Transportation

Expedited Transit Planning Process Passed Into Law in Ontario
The controversial subway plan announced by Ontario Premier Doug Ford in April 2020 now has legislative support in the form of a new law that expedites the planning, design, and construction process for transit projects in the province.

House Committee Calls for Stronger Federal Role in Planning to Deal With Climate Change
The new "Solving the Climate Crisis" report could provide guidance and direction if federal leadership in Washington, D.C. finally decides to take aggressive steps to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to a changed climate.

Resident Sues MARTA for Suspending Bus Service Due to the Coronavirus
A local transit advocate is using legal pressure in an effort to hold the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) accountable for bus transit cuts in the early months of the pandemic.

Seattle-to-Spokane Intercity Rail Proposal Studied
Washington State planners have completed a feasibility study into the proposed East-West Passenger Rail System for Washington State.

Mobility Companies All Over the PPP Recipients' List
The transportation industry has been promising high-tech innovations for years, and has attracted a lot of big time investment dollars along the way. But it looks like some of them are struggling during the pandemic anyway.

Richmond 300 Plan Update Includes New Cap Park, Form-Based Code
Richmond, Virginia is hoping to make some big changes in time for its tricentennial in 2037, including a new cap park and a new form-based code.

Tactical Urbanism Gurus Rethink Equity
Mike Lydon and Tony Garcia wrote the book on Tactical Urbanism, and as leading consultants of the practice in cities around the country, they have faced criticism in recent weeks and months for a lack of attention to matters of equity.

More Riders on Buses Than the Subway in New York City, in a Historic First
Buses in New York City are proving to be a crucial tool as New York recovers from a brutal experience at the beginning of the pandemic.

New Opportunities for Big Data in Pandemic-Era Urban Planning
Big data startups and corporations are collecting information that can help planners make informed decisions about how to facilitate social distancing. Will planners center data-driven decisions in other planning processes?

'Freedom to Move Act' Would Provide Federal Support for Free Transit Programs
New legislation by Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) would also target fare enforcement on the nation's transit systems.

'Open Restaurants on Open Streets' Program Announced in NYC
The al fresco streets concept is coming to New York City.

Plan to Widen I-5 in Portland Loses Critical Local Support
The I-5 Rose Quarter project has proven controversial throughout the study and planning process, and now it's losing key local political support.

Failing to Account for Induced Traffic, Even When the Public Demands It
Induced traffic occurs when new highway capacity speeds up traffic, allowing travelers to drive further, increasing sprawl. A review of major highway project plans finds that most fail to accurately account for induced travel effects.

Pilot Projects Launched to Test Coordinated Curb Use
Coord, a Sidewalk Labs spinoff, has selected the winners of the inaugural Digital Curb Challenge.

House Democrats Approve $1.5 Trillion 'Moving Forward Act'
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called the Moving Forward Act vote "pointless political theater."

Micromobility Makes a Comeback
Decreased public transit ridership is bringing some transit agencies to consider partnerships with micromobility corporations.

How Public Transit Agencies Are Adjusting to the Realities of the Pandemic
U.S. public transit agencies have been reacting to news and developments on the fly, as sudden declines in ridership, loss of revenue, waves of protest, and an uncertain long-term prognosis continues to disrupt day-to-day operations.

New Rule on Environmental Impacts of Driving, Long Awaited, Goes Into Effect Today
At long last, California law will consider the amount of driving, rather than vehicle delay, when evaluating the environmental impacts of new developments. This is a more common-sense approximation of their environmental impacts.

First: Grant Enables Automated Transit Buses in Connecticut
CTtransit will work with Robotic Research LLC, New Flyer of America, and the Center for Transportation and Environment to be the first public transit provider in the United States to operate full-sized, autonomous buses.

When Discussing Racist Monuments, Don't Forget Urban Freeways
The racist history of planning in Los Angeles is particularly evident in the way Interstate freeways were planned in the region.
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EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
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Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service