NotABot
@vturbanist.bsky.social
The law, in its majestic equality, forbids all men to sleep under bridges, in SROs, or on lots smaller than 10,000 sqft — the rich and poor alike.
This is particularly disappointing because it’s happening just a few years before rail service returns to Scranton.
Would have been a great case study in the power of a land value tax to spur TOD.
Would have been a great case study in the power of a land value tax to spur TOD.
Scranton is trying to scrap their land value tax, while they also express concerns about their longterm fiscal health. This is awful policy.
archive.md/hhCRM
archive.md/hhCRM
archive.md
November 20, 2025 at 11:28 AM
This is particularly disappointing because it’s happening just a few years before rail service returns to Scranton.
Would have been a great case study in the power of a land value tax to spur TOD.
Would have been a great case study in the power of a land value tax to spur TOD.
I do wonder how much sprawl would really occur if federal and state officials refused to fund transportation projects enabling it.
Kinda decades too late at this point, except in Texas where you regularly see news stories about new highway projects opening land for development
Kinda decades too late at this point, except in Texas where you regularly see news stories about new highway projects opening land for development
The irony of this normative argument is that it's been much harder to get the suburbs to densify even incrementally than it is in cities for obvious reasons. And getting suburbs to be sustainable *requires* restricting greenfield sprawl, putting upward pressure on affordability.
Because people actually advocate for worse policy when they can't concede that the core preferences of Americans (which are culturally derived! but still real!) seem to point towards car ownership and single-family home ownership. We need more emphasis on sustainable suburban development and density
November 20, 2025 at 3:15 AM
I do wonder how much sprawl would really occur if federal and state officials refused to fund transportation projects enabling it.
Kinda decades too late at this point, except in Texas where you regularly see news stories about new highway projects opening land for development
Kinda decades too late at this point, except in Texas where you regularly see news stories about new highway projects opening land for development
Really interesting concept here for connecting the orange line to the REM in Montreal
Si j'étais la STM ou l'ARTM ou la MIQ (et déjà là on voit le problème du qui fait quoi), je mettrai toutes me ressources à définir un plan pour prolonger la ligne orange jusqu'à Bois-Franc au moindre coût possible, on se donnant comme objectif de faire ça pour moins de $3-400 million (en $2025).
November 20, 2025 at 3:10 AM
Really interesting concept here for connecting the orange line to the REM in Montreal
Reposted by NotABot
The feeling looking from Philadelphia
October 31, 2025 at 1:23 PM
The feeling looking from Philadelphia
Reposted by NotABot
Probably the most damning thing about the planning of Bellwether is the massive widening of 26th St to carry trucks with dual-turn lanes everywhere, meanwhile the only rail spur has been unceremoniously cut off with no planned access. The City should have done much more to improve the plan
October 26, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Probably the most damning thing about the planning of Bellwether is the massive widening of 26th St to carry trucks with dual-turn lanes everywhere, meanwhile the only rail spur has been unceremoniously cut off with no planned access. The City should have done much more to improve the plan
Reposted by NotABot
We have a new website for the Northeast Corridor High-Speed Rail project, with illustrative graphics. nec.transitcosts.com
How to Build High-Speed Rail on the Northeast Corridor
An interactive site presenting the North East Corridor proposal by Marron Institute's Transportation and Land Use Group, authored by Alon Levy.
nec.transitcosts.com
October 20, 2025 at 3:18 PM
We have a new website for the Northeast Corridor High-Speed Rail project, with illustrative graphics. nec.transitcosts.com
Reposted by NotABot
Very interesting detailed video showing all the steps of the track renewal process using a track renewal train.
youtu.be/4B1jZBNqhJQ?...
youtu.be/4B1jZBNqhJQ?...
Railway Track Renewal | Full Process Overview
YouTube video by Salcef Group
youtu.be
October 20, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Very interesting detailed video showing all the steps of the track renewal process using a track renewal train.
youtu.be/4B1jZBNqhJQ?...
youtu.be/4B1jZBNqhJQ?...
There are a whole bunch of overcrowded waterfront paths in cities that would massively benefit from separated bike and ped paths if they are going to be used as part of the transportation network for cyclists.
