Transportation

Alstom Train

NJ Transit Fare Holiday Announcement Draws Mixed Reactions

New Jersey officials say the fare-free week is a “thank you” to loyal transit riders after a summer of service disruptions; transit advocates say it’s a gimmick and longer-term solutions are needed.

August 19, 2024 - Patch

Aerial view of Spokane, Washington with river in foreground.

Spokane Could Eliminate Parking Minimums Near Transit

A Washington state proposal to reduce parking minimums failed in the state legislature earlier this year.

August 18, 2024 - The Urbanist

"Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada" sign at night.

Las Vegas BRT Line Breaks Ground

The new bus project will include pedestrian and bike improvements along a 12-mile stretch of the Maryland Parkway.

August 18, 2024 - Traffic Technology Today

White city bus on road in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with tall city buildings in background.

Pennsylvania Adopts State Transportation Plan

The plan addresses roads, transit, and other transportation infrastructure over the next 12 years.

August 18, 2024 - Roads & Bridges

Close-up on red traffic light with blurred street in background.

Boston AI Pilot Optimizes Traffic Light Timing

The program has led to reductions in stop-and-go traffic of as much as 50 percent.

August 16, 2024 - Cities Today

Outdoor train platform for light rail train in Minneapolis, Minnesota with passenger walking toward blue and yellow train.

Transit Crime Down in NYC, Minneapolis

The two cities launched targeted efforts to improve security and offer supportive services to transit users.

August 16, 2024 - Cities Today

Blurry view of semi-crowded subway car

Do Americans Want Women-Only Subway Cars?

Results from a YouGov survey indicate there is interest in subway and train cars being designated as women only, especially among female riders, younger riders, and people who have had negative interactions on public transportation.

August 15, 2024 - YouGov

Close-up of white sign with black text; line drawing of bike and 'BIKE LANE'

Denver Could Add Bike Lanes to Major Streets

City planners say limiting protected bike infrastructure to smaller streets isn’t enough to create a safe, connected bikeway network that reaches all parts of the city.

August 15, 2024 - Denverite

"Stop - Pedestrians in crosswalk" sign in white and red lights.

Which Cities Have the Highest Pedestrian Fatalities?

Rapid population growth and limited pedestrian infrastructure puts people walking at higher risk.

August 15, 2024 - Motor Biscuit

Close-up on yellow sign with black 'BUMP' letters indicating speed bump ahead.

Kansas City Adding Speed Bumps for Traffic Safety

The city is adding the traffic calming measures at 50 high-risk intersections.

August 15, 2024 - The Kansas City Star

White Shinkansen high-speed rail train passing through green fields with water and Mount Fuji in background in Japan.

The World’s 10 Fastest Trains

From Japan to Morocco to China, these passenger trains travel at speeds of up to 311 miles per hour.

August 14, 2024 - Jalopnik

View looking down indoor concourse at Los Angeles Union Station with “To Union Station East” and “Passageway to Trains and Patsaouras Bus Plaza” signs.

Can LA Achieve a ‘No-Car’ Olympics?

The city’s mayor promises all Olympic venues will be reachable by transit, but the city’s ability to finish its transit projects on time is coming into question.

August 14, 2024 - Associated Press

Rendering from the North DuSable Lake Shore Drive Phase I Study of Lake Shore Drive in Chicago.

Chicago Transit Advocates Rally Against ‘Redefine the Drive’ Plan

Current plans don’t include transit, pedestrian infrastructure, or new connections to the lakefront park.

August 14, 2024 - Streetsblog Chicago

Bike parked on urban sidewalk with large street trees.

Sustainable Urban Design: A New Tool and Approach on The Talking Headways Podcast

Discover how the Sustainable Urban Design Framework helps planners create livable, sustainable communities. Nico Larco from the University of Oregon explores a new tool and book in the latest “Talking Headways” podcast.

August 14, 2024 - Streetsblog USA

White NJ Transit parked at station with blue stripes.

NJ Transit Steps in to Replace Bankrupt Bus Operator

The agency is using a new subcontractor to provide service in Hudson and Passaic counties after Coach USA declared bankruptcy.

August 14, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Close-up of white pedestrian and bike symbols painted on concrete path.

California Bill Promotes ‘Quick-Build’ Road Safety Solutions

The bill is part of an effort to reverse entrenched patterns in traffic engineering and speed up the adoption of safer infrastructure for people walking and biking.

August 13, 2024 - CalBike

Black and purple hybrid Phoenix Public Transit bus.

Phoenix Launches Hybrid Bus Fleet

The city aims to have a zero-emissions transit fleet by 2040.

August 13, 2024 - KTAR

Google street view of Amboy Road in Staten Island, New York.

Staten Island Road Widening Project Moves Forward

New York’s Department of Transportation plans to double the width of a Staten Island street to accommodate more vehicular traffic.

August 13, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

Close-up of orange and white traffic cone on street with blurred worker in orange vest in background.

Book Review: Killed By A Traffic Engineer

In a new book, engineering professor Wes Marshall explains why American roads are so unsafe.

August 13, 2024 - Michael Lewyn

Intersection with stoplight and "no right turn on red" sign in San Francisco, California.

San Francisco Officials Call for Citywide Ban on Right Turns on Red

A proposal to prohibit turns on red at some downtown intersections prompted calls for a blanket ban for the entire city.

August 12, 2024 - CBS News

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.