Public Transit
Planning System Needs to Look at the 'Big Picture'
Officials in Melbourne, Australia, are so frustrated with the city's lackluster planning process that they are pushing for the creation of a new planning authority -- one they hope will look at the "big picture".
New London Mayor Outlines Traffic and Transit Ideas
In this interview from last year, the now newly-elected mayor of London, Boris Johnson, talks about the importance of biking in the city, improving public transportation, and abolishing the city's congestion pricing system.
Debating L.A.'s Growth, Traffic and Transit
The Transit Coalition's Bart Reed and USC planning Professor Peter Gordon debate transit and traffic in L.A. in this five-part point-counterpoint series.
Yes or No: Evaluating Public Transit
On the bus this morning I was handed a survey asking me to detail my satisfaction with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority's public transit system. As a daily bus commuter, I was more than happy to spend my two cents, but I'm a bit skeptical that those two cents will really do anything.
Should Toronto Put the Bus Stop Up For Sale?
A transportation official in Toronto is hoping to convince colleagues that the system should allow advertisers to buy naming rights for transit stops in the city as a way of increasing revenue, but many remain opposed.
Developer Action Needed to Spur Light Rail Plans
Private investors and developers must come forward and plan around proposed rail lines in Detroit if there is any hope of transit materializing, according to this editorial.
D.C.'s 'Mystery Rider' Metro Evaluation Plan Panned
The Washington D.C. Metro transit system is planning to hire a group of "mystery riders" to discretely monitor the system and identify areas for improvement. Critics call the plan a waste of money.
Downtown Tram Planned for Burj Dubai
Plans for a 4.6 km tramway have been announced for downtown Burj Dubai -- a $136 million transit system intended to link major developments in the rapidly rising emirate.
Atlanta Survey Respondents Support Tax for Transit
A survey of residents in metro Atlanta shows that 58% of residents would support an additional 1-cent tax to fund public transit.
Housing Prices Drop Lower as Commute Distances Rise
Homes farther out from the central city and with longer commutes are being hit harder by the downturn in the housing market. Those located close to city cores and transit are faring better, according to this report from NPR.
Northwest Drivers Use A Gallon Less Than the National Average
Motorists in Oregon, Washington and Idaho are using less gas per week than the average American. A recent report credits the region's public transit systems and land use policies for the reduction in fuel consumption.
Plans Unveiled for New York City's First 'Transitway'
The New York City Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Transit Authority unveiled the city's current Bus Rapid Transit program earlier this week, including a project that would "redefine the public realm" on Manhattan's 34th Street.
Best Ideas of the Week
From public transit to public parks to public space, this past week brought a lot of interesting and innovative ideas in the world of urban planning.
Friday Funny: A Tight Fit
These two videos show the downside of high public transit ridership.
The Real Problem With Transit: Lack Of Customer Service
Forget slogans and fancy trains. If transit agencies just focused on getting people where they need to go in a consistent, reliable (and preferably quicker) way, more people would abandon their cars.
Enhancing Public Transit With Wi-Fi
Some transit agencies are hoping to woo riders by providing internet access on bus and rail vehicles, allowing commuters to check email and surf the web on the way to work.
Transit Ridership Is Up, But So Are Costs
More and more people are riding public transit systems, which many officials see as a good sign. But the added strains to the systems are placing many in tight financial situations.
Honolulu Light Rail Plans Expected to Receive Nearly $1 Billion
Politicians in Washington D.C. are getting behind Honolulu's plans for a $3.7 billion light rail system, calling it the "most efficient light rail project in the country".
Best Ideas of the Week
Another week has passed, and some more exciting and interesting ideas have taken root in the world of urban planning.
Sales Tax for Transit Catching on in Twin Cities
Five counties in metropolitan Minneapolis have approved the creation of a new quarter-cent sales tax that will be dedicated to funding transit projects.
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.
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
