Energy created when trains brake is harnessed to power the trains themselves, station infrastructure, and street-level electric car chargers.
The Barcelona subway is using power harnessed from braking train cars to power its stations, trains, and even other electric vehicles.
As Joseph Wilson explains in an Associated Press article, the MetroCharge regenerative braking project is in place at 16 stations. An electric motor captures energy that would otherwise be released as heat.
One innovation of the Barcelona system is its use of generated power locally, making it more efficient. The system estimates it will recover the 7.3 million Euros spent on the system in four years as it saves on energy costs. The regenerative system creates enough energy to fully power 28 of the 163 Barcelona metro stations.
FULL STORY: Barcelona subway recycles energy from braking into power to charge electric cars
Zero-Emission Bus Fleets Grow, But Federal Funding Is in Jeopardy
Transit agencies around the country have purchased over 7,000 zero-emission buses, but a federal program that funds the shift could be eliminated under the new administration.
How the Trump Presidency Could Impact Urban Planning
An analysis of potential changes in federal housing, transportation, and climate policies.
UCLA Will Build California’s First EV Charging Roadway
The ¾-mile segment will allow electric shuttles and buses to charge while driving.
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.
Opinion: Transit Agencies Must View Service Cuts as Last Resort
Reducing service could cripple transit systems by pushing more riders to consider car ownership, making future recovery even less certain.
‘Smart Surfaces’ Policy Guide Offers Advice for Building and Maintaining Urban Tree Canopies
Healthy, robust tree canopies can reduce the impacts of extreme heat and improve air quality.
New Jersey Lawsuit Targets Rent-Setting Algorithms
The state of New Jersey is taking legal action against landlords and companies that engage in what the state’s Attorney General alleges is illegal rent fixing.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
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