Transportation

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

Houston To Require Better Walkability Around Transit Stations

City officials in Houston have unanimously approved zoning and policy changes that will encourage walkable development around the city's expanding light rail network.

August 21, 2009 - The Houston Chronicle

Recession Hurting Transit Agencies Across U.S.

Big metropolitan transit agencies are struggling through the recession, with many considering cutting services and raising fares, according to astudy by Transportation For America and Transportation Equity Network.

August 20, 2009 - Reuters

America's Killer Roads

This oped takes on American street design and blames it for causing countless road injuries and deaths.

August 20, 2009 - The Boston Globe

Sprawling in Beijing

Beijing could be heading towards a sprawling future, according to a new report from the World Bank. Despite expanding transit options, the location of jobs is pushing more people out from the center of the city.

August 20, 2009 - The New York Times Style Magazine

Clunkers Program Works Better For Purchasing SUVs & Trucks

While much attention has been lavished on fuel sippers like the Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, and Honda Insight as the most popular models purchased with CARS.Gov credits, it turns out there is another list showing SUVs and trucks in the top ten.

August 19, 2009 - Sacramento Bee

Public Bikes for Dublin

Beginning this September, residents of Dublin will have a new option for getting around town as the city's new public bicycle system debuts.

August 19, 2009 - The Irish Times

Want To Encourage Bicycle Commuting? Build Parking

A lack of decent parking is the biggest reason more people don't bike to work. Several American cities are now trying to deal with the issue by adding more parking for bicyclists.

August 19, 2009 - Slate Magazine

Biking is New York's Fastest-Growing Mode of Transport

Bicycles are on the rise in New York City, where more and more people are making bikes a major part of their transportation diet. City officials say it's the fastest-growing mode of transport.

August 19, 2009 - WCBS

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.

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.