Even with pinch points, speed ups would be really significant.
Even with pinch points, speed ups would be really significant.
This in no way absolves what happened here, but I will note that older trails like the Schuylkill River Trail have extremely narrow pinch points and widths that don't meet modern expectations of travel at variable speeds. Car ROWs get regularly widened but trails are ignored
October 9, 2025 at 12:20 AM
There are a whole bunch of overcrowded waterfront paths in cities that would massively benefit from separated bike and ped paths if they are going to be used as part of the transportation network for cyclists.
Even with pinch points, speed ups would be really significant.
Even with pinch points, speed ups would be really significant.
Later in the show, there’s a lovely interview with Paul Bierman, who talks eloquently about how the US is responsible for cumulative emissions, that are putting the entire Greenland ice sheet at risk of collapse and how we need to take action, personally and in political action.
Betty Smith, Vermont Public’s founding mother, has been with the station since its very first day.
This year, she's celebrating her 50th anniversary in public radio.
Betty joined Vermont Edition to share stories from the early days of VPR and her thoughts on public media's future.
This year, she's celebrating her 50th anniversary in public radio.
Betty joined Vermont Edition to share stories from the early days of VPR and her thoughts on public media's future.
Vermont Public's Betty Smith celebrates 50 years in public radio
Plus, a new film about the melting ice of Greenland features a University of Vermont professor.
www.vermontpublic.org
September 28, 2025 at 10:34 PM
Later in the show, there’s a lovely interview with Paul Bierman, who talks eloquently about how the US is responsible for cumulative emissions, that are putting the entire Greenland ice sheet at risk of collapse and how we need to take action, personally and in political action.
Reposted by NotABot
It is fantastic that the Ben Franklin Parkway vision is still moving forward despite Mayoral change, but any time someone has to convince you that you won't feel the "irrelevant" cars anymore, it's a major red flag that road dieting hasn't gone far enough!
September 26, 2025 at 7:38 PM
It is fantastic that the Ben Franklin Parkway vision is still moving forward despite Mayoral change, but any time someone has to convince you that you won't feel the "irrelevant" cars anymore, it's a major red flag that road dieting hasn't gone far enough!
Preview of SEPTA's reimagining regional rail plans from a Transportation Research Board webinar today.
September 23, 2025 at 4:54 AM
Preview of SEPTA's reimagining regional rail plans from a Transportation Research Board webinar today.
Reposted by NotABot
Today at 2pm ET: Join the free #TCRP webinar “The Future of Commuter Rail in North America” 🚆
What you’ll get: @caltrain.com/ @septaphilly.bsky.social case studies; fare & service innovation; infrastructure strategy; funding trends; & earn 1.5 AICP CM credits.
Register now > conta.cc/4mx2kf8
What you’ll get: @caltrain.com/ @septaphilly.bsky.social case studies; fare & service innovation; infrastructure strategy; funding trends; & earn 1.5 AICP CM credits.
Register now > conta.cc/4mx2kf8
September 22, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Today at 2pm ET: Join the free #TCRP webinar “The Future of Commuter Rail in North America” 🚆
What you’ll get: @caltrain.com/ @septaphilly.bsky.social case studies; fare & service innovation; infrastructure strategy; funding trends; & earn 1.5 AICP CM credits.
Register now > conta.cc/4mx2kf8
What you’ll get: @caltrain.com/ @septaphilly.bsky.social case studies; fare & service innovation; infrastructure strategy; funding trends; & earn 1.5 AICP CM credits.
Register now > conta.cc/4mx2kf8
Reposted by NotABot
SEPTA Sino-American Friendship Station (formerly Spring Garden Station) circa 2035. New underground high speed metro line platforms were constructed and served by 160kph metro trains reaching Glassboro, Grenloch, King of Prussia, West Chester and Wilmington in 30 mins, departing every 3 mins each.
September 8, 2025 at 6:00 AM
SEPTA Sino-American Friendship Station (formerly Spring Garden Station) circa 2035. New underground high speed metro line platforms were constructed and served by 160kph metro trains reaching Glassboro, Grenloch, King of Prussia, West Chester and Wilmington in 30 mins, departing every 3 mins each.
