Transportation

Amtrak train with Northeast Regional painted on the side sitting at a platform

New Multimodal Regional Transportation Center Opens in Virginia

Amtrak, CSX, and local, state, and federal agencies partnered on a new $53 million multimodal transit center that connects Newport News and the regional bus system to Amtrak Virginia and Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor.

August 26, 2024 - Mass Transit

Neon signs in historic theater district in Austin, Texas.

Austin Left Turn Improvements Cut Serious Crashes by Half

Changes to left turn infrastructure and signal timing led to a 47 to 72 percent drop in fatal and serious injury crashes.

August 25, 2024 - Austin Monitor

A handicap parking space with yellow painted wheelchair symbol and yellow hatched space on both sides.

Fairfax to Consider 'Parking Reimagined' Amendment to Increase Accessible Spaces

Parking reform went into effect in Fairfax County, Virginia, in January, but county officials are considering tweaks to make sure the new regulations don’t lead to a decrease in accessible spaces.

August 25, 2024 - Gazette Leader

Rendering of redeveloped public square in Denton, Texas with new pedestrian and public infrastructure and historic courthouse in background.

North Texas Town Launches Downtown Revitalization Plan

The Design Downtown Denton plan takes aim at improving walkability and highlighting the city’s historic assets.

August 22, 2024 - Denton Record-Chronicle

Image of cars driving on multi-lane road with graphics indicating the vehicles are communicating with each other.

Federal Plan Outlines Deployment of ‘Vehicle-to-Everything’ Tech

The technology known as V2X could prevent crashes and save lives by allowing vehicles to communicate with each other and road infrastructure.

August 22, 2024 - NPR

Commercial street in downtown Boulder, Colorado.

Boulder Could Eliminate Parking Requirements Citywide

A new study found that half of the city’s commercial parking spaces are usually empty.

August 21, 2024 - Boulder Reporting Lab

Interstate 94 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Milwaukee Environmental Groups Sue to Stop Freeway Expansion

Groups including the Sierra Club say the expansion of I-94 would negatively impact communities of color and increase flood risks.

August 21, 2024 - Fox 6 Milwaukee

Green Peter Pan intercity bus parked at station in Hartford, Connecticut.

Northeast Corridor Megabus Routes to be Served by Peter Pan Bus Lines

The operator is taking over intercity routes in the Northeast after Megabus owner Coach USA’s June bankruptcy.

August 21, 2024 - Source of the Spring

Interior of large parking garage full of cars.

New Survey Shows Support for Unbundled Parking

Parking reform advocates say separating the cost of parking from rent can promote more sustainable transportation choices and reduce driving.

August 20, 2024 - Streetsblog USA

Rendering of automated people mover on elevated track at Los Angeles International Airport at nighttime with iconic light columns.

LA City Council Approves Extra Funding for LAX People Mover

The automated electric rail system is expected to carry up to 30 million passengers per year to points in and around the Los Angeles International Airport.

August 20, 2024 - Westside Current

Chicago elevated train leaving a platform.

Chicago Commute Times Could Double Without New Transit Funding

A dire warning from regional transit leaders paints a bleak scenario for traffic if agencies are forced to cut service.

August 20, 2024 - Chicago Sun-Times

Alstom Train

NJ Transit Fare Holiday Announcement Draws Mixed Reactions

New Jersey officials say the fare-free week is a “thank you” to loyal transit riders after a summer of service disruptions; transit advocates say it’s a gimmick and longer-term solutions are needed.

August 19, 2024 - Patch

Aerial view of Spokane, Washington with river in foreground.

Spokane Could Eliminate Parking Minimums Near Transit

A Washington state proposal to reduce parking minimums failed in the state legislature earlier this year.

August 18, 2024 - The Urbanist

"Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada" sign at night.

Las Vegas BRT Line Breaks Ground

The new bus project will include pedestrian and bike improvements along a 12-mile stretch of the Maryland Parkway.

August 18, 2024 - Traffic Technology Today

White city bus on road in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with tall city buildings in background.

Pennsylvania Adopts State Transportation Plan

The plan addresses roads, transit, and other transportation infrastructure over the next 12 years.

August 18, 2024 - Roads & Bridges

Close-up on red traffic light with blurred street in background.

Boston AI Pilot Optimizes Traffic Light Timing

The program has led to reductions in stop-and-go traffic of as much as 50 percent.

August 16, 2024 - Cities Today

Outdoor train platform for light rail train in Minneapolis, Minnesota with passenger walking toward blue and yellow train.

Transit Crime Down in NYC, Minneapolis

The two cities launched targeted efforts to improve security and offer supportive services to transit users.

August 16, 2024 - Cities Today

Blurry view of semi-crowded subway car

Do Americans Want Women-Only Subway Cars?

Results from a YouGov survey indicate there is interest in subway and train cars being designated as women only, especially among female riders, younger riders, and people who have had negative interactions on public transportation.

August 15, 2024 - YouGov

Close-up of white sign with black text; line drawing of bike and 'BIKE LANE'

Denver Could Add Bike Lanes to Major Streets

City planners say limiting protected bike infrastructure to smaller streets isn’t enough to create a safe, connected bikeway network that reaches all parts of the city.

August 15, 2024 - Denverite

"Stop - Pedestrians in crosswalk" sign in white and red lights.

Which Cities Have the Highest Pedestrian Fatalities?

Rapid population growth and limited pedestrian infrastructure puts people walking at higher risk.

August 15, 2024 - Motor Biscuit

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.