Transit planners in the Baltimore area are working on plans for a more reliable, useful regional transit system.

Alex Holt reports on the first draft of the much-anticipated Central Maryland Regional Transit Plan (RTP), released in April by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA).
The RTP is the first major transit plan for Baltimore and surrounding counties since the MTA’s 2002 Regional Rail Plan, so there is plenty of work to do to deliver my reliable transit service to the region, which it aims to do by focusing on small, systematic goals, according to Holt.
"The plan’s highlights include universal real-time passenger information, a completely electrified bus system with 85% on-time performance, 10 new miles of bus lanes, 2-3 'transit corridors' ready-made for bus rapid transit (BRT) or light rail in the short term, and as many as 30 such corridors in the long run," reports Holt. More details are included in the source article.
FULL STORY: More bus lanes, better connections, and expanded service are a part of a new Maryland transit plan

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.

Private Donations Propel Early Restoration of Palisades Playground
Los Angeles has secured over $1.3 million in private funding to restore the Pacific Palisades playground months ahead of schedule, creating a modern, accessible space that supports community healing after recent wildfires.

From Blight to Benefit: Early Results From California’s Equitable Cleanup Program
The Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) program is reshaping brownfield redevelopment by prioritizing projects in low-income and environmental justice communities, emphasizing equity, transparency, and community benefits.

Planting Relief: Tackling Las Vegas Heat One Tree at a Time
Nevada Plants, a Las Vegas-based nonprofit, is combating the city’s extreme urban heat by giving away trees to residents in underserved neighborhoods, promoting shade, sustainability, and community health.
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