Reposted by NotABot
State capacity is when you can look at a super narrow (750mm) 1880' suburb-to-rural single track rail line with 50 yo cars and can decide
"we should upgrade it to 1m gauge, increase frequency, triple platform length *and make it driverless*.
But keep it single tracked"
Then do construction in 1 year
"we should upgrade it to 1m gauge, increase frequency, triple platform length *and make it driverless*.
But keep it single tracked"
Then do construction in 1 year
August 20, 2025 at 4:03 PM
State capacity is when you can look at a super narrow (750mm) 1880' suburb-to-rural single track rail line with 50 yo cars and can decide
"we should upgrade it to 1m gauge, increase frequency, triple platform length *and make it driverless*.
But keep it single tracked"
Then do construction in 1 year
"we should upgrade it to 1m gauge, increase frequency, triple platform length *and make it driverless*.
But keep it single tracked"
Then do construction in 1 year
Reposted by NotABot
A lot has happened to PATH in the past 25 years -- 9/11, major construction work, COVID, etc. But consistent across all of these events have been ensuing reductions in off-pk service levels: since 2005, the number of PATH trips crossing the Hudson on Saturdays has fallen by *50%*
July 27, 2025 at 4:19 PM
A lot has happened to PATH in the past 25 years -- 9/11, major construction work, COVID, etc. But consistent across all of these events have been ensuing reductions in off-pk service levels: since 2005, the number of PATH trips crossing the Hudson on Saturdays has fallen by *50%*
Reposted by NotABot
Reposted by NotABot
GOP reconciliation bill included a provision eliminating funding for any reconnecting community projects—those projects designed to cover highways—that have not yet been obligated. That has likely killed projects like:
—Atlanta Stitch
—Philly Chinatown Stitch
—Toledo riverfront
—LA ped improvements
—Atlanta Stitch
—Philly Chinatown Stitch
—Toledo riverfront
—LA ped improvements
Reconnecting Communities projects are under threat. Here is what’s at stake and where: - Transportation For America
UPDATE: We have updated our map to reflect new project funding data that has been released online. Check out the map below for specific information about projects. Approximately $2.46 billion remains ...
t4america.org
July 7, 2025 at 1:27 PM
GOP reconciliation bill included a provision eliminating funding for any reconnecting community projects—those projects designed to cover highways—that have not yet been obligated. That has likely killed projects like:
—Atlanta Stitch
—Philly Chinatown Stitch
—Toledo riverfront
—LA ped improvements
—Atlanta Stitch
—Philly Chinatown Stitch
—Toledo riverfront
—LA ped improvements
Reposted by NotABot
Mayor Parker's zoning code reform was incomplete! Removing parking minimums on CMX-4 minimally moved the needle when CMX-3 still has minimums and it's more prevalent across the city, over 5% of all developable land. Removing parking mins in CMX-3 must be top priority
June 25, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Mayor Parker's zoning code reform was incomplete! Removing parking minimums on CMX-4 minimally moved the needle when CMX-3 still has minimums and it's more prevalent across the city, over 5% of all developable land. Removing parking mins in CMX-3 must be top priority
Reposted by NotABot
Take Action Now Build the City Hall Bike Lane! bikeaction.org/campaigns/bu... #phl
Philly Bike Action!
Join the Action!
bikeaction.org
June 11, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Take Action Now Build the City Hall Bike Lane! bikeaction.org/campaigns/bu... #phl
Reposted by NotABot
Sometimes I hate being right. In my thesis I ID'd conservative management as one of the pillars of the iron triangle that underlays the political economy that has mostly prevented us from transitioning to a modern regional rail model in North America.
itineranturbanist.wordpress.com/masters-pape...
itineranturbanist.wordpress.com/masters-pape...
June 11, 2025 at 1:58 AM
Sometimes I hate being right. In my thesis I ID'd conservative management as one of the pillars of the iron triangle that underlays the political economy that has mostly prevented us from transitioning to a modern regional rail model in North America.
itineranturbanist.wordpress.com/masters-pape...
itineranturbanist.wordpress.com/masters-pape...
