Transportation
Why Hailing a Taxi May Soon Be Ancient History
Ted Mann explores the new wave of mobile applications changing the way cabs and their customers interact, which could make the act of physically hailing a cab obsolete in as soon as five years.
How Infrastructure Investment Became Political Fodder
Andrea Bernstein traces how, in four short years, partisan politics have infected discussions about investment in infrastructure.
Why All Cyclists Aren't Jerks
While Jim Saska admits that he's a jerk on his bicycle, he argues that the general perception among drivers that all cyclists are maniacs is not supported by statistics, and is instead a function of emotion [language warning].
Reviews Are in for L.A.'s First Bike-Friendly Street
At under a mile, L.A.'s first official "bike-friendly street" isn't going to transform the commuting habits of many Angelenos. Nevertheless, as an example of the city's new attitude to bicycling, recent improvements to Yucca Street are worth noting.
CA High Speed Rail Receives More Good News from Feds
Two days after the CA High Speed Rail Authority received federal environmental streamlining of the 60-mile Merced to Fresno segment, the Federal Railroad Administration announced they will do the same for the 114-mile Fresno to Bakersfield segment.
How Zoning Might Make or Break New Streetcar Lines
As St. Louis and Portland speed along with new streetcar developments, Yonah Freemark considers how zoning may determine the success of one, and the failure of another.
Will a New Rail Line Hurt or Help Crenshaw Boulevard?
In the latest entry in his "Boulevards" series, Christopher Hawthorne reports on the planned light rail line along Crenshaw Blvd in Los Angeles, and how it has caused a rift for some residents who are feeling left out of the revitalization process.
Why Cuts to Federal Funding for Bike Infrastructure May Be a Good Thing
Despite the rise in bicycling in many U.S. cities, federal funds have shrunk in the recent transportation bill. However changes in the way funds are allocated allows for more local control, and cities are stepping up.
Group Commuting Continues Upward Trend
New Census data out this week shows the share of Americans commuting by alternatives to the automobile continues to rise. In two-thirds of 342 metropolitan areas for which data was provided, public transit use was up, while solo driving dropped.
Feds to CA HSR Authority: Let The Track-Laying Begin!
The High Speed Rail Authority received a key approval from the Federal Railroad Administration to begin construction in California's Central Valley, specifically the 60-mile Merced to Fresno stretch. The remaining hurdles are several lawsuits.
Open Transit Design: Why Stations Designed for Non-Transit Users Are Most Successful
How many people go to Grand Central Terminal just for the experience? Peter David Cavaluzzi, FAIA describes a new approach to transit station design that, in its desired appeal to non-transit users, is indebted to the great stations of the past.
NYC Traffic Safety Campaign Takes to the Feets
In an effort to make the city's streets safer for the legions of distracted pedestrians gazing downwards at guidebooks and phone screens, NYC is taking a page from its compatriots in London and installing exhortations to “LOOK!” in its crosswalks.
How Much Will a 'Fill-up' Cost for an Electric Car?
With only 50,000 electric cars on the road now, many charging stations are free - but what happens when the number multiplies? Electric car charging companies are counting on the number increasing and are determining "how to charge for the charge."
Bike-Share Creates Friendly Communities
The Christian Science Monitor argues why the growing popularity of bike-sharing programs across America will result in more cohesive communities and more livable places.
Seattle's Clashing, Confusing, and Disjointed Grid
Seattle is a city of grids (plural). Downtown, alone, contains three, making for some pretty interesting transportation challenges. Some argue it's simply part of what makes the city livable.
Lessons on TODs for DOTs
A new report produced by Smart Growth America and the State Smart Transportation Initiative offers recommendations for how state DOTs can innovate to support economic growth and better link land use and transportation decision-making.
Inventive Infographic Charts Improvements in Driving Safety
Hannah Fairfield charts two variables - miles traveled versus deaths per 100,000 population - over the last 60+ years, and notes key technological or behavioral breakthroughs, to offer unique insight into advancements in driving safety.
Study Shows Smart Growth Reduces Automobile Usage
A new study shows that denser, more transit-oriented development will lead to an overall decrease in miles driven, reports Angie Schmitt.
China Plans Rapid Growth in Urban Rail Systems
Unlike its slowing economy, infrastructure projects across China continue to expand. Already home to three of the world's most-used transit systems, China plans to invest $127 billion in the coming decade to build dozens of new urban rail projects.
Solutions to Fixing the Gas Tax Crisis
The Wall Street Journal published a 10-page energy section with the declining gas tax problem on page 1. Five solutions are offered: taxing the miles, taxing the roads, indexing the gas tax, taxing the oil, and taxing the cars. Each has challenges.
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.
Borough of Carlisle
Smith Gee Studio
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
