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Click on the headlines below for stories of the latest trends, news, and innovations in transportation and sustainable development from around the nation and around the world.
Transit
Oriented Development
Transit Oriented Development is a project by Reconnecting America. With
this project Reconnecting America hopes to create more walkable, sustainable
communities for all people. With Transit Oriented Development Reconnecting
America also hopes to attain more transportation and housing choices for
neighborhoods.
Reconnecting America June 2007
Problems That Need Fixing
People in America more and more are looking for alternative ways of transportation. Yet when they look around most Americans find longer commutes, clogged streets, and endless traffic delays. There is a reason for this however, and that is because of the methods of computer modeling used. The computer modeling being used helps to guide land management and transportation projects. To fix the problems America must fix the computing.
Transportation Facts March 2007
Mass Transit Being Used to Bring Communites Together
With mass transit on the rise in America developers of communities are using it to their advantage. Developers are starting to place housing, jobs, and entertainment that are within walking distance of transit. This is in hope that this will encourage more social interaction between the people in community.
USA Today, June 11, 2007
Alternatives More Desirable
One of the problems that the city of Atlanta is experiencing is congestion on the roadways. While the old solution used to be to just build more lanes. With the increase of construction costs and decrease revenue in from the federal and state levels building more lanes is becoming less and less of a plausible solution. While building roads however may not be realistic there is another plausible solution, and that is alternative transportation.
Atlanta Journal Constitution, June 4, 2007
Bike Maker Creates Bamboo Bike
Craig Calfee, a bike maker from Santa Cruz, CA with the help from his dog came up with a new idea. That idea was to build a bicycle from bamboo. With this idea Calfee has not only been able to sell the bike in the U. S but go to Ghana and build bikes for the citizens there to help them get around. And if he is able to have success in Ghana with the bamboo bikes he might start spreading the bike to other poor countries too.
Los Angeles Times, June 18, 2007
America Looking to Streetcars
States are starting to look to streetcars to rejuvenate downtowns in the U. S. There is also evidence to show that streetcars will help boost the economics of the downtown of cities. Still the projects are having a hard time funding the projects, so cities have resorted to public and private funds to help build their streetcar systems for now instead of using government funds.
Wall Street Journal, June 20, 2007
National Center
The National Center for transit Research is a program with goals to make public and alternative forms of transportation safe, effective, efficient, and secure. The program has a newsletter called Flow and here is there most recent newsletter with there most recent results.
Flow Vol.1 No. 2
Cycle Tracks Over Bicycle Tracks
A representative of Harvard’s School of Public Health has come up with a unique idea to improve bicycle transportation. Not improve bike lanes, but make all new cycle tracks. Cycle tracks can take on many different shapes from a long narrow curb to a concrete barrier between bikers and cars. This would take years of reconstruction and a huge amount money. Yet there are many reasons to invest in the cycle tracks that may make it worth it in the long run.
Post Writers Group July 8, 2007
Bus Transit Practitioner's Guide
The Bus Rapid Transit Practitioner’s Guide shows transportation professionals how to identify and assess the costs and impacts of the various features that make up a bus rapid transit (BRT) system. It covers running ways, stations, vehicles, service plans, intelligent transportation systems (ITS) applications, fare collection, and branding.
Transportation Research Board 2007
What Exactly Makes a Successful Transit System?
The Transit Cooperative Research Program has taken it upon them to do a very important job. This job is to figure out what makes a successful transit system. The program plans on doing research and answering key questions like What are the major factors that influence transit demand to help them figure out the answers they need to figure out how to make a successful transit system.
Transportation Research Board 2007
Politicians Looking to Reduce Emissions and Greenhouse Gases
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California and Governor Charlie Christ are looking to reduce carbon dioxide emissions with their states. The governors are incredibly serious to the point that they will sue the Environmental Protection Agency because they have banned California from passing a bill that would force carmakers in that state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. On top of this, Senators Bill Nelson of Florida and Barbara Boxer of California said they would sponsor legislation to rule on California’s new stricter auto emissions standards.
Washington Post, July 13, 2007
Portland, OR: The Green City
Portland, OR has acquired the reputation as America’s greenest city. While citizens of Portland see themselves as people doing their part to save the environment, skeptics beg to differ. Critics see the Green City as putting themselves in economic ruin by impeding growth of business and lower income housing. The Green City citizens say the critics are wrong however and have evidence to prove it.
