Transportation
Scooting in a City Built for Cars
Rising gas prices and thickening traffic congestion make small, fuel-efficient scooters seem like a great way to get around. But on roads built mainly for speeding cars, scooting can be scary. Occasional scooter-rider Pam Diaz argues it shouldn't be.
Of Cyclepaths and Psychopaths
Cyclists Bill Reynolds muses on the freedom offered by the bicycle -- and the tragic tendency for cyclists to fall victim to automobiles.
New Cruise Ship Will Have Its Own 'Central Park'
Royal Caribbean is building the world's largest cruise ship, which will be a city in its own right with seven different neighborhoods and a central public space/urban park.
Learning from Arlington
Columnist Roger K. Lewis reflects on Arlington's Rosslyn-Ballston corridor and what other cities can learn from their success.
Houston Thinks About Changing Lifestyles to Fight Congestion
This segment from NPR features a discussion with Houston Mayor Bill White about the city's increasing congestion, the limits of zoning, and the population's reaction to rising gas prices.
St. Charles Streetcar Clangs Back to Life
The streetcar returns to New Orleans' St. Charles Ave., a step forward in the long struggle to get the city's transit back on it's feet after Katrina.
Optical Illusion Speed Bumps Tested in Philadelphia
Optical illusions painted on the streets of Philadelphia are being tested out as a method for getting drivers to slow down.
Jaime Lerner's Ideas Go Global
Metropolis Magazine talks with bus rapid transit pioneer Jaime Lerner about the gradual global spread of his successful ideas from Curitiba.
Friday Funny: Buy An SUV, Get the Illusion of Low Gas Prices
Chrysler's "Let's Refuel America" campaign promises to subsidize your gas as if you were paying $2.99 a gallon if you buy one of their large vehicles. Cartoonist Ruben Bolling spoofs the thinking behind the program in this cartoon.
Handicapped Spots on Residential Streets?
A struggle in Newburyport, Mass., poses an interesting question- should residential neighborhoods have handicapped street parking for residents who need it?
Governor Backs Rail For Metro Atlanta
Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue has surprised many in the state by reversing his position and pledging full support for commuter rail in metropolitan Atlanta.
New Lines Approved For Houston Light Rail
A five-line extension of Houston's light rail system was just approved by the city council.
It's Dump the Pump Day
Today is "Dump the Pump" Day, an annual event created by the American Public Transportation Association to bring awareness to the benefits of public transit. Transit agencies across the country are offering free rides, including many in Florida.
A Train That Never Stops
A Taiwanese inventor is proposing a rail system that never stops for passengers, virtually eliminating delays. Follow the full story link to see the video.
Portland Goes Car-Free, For a While
For six hours this Sunday, streets in North Portland will be off-limits to cars.
Riding Amtrak Across the U.S.
GOOD Magazine sends a reporter across country on Amtrak to give a riders-eye view of the system.
NYC To Experiment With Car-Free Zone
In an effort to increase livability, New York City will test a 6.9 mile car-free corridor during the month of August.
Transit Struggling To Keep Up
Transit use is surging, but operators are facing the same fuel crunch as consumers and public monies for new investments aren't up to addressing the new demand.
Does TOD Create More Traffic?
In Boston, the MBTA and city planners are weighing the benefits and drawbacks of creating transit-oriented development along a major traffic corridor.
What Killed Congestion Pricing in New York?
Earth Island Journal takes an in-depth look at how and why congestion pricing got the kibosh in New York.
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
