Transportation
Great Lakes Compact Comes Just in Time
Between the invasive species, questions of drinking water safety, and dipping water levels, the Great Lakes have been taking a beating lately.
Architect Hopes To Spread 'Pedestrianizaton'
The transformation of Copenhagen from a car-choked thoroughfare to a lively, pedestrian center began in 1962 with the closing of the Strøget, and folks walked and biked in record numbers. Now architect Jan Gehl hopes to spread this new urban culture.
Woes Awaiting New Transportation Secretary
Of primary importance will be dealing with the National Highway Trust Fund, long the source of federal transportation funding, but not having seen an increase in the gas tax for 15 years, it is essentially broke - spending more than it brings in.
Cities are Gas Guzzlers, Too
Like the major automakers, cities have been warned for years that they need to rein in sprawl and become more energy-efficient; and having neglected these warnings must now restructure how they operate, says Jack Diamond of the Globe and Mail.
New Rail Brings Opportunities and Fears to East L.A.
As rail expands into East L.A., residents are both excited about economic opportunities and worried about gentrification and the possible loss of the area's distinct Latino character.
Roads or Police?
A bi-partisan PA bill with considerable support seeks to redirect funds from the Motor License Fund, paid by motorists, that currently go to the State Police to roads. The police budget would have to compete with other needs from the general fund.
Dublin the Number of Taxis Was a Mistake
With thousands more licensed taxis than New York City, Dublin Ireland is facing a glut of idle cabs.
3 Plans to Rescue the Economy and the Earth with Public Transportation
Treehugger.com talks to Andy Kunz of urbandesign.org, The Apollo Alliance, and Transportation for America about their proposals to move America forward with expanded public transportation initiatives.
Intercity Bus Use Highest in 40 Years: Study
A new report from the Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development finds that a combination of high gas prices and airline industry woes have contributed to a dramatic increase in intercity bus ridership.
RAND Corp. Offers SoCal Short Term Congestion Fixes
Author Paul Sorensen details the findings of a recent RAND study recommending short term (i.e., within five years) fixes for rampant congestion in Southern California.
In Light of Violence, Student Subway Passes Reconsidered
Subway violence and crime in Philadelphia have been unofficially traced to truant students, who are enabled by unlimited rides on the SEPTA throughout the week. Whether or not the student TransPass system should be eliminated is being debated.
Transportation Secretary Will Have to Hit Ground Running
Outdated funding mechanisms and systemwide maintenance issues ensure that the next transportation secretary will have a full plate during the Obama administration.
The Problem of Less Driving
This year, oil prices in America rose to heights drivers had never seen. So they cut back on driving. But that reduction is now causing oil prices to fall back down, and many say drivers will soon revert to old habits.
London Mayor Cuts Cycling Funds
London mayor Boris Johnson is facing backlash for withdrawing money from bike route funds to rephase traffic lights, among other things. The move is less than effective for making London a "true cycling city," say critics.
Xmas Gift for the Transit Nut
Lionel is offering its first ever model subway set, recreating the New York subway system complete with station announcements and subway sounds.
New Orleans' Streetcars Make a Comeback
All of Canal Street's red streetcars were damaged by Hurricane Katrina, but up to nine restored streetcars may be in service by the end of the year.
Transit Hero Featured In Seattle Column
This column deals with two Seattle issues: one political - the victory of a transit measure on Nov. 4 that will direct $18 billion to light rail; the other human - a Sierra Club activist who made the campaign for Prop 1 a full time job.
London Becoming a Bike City
Cycling is on the rise in London, where thousands of commuters fill the streets every morning and the number of trips has more than doubled since 2000.
Greening New York From the Street Up
This article from The American Prospect profiles New York City Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan and examines her influence on the city's green agenda.
Behold, the Square Traffic Light
Want to give your city a unique look? Try these new square traffic lights.
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
