Public Transit

Blue bus on city street

The State of Public Transit Ridership Across the US

Ridership recovery is an uphill battle for transit agencies across the nation, but some metro areas have made progress.

December 18, 2023 - Axios

Amtrak train passing on bridge with historic tower in background in Alexandria, Virginia.

Northern Virginia Projects Counting on Transit

A proposed stadium and other major development projects near transit stations could be hampered by the regional transit agency’s financial woes.

December 18, 2023 - The Washington Post

View from across the street of Rosa Parks Transit Station in Jacksonville, Florida.

Mixed-Use TOD Planned in Jacksonville

The project will include affordable housing and retail space near the Rosa Parks transit station.

December 17, 2023 - Jax Today

Amtrak train on Southern California coast.

State Leaders Warn of Risks to Southern California Rail Corridor

Coastal erosion and rising sea levels threaten one of the nation’s most scenic—and strategically important—rail corridors.

December 14, 2023 - The San Diego Union-Tribune

Close-up of 'To Trains' sign above blurred train platform in Washington, D.C.

Federal Grants for Passenger Rail Top $8 Billion

The Federal Railroad Administration announced the grants to dozens of projects for expanding or building new rail corridors.

December 11, 2023 - Mass Transit

Rendering of exterior of MARTA Five Points transit station.

Atlanta’s Five Points Station Overhaul Enters Public Review Phase

The project is part of MARTA’s effort to support more transit-oriented development in downtown Atlanta.

December 10, 2023 - Urbanize Atlanta

Sepia-toned photo of New York City subway turnstiles.

NYC Tests New Subway Gates to Limit Fare Evasion

The mayor has taken a strong interest in enforcing fare collection at the city’s transit stations.

December 10, 2023 - Curbed

Woman bus driver sitting behind wheel of bus wearing long-sleeved shirt and yellow safety vest.

How Inequality Impacts Transit Safety

Transit workers are being assaulted by riders at alarming rates, and inequity may be partly to blame.

December 8, 2023 - Streetsblog USA

View of aerial tram cars at Oakland Zoo with Oakland, California neighborhoods in background.

Aerial Cable Cars as Urban Transport

While often thought of as only for tourists in mountain areas, aerial cable cars have proven to be effective in providing transportation in urban areas, such as across rivers in New York City and freeways in Portland.

December 8, 2023 - World Transport Policy and Practice

Silver and red Washington D.C. bus.

DC Launches 24/7 Bus Service

Starting December 17, 14 Metrobus routes will run around the clock to better serve essential workers and visitors.

December 7, 2023 - Mass Transit

Rapid bus at station at night in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

OKC Celebrates New Rapid Bus Line With Free Rides

The agency wants to showcase the benefits of a recently opened BRT line connecting the northwest part of the city to downtown.

December 5, 2023 - The Oklahoman

Public transit bus on street with cyclist riding next to it in Madison, Wisconsin.

Madison BRT Line to Open Next Year

The city’s bus rapid transit service will be the second BRT system in Wisconsin.

December 4, 2023 - Wisconsin Public Radio

White, blue, and red Chicago transit bus at an urban bus station with shelter.

Chicago Announces ‘Better Streets for Buses’ Plan

The plan establishes a ‘toolkit’ of improvements to make the bus riding experience more reliable, comfortable, and accessible.

December 3, 2023 - City of Chicago

Close-up of hand reading Braille sign at bus stop in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Braille Signage Now at All Vancouver Bus Stops

The city completed installation of signage for people with visual impairments at over 8,000 bus stops.

December 1, 2023 - Mass Transit

Green Paris Texas city limit sign with population.

How Paris, Texas Became a ‘Unicorn’ for Rural Transit

A robust coalition of advocates in the town of 25,000 brought together the funding and resources to launch a popular bus service that some residents see as a mobility lifeline—and a social club.

November 30, 2023 - Texas Monthly

Red San Diego Trolley light rail train at station with passengers walking on platform and Spanish-style dome building in background.

San Diego Trolley Nation’s Most Popular Light Rail

The system's ridership benefited from an extension project and free transit for youth.

November 30, 2023 - Axios

White and blue Kansas City streetcar at a station with LIberty Memorial column in background.

The Variable Benefits of Streetcars

An analysis of several streetcar systems shows that they bring different benefits based on a community’s goals.

November 28, 2023 - Smart Cities Dive

Rendering of TOD with two glass towers abovw MARTA transit station in Kensington near Atlanta, Georgia.

New TOD Breaks Ground in Atlanta Area

The project will include over 500 housing units, commercial and retail space, and park spaces.

November 28, 2023 - Urbanize Atlanta

Aerial view of two sports stadiums in Arlington, Texas.

The Largest U.S. City Lacking Mass Transit

Arlington, Texas has the dubious distinction of being the largest city in the nation with no fixed-route public transit system.

November 27, 2023 - Fort Worth Report

Close-up of accessible stop button on public bus.

Phoenix Transit Riders Face Accessibility Challenges

Disability advocates want the city’s transit agencies to expand the scope of their accessibility efforts to include a broader range of needs.

November 26, 2023 - AZ Big Media

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.