A new rail age is dawning in California, thanks to high-speed rail; BART's impending "fleet of the future"; and more, says Projjal Dutta, director of sustainability at NYC's MTA. If successful, this will mean a major reduction of car use and sprawl.
"High-speed rail was a signature Obama transportation policy during his first term, but many of the 13 projects that were signed up to receive funding have fallen by the wayside....However (and despite Elon Musk's claims about Hyperloop's superiority), the good stars lined up for the California High Speed Rail (CHSR)."
Furthermore: "Bay Area Rapid Transit is in the midst of a large procurement process for new train sets, which it is calling the Fleet of the Future."
And: "SF Muni, which operates the famous cable cars in San Francisco and the extensive bus and streetcar system within the city limits, is also in the midst of a capital expansion program. So is LA Metro, the organization bringing mass transit to Los Angeles... Even smaller jurisdictions like San Diego are revitalizing their trolley lines, creating an unprecedented rail renaissance in California."
FULL STORY: California Ushers in New Rail Age
Op-Ed: To Survive, Bay Area Transit Needs Integration
Advocates for ‘seamless’ transit are calling on California state leaders to tie a consolidation study to a one-time injection of funding into the Bay Area’s transit systems.
Transit and the ‘Big One’
Bay Area transit agencies employ rigorous protocols to ensure they’re prepared for the next major earthquake.
On Housing, Cities' Traditional Political Labels No Longer Apply
Historically liberal cities belie their supposed concern for human welfare by rejecting new development. Meanwhile, more conservative cities have seized the moment to become more progressive, innovative, and inclusive.
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.
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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