Transit Geeks Heaven
Transit fans need to check out a slew of recent posts on the subject by Richard Layman over at the wonderful Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space blog.
On Friday, Mr. Layman sets the record straight on providing credit for the idea of the Purle Line (Credit Where Credit is Due: A Circle Line for the Subway, July 13, 2007).
Again on Friday he provides some nice pictures and links to places such as Portland, Oregon that can provide inspiration for those in our area contemplating streetcar lines (Speaking of Under Approaching..., July 13, 2007) as part of our future transportation mix.
And also on Friday Mr. Layman lays out the case (Bus Rapid Transit Planning Guide, July 17, 2007) that there are specific cultural reasons why BRT works better in South America than it would here in North America and therefore persons touting BRT as an alternative to rail are mis-guided. He has some great pictures and great links here too.
On Sunday, he returns to the subject of streetcars (Transit Cities Invest in Transit Expansion, July 15, 2007) and lays out the case that between 1890 and 1920 that they played a significant role in defining our cities. 
More great links and pics too. He makes that case that places like the District can renew their competitive advantage in mobility versus the rest of the region and its "engorged suburban roads" by further investing in transit. More links and a new book on the subject too.
And just this morning (Another Lesson in the History of Transit in DC, July 17, 2007).
Thank goodness Mr. Layman provides all us transit fans so much good material. Enjoy.
Chris Hamilton is the Commuter Services Chief for Arlington County, manager of CommuterPageBlog and a biking/Metro commuter from Rosemont in Alexandria
