Transportation

Transit Officials Struggle To Convince State For Funding

With little interest from the governor, Illinois transit officials are predicting that budget cuts will dramatically reduce transit service, especially in the suburban Chicago area. They have been unsuccessful in rallying lawmakers to boost funding.

May 4, 2007 - The Chicago Tribune

Trains Allowed To Idle Despite Pollution

Citing rules made more than 100 years ago, railroad operators have dodged regulations being pressed by a California air quality board to prohibit locomotives from idling -- a highly polluting activity.

May 4, 2007 - The Los Angeles Times

Traffic Drop Of 10% Makes World Of Difference After Freeway Collapse

A freeway collapse in the San Francisco Bay Area dramatically changed commuter patterns this week, and also caused a spike in public transit ridership, giving BART a record-breaking tally of passengers.

May 3, 2007 - The San Francisco Chronicle

L.A.'s Mayor On Solving The City's Congestion

In this interview, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa talks about how to tackle the city's congestion and housing issues.

May 3, 2007 - U.S. News & World Report

Which Cities Have The Fastest Walkers?

Researchers have conducted observations in 32 world cities to determine where people walk the fastest. They've found that the world's fastest walkers are in Singapore. To the surprise of many, New York City's walkers are only the eighth-fastest.

May 3, 2007 - ITV

More Parks In U.S. Going Car-Free

One mile of road in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park will be closed to cars every Saturday this summer, just one of many examples of car-free zones that are being proposed in the U.S.

May 2, 2007 - The Christian Science Monitor

A New Bold Plan For Boston

With the debut of a new region plan -- emphasizing town centers, more density, increased transit usage, and reduced water and energy consumption -- Boston area planners have their work cut out for them.

May 2, 2007 - The Boston Globe

Arguing The Merits Of A Consolidated Road Agency

City leaders eager for more control have renewed a debate over Boise's consolidated countywide highway district -- which supporters argue provide better service and saves taxpayers money.

May 2, 2007 - The (Boise) Idaho Statesman

Good Roads Are Good For The Environment

A European road organization has published a report showing that improved roads lead to a reduced carbon footprint and environmental benefits, following a detailed study by an independent Norwegian research group showing the same result.

May 2, 2007 - European Union Road Federation (ERF) - IRF Brussels Programme Centre

Fuel Cell Bus Fleet Plan Unveiled For British Columbia

Officials in British Columbia have announced plans to create the world's first fleet of buses powered by fuel cells. The fleet would debut in the city of Whistler by the 2010 winter Olympics.

May 2, 2007 - The Globe and Mail

Should Dangerous Cargo Be Routed Around Cities?

Some security experts are using the recent collapse of a Bay Area bridge due to an overturned oil tanker to highlight the dangers of routing hazardous cargo through cities.

May 1, 2007 - The Christian Science Monitor

Politicians Propose Mag-Lev In Scotland

Politicians in Scotland are trying to gather support for a plan to build a high-speed magnetic levitation train between the country's two biggest cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh. But opponents worry the proposal would hinder other rail development.

May 1, 2007 - BBC

Transport Privatization: Full Speed Ahead

Investors are lining up to bid on American's transportation infrastructure, with many public sector managers happy to solve their budget woes.

April 30, 2007 - MSNBC

Will Washington D.C. Follow NYC's Lead Towards Congestion Tax?

D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty recently stated his desire to investigate the feasibility of a congestion tax, sparking immediate debate about the possible effects on the region.

April 30, 2007 - The Washington Post

Schwarzenegger To Slash California Bullet Train Funding

California governor cites other pressing transportation needs.

April 30, 2007 - The Los Angeles Times

Will Reduced Transit Fares Bring Back Bus Riders?

While San Jose's light rail ridership has soared, its bus ridership has plummeted over 33% in six years. In an unprecedented effort to restore ridership, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority has decreased day and monthly pass prices.

April 30, 2007 - San Jose Mercury News

Mexican President Proposes Road Privatization

Despite a crumbling toll road that many call a failure, Mexican President Felipe Calderón is pushing measures that would create numerous toll roads in the country. With little money to invest in infrastructure, his plans rely on privatization.

April 30, 2007 - Los Angeles Times via The Seattle Times

Why Only The Private Sector Can Save Amtrak

A progressive -- if cynical -- argument for privatizing Amtrak: only private interests can borrow the necessary capital to upgrade it, and have the clout necessary to lobby Congress to support the service adequately.

April 29, 2007 - Truthout

Miami Moves Closer To Metrorail Expansion

Though funding is not ensured, the Miami-Dade Transit Authority has received permission from the federal government to start acquiring land for its 9.5 mile Metrorail line expansion.

April 28, 2007 - The Miami Herald

The Political Evolution of San Francisco's Bicycling Community

From monthly 'Critical Mass' bike rides to growing influence on city policy, SF cyclists recount their numerous victories and recent setbacks.

April 28, 2007 - The San Francisco Chronicle

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.

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