Public Transit
Electric Buses Are Struggling to Gain Traction Worldwide
What prevents cities from adopting electric buses en masse is a mix of technological, financial, and institutional challenges, according to a pair of reports from the World Resource Institute looking at efforts in 16 cities at various stages of adopting e-buses.
Could Designing a Better Bus Lane Be Done With a Simple Can of Paint?
"Tactical transit lanes"—also known as dedicated bus lanes—are a simple and low-cost way of creating better bussing infrastructure.
Why People Vote for Expanded Public Transport but Don't Actually Use It
New research in Los Angeles shows that people support expanded transit options based on party affiliation and frustration with congestion—but not to ride it themselves.
Are Battery-Powered Electric Buses Coming to Your City?
While it may sound like an easy climate win to have buses run on battery power, the technology may not be ready to support such initiatives.
London Is Adding 250 New Trains to Improve the Efficiency of Its Subways
It's going to cost the city around $2 billion to increase the capacity of the four "Deep Tube" lines by 10 trains an hour.
Could a Female-Only Ride-Hailing App Actually Work in Mexico?
After a Cabify driver was accused of murdering a college student near Puebla, Mexico, appetite for an "Uber for women" continues to grow.
Next Stop, Less Obesity
New research provides the best evidence yet linking public transportation usage with lower obesity rates.
Why Do Public Transit Systems Ignore the Poor?
Transportation planners have a tough time getting effective metrics for the social equity of their systems.
House Bill Puts Transportation in Partisan Crossfire
Transportation used to be one of the few guaranteed areas of agreement when pragmatism trumped ideology in D.C. But that’s no longer the case.
China's High-Speed Crash Leads to Legitimacy Crisis
China has had its share of high-profile failures (and successes) of late, but a recent high-speed rail crash has shaken the people's confidence more than past mishaps.
High-Speed Rail Can Cover Its Operating Costs
While paying for its hefty infrastructure costs may be ambitious, many high-speed rail systems cover their operating costs and even turn a small operating profit.
California’s High-Speed Rail Efforts Have to Start Somewhere
German high-speed trains started in the provinces, too, but now have a fast, efficient and popular system crisscrossing the nation.
Start Slow With Bullet Trains
Will investing in speed and electrification create the "sparks effect" needed to convince Americans to ride high-speed rail?
Taking High-Speed Trains into the Future
For the U.S. to have world-class high-speed trains, the government will have to subsidize them. The investment would be small compared to the billions lavished on highways and airports.
A Different Meaning for Missing the Bus
Intercity bus service is on the rebound in the U.S. thanks to some spiffy new competitors, but only half the country has gotten on board so far.
Fit to be Ride(ing): Public Transit Patrons Pretty Physically Active
Users of public transportation often fit in the activity guidelines proposed by the federal Health and Human Services department, just by walking to their bus or train every day.
Danish Professors Offers Cure for the Common Boondoggle
A Danish professor promotes a cure for billion-dollar cost overruns in government megaprojects: Use past boondoggles as a baseline.