CEOs for Cities July 2007
States Starting to Accommodate All Modes of Transportation
Many states and local governments are starting to accommodate all types of travel and not just cars. They are accepting the concept of the “complete street”. A “complete street” would constitute a car lane along with bike lines, sidewalks and room for mass transit. The demand for mass transit has come from a diverse network of supporters that include advocates for senior citizens and the disabled.
USA Today, July 31, 2007
Children of Today Missing Out on Outdoors
In the old days children were able to do things that parents today would consider unfathomable. Children used to be to walk anywhere unsupervised by their parents. Times have changed however and today’s children are paying for it. Parents supervise their children wherever they go and because of this 21st children are at risk of mental health damage because they are missing out on the exposure to the natural world enjoyed by past generations.
Mail Online June 2007
You're the Best Around
With America starting to go towards alternative transportation for various reasons, they can look to Taipei’s Rapid Transit System to see how it is done. Taipei runs a transit system that is very efficient, punctual and astonishing clean. Because of all these things this transit system has an astounding 94% customer satisfaction rate. How is the Tapiei Transit System able to do this? Click here to find out.
Wired, May 22, 2008
Rail Extension Approved in Norfolk
In Norfolk, VA the House Transportation Committee unanimously approved a proposal to extend the light rail system now under construction in Norfolk. The legislation was introduced by Del. Robert Tata and state Sen. Frank Wagner. According to the bill the extension will be built with public and private money.
HamptonRoads.com June 25, 2008
Billion Dollar Corporation Takes on Own Transit Service
On top of the many benefits that employees get for working at Google, there is one that especially helps the environment. Google has taken it upon themselves to create their own transit services for their employees. The buses that Google offers to their employees are free to ride, run on biodiesel fuel, and saves the trouble of their employees of having to wait in traffic. Some employees consider this to be the biggest perk of all.
New York, Times, March 10, 2007
City Plans Future Policies Bases on Health of Citizens
In Richmond, CA government officials are going to take a more public health approach when planning future legislation. Richmond has many guidelines they will go by when making these changes that will include walkable communities, safe bicycle routes and a clean environment. “In Richmond we have an opportunity to fundamentally change the way cities plan for the future by showing the link between our physical environment and public health," said Daniel Iacofano, a principal of Moore Iacofano Goltsman.
Contra Costa Times, December 27, 2006
Seattle Looking to Make the Roads Safer for Bicyclists
In Seattle, WA bicyclists have only 25 miles of bicycle lines to maneuver around speeding cars, traffic and other bicyclists. This is about to change however. In a plan for the city called the “Bicycle Master Plan” Seattle plans to authorize more then 200 miles of roadway as bike lines along with safer rules for sharing roads and trails with cars and pedestrians.
Seattlepi.com March 28, 2007
Alternate Transportation Making Headway in Kentucky
With conditions like high gas prices, bigger waistlines and climate change that America is experiencing today, Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson is looking more towards making his city bike and bus friendly. Louisville is incorporating more highway bike lines, improving bike lanes and bus stop roads and even buildings bike stations with indoor bike parking, rentals and repair facilities.
Seattle Times, April 16, 2007
Netherlands and Amsterdam Teaching Europe and America How to Bike
Because of the pro-bike nature of the Netherlands and Amsterdam, some European countries and the U. S have gone to them to ask for help. Representatives from London, Munich, Zurich, and the United States have consulted Amsterdam’s Transportation Department on how to make a more bike-friendly infrastructure and policies.
Wall Street Journal, May 4 2007
What Houston Can Learn from Germany
Houston, TX is becoming a bigger metropolitan area by the day with many different centers. But with so many different centers Houston cannot just build a rail system to each. In Germany, they have the same problem. Yet, they have a have come up with a solution, and it is not building a different rail system to each center.
Intermodality May 2007
City Revamping Spring Garden for Pedestrians
For Spring Garden Neighborhood leaders have been working with city planners for more then three years to improve the walkability of the street. The goal for revamping Spring Garden is to improve walking around the neighborhood and minimize the role of cars. The plan also went without any opposition from citizens in the area and only minimal opposition from businesses.
