Rail

San Francisco Rail Transit

Caltrain Electrification Project Faces Budget Shortfall

The agency is seeking an additional $260 million to complete electrification of train lines between San Francisco and San Jose.

May 31, 2022 - San Francisco Examiner

public transit streetcar at Milwaukee Public Market, Third Ward Station in Downtown Milwaukee.

Milwaukee Streetcar To Benefit from Extended TIGER Grant

With the extension from Congress, Milwaukee can continue work on its downtown streetcar.

March 17, 2022 - Urban Milwaukee

Virgin Trains USA

Tampa Bay Moves Forward With High-Speed Rail Plans

The Brightline will connect Orlando to Tampa and reach speeds of up to 150 miles per hour.

March 17, 2022 - St. Pete Catalyst

San Diego Trolley car

Report: San Diego Trolley Extension Cost Double the Average for U.S. Light Rail

Experts attribute the high cost of the project to local opposition and call on state and federal leaders to give transportation agencies more authority over local jurisdictions.

January 24, 2022 - San Diego Union-Tribune

San Diego Trolley

San Diego Trolley Extension Launch a 'Rousing Success'

San Diego's new trolley extension, which serves UC San Diego and communities near the U.S.-Mexico border, saw strong ridership numbers on its opening day.

December 7, 2021 - Progressive Railroading

BART Train

Northern California Rail Plan Promises Improved Service, Reduced Traffic

The Link21 program proposes a new transbay tunnel and other improvements to the Northern California megaregion's commuter rail system.

November 16, 2021 - San Francisco Examiner

A maglev train undergoing testing by Central Japan Railway at the Yamanashi Maglev Test Track.

D.C. Has Concerns About Parking and the Cost of Maglev Proposal

Washington, D.C. officials are urging modifications to key components of a proposal to build a maglev system between D.C. and Baltimore, citing disruptions to neighborhoods and cost concerns.

August 18, 2021 - The Washington Post

Portland Transit

Fighting Climate Change Requires Serious Transportation Reform

The federal government can encourage public transit use and electrification through reforms in transportation systems and land use policies.

August 2, 2021 - Center for American Progress

Proposed Coachella Valley Rail Project Map

Proposed Rail Project Would Bring Trains from L.A. to Coachella Valley

Riverside County's transportation commission is moving forward with a proposal to bring passenger rail from Los Angeles to Indio.

June 7, 2021 - Urbanize Los Angeles

Alstom Train

The High Cost of Adapting Commuter Rail for the Post-COVID Future

U.S. commuter rail systems, primarily designed to bring workers to and from central business districts, must adapt to serve a broader population as the traditional workday changes.

May 25, 2021 - Governing

Portland, Maine

Opinion: It's the Perfect Time for More Trains in Maine

A more concerted effort could bring together the state's recent plans and federal infrastructure investment to link the region and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

February 9, 2021 - Press Herald

BART Station

New South Bay BART Stations See Disappointing Ridership

Introduced during the pandemic in an area where many residents now work remotely, the new stations have failed to attract new commuters.

December 29, 2020 - Mercury News

Arlington to D.C.

Key Virginia Rail Bridge Project Completes Environmental Review

A $1.9 billion project to add a second set of rail tracks to the Long Bridge that connects Virginia to D.C. is ready to move forward with a recently completed Environmental Impact Statement.

September 17, 2020 - The Virginia Mercury

JR Shinkansen

What Is High-Speed Rail?

Beginning with Japan in the 1960s, more and more countries are embracing high-speed trains to streamline domestic travel. Operating at speeds often in excess of 160 mph, high-speed rail networks are now well-developed across Europe and, more recently, in China.

March 23, 2020 - Philip Rojc

Los Angeles Metro Bus

Opinion: L.A. Metro Bus Plan Must Put Riders First

A bold proposal to overhaul the region’s bus system will require leaders and government officials who will commit to putting the needs of riders front and center.

January 27, 2020 - Los Angeles Times

Amtrak

Virginia to Pay $3.7 Billion for 225 Miles of Rail Track

New passenger rail improvements for the Virginia Railway Express and Amtrak are on the way in 2020.

December 20, 2019 - WTOP

Metro Twin Cities

Two Years In, a Look at the Twin Cities Fare Discount Program

In 2017, Metro Transit in the Twin Cities raised fares but also started a program for low-income riders to help ease the burden of travel costs.

November 8, 2019 - Pioneer Press

Los Angeles Subway

L.A. Metro Report Examines How Women Travel

Findings from a new study about the mobility needs and concerns of women in Los Angeles will inform future initiatives and planning.

October 7, 2019 - Streetsblog LA

Denver Rail

Fewer People Parking at Denver Airport, While Ride Hailing and Rail Numbers Are on the Rise

More people are using the A-Line, Uber, and Lyft to travel to and from Denver International Airport (DIA). With parking numbers down, DIA has scrapped plans for two new parking garages.

July 25, 2019 - The Denver Post

Chicago Street

Design Thinking Needs a Broader Perspective

A design-focused study of mode choice doesn’t consider the many ways people interact with and travel through urban environments.

May 15, 2019 - City Observatory

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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

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