An initial lack of success of transportation pilot projects isn't always an indicator of long-term viability in a rapidly shifting transportation landscape, according to this article.
Arielle Fleisher, transportation policy director for SPUR, writes a defense of the pilot project, source of wild ideas.
Unprecedented change in the transportation system, most of it emerging from the private market, has caught the public sector flatfooted. In response, many cities and transit agencies are starting to pilot new kinds of services, testing a variety of ideas for giving people better ways to get around. In a number of cases, the early ridership results from these pilot programs are not strong, which has led many to dismiss the new ideas — and the agencies for trying them.
But this skepticism undermines the intended purpose of pilots: to test and refine the opportunity to extend the transportation system and get people out of their cars. Rather than looking down on pilots, we should embrace experimentation as a chance to learn and to improve transportation outcomes.
With L.A. Metro's on-demand transportation pilot, Via, as an example, Fleisher suggests a few ways pilot projects can be improved to ensure better results, and the transportation solution needed in communities.
FULL STORY: Don’t Dismiss Transportation Pilot Projects: We Need More Wild Ideas
Los Angeles to Test Road Closure Through Scenic Griffith Park
After a driver killed a cyclist on Griffith Park Drive in April, the city of Los Angeles is studying safety upgrades on streets in its famous park. The L.A. Times says the changes are part of a growing movement.
‘Universal Basic Mobility’ Pilot Launches in Los Angeles
A new program will bring electric car sharing, an e-bike library, on-demand shuttles, and other services to South Los Angeles in an effort to give residents more transportation options.
Transportation Tech Innovation Zone Launched in Los Angeles
Urban Movement Labs (UML) is working with the office of Mayor Eric Garcetti to undertake a series of pilot programs to entice private companies to Los Angeles to develop and test innovation transportation technology.
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
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.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service