What's Ahead In 2020 + Beyond
Atlanta
The future of Atlanta’s transit network could be bright. The Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority is considering a $27.4 billion transit plan for 13 metro counties. The plan could mean new rail lines, an expanded network of commuter buses, and easier transit access for hundreds of thousands more people.
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority’s board of directors recently elected to file plans with the Federal Transit Authority for a potential $96 million, three-mile circuit that connects downtown Atlanta to the Beltline’s Southside Trail. The circuit would pave the way for the city’s first bus rapid transit route.
Sidewalk cafes are at long last coming to Atlanta, following the Atlanta City Council’s unanimous vote to pass an ordinance setting regulations that govern the establishment of outdoor dining areas on sidewalks.
Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Flower Street bus lane is a pilot launched in May 2019 to bridge the gap caused by major rail closures. Check out this video highlighting the 1.8-mile bus lane’s impacts and how it’s helped make the city’s transit network faster and more reliable.
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority recently approved $27 million to fund a study on charging people to use HOV lanes on the 405. If the toll lanes are implemented, they will open before the 2028 Summer Olympics taking place in LA.
Four pilots in the Los Angeles region have been awarded $500,000 from the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator to expand zero-emission transportation efforts to low-income communities. The pilots focus on growing car-share, bike-share, and emissions-free delivery opportunities.
Toronto
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is recommending the city build exclusive bus lanes for five of its busiest routes. TTC’s report emphasizes that this change could bring major improvements to commutes, as 70% of TTC trips involve a bus or streetcar.
A small town north of Toronto is set to become home to a futuristic city called the Orbit. The Orbit master plan aims to establish a new city of up to 150,000 people that centers around a station providing faster, more accessible transit for those who live in the region.
The city of Toronto has approved moving forward with new rules limiting Airbnb and short-term rentals. The move could return 5,000 of the estimated 21,000 Airbnb units to the market, representing about 25% of Airbnb units in Toronto.
Denver
Denver voters recently gave their stamp of approval to create a transportation department for the city, with more than 73% voting for this change. Starting January 1, walking, biking, and transit will have an elevated role in the city bureaucracy while opening the door for city-owned transit systems.
As the city of Denver continues to grow, it’s placing a great emphasis on its new transportation demand program. The program addresses a key issue the city is experiencing: ensuring developers who are building places that will attract more people promote ways to get there other than driving.
A look at the future of Denver’s newest downtown neighborhood, River Mile, was recently unveiled. Situated on the edge of the South Platte River, the 25-year real estate development project wants to be the place where the city and nature come together. Artist renderings show a modern neighborhood with narrow roadways, bike lanes, wider sidewalks, and limited parking.
