Transportation
A Debate on the Desirability of Urban Rail Transit Systems
An article in the Journal of Urban Economics concludes that rail transit is erroneously believed by the public to be socially desirable, because rail systems have been sold as an antidote to the social costs associated with automobile travel.
London's Congestion Charge May Increase For Heavy Polluters
A proposal has been made to increase the charge levied on highly polluting cars traveling into London's central congestion zone. The 8-pound fee could rise to 25 pounds for some drivers.
Building A Better Taxi Stand
The current taxi system in New York is dysfunctional and needs a change. Here's one idea to change it through simple better street design.
Why Don't Elected Officials Take The Bus?
Los Angeles' mayor has been a tireless advocate for mass transit, but some wonder why the mayor doesn't make use of the system himself.
Call For 'Rails, Not Roads' In Atlanta
With elections over, Atlanta's major newspaper calls for state and local politicians to take the steps necessary to develop multi-modal transportation options in the region.
A New Toll Road, A Ruined State Park, And Still No Traffic Relief
In Orange County, California, a proposed toll road may not ease congestion on Interstate 5, as originally intended.
In Denmark, Linking Beauty And Rail In New Design
These renderings for a new project in Denmark show how towers and open space combine to promote mass transit and reject old-fashioned ideas about monolithic design.
Rail Agreement Links Asia To Europe
An agreement has been reached between 18 countries to move forward on a long-sought plan to connect railways between Singapore and Turkey, creating a vast network expected to boost the economies of currently remote areas.
Court Ruling Stalls San Francisco Bike Plan
Running afoul of the state's 1970 landmark environmental law, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), San Francisco's bike plan must undergo a full environmental review, ruled a superior court judge on Nov. 7.
Kansas City Approves One Man's Light Rail Plan
Kansas City voters approved a light rail plan that was opposed by the regional transit agency -- who called it a fantasy and ungrounded in reality.
San Francisco To Implement Bus Rapid Transit Service By 2010
While late to adopt bus rapid transit, San Francisco's Muni is planning to bring fully-fledged BRT lines, complete with dedicated lanes, to the city by 2010.
Bangkok Moves Ahead With Rail Transit Expansion
The five newly approved underground and elevated rail transit projects are aimed at easing the notoriously congested traffic of Thailand's capital.
Trying To Resolve The Conflict Between NYC's Cyclists And Pedestrians
Former New York City Deputy Transportation Commissioner "Gridlock" Sam Schwartz proposes two ideas to help walkers and bikers get along on NYC's crowded streets.
Parking Versus Pedestrians
An amendment to make Honolulu a pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly city is threatened because of a proposed decrease in on-street parking spaces.
Atlanta Suffering From Stalled Transportation Projects
With Metro Atlanta mired in gridlock, a report by the regional planning agency detailed hundreds of transportation projects that were delayed or dropped entirely in 2006.
Funding Transportation Through User Fees, Not Sales Taxes
While sales tax increases have proven popular, road tolls and other user fees are better methods to fund transportation improvements, says transportation expert Martin Wachs.
Record Funding For Transportation On Election Day Ballots
33 transportation-related ballot measures worth more than $55 billion face voters this election.
News Summary and Analysis - October 2006
As part of monthly series, we present a summary and analysis of some of the most interesting news to appear on Planetizen over the month of October 2006. This is the transcript of an audio segment that originally aired on the nationally syndicated radio program "Smart City".
Road Widening Doesn't Work: Just Ask Atlanta
A recent op-ed bemoans the state of Atlanta's traffic congestion, and calls a reversal of current road widening policies, which have done little to help solve the region's transportation woes.
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
