The 72-year-old trolley system is beloved by local riders, but difficult to maintain.

The fate of the historic trolley cars in Boston's Mattapan neighborhood has been at issue for more than a year. It has divided transit advocates, who favor converting the 2.5-mile line to a paved bus route, and preservationists and riders campaigning to protect the unique system.
In the Boston Globe, Adam Vaccaro and Margeaux Sippell explain the pragmatic arguments for both options. The old trolleys are expensive to maintain and at higher risk of crashes than modern systems, but appear to run smoothly and experience fewer delays. Some riders also say the trolley's nostalgic aesthetic makes the trip more enjoyable—not an unimportant consideration as public transportation struggles to attract riders nationwide.
For now, the MBTA has planned $8 million in improvements to the trolleys that will carry the system through the mid-2020s—meaning the system's fate could remain an open question for much longer.
FULL STORY: Future of old-time Mattapan trolleys up for debate

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Milwaukee Road to Get Complete Streets Upgrades
The city will reduce vehicle lanes and build a protected multi-use trail including bioswales and other water retention features on its ‘secret highway.’

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Los Angeles County is leading a coordinated effort to help fire-impacted communities rebuild with resilience by providing recovery resources, promoting fire-wise design, and aligning reconstruction with broader sustainability and climate goals.
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