove Street, all of two blocks; only one block in opposite direction is separated
Could Keystone XL Become the Next Casualty of Falling Oil Prices?
Recently we noted that Chevron had dropped their Arctic lease due to falling oil prices. With falling gasoline prices, Americans may no longer see the Keystone XL pipeline as urgent. In addition, President Obama appears likely to oppose the project.
Traffic 'Crisis' in the Birthplace of Jesus
If Jesus and Mary came to Bethlehem in 2014, they'd be frustrated by high levels of congestion before finding a place to settle down for the night.
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)