San Jose ATN 'not technically feasible' and what that means

The two year feasibility study by San Jose, California into an 'Automated Transit Network' podcar system at the Mineta Airport is concluding, and the implications for the prospects of American personal rapid transit are mixed. However, this was entirely predictable.

The findings, as described in a memo in advance of the full report (we haven't seen a copy of that yet), mentions four key points:

So get cranking with the bike lanes already

The Washington Post reports on a study that finally confirms: more bike lanes leads to increases in cycling ( wapo.st/HL32Ne ).

Seattle takes another big transit step

(TWIP mobile post) Construction work is about to begin on Seattle's next streetcar line ( http://bit.ly/HAomKJ ), between downtown and First Hill.

Not only does the project mean better transit in the state's densest neighborhood, it will also improve road safety with installation of a cycle track on Broadway, and a kickstart of a local streetcar manufacturing industry.

Not another agency

(TWIP mobile post) West Seattle Blog is reporting today about plans to revive elevated transit in 'Seattle's west side transportation corridor' -- http://bit.ly/GLs1Rn

I have been aware for a few months that this organization -- 'CenTran' -- has been in the works. However I had been under the impression what it's about is Son Of Green Line.

Instead, it looks like they're intending a 16-mile monorail+PRT (pod transit) system in the West Seattle to Ballard corridors.

Ignoring stormwater science

Does anyone doubt that stormwater pollutes Western Washington's water cycle? At its simplest, civilization drops stuff on the ground, and gravity washes it downhill into Puget Sound.

Pretty easy. Yet now comes Democratic State Rep. Larry Springer of Kirkland. His HB2641 proposes making laboriously negotiated low-impact development rules voluntary.