Coronavirus and Transportation

An image showing a smart phone with information from the World Health Organization about the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

Omicron Variant: No Good Science Goes Unpunished

The discovery by South African scientists will enable the world to prepare for the newest coronavirus variant, but it will also cause enormous hardship due to the travel restrictions on flights to/from eight nations in southern Africa.

November 30, 2021 - The New York Times

Rescue Bus

Driver Shortages and Service Reductions: The Crisis in Public Transit Continues

While transit systems around the country had reason to celebrate the new funding made available in the federal infrastructure bill, long-term concerns about operational capacity have not been resolved.

November 18, 2021 - Detroit Free Press

A group of people gather around an information booth to share ideas about the future of South Street in Philadelphia.

It's Time for Public Participation to Evolve With Transportation Planning

A manifesto by planning and transportation professionals committing to hearing all voices during public engagement processes.

November 15, 2021 - Marisa Denker

A row of white pickup trucks at a car dealership.

U.S. Auto Loan Debt Balloons to $1.4 Trillion, Study Says

Consumer Reports published findings of an investigation of U.S. auto loan debt, finding that debt is increasing at increasingly fast rates alongside the cost of cars over the past decade.

November 3, 2021 - Consumer Reports

Chicago Bus

Chicago Transit Authority Hopes to Entice Riders With Cheaper Fares

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) in October proposed a $1.75 billion operating budget that will make it cheaper to ride transit in the Windy City.

October 31, 2021 - Chicago Transit Authority

Pedestrians circulate around a retrofitted development beneath the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City.

A Car-Free Vision for Downtown Brooklyn—Updated for the Covid-Era

In December 2019, the Downtown Brooklyn Public Realm Vision set ambitious goals for removing cars from one of New York's central business districts. Then came the pandemic and new tests for those ambitions.

October 25, 2021 - Bloomberg CityLab

A cyclist commutes along a painted bike lan on Market Street in San Francisco.

San Francisco's New Bike Lane Experience

The city of San Francisco has been overhauling its bike infrastructure during the pandemic. The results are especially apparent in the city's downtown.

October 10, 2021 - San Francisco Chronicle

New York City Subway

New York Subway Sets Pandemic Ridership Record

With school back in session and Broadway shows open to the public, subway ridership is surging in New York City, but still well below pre-pandemic levels.

September 20, 2021 - New York Post

Hubway Data Visualization

How Data and Tech Can Support Transit Planning

Agencies can use data resources to improve their decision-making and provide more responsive service.

August 23, 2021 - Government Technology

Zakim Bridge and Tobin Bridge

Post-Pandemic Traffic: Easier Morning Commutes, Heading for Afternoon 'Peak Spreading'

The Boston Globe recently published an analysis of Boston-area traffic through the pandemic, finding that congestion is finally recovering to pre-pandemic levels, but in new patterns.

August 15, 2021 - The Boston Globe

A single bike rider wearing a mask rides along a waterfront in Portland, Oregon.

Can Portland's Bike Boom Outlast the Pandemic?

"Anytime the city does something to dramatically improve streets for people and limit car access...it’s hard to take them back."

August 13, 2021 - Oregon Public Broadcasting

Empty Parking Garage

One Pandemic Real Estate Bet: Condos for Cars

The possibility of many more urban dwellers driving than ever before, even in transit-rich locations like New York City, is still very real.

August 13, 2021 - Bloomberg

Coronavirus and Transportation

What Is the Future for Transit After COVID? - A Debate

Critic Randal O'Toole and advocate Todd Litman debate how communities should plan for public transit in the post pandemic future. Should it contract or expand?

August 12, 2021 - Pairagraph

People gather on a street with no cars during the L.E.A.F. Festival of Flowers in the Meatpacking District of New York City.

Permanent Car-Free Streets in Manhattan's Meatpacking District

The local Business Improvement District has decided to permanently block cars from a large swath of Manhattan's Meatpacking District.

August 11, 2021 - New York Post

San Francisco Parklet

San Francisco Supervisors Vote to Keep Parklets, Close Them at Night

The pandemic-era outdoor seating arrangements can stay, but a last-minute amendment lets business owners close them overnight.

July 21, 2021 - San Francisco Chronicle

LA Al Fresco Informational Graphic

Los Angeles Extends Outdoor Dining Program for Up to Three Years

An emergency ordinance signed by the city's mayor will allow restaurants to keep outdoor dining facilities built during the pandemic for at least one more year.

July 8, 2021 - Eater Los Angeles

MARTA Station

How to Attract Post-Pandemic Transit Riders

After seeing dramatic cuts in service and ridership during the pandemic, transit agencies have a small window of opportunity to gain and retain regular passengers.

July 7, 2021 - Bloomberg CityLab

Traffic Fatality Demographics

U.S. Traffic Fatalities Increased Most for Black Americans During the Pandemic

Two new reports confirm the racial disparities of traffic violence in the United States, revealing more proof about who stayed home during the pandemic, and who was forced to navigate the risks of the pandemic in public.

June 22, 2021 - CNN Business

Chicken + Whiskey 14th Street Washington DC 2020-09-08

Learning from D.C.'s Slow Streets Programs

"Slow streets" is a popular concept, but residents and community advocates say officials have to do more to make implementation effective and equitable.

June 15, 2021 - Lincoln Institute of Land Policy

New York City

Ride-Hailing Prices Skyrocket as the U.S. Emerges From the Pandemic

A shortage of drivers and spiking demand are driving Uber and Lyft prices higher than ever as the companies struggle to achieve profitability.

June 15, 2021 - Curbed

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Websites

The best of the Internet—since 2002.

Top Apps

Planning apps for a brave new world.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

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.