A pilot program by King County Metro and the King County Parks Department in the state of Washington found success in 2017, and is spending the beginning of 2018 looking at options to expand.
King County, Washington announced earlier this month that it is planning on continuing and potentially expanding the popular Trailhead Direct pilot program it launched in 2017. An article on the Washington Trails Association website explains:
Last summer, the pilot program developed as a joint effort, on behalf of King County Metro and King County Parks Department, to reduce vehicle congestion at popular trailheads in the Issaquah Alps. It was a step towards ensuring more equitable access and public transportation to trails as the demand for hiking opportunities around Seattle, Issaquah and North Bend continue to grow.
About 900 hikers used the shuttle last year, or 40 per day that service was in operation. A survey of riders found positive results in parking congestion at trailheads, and demand for expanded service. In response to that demand, "the two King County agencies plan to optimize the bus routes and time schedules to accommodate more riders," according to the article. "They will also be discussing the possible expansion to North Bend and other urban centers."
FULL STORY: King County Announces Second Season for Trailhead Direct
Report: One-Fifth of Seattle Households Are Car-Free
According to one local writer, the city’s low rate of car ownership should encourage officials to support public transit and reduce parking minimums.
A ‘Playbook’ for Better Bus Service, From King County Metro
King County Metro operates one of the nation’s busiest transit systems—without running any trains. The agency recently released a playbook as a guide to transit service.
The Importance of Transit to Parks and Trails
Learn about efforts from across the country to expand access to public lands via public transit.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
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.
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.
Paris Bike Boom Leads to Steep Drop in Air Pollution
The French city’s air quality has improved dramatically in the past 20 years, coinciding with a growth in cycling.
Why Housing Costs More to Build in California Than in Texas
Hard costs like labor and materials combined with ‘soft’ costs such as permitting make building in the San Francisco Bay Area almost three times as costly as in Texas cities.
San Diego County Sees a Rise in Urban Coyotes
San Diego County experiences a rise in urban coyotes, as sightings become prevalent throughout its urban neighbourhoods and surrounding areas.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
City of Santa Clarita
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