Public Transit

Black and white photo of a streetcar from the 1900s.

A History of Public Transit Disinvestment in the US

The Union of Concerned Scientists takes us on a “trip down memory ‘train,’” examining the history of public transit, including its chronic disinvestment and perpetuation of racism, from the 1800s to today.

April 5, 2024 - Union Of Concerned Scientists

Mosaic window in Boston subway station celebrating America's first subway system.

Boston Transit Board Approves Low-Income Fare, but Funding is Unclear

The board voted to include the T’s on-demand paratransit service in the discount program, prompting concerns about cost.

April 3, 2024 - CommonWealth Beacon

View of Chicago street with vacant lot and brick building, snow on the ground, at night.

Report: One-Third of Vacant Lots in Chicago Near Transit

Vacant lots pose challenges for the city’s goals of promoting transit-oriented development.

April 2, 2024 - Chicago Tribune

Rendering of proposed East Link light rail station.

Seattle Area Developers Target Areas Around Light Rail Extension

The East Link line, which will connect Redmond and Bellevue to Seattle in 2025, is spurring transit-oriented development near future stations.

April 1, 2024 - The Seattle Times

Red public transit bus in Bangalore, India.

Indian States Give Women Free Bus Passes

The programs are part of an initiative aimed at helping more women join the workforce and improving access to basic needs.

March 28, 2024 - Next City

White and yellow Metro Transit streetcar in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Video: Making Transit Better

How trackless trams and other innovations can make U.S. transit more efficient.

March 28, 2024 - CNBC Marathon

Major League Baseball Stadium

Lawsuit Aims to Stop Dodger Stadium Gondola

A proposed aerial tram project that would shuttle visitors to L.A.’s Dodger Stadium faces backlash from environmental and community groups.

March 27, 2024 - Los Angeles Times

Green highway signs on Highway 23 for Ann Arbor and Flint, Michigan.

Ann Arbor Calls for Highway Bus Service

The city council voted unanimously in support of a plan to build more transit and park-and-ride options rather than expand a highway with more car lanes.

March 27, 2024 - M Live

MARTA public transit train station in downtown Atlanta, Georgia.

Atlanta Announces Four New MARTA Stations

The city’s Beltline will gain a new connection to heavy rail.

March 27, 2024 - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Rural bus stop

Congress Hears Rural Transportation Challenges

A Congressional subcommittee heard testimony from rural transportation officials, transit providers, and lawmakers.

March 26, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Looking down train trains in downtown Toronto, Canada with CN Tower in background.

Toronto to Explore Potential High Line-Style Park

City staff will study options for transforming a defunct rail corridor into a linear park.

March 26, 2024 - CBC

View of Red Rocks Amphitheater at sunset.

Public Transit Could Link Denver to Red Rocks Amphitheater

The venue, located just outside the city, currently lacks transit access.

March 24, 2024 - 9 News

New York City Subway

Opinion: Getting New York City’s Congestion Pricing Right

Improved transit service could make a major difference in how the program is received by New Yorkers.

March 24, 2024 - The New Republic

Trolley bus in San Francisco, California.

California Lawmakers Push Transit Funding Bill

The proposed legislation would also encourage consolidation of regional transit systems.

March 21, 2024 - Courthouse News Service

Close-up of person in wheelchair wearing jeans entering public bus on ramp.

How to Improve Transit Accessibility

Over 13 million Americans face mobility challenges that limit their travel experience.

March 21, 2024 - Prism

Google street view of wide bridge over Chicago River with small brick towers at corners.

RTA Calls for Bus Lanes on Chicago Bridge Project

The regional authority is asking the city to add dedicated bus lanes to a bridge over the Chicago River that serves a high number of bus commuters.

March 20, 2024 - Streetsblog Chicago

Low shot of side of subway or commuter train and passengers walking on platform next to it.

Study: Half of Global Commutes Made by Car; Rates Vary Widely

The United States is conspicuously consistent in its high rates of car usage, a new analysis finds.

March 19, 2024 - Phys.org

Urban Garden

How Nonprofits Are Shaping Sustainable Cities

Learn about nonprofits' pivotal role in urban sustainability, from policy advocacy to launching eco-initiatives that are transforming cityscapes for the better.

March 19, 2024 - Devin Partida

Group of cheery riders inside a CDTA public transit bus.

New York Transit Agency Launches Performance Dashboard

The tool increases transparency about the agency’s performance on a variety of metrics.

March 19, 2024 - Mass Transit

White and blue NJ Transit bus in Trenton, New Jersey.

NJ Transit Could Hike Fares by 15 Percent

Riders say the cost increase is not reflected in the system’s service.

March 17, 2024 - NJ.com

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.