Transportation
Congratulations L.A., You Have the Worst Roads in the U.S.
A new study by TRIP, the Washington, D.C.-based transportation nonprofit, has concluded that drivers in the Los Angeles region ply the most deteriorated roads in the country, based on 2011 data from the Federal Highway Administration.
Prius Founder Questions Future of Electric Vehicles
Toyota Motor Corp. Chairman Takeshi Uchiyamada, who helped develop the world's most popular hybrid-electric vehicle, questioned the ability of pure electric vehicles to supplant petroleum-fueled vehicles because of battery and charging challenges.
Agreement Paves the Way for Private Rail Service Between Miami and Orlando
A $1.5 billion project to provide a passenger rail link between Miami and Orlando was given a boost this week by an agreement to connect to Orlando International Airport, reached after 17 months of negotiations.
Mahatma Gandhi: Sustainable Transportation Visionary?
Mahatma Gandhi's utilization of non-violent civil disobedience to fight for civil rights is taught to school children around the world, but his views on the importance of biking and walking are less well known. Navdeep Asija investigates.
One Czech City's Approach to DIY Bike-Share
While many big city bike-share systems hit potholes, one Czech city has experienced success with an entirely different – and more DIY – ‘micro-scheme’ approach fostered by a network of cafés.
California Becomes More EV-Friendly With 6 New Laws
Gov. Jerry Brown showed his support for electric vehicles (EVs), clean air, and reducing carbon emissions with the signing of six bills. In addition to EVs, all clean cars will benefit, including plug-in hybrids, FCVs and natural gas-powered.
Four Simple Ways to Make Penn Station Better Now
Over the past two decades, grand schemes have advanced and receded for replacing New York's dreadful Penn Station. Robert W. Previdi offers four simpler, and achievable, solutions for improving the station's operations for its 440,000 daily users.
Have Internet, Will Travel—Just Not By Car
A new report from the U.S. PIRG Education Fund looks at how innovations in technology and social networking are changing the country's transportation landscape, and contributing to the decline in driving.
L.A.'s Bicycle Love Affair: Enduring Relationship or Passing Fancy?
The Los Angeles Times' editorial page declares itself "pro-bike" as it launches "Roadshare", an effort to engage the city's cyclists, drivers, pedestrians, taxpayers and others in a discussion over L.A.'s transportation future.
Boxer Proposes Wholesale Oil Tax to Replace Fed. Gas Tax
Taking a cue from states that have introduced new wholesale taxes on fuel that would presumably be passed to the consumer, Sen. Barbara Boxer has proposed replacing the 18.4-cent federal gas tax with an oil sales fee to be paid by oil refineries.
LEED-ND Projects Reduce Driving, But Is There a Simpler Way to Measure Success?
New research by Ewing et al finds that vehicle miles traveled in LEED-ND projects may be as much as 60% lower than regional averages. However, objective models of transportation outcomes may prove more efficient than LEED’s points-based system.
Rebuilding of Roads and Bridges are Key to Colorado Flood Recovery
This month's deluge resulted in damage or total destruction of "an estimated 200 miles of state highways and 50 bridges" in over 12 counties, estimated to cost $475 million. Contracts have been awarded for "initial work to be completed by Dec. 1".
New York Rebrands Rest Stops as “Texting Zones”
New highway signs urge drivers to wait until the next rest stop before answering that text or email message. A recent study presents two more reasons why motorists who text are a major danger.
$300 Million Aid Package Aimed at Revitalizing Detroit's Neighborhoods
The $300 million in federal and private aid announced Friday for Detroit is just a drop in the bucket compared to the city's $18 billion debt. While the aid is far short of a bailout, it represents a down payment on the city's recovery.
Mixed Reports on Success of Bay Area Bike Share
Depending on what media you're reading, Bay Area Bike Share is either off to a "fast start" or an "underwhelming start". We give both reviews - you judge. In addition, Sacramento looks toward BABS as a model, and expansion within SF will be proposed.
Feds Move to Boost Sustainable Transportation
With $11.2 million in federal, state and local funds, the US DOT is launching a National Center for Sustainable Transportation. The center aims to reduce the transport sector's contribution to climate change through research, education, and outreach.
Maryland Light Rail Moved to Avoid Golf Course and Residents Cry Foul
In exchange for a promise from a country club not to oppose the planned Purple Line, the Maryland Transit Administration has agreed to move tracks, build sound walls, and attend regular meetings. Residents aren't happy about the special treatment.
Theft and Vandalism Threaten One of World's Largest Bike-Share Systems
With 12,000 docking stations, Paris' expansive Velib system is the envy of cities across the world. But last year it lost 9,000 bikes to theft or vandalism. Its admirable ambition is threatening the functionality of the entire system.
Are Montreal and Toronto in Danger of Losing Their Bike Share Systems?
Montreal's Bixi is one of the most replicated bike-sharing systems in the world, but the publicly backed company has struggled with financial troubles since debuting in 2008. Outstanding payments due to Bixi are the latest threat to the company.
How Do You Grow One of the World's Densest Cities Without New Land?
Singapore has built skywards and taken back land from the sea to accommodate its booming population. But as the city-state runs out of options for future growth, it's looking underground to build infrastructure, offices, and even public spaces.
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
