Overcoming lawsuits and controversy, Albuquerque opened the Albuquerque Rapid Transit to partial service over the holiday weekend.
The Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) electric bus launched partial operation, celebrating the occasion offering free service to and from the Albuquerque BioPark’s River of Lights event on Friday and Saturday nights.
Maddy Hayden and Matthew Reisen report on the first days of the new service over the holiday weekend. "There was one hiccup, however: On Saturday evening, an ART bus shuttling riders to the show collided with a car whose driver made an illegal left turn, said ART Project Manager Dayna Crawford."
As noted in the article, the $126 million project has faced controversy and lawsuits on its path to opening day. The project also still has work to do: "Construction on the controversial project that involves connecting around 10 miles of Central from Unser to Louisiana via fully electric, articulated buses is expected to be completed by the beginning of next year."
In one additional bit of news that will appeal to public transit enthusiasts, the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy awarded ART the Gold Standard for Bus Rapid Transit Standard. "It’s the first BRT system in the country to receive the top designation," according to Hayden and Reisen.
FULL STORY: ART’s a hit at the start
Bus Rapid Transit Opens to the Public in Albuquerque
A long-awaited bus rapid transit system has opened to the public this weekend, a cause for celebration in Albuquerque,.
Opponents Delay Albuquerque's Bus Rapid Transit with Lawsuits
A well organized opposition to a planned Bus Rapid Transit line in Albuquerque, New Mexico has stalled the beginning of construction on the new transit line with lawsuits.
Albuquerque Approves 10-Mile Bus Rapid Transit Project
Now that the Albuquerque City Council has approved a plan to create bus-only lanes on Central Avenue, the city will seek federal funding for the project.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.
Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
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.
Ascent Environmental
Borough of Carlisle
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service