Transportation

Tarmac 2.0

New solar road technology could both absorb solar energy for electricity and provide a changeable LED grid that could respond to traffic conditions.

August 31, 2009 - autobloggreen.com

An Emerging High Speed Rail Hub

As California moves forward with its plans for a high speed rail network, one hub is coming into shape. This review looks at the new hub planned for the Southern California city of Anaheim.

August 30, 2009 - Los Angeles Times

Fight Congestion, Boost the Economy

Reducing traffic congestion can have big economic benefits for communities, according to a new study from the Reason Foundation.

August 30, 2009 - Reason

Balancing the Needs for Transportation Between Cities and Within Cities

Yonah Freemark, blogger at The Transport Politic, argues that long-distance transportation projects like high-speed rail are essential to creating a balance of intercity and intracity transit.

August 27, 2009 - the transport politic

To Share or Not to Share? The Great Transit Data Debate

Some transit agencies keep it under wraps, while others share it widely. Three cities in the U.S. show how the availability of transit arrival data is a wild frontier.

August 27, 2009 - CNET

Plans for a High-Speed Rail Line Between London and Scotland

The proposed £34bn ($55bn) line, slated for completion by 2030, would reduce travel time between London and Glasgow to two-and-a-quarter hours.

August 27, 2009 - BBC News

Maryland Taps Feds for $360m in Rail Projects

Seeking federal stimulus dollars for its own set of "shovel ready" projects, Maryland submitted an application to the Federal government for $360 million to improve its passenger rail system.

August 26, 2009 - The Baltimore Sun

Protests and Anger As Country Readies for Driving Lane Switch

Samoa is readying itself for a countrywide transition that is shaking up the island country's roughly 200,000 people. Beginning September 7th, Samoans will be required to drive on the left side of the road.

August 26, 2009 - The Wall Street Journal

The Race Is On For Rail Funding

The Fed's passenger rail stimulus program kicked opened its doors on Monday, and states were ready with a slew of funding requests. California submitted 42 applications, totaling $1.1 billion.

August 25, 2009 - The Wall St. Journal

Is Short Sea Shipping A Traffic Solution?

Short sea shipping involves moving freight on the sea around the coast without crossing an ocean. The City of Miami is looking at extending the process to relieve traffic pressure, getting some big rigs off the freeway.

August 25, 2009 - Miami Today

Railroads of Yore Built During Times of Turmoil, Too

In considering the daunting task of building high-speed rail in the midst of an economic crisis, CBS Sunday Morning looks back and finds that the Transcontinental Railroad was built during similarly tough times.

August 24, 2009 - CBS Sunday Morning

Honolulu $500 Million Short for Rail Project

The city of Honolulu is $500 million short of what it will need to fund the $5.3 billion commuter rail system voters approved last fall.

August 24, 2009 - The Honolulu Advertiser

Seattle's Green Mayor Ousted In Primary

Stunning many even outside Seattle, the two-term incumbent mayor came in third in a 'top two' primary despite outspending his six competitors. Voters will choose between two political newcomers, including an activist who goes by "Mike Bikes".

August 24, 2009 - Seattle PI

L.A. Officials Call For Speedier Subway Expansion

Scheduled for completion in 2036, a 12.5 mile extension of Los Angeles' subway is progressing too slowly for some officials. That includes the city's mayor, who is hoping to pick up the pace.

August 23, 2009 - Los Angeles Times

Despite Protests and Strikes, BRT Moves Ahead in Johannesburg

Despite strong opposition from taxi driver associations, a new bus rapid transit system is set to open later this month in Johannesburg, South Africa.

August 23, 2009 - AllAfrica

Can Local Stores Have An Impact on Global Warming?

A revival of small, neighborhood retailers could be an important strategy for countering climate change, enticing people to run errands without driving their cars.

August 22, 2009 - Grist Magazine

Friday Funny: DOT Advises Drivers to Solve Traffic By Honking

The Department of Transportation has released a new report urging drivers to combat traffic congestion by honking -- a method estimated to relieve 90% of traffic.

August 21, 2009 - The Onion

Popular Cycling Cities See Pedal Prices Rise

A Freakonomics blogger has trouble finding an affordable bike in Portland, and looks into the reasons why.

August 21, 2009 - The New York Times: Freakonomics Blog

Chicago Looks to Public For Guidance on Future Transportation

Transportation officials in Chicago are enlisting the ideas of area residents as they attempt to draft a plan that will guide development and transportation in the region through 2040.

August 21, 2009 - Chicago Tribune

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.