Regional planning: We're going to allow 12 story buildings within a 1/4 mile of rail and bus exchanges. 20 stories if it's closer.
Municipal planning: We're very serious about housing, which is why we're studying the possibility of allowing 6 unit buildings as long as they are under 32 ft.
Municipal planning: We're very serious about housing, which is why we're studying the possibility of allowing 6 unit buildings as long as they are under 32 ft.
The Bellevue Council voted to water down its draft middle housing code tonight, which had already been watered down considerably by the city's planning commission.
They fully backed away from allowing 6 units on all lots within a 1/2 mile of light rail & BRT, instead going with the minimum 1/4 mile.
They fully backed away from allowing 6 units on all lots within a 1/2 mile of light rail & BRT, instead going with the minimum 1/4 mile.
June 11, 2025 at 5:58 AM
Regional planning: We're going to allow 12 story buildings within a 1/4 mile of rail and bus exchanges. 20 stories if it's closer.
Municipal planning: We're very serious about housing, which is why we're studying the possibility of allowing 6 unit buildings as long as they are under 32 ft.
Municipal planning: We're very serious about housing, which is why we're studying the possibility of allowing 6 unit buildings as long as they are under 32 ft.
Does anyone know what the revenue split looks like for Amtrak services between states?
Would VT save on its state supported route contribution if ridership increased 5x?
Would VT save on its state supported route contribution if ridership increased 5x?
VTrans released their new draft rail plan and chose to only model trips that begin or end in VT, ignoring the ridership that Montreal would have on Vermont services.
Hard to imagine any competent rail planning organization using such a provincial analysis to make planning and investment decisions.
Hard to imagine any competent rail planning organization using such a provincial analysis to make planning and investment decisions.
June 4, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Does anyone know what the revenue split looks like for Amtrak services between states?
Would VT save on its state supported route contribution if ridership increased 5x?
Would VT save on its state supported route contribution if ridership increased 5x?
VTrans released their new draft rail plan and chose to only model trips that begin or end in VT, ignoring the ridership that Montreal would have on Vermont services.
Hard to imagine any competent rail planning organization using such a provincial analysis to make planning and investment decisions.
Hard to imagine any competent rail planning organization using such a provincial analysis to make planning and investment decisions.
June 4, 2025 at 7:54 PM
VTrans released their new draft rail plan and chose to only model trips that begin or end in VT, ignoring the ridership that Montreal would have on Vermont services.
Hard to imagine any competent rail planning organization using such a provincial analysis to make planning and investment decisions.
Hard to imagine any competent rail planning organization using such a provincial analysis to make planning and investment decisions.
While Illinois is doing broad land-use reforms to support transit, Pennsylvania questions if SEPTA should continue to run trains on the Mainline.
BREAKING - the Illinois transit omnibus bill has been posted as an amendment to SB2111
• RTA will become 'Northern Illinois Transit Authority'
• Farebox recovery ratio is changed
• Board appt process is changed
• It removes parking mandates around transit???
www.ilga.gov/legislation/... #twill
• RTA will become 'Northern Illinois Transit Authority'
• Farebox recovery ratio is changed
• Board appt process is changed
• It removes parking mandates around transit???
www.ilga.gov/legislation/... #twill
SB2111ham001 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
www.ilga.gov
May 28, 2025 at 7:37 PM
While Illinois is doing broad land-use reforms to support transit, Pennsylvania questions if SEPTA should continue to run trains on the Mainline.
I wouldn’t mind the false alarms so much if the alarms weren’t set to be at migraine inducing decibel levels.
Luckily something that can be easily mitigated with a sound insulating panel and some tape.
Luckily something that can be easily mitigated with a sound insulating panel and some tape.
Fire alarms going off in error, or for issues that pose no real risk, have been such a common occurrence in every new multifamily building I've ever lived in, such that a lot of people in these buildings just seem to ignore them and don't evacuate. This strikes me a risky state of affairs.
May 16, 2025 at 11:38 PM
I wouldn’t mind the false alarms so much if the alarms weren’t set to be at migraine inducing decibel levels.
Luckily something that can be easily mitigated with a sound insulating panel and some tape.
Luckily something that can be easily mitigated with a sound insulating panel and some tape.