Public Transit

Amtrak 2035

Amtrak's Proposed 'Corridor' Expansion, Explained

Even while dealing with the economic fallout of the pandemic, Amtrak is forging forward with plans to expand intercity rail passenger service around the country.

February 11, 2021 - Albany Times Union

Government Center Station Miami

How $30 Billion in Stimulus Funding Would Change the Equation for Transit Agencies

The funding in the draft stimulus funding package making its way through Congress falls short of the total requested by the American Public Transportation Association, but would go a long way to helping transit agencies weather the pandemic.

February 10, 2021 - TransitCenter

Portland, Maine

Opinion: It's the Perfect Time for More Trains in Maine

A more concerted effort could bring together the state's recent plans and federal infrastructure investment to link the region and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

February 9, 2021 - Press Herald

Maglev

Federal Review of High-Speed Maglev Train Between D.C. and Baltimore Nearing the Finish Line

The Federal Railroad Administration recently released a preliminary study of a proposed high-speed maglev train route between Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

February 7, 2021 - The Washington Post

Everett, Washington

Transit Investments for Operations Would Make a World of Difference

Transit advocates are launching a new push for federal funding aid to increase service on existing transit routes.

February 4, 2021 - TransitCenter

New York Subway

Major Transit Openings Expected in 2021

All the heavy rail, light rail, bus rapid transit, and commuter rail projects expected to open in North American in 2021.

February 1, 2021 - theTransportPolitic

COVID-19 and Public Health

Biden: Masks, Not Vaccines, Are Best Defense in Near Term

President Joe Biden is calling on all Americans to wear masks for the next 100 days to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, issuing two executive orders that require wearing masks on federal property and in domestic and international travel.

January 26, 2021 - The Washington Post

Wheelchair Ramp

Cars, Transit, and the Disabled

Contrary to popular myth, the disabled drive less than other Americans.

January 26, 2021 - Michael Lewyn

Seattle Protected Bike Lane

Bike and Pedestrian Improvements Proposed for Seattle Light Rail Stations

Anticipating the opening of two new stations in 2024, the Seattle Department of Transportation released a study prioritizing bike infrastructure in the surrounding areas.

January 25, 2021 - Seattle Bike Blog

Sound Transit Seattle

Price Tag Jumps for Seattle Light Rail Projects

Land values and construction costs have increased since voters approved the Sound Transit 3 ballot initiative.

January 12, 2021 - The Seattle Times

Coronavirus and Transportation

Buses and Masks

Why is it hard for transit agencies to enforce pro-mask rules?

January 11, 2021 - Michael Lewyn

Baltimore Rail

Report Highlights the Need for Local Governance in Baltimore Transit

The unique structure of the Maryland Transit Administration leaves local stakeholders out of decision-making.

January 7, 2021 - Greater Greater Washington

Cable Car

What Will California's Commutes Look Like After COVID-19?

As the pandemic begins to wind down, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority's Deborah Dagang speculates on the future of commuting, traffic, and public transit as Californians slowly return to their travel routines.

January 6, 2021 - The Mercury News

Norfolk, Virginia

Next Up for Bus System Redesign: Norfolk, Virginia

The Norfolk City Council will vote in February on a draft transit system redesign organized around the principle of a high frequency grid, similar to system redesigns in other cities in recent years.

January 6, 2021 - The Virginia Mercury

14th Street Busway New York City

Judge Clears the Obstacles for Queens Busway Project

One piece of New York City's Better Buses Action Plan has been relieved of legal resistance.

January 6, 2021 - amNew York

Los Angeles County Sprawl

A Year of Climate Action for Cities

The Trump administration might have dealt numerous setbacks in the fight to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but climate action in 2020 went local, with cities all over the country finding new ways to reduce emissions.

January 1, 2021 - Amy Turner via Twitter

My First Ride

Federal Funding Could Vastly Improve Transit Services

With a $17 billion federal investment, every city's public transit could look like Chicago's.

December 31, 2020 - GOVTECH.COM

Maokong Sky Gondola

Seattle Neighborhood Groups Propose Aerial Gondola to Replace Light Rail Expansion

Impatient with the city's light rail expansion plans, some residents are looking to aerial gondolas as a new mode of public transit.

December 28, 2020 - The Urbanist

CTA El Train

One Big Step Forward, One Small Step Back for Chicago Red Line Extension

A big approval and a significant delay—but otherwise 2020 has been a positive year for plans to extend the Chicago Transit Authority's Red Line by 5.6 miles to the south.

December 28, 2020 - Chicago Sun-Times

Montreal Light Rail

Big Light Rail Expansion Planned in Montreal

Montreal officials recently announced details of a major expansion of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM).

December 25, 2020 - CBC

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.