Transportation
One-Way Car Sharing Debuts in Paris
Combine ZipCar-style checkout with the flexibility of bike sharing and you get Autolib', Paris' new car sharing system.
Rivalry Brews Between Parking Reformers, Affordable Housing Advocates
Bill to lower parking requirements in transit-oriented districts in California faces opposition from housing advocates who don't want a parking density-bonus provision to be undermined.
Supreme Court Rebuffs Natl. Assoc. of Home Builders
The U.S. Supreme Court turned down a request by the National Association of Home Builders to hear their lawsuit against the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District's use of the 'indirect source rule', better known as a 'smog fee'.
Cyclists, Pedestrians, and Drivers Clash
With over 8 million people sharing the streets and sidewalks of New York City, there is bound to be a clash between transportation modes. Who's to blame? Lyndsey Scofield says that there is bad behavior on all sides.
New MIT Data Analysis Tool Aims To Rationalize Planning
Andres Sevstuk, lecturer at MIT and head of the City Form Research Group describes how the new Urban Network Analysis toolbox is "taking a much more rigorous approach to look at the work of urban design."
Forbidden Crosswalk
A crosswalk in Little Rock, Arkansas is forbidden to pedestrians from 6am to 6pm every day. Tim McKuin asks, what's the deal?
Parking Garages Built to Zoning, Are Half Empty
In a popular new development in Brooklyn built near transit, 50% of parking spaces are going unused. Why are parking requirements so overspec'ed?, asks Jeremy Smerd.
More Drivers Pumping Less Fuel In California & U.S.
Since 2002, California has added 8.3% more drivers while reducing its gasoline consumption by 3.5%. And while taking the lead, they are not alone in this trend. Credit high fuel prices, economic stress and improved car technology for the reduction.
The Growing Practice of Road Ecology
Laura Tepper explains "road ecology", the intersection between transportation planning and habitat conservation.
Parking (or Lack Thereof) Drives Choice
In this Climate Watch blog and accompanying "Miles To Go" radio report, the reporter observes how powerful parking rated as a factor in determining whether to drive, walk, or take transit, and the public policies that affect the quantity of parking.
Taking the Subway in Shanghai Requires a Token and a Prayer
Recent crashes involving the subway in Shanghai has caused speculation that the rails are unsafe and poorly built.
Nine Ideas to Boost Cycling in London
This Big City readers offer their ideas, from infrastructure-related to marketing, to encourage cycling among more casual riders in London.
The Alienation of Apple's Alien HQ
Philip Langdon criticizes the 'corporate isolationism,' of Apple's new donut shaped headquarters in Cupertino, California.
Dublin May Opt for BRT Over Rail Expansion
An expansion of Dublin's light rail system (DART) has been put on hold by Ireland's Transport Minister, who is ditching the idea in favor of a bus rapid transit system.
The High Cost of Free Parking: Updated
Zoning administrator Ryan Smith digs into the recently released paperback of Donald Shoup's seminal book, and the newly updated preface in particular.
Shanghai Crash Ignites Public Anger Amid Fractured Government Response
Officials are investigating the cause of a crash in which more than 20 people were seriously injured Tuesday riding the Shanghai subway. Citizens have voiced their frustration at ambitious rail projects they view as neglecting safety.
Five Cities With Five Different Congestion Solutions
Joe Peach compares the approach to mollifying congestion in five world cities, with contrasting results.
Using GPS to Help Ease Congestion in Beijing
GPS data from over 30,000 Beijing cabs have provided researchers at Microsoft Research Asia glimpses into underlying causes of congestion in the city. Typically, the culprit is missing or flawed connections.
Smaller Can Be Better When it Comes to Traffic Solutions
With the worst traffic in the country (see previous story), Washington has big problems. But Stewart Schwartz suggests that big problems don't necessarily call for big solutions.
The 2nd Worst Traffic Congestion in the U.S.
That would be Chicago, falling from the number one spot but holding strong at #2, according to the latest figures from the Texas Transportation Institute. Washington, D.C. gains the crown.
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
