Public Transit
Enhancing Public Transit With Wi-Fi
Some transit agencies are hoping to woo riders by providing internet access on bus and rail vehicles, allowing commuters to check email and surf the web on the way to work.
Transit Ridership Is Up, But So Are Costs
More and more people are riding public transit systems, which many officials see as a good sign. But the added strains to the systems are placing many in tight financial situations.
Honolulu Light Rail Plans Expected to Receive Nearly $1 Billion
Politicians in Washington D.C. are getting behind Honolulu's plans for a $3.7 billion light rail system, calling it the "most efficient light rail project in the country".
Best Ideas of the Week
Another week has passed, and some more exciting and interesting ideas have taken root in the world of urban planning.
Sales Tax for Transit Catching on in Twin Cities
Five counties in metropolitan Minneapolis have approved the creation of a new quarter-cent sales tax that will be dedicated to funding transit projects.
British Columbians Ditching Cars
More people in British Columbia are responding to higher gas prices by ditching their cars and rising bikes, taking transit and walking, according to a recent survey.
Calling for Statewide TOD in New Jersey
This editorial calls on the state of New Jersey to take advantage of the fact that it has one of the country's largest mass transit network and to better site homes and development near transit.
Salt Lake Transit Authority Accused of Misusing Funds
In Salt Lake City, advocates for bus riders have asked the state attorney general to investigate whether the Utah Transit Authority has skewed its ridership figures to gain public support for major investments, which they say is a misuse of funding.
Locals Apprehensively Excited About Sydney's Big Transit Plans
A recently announced $12.5 billion metropolitan rail system plan for Sydney has many in the region excited about finally getting a good mass transit system. But they are also wary, as many other proposals promising similar services were never kept.
Friday Funny: The End of America's Love Affair with the Car
Assuming everything is fine in its long-time relationship with America, the car comes home to an unhappy surprise in this cartoon from Streetsblog.
Comprehensive Tolling Idea Meet Criticism in D.C.
A proposal to place tolls on many of the highways around Washington D.C. is being blasted by critics, who say planners should place more emphasis on providing better transit services than charging commuters left with few options.
The Pains of Popularity
San Diego's downtown trolley service is becoming too popular, causing officials to propose equipment upgrades to handle the rising crowds. But the bigger trolleys will take out some car lanes and affect traffic lights, and many are unhappy about it.
Planning a Smart Transit Future in Tampa Bay
With a newly formed regional transit authority, Tampa Bay, Florida, may be ready for a regional transit system. Many want to do it right.
After Bus Shutdown, City Considers Mass Carpooling
Residents in the small town of Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island are starting a citywide carpooling program to help provide for people without cars after the city's underused public transit system was shut down.
Slow Transit? Put it Underground
This piece from the San Francisco Chronicle argues that the best way to improve the city's sluggish public transit system is to put it underground.
Ottawa's $4 Billion Transit Plans
Plans were recently announced for a $4 billion revamping and extension of the public transportation system in Ottawa.
The Party Train
Metrolink is Southern California's regional rail system linking several counties. The 15-year old system with 7 lines, 54 stations, and 388 route miles serves over 40,000 passengers in the Southland. Metrolink says its mission is "to provide the people of Southern California safe, reliable and environmentally friendly commute option." Sure, but can it also serve as an interesting venue to host a 4-year old's birthday party? One birthday boy in particular loves trains and is a fan of a popular TV series featuring trains. His mother told me that their family trips were often planned around using rail transit to get to destinations in Central and Southern California. So what better way to celebrate his birthday than to invite his friends -- accompanied by parents of course -- for a trip on a commuter train? Children that age are probably more used to birthday parties where they are entertained by clowns or magicians. Would these children, growing up in Southern California's car-centric culture be entertained at a party where the view through a train window was the main attraction?
Some Seniors Don't Want Free Rides
Free off-peak transportation on buses and trains in Connecticut has generated interest and support, but some seniors would prefer that greater funding be devoted to existing dial-a-ride services that are already in place across the state.
Beijing's traffic nightmare and public transit
BEIJING--When I first learned that I wouldn't be able to rent a car in Beijing, I was disappointed. That's how I usually break away from the business "bubble" to learn something about a city. But, it didn't take more than an hour to realize that I was better off with a local driver than tackling it myself. Driving habits, combined with roads choking with pedestrians, cars, buses, and taxis, convinced me I needed to leave the driving to a "pro".
Placer County
City of Morganton
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Dongguan Binhaiwan Bay Area Management Committee
City of Waukesha, WI
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Indiana Borough
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Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