Yes! Weekly, May 5, 2007
What a Bike Lane Really Looks Like
While many people think that a sign that says “Bicycle Route” along with a white stripe along the main road is a bike lane, it is not. There are not many “real” bike lanes in America. If a person wants to see a real bike lane, they have to go to Denmark or the Netherlands and this is what bike lanes should really look like.
Grist.com May 19, 2007
What If?
Ever wonder what would happen if there were different adoptions of land use plans around your area? Or what about zoning regulations? Maybe if your local politicians decided to expand the public infrastructure? You can find all this out and more by using the What If System.
What If 2008
Bike Lanes in Los Angeles Not Up to Par
While Los Angeles has taken steps to improve their bicycle transportation, there needs to be more action. Representatives of Los Angeles need to take into account what some of the other counterparts in California like San Francisco and Berkeley have done to improve bicycle transportation.
Los Angeles Times, May 19, 2007
America Lagging in Infrastructure
According to Urban Land Institute and Ernst Young, America’s low investment mobility- related infrastructures is an “emerging crisis” that will cripple the ability of the America’s cities to compete globally. Because of America’s lack of investment in roads, bridges, public transit and railway systems the country is becoming a follower and not a leader when it comes to infrastructure. Instead of trying to invest in the restoration of an infrastructure that is failing, the U. S needs to invest in a new infrastructure that they need.
Today's Trucking.com May 17, 2007
Parking Problems Solved
When it comes to parking many cars, there are four problems: demand, design, financing, and management. After talking to experts in each of these areas they discuss major issues involving these problems along with solutions to solve these problems.
Transit Development April 2007 Volume 3, Number 1
States are Starting to Create Healthier Schools
States are using a different strategy when building new schools and expanding existing ones. When building new schools, states are building schools near population centers and encouraging renovation and expansion of existing facilities for existing schools. By doing this, it will not only reduce infrastructure costs but will also make it saferand more convenient for children to walk or bike to school. This also encourages and increases physical activity for children.
NGA May 2, 2007
Best Places to Travel
Sometimes some places are just better to walk, bike or transport then others. Wonder which ones are the best? Wonder which ones are the worst? Then come take a look see…
Walkable Communities, Inc. October 31, 2007
Georgia in Bad Need of Public Rail
While it is painfully obvious to the citizens of Georgia that they need a new public rail system because of the porous one they have now and as an alternative way to get around besides using a car, local politicians refuse to do anything. When U. S Department of Transportation Secretary Mary peters came to visit Atlanta, she met with Harold Linnenkohl, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Transportation. Along with talking about building a new airport, they aimed to talk about building a new rail system in Atlanta. Yet when it came to that subject the conversation stalled. As Peters states about the conversation, “I think we must have gotten busy talking about our new grandchildren.”
Atlanta Journal Constitution, May 30, 2007
Where the Cars Have No Streets
In Vancouver, British Columbia they do things differently. Instead of making their city more accessible to cars by having exits from interstates entering the city and mass parking, Vancouver does it a different way. The city does everything by mass transit. Instead of driving, people either use buses, rapid and commuter rail, streetcars, ferries, or the most popular transportation, walk, to enter and leave the city. Vancouver does not even have the interstate enter the city. As Larry Beasley, former city planning director for Vancouver says about the situation, “There's no better alternative to the car than walking.”
Atlanta Journal Constitution, May 27, 2007
Washington trying to Reduce Greenhouse
Gases
Gov. Christine Gregoire of Washington in March signed in new legislation.
The legislation is aimed at limiting greenhouse gas emission by cutting
down on vehicle miles traveled (VMT). With the passing of this legislation,
it is also aiming to promote “green collar” jobs that provide
new training and incentives.
APA Advocate April 14, 2008
Senate Trying to Fix Infrastructure
A bill is being proposed by Senators Christopher Dodd (D- CT) and Chuck
Hagel (R-NB) to establish a new, independent, public National Infrastructure
Bank. The bank would evaluate and finance improvements to the nation’s
infrastructure and have the ability to leverage private capital for supplement
to public funding.
APA Advocate April 14, 2008
It
Pays to Take the Train
A recent study has shown that in some cities like Houston, TX, Detroit,
MI and Kansas City, MO people are spending as much as 20 percent of their
yearly income on their commutes. This is in comparison with cities that
have large transit systems, where 4 of the 5 cheapest commutes are considered
to have large or extensive rail systems.
