Public Transit

Metro Train Station

Activating L.A.’s Transit Stations

Advocates say encouraging community events, vendors, and activity at transit stations can improve public safety without increasing the presence of law enforcement.

September 15, 2022 - Streetsblog Los Angeles

A group of Latino dancers and musicians perform in front of the Love sculpture in Philadelphia.

New Film, Set on a Philly Bus, Celebrates the Magic of the Latino Community

The Latino community gathers on a bus, and joy ensues, in the new short film "La Guagua 47."

September 15, 2022 - WHYY

People boarding bus at LA Metro Bus Stop, Alvarado Street, Los Angeles

A Transit Ridership Role Reversal in California

Since the outset of the pandemic, the capital of car-oriented sprawl in California has become the king of public transit. Looking for lessons about the future of public transit in the United States? Look to San Francisco and Los Angeles.

September 14, 2022 - The Mercury News

Construction crane and equipment on 4th Street for Central Subway project in San Francisco, California

Opinion: San Francisco’s Central Subway Is a Bad Investment

Critics of the subway project argue that the line is too short and disconnected from other transit options to be useful. Meanwhile, projected costs continue to rise.

September 14, 2022 - Mission Local

Subway riders in Bangkok wear masks during the pandemic.

A Sustainable Future Requires Smart, Data-Driven Public Transport Networks

Devin de Vries, CEO of WhereIsMyTransport, makes the case for new and improved mobility as a tool for sustainability and equitable economic development.

September 14, 2022 - Devin de Vries

A rider waits on the platform of the Sox-35th station on the CTA Red Line in Chicago.

Chicago’s Red Line Extension Environmental Review Complete

The Red Line Extension on Chicago’s South Side could be a game changer, if the city can figure out the local funding.

September 7, 2022 - Mass Transit

Electric Bus

$1.66 Billion in Federal Infrastructure Funding Awarded to U.S. Bus Systems

The Federal Transit Administration announced the winners in the Bus and Bus Facilities and Low or No Emission Vehicle (Low-No Program) programs in August.

September 6, 2022 - Federal Transit Administration

A map of San Jose showing the route of the planned BART Silicon Valley Phase II Extension.

BART’s Phase II Extension Into San Jose Ready to Go

A long-awaited extension of the Bay Area’s regional rail transit system is finally coming into view, with an expected completion date of 2030.

September 5, 2022 - KALW

An MBTA Orange Line train bound for Oak Grove waits at a station.

Feds Intervene in Boston’s Transit Troubles

The Federal Transit Administration issued a scathing review of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s performance last week, ordering major changes at the Boston area’s transportation agency.

September 4, 2022 - WBUR

New York City Winter

New York MTA Cuts Bus Service

The transit crisis continues.

September 4, 2022 - New York Daily News

Amtrak

Virginia’s Intercity Rail Investments Paying Off in New Ridership

State-supported rail lines in Virginia set a new ridership record in July.

September 2, 2022 - Sun Gazette

Orange Line Bus

Funding for Two Transit Projects Approved for the Valley in Los Angeles

Local funding for a new light rail line and upgrades to the G Line (née Orange Line) bus rapid transit route have been approved for the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles.

August 28, 2022 - Los Angeles Daily News

Bus riders standing on crowded city bus, holding top rail

Report: Improved Service Key to Growing Bus Ridership

A NACTO report highlights the importance of bus-friendly policies and infrastructure for boosting ridership numbers and reducing urban congestion and pollution.

August 24, 2022 - Smart Cities Dive

Bus riders wearing masks

Opinion: Free Transit Opposition Is Tone Deaf

Critics of free transit programs argue that free fares may not decrease driving or fight climate change. Dr. Destiny Thomas explains why that argument ‘misses the point.’

August 24, 2022 - Streetsblog USA

Red Metrorail train in downtown Houston, Texas

Houston Inches Toward Reduced Car Dependency

The city is investing more in biking, walking, and public transit, but a lack of funding and counterproductive moves from the Texas Department of Transportation are slowing the process of shifting away from personal automobile dependency.

August 24, 2022 - Houston Public Media

110 Freeway

Opinion: Los Angeles Transportation Plan Will Increase Driving

L.A. Metro’s plan to add hundreds of miles of new traffic lanes is projected to increase carbon emissions by 10 million metric tons.

August 18, 2022 - Los Angeles Times

Flooding at the Whitehall Street station, New York

How Extreme Weather Threatens Transit Systems

As weather events become more intense and unpredictable, transit agencies must take steps to protect their aging infrastructure from flooding, storms, and extreme heat.

August 18, 2022 - Next City

Jacksonville Skyway monorail train passing on elevated rail in front of downtown buildings

Jacksonville To Replace Monorail With Autonomous Shuttles

The city’s aging monorail system will be repurposed as part of an expanded 10-mile shuttle system.

August 17, 2022 - Smart Cities Dive

Sound Transit Seattle

Free Transit Starts September 1 for Seattle Youth

Sound Transit is launching a fare-free program for young riders in the hopes of educating and recruiting future riders and making schools and jobs more accessible to transit-dependent youth.

August 12, 2022 - Smart Cities Dive

Traffic in Manhattan New York

Congestion Pricing Details Emerge From MTA’s Environmental Assessment

After more than a decade of delays and reversals, congestion pricing is expected to take effect in Manhattan in late 2023 or early 2024.

August 12, 2022 - Gothamist

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.