Eschewing the opulence and excess of more recent pontiffs, the newly elected Pope Francis has decided to decommission the bullet-proof single-passenger Popemobile in favor of a Pope Bus.
The Pope Bus is inspired by Pope Francis' own transportation preferences. When a cardinal in Buenos Aires, he gave up his chauffeured limousine and opted to ride the bus to work. Before accepting the Popedom, he insisted that the provision of a Pope Bus – with bullet-proof viewing chamber included – be written into his contract. And so it was.
Known for his humility and consideration of the less fortunate, Pope Francis says he hopes his new Pope Bus will provide service and comfort to the less fortunate of the world.
"If I'm going to be paraded across town like a museum exhibit, I might as well help get some people to work while I'm doing it," said the Pope in a telephone interview from a payphone newly installed by his request in Vatican City.
There will be no eating, drinking or loud music on the Pope Bus, and all riders must be wearing shoes and shirts. "All passengers must exit through the rear door," added the Pope.
This will be the first Pope Bus in more than 2,000 years.
FULL STORY: Transit-Riding Pope Mothballs Popemobile, Opts for Pope Bus
Self-Driving Cars Still Can't Recognize the Difference Between a Wedding Planner and an Urban Planner
Pundits agree that planners need to prepare for self-driving cars. Self-driving cars still need to prepare for planners.
Florida Man Thought the New Comp Plan Included Zoning Changes
A Florida man is accused of not realizing an entirely separate process would be required to implement the zoning changes recommended in a recently approved comprehensive plan.
April Fool's Headlines That Didn't Make the Cut
"Who's the more foolish, the fool, or the fool who follows him?"
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