Forbes.com
More
Efficient Buses in New York City
According to a report released by the government the newer hybrid-powered
buses being used in New York City are costing 40 percent less to maintain
and 24 percent less to operate then earlier-generation hybrids. The study
was conducted for a year, going from February 2006 to January 2007.
Reuters, February 6, 2008
Romance
on the Train
A couple who first met while riding the train together decided to
buy the seats on the train that they both sat in when they met for the
first time.
The Local London, February 13, 2008
Just
Another Reason to Start Walking
Scientists from America and Canada have developed an invention that would
give another benefit to walking. The invention is a knee brace that can
actually generate usable electricity.
Reuters, February 7, 2008
Kids
and Adults Putting a New Spin on the Typical Bicycle
Amazing, creative “bicycles” and bicycle related gadgets
from around the world.
Make, June 27, 2008
Rail
Operations Around Southeast Gaining Steam from Success
In Charlotte, NC the opening of a new rail system has led to great success
that has even surpassed the expectations of the operators of the new rail
system. With the success of this new rail system it could lead many towns
and cities in Virginia to follow suit.
The Hook, February 2, 2008
United
States CAN Support Widespread Rail System
Many would argue that the United States cannot support a widespread rail
system. Amtrak could not handle the load and the U.S lacks the human density
that would make the rail system sensible. With a nation of over 300 million
people and growing, however, Arthur Frommer shows that there is a way.
February 10, 2008
The Rising of the Urban Biker
Because of rising gas prices and
worries about global warming, people have started using bicycles as transportation
in big cities like San Francisco, New York, and even Los Angeles. It has
led to a movement called the “Urban Biker” where bike and
bike accessory manufacturers have had to revamp their merchandise to fit
people who bike in the city and not just people who mountain bike or race.
Wired, September 27, 2007
Minnesota
Improving City Transit over Cars
In Minneapolis City Officials have decided to give up tunnels for
trains and instead have them running along the ground. This causes problems
however for the cars and buses that travel the roads that the trains will
now be occupying. The decision to move forward with this idea shows City
and Met Council officials’ commitment to public transportation over
the inconvenience of those who drive cars.
St. Paul Pioneer Press
Canada
to Invest in Public Transit
In Canada the Federal Budget decided to allocate $500 million to Canadian
Urban Transit Association (CUTA). This allocation was to help CUTA in
the maintenance and upkeep of the current systems along with transit expansion
to help accommodate more riders.
Exchange Morning Post, February 27, 2008
Revamp
in San Francisco on Transit System
City officials of San Francisco revealed plans to overhaul the local Municipal
Railway Transit systems. As Mayor Gavin Newsom says of the new plan, “Without
dramatic changes we will not see dramatic improvements.”
San Francisco Chronicle February 27, 2008
Bicycling
in the Netherlands- A Great Way to Get Around
In studies done by the Netherlands Ministry of Transport, Public Works
and Water Management, a bicycle is used for almost a quarter of all journeys
for the entire country. All relevant information on the studies and experiences
of the bikers can be found by following the link above.
The Netherlands’ Ministry of Transport, Public Works, and Water Management April 7, 2008
Walking
Has More Benefits Then Simple Transportation
Besides basic transportation, walking provides many benefits to people
including saving money, improved health and fitness, and economic development
to name a few. Yet current transportation planning techniques undervalue
the benefits of walking. With increased public support, however, it is
hopeful that this will change.
Victoria Transport Policy Institute, December 12, 2007
America
Needs to Get Out of Our “Drive First” Attitudes
This local newspaper essay examines our transportation behavior and
national transportation polices, making the following observations. In
America today we have an addiction to oil because of our “drive
first” attitude to transport ourselves to places. America needs
to start looking at alternatives to driving. Not only will it reduce the
country’s dependence on oil, but reduce the greenhouse gases that
are produced, get people in better shape, and even get to know our neighbors
better.
The Hook May 8, 2008
US
Cities to Improve Crosswalk Safety
Cities across the United States are ramping up efforts to increase pedestrian
safety at crosswalks. According to Federal data, a pedestrian is killed
every 110 minutes and one is injured every nine minutes. Cities are experimenting
with more active lighting systems to alert drivers to the presence of
pedestrians and even systems that can delay a green light if a pedestrian
is still in harm's way.
