Transportation

Let's Take the Shweeb!

A New Zealand inventor has built a track for the world's first human-powered monorail called the Shweeb as part of an amusement park [Video]

July 12, 2009 - CTV

London Buses Going Green

London's iconic red double-decker buses are going green.

July 12, 2009 - Wired

United States of Bankruptcy

Budget issues are causing major issues for a handful of states. Neal Peirce argues these budget woes are a sign that states are making the wrong investments and that they idea of a state may be out of date.

July 12, 2009 - Citiwire

Has the Segway Found its Niche?

While it didn't transform personal mobility and lead to the redesign of urban areas, the Segway has found some unexpected forms of popularity.

July 10, 2009 - Slate.com

Fighting Climate Change with Bus Rapid Transit

Bogota, Colombia's bus rapid transit system is seen as a shining example of how buses can make up a good public transportation system in cities. It's also being looked at as a model for fighting climate change.

July 10, 2009 - The New York Times

Why Broadband and Telecommuting Are Transportation Issues

Telecommuting should be considered an aspect of transportation, according to this piece from New Geography.

July 10, 2009 - New Geography

Cities Miffed As Transportation Funds Filter to Rural Areas

Less than half of the money set aside in the federal stimulus plan for transportation projects is going to cities, according to an analysis by The New York Times.

July 9, 2009 - The New York Times

Is Concrete the New Asphalt?

As oil prices rise, so does the cost of asphalt. Concrete, historically more expensive, is now becoming a viable cost competitor. Because of its lighter shade, its also been shown to contribute less to climate change.

July 9, 2009 - The Infrastructurist

Transit Shortchanged by Climate Bill

The recently passed House climate bill only dedicates 1 percent of funding to public transportation projects. Some are arguing that needs to be increased when the bill heads to the Senate.

July 9, 2009 - The Washington Independent

Highway Teardowns Benefitting Traffic Flow and City Life

The Infrastructurist offers four case studies of cities that have removed highways. The result: less congestion.

July 8, 2009 - The Infrastructurist

Roundabouts 20% More Effective At Moving Traffic

Roundabouts, usually considered a quirky European development, can reduce delays at intersections by 20%, according to studies by Kansas State University.

July 8, 2009 - Project For Public Spaces

Should NY Transit Be Free?

Charles Komanoff, an economist, analyst and activist in New York, has created an elaborate spreadsheet looking at the cost of congestion to the city. His conclusion? Free transit and congestion pricing would relieve traffic.

July 7, 2009 - Reuters Blogs

Bike Sharing Plans Edge Forward in Portland

Officials in Portland are hoping to move forward on plans to bring a bike sharing system to the city. But with little money in the budget, implementing the system may take longer than expected.

July 7, 2009 - The Oregonian

Las Vegas Included in California's Rail Plans

Las Vegas will now be included in plans for California's high speed rail network, according to the Department of Transportation.

July 7, 2009 - Progressive Railroading

Struggling Cities Could Become Bike Utopias

As some cities in the Rust Belt depopulate, they present opportunities to develop into new bike utopias. This op-ed from The New York Times argues Detroit is a perfect example.

July 7, 2009 - The New York Times

Transportation Reauthorization Depends On Funding Sources

The Economist looks at the looming battle between Congress and the Administration over whether to proceed now on transportation reauthorization or delay it 18 months, and concludes that the bottom line will be the funding mechanism.

July 6, 2009 - The Economist

Global Trends in Bicycles and Cycling

World Watch magazine's "Vital Signs" section highlights global bicycle production and documents trends in cycle transportation, noting effects of energy costs and commodity prices.

July 6, 2009 - World Watch

Nature Noises In NY Subway

The 96th Street Station of the New York Subway is a bustling, noisy place. Artists and MTA staff are hoping a sound installation of nature sounds will calm the urban scene.

July 6, 2009 - The New York Times

DOT Seeks to Borrow $20 Billion

The Federal Department of Transportation has sent a request to borrow $20 billion from the Treasury to compensate for shortfalls in the Highway Trust Fund.

July 6, 2009 - CQ Politics

Greening America's Roadways

Our nation's roads must be greener, says David Wenzel of HNTB. A green road is one that is designed, built and maintained in a manner that protects and enhances the environment, lessens the impact on its surroundings, and encourages mass transit.

July 6, 2009 - David Wenzel

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.