Transportation
The Selling Of A Failing State Toll Road
Indiana's governor explains how he solved his state's transportation budget gap using private capital rather than public funds -- by leasing the 157-mile Indiana Toll Road for $3.8 billion to a foreign consortium.
U.S. Government Approves 'Highway Of Opportunity' In D.C. Suburbs
The federal government has granted permission for construction of Maryland's Intercounty Connector (ICC) outside the nation's capitol.
How Trains Can Preserve 'America the Beautiful'
Alfred Runte, author of "Allies of the Earth: Railroads and the Soul of Preservation", calls on the United States to revive its passenger rail service in order to conserve energy and preserve the natural landscape.
Friday Funny: The Committee To Save Big Ugly Things
Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels has produced a spoof political ad to mock the preservation of the city's controversial Alaskan Way Viaduct, although he may run into ethics violations for using a City Hall production crew.
Should Illinois Sell Its State Tollway?
Chicago Sun-Times columnist Ralph Martire says that the project warrants careful analysis before the state decides to sell-off a profit-making asset to reduce deficit.
The Problems With Toll Roads
The Denver Post publishes an investigative series entitled "Truth Be Tolled", exposing errors in toll road forecasting, and suggesting that financial conflicts of interest may be responsible.
Streetcar System Moves More Than People
For less than the cost of a recent school levy, Tacoma, Washington, could have a brand new old-style streetcar system.
Highest Interstate Speed Limit In The U.S.
Speed limits on stretches of West Texas interstates have been increased to 80 mph.
Safest Cities For Driving
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, population 137,000, has been named by Allstate Insurance as the safest city for driving in the nation. Washington D.C. is rated the worst city for driving.
The Geographic Evolution of the U.S. Auto Industry
The U.S. automotive industry is one of the nation's oldest modern manufacturing sectors. Despite increasingly making its home in the south, 47% of the nation's motor vehicle employment still resides in three states: Michigan, Indiana and Ohio.
Where The Gas Gouging Buck Stops
Local gas station owners are hurt as much or more than consumers by high gas prices, as they lose business when gas companies force them to raise their prices.
L.A. Becoming More Bicycle-Friendly
Projects to make L.A. more bike friendly include expanding bike lanes and paths, and adding 800 bike racks to the more than 2,500 racks already in place across the city.
Digital Mapping Is Changing The Way We Drive
Tele Atlas NV, a Boston-based mapping company, is incorporating the latest technologies to change the way drivers navigate.
Will Planners Have The Guts To Extend L. A.'s Subway?
Los Angeles' leaders have an opportunity to show some courage and extend the "current brainless configuration" of the area's subway system.
Gas Expensive, So Subsidize Guzzlers?
GM responds to higher gas prices by offering those who purchase SUVs in California and Florida subsidies on their gas expenses.
Editorial Criticizes California Governor For Raiding Public Transit Fund
California's November transportation bond is $20 billion, with $4 billion for transit. Yet Gov. Schwarzenegger proposes to use a public transit account for the same amount, to help pay off the bond's debt payments.
Bangalore Monorail Approved
In addition to a new underground metro project, the city has given final approval to an above-ground monorail.
Segway Overshadowed By Early Hype, Finds Its Niche
The two-wheeled transporters are making inroads into everyday life - from fishing trips to weddings.
Do Economists Agree On Road Pricing?
A new academic journal article offers an interesting and highly detailed history of the concept of road pricing, and evaluates where economists have (and have not) reached consensus on the issue.
New 100 MPG Prius Shown Off To House Subcommittee
A team of Northern California promoters of "plug-in hybrids" demonstrated their technology to a House science team. While receiving bi-partisan endorsement, success may be in the hands of the auto industry.
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
