The Los Angeles County metropolitan Transportation Authority announced the launch of a one-year pilot program for on demand ridesharing, otherwise known as microtransit.
Steve Scauzillo reports on the launch of Via, a "private ride-hailing service" touted by regional transit planners as a first-last mile solution that provides a cheaper alternative to Uber and Lyft.
"Riders with a LA Metro TAP card would pay $1.75, the same as the base fare for riding a bus or train," reports Scauzillo. "The driver would pick up other passengers, making it a shared ride that Metro officials said would cut down on additional congestion and air pollution caused by traditional single-passenger ride-hailing services that add cars to the roads."
The program is the result of a $2.5 million contract, funded in part by a $1.35 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration.
The pilot program will operate around select stations in the Metro system.
Despite the struggles of privately operated microtransit experiments, several cities have launched similar public microtransit programs over the past year. A report published a year ago provided guidance for successful microtransit programs.
FULL STORY: LA Metro launches $2.5M ridesharing pilot program with private ride-hailing company Via

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.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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