Transportation
Transportation is a critical focus for local and state government agencies, involving the planning, developing, and maintaining infrastructure that facilitates the movement of people and goods. Effective transportation systems are essential for economic growth, public safety, and quality of life. This directory provides articles on transportation, including discussions on related topics like Urban Planning, which addresses the integration of transportation networks with community development to create efficient and sustainable cities.
In a case of how do you like them apples, an undercover New York City cop arrests a man on the subway for sexual abuse against her.
With components sourced worldwide, Byron Bay will bring 100 passengers on the world’s first solar-powered locomotive from its center 3km to a tony precinct.
AARP Livable Communities wants to help communities get started on implementing bike infrastructure, which supports economic development and safer streets.
Sustainability
In the Bay area, a collaborative effort by multiple communities has led to an EV fleet purchase of 300 vehicles in the next year at discounted prices. Read our interview with the BACC project manager and learn tips on how to implement a similar program
Bikes Belong, a national coalition of bike retailers and suppliers, is extending its grants program. To date it has invested more than $2.1M in bike-sharing programs, rail trails and other bike-centric programs. Inside we provide details on the grant program and how the group impacts federal funding
A new highway being built in Colorado is combining multiple transportation modes into one piece of infrastructure by adding HOV lanes, toll lanes, a bike path and rapid transit buses. Utilizing both federal and private funds to finance the project, the highway aims to actually lower demand for car use. Read about this and other transportation coverage by EG
A conversion from diesel to natural gas for its fleet could save Marion $200k annually. We explore the effort, including how to retrofit existing vehicles
Camden, ME, recently received $490k to implement an economic development master plan. The funding, while from Maine’s DOT, originally derived from the federal DOT’s TAP Grant program. Read inside for details
When the new mayor took over two years ago in Colorado Springs, he swore he’d look into any options for outsourcing. Well, he kept his word. The city hopes to save $2M+ over the next 3 years by outsourcing its fleet management. Read on for details and the original RFP
Independent auditors recommended Braintree, MA, look to outsource maintenance and food operations at the local schools in order to save an estimated $500k annually. The group also recommended regionalizing other transportation operations. Read inside for the details
In an effort to cut costs of maintaining and powering its street lights, a RI regional planning council is seeking state legislative help to acquire the assets. Inside we provide details on the legislation, cost savings and other similar efficiency activities
Sustainability
As bike share programs expand in cities across the country, we take a brief look at a current system in Minneapolis and the implementation of NYC’s new program. Inside we provide details of costs, operations and sponsorships
In an effort to save more than $1 million annually, Springfield, IL will soon be consolidating multiple garages and fleet operations into one unit. Read on to learn details of this effort and similar ones around the country
New design guidelines in Chicago will force any future city projects to take pedestrian and commuter safety into consideration. The new planning models take into consideration population, congestion points, “complete streets” and optimal land use. Read inside for how your city or town can integrate aspects of this plan
Led by Washington, DC, which cut automobile related fatalities by 43 percent in 2012, we take a brief look at how traffic cameras are affecting budgets and statistics in various areas of the country. Read inside for data, research and other potential uses for the technology
A new technology that allows for electric buses to be charged while on route is being tested in Germany. The year long trial will demonstrate the viability of keeping low emission, low energy buses on the road for more operational hours
Utilizing new technology allowing for audio/visual tracking of public buses is allowing cities to cut costs and increase safety of passengers and drivers. Inside we detail how Concord, NC, and other municipalities are implementing these applications and the varied benefits
New efforts to develop housing for residents preferring to eschew cars as a commuting solution are gaining traction as cities are utilizing zoning changes, such as smaller block sizes, to achieve results. Inside, we provide details of how multiple cities are approaching solutions
A plan to oversee transportation as population grows from 14,000 residents to an expected 25,000 in the next 10 years has been adopted by Somerton, AZ. We provide a roadmap for readers on considerations, implementation, strategies and evaluation criteria
