The third phase of the project will expand service to downtown Honolulu on the ‘nation’s first large-scale, publicly run automated metro system.’

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) announced a $1.66 billion contract to enhance its rail system, popularly known as the Skyline, the “first large-scale, publicly run automated metro system in the U.S.,” reports Jon Turi in The Cool Down.
“The initial phase completed in June 2023 already offers 20 four-car vehicles made by Hitachi Rail that can accommodate around 800 riders each. They're ADA-compliant, air-conditioned, and have bike, luggage, and, of course, surfboard storage areas.” The third phase of the project will, over the next five years, connect existing lines to downtown Honolulu.
The electric system is part of Hawaii’s strategy to switch to 100 percent renewable energy by 2045. The platforms feature protective platform screen doors that keep riders away from tracks, and the trains include bike and surfboard storage areas.

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.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

Test News Post 1
This is a summary

Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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