USA Today, February 24, 2008
Biofuels
Present Uncertain Benefits
Biofuels such as biodiesel and ethanol are renewable and burn much more
cleanly than petroleum-based fuels. Proponents of biofuels point out that
the plants from which the fuels are made may sequester as much or more
carbon than the fuels give off when burned. But the increased use of biofuels
raises serious concerns about land use and food supply—a huge amount
of land must be cultivated to create just a small fraction of a nation's
energy needs. Clearing new land and using fertilizer furthermore erode
biofuels' claims of carbon neutrality. It seems that finding better fuels
is a limited solution; we must find ways to use less.
CNN, February 25, 2007
Thunderhead Alliance
Names Jeffrey Miller as New President
Today the Thunderhead Alliance announced that it has hired Jeffrey Miller,
Executive Director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, as its new President
and Chief Executive Officer. The Thunderhead Alliance is the North American
coalition of state and local bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations,
with a membership of over 135 organizations from across the United States
and Canada. Miller will begin work at the Thunderhead Alliance in April.
Thunderhead Alliance February 28, 2008
Video Features Pro-Bicycle Policies of Copenhagen
Watch this video to see the bicycle-friendly city of Copenhagen in action.
City policies favor travel by bicycle, and the infrastructure reflects
this priority.
Transportation
Forum Highlights Benefits of Public Transportation
In a recent forum in Washington, D.C., the American Public Transportation
Association emphasized the potential for public transportation to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions and conserve energy. Attendees included congressional
staff, environmental organizations, transportation associations, business
members, advocates, and US federal agency officials. Follow the link for
reports on the presentations.
American Public Transportation Association
Long-awaited
Transportation Commission Report Released
The National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission
issued a report detailing recommendations for our transportation
system. Lauded by some, lamented by others, the report calls for placing
more emphasis on public transportation, investing more in metropolitan
areas, and developing inter-city rail. The League
of American Bicyclists criticises the lack of emphasis on non-motorized
transportation, while the American
Planning Association provides a straightforward summary.
No.
Va. Streetcar Funding Approved
The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority has voted to supply funding
for a streetcar line from Pentagon City into Fairfax County.
Washington Post, January 14, 2008
Bogotá,
Columbia, New Example for Multi Model-Transit
Bogotá's transit system, which now includes rapid-transit buses on dedicated
lanes and impressive bicycle facilities, rivals Northern European systems
and ought to be the envy of us Americans to the north. UPDATE:
The city also has an enviable livable streets movement, which includes
closing more than 70 miles of city streets to motorized traffic every
Sunday and every holiday. Cyclists and pedestrians come out in the thousands.
Video and description here.
StreetsBlog, Oct. 29, 2007 (Updated 01/30/08)
Research
Report Identifies Keys to Bicycle Friendly- Development
Researchers from Rutgers University identify separate bicycling facilities,
pro-bike policies, and beneficial land use policies as the keys to bicycle-friendly
environments in the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany. Is the same environment
possible here? Read on.
Transport Reviews, Vol. 28, 2008
WMATA
Orders Record Number of Hybrid Buses
Washington, D.C., and other American cities have placed orders that will
double the number of GM-Allision hybrid buses in use in the country. The
buses will save up an estimated 2.4 million gallons of fuel a year.
Mass Transit Magazine
Portland,
Ore., to Improve Bicycle Safety
Responding to recent cycling fatalities, Portland is repainting intersections
to allow cyclists to stop in front of other vehicles, a feature common
in European countries. The city is also retrofitting city trucks to limit
blind spots and other potential problems especially hazardous to cyclists.
Four percent of Portand workers commute by bike.
New York Times, January 10, 2008
Virginia Development Needs New
Direction
Sprawling development and automobile dependence have dire consequences
for Virginia, according to this report from the Southern Environmental
Law Center. Aggressive roadbuilding contributes to the problem, leading
to a "lack of transportation choices." The report suggests an integrated
approach toward smarter growth, better transportation, and a cleaner environment.
Southern Environmental Law Center, December,
2007.
Clear
the Streets
Donald Shoup, author of The High Cost of Free Parking, discusses
how current parking policies increase congestion and pollution in this
video from Streetsblog. Parking reform, including increased parking fees,
are part of the solution. Nice video with stop-motion toy cars to demonstrate.
Streetsblog, December 31, 2007
