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Is Free Public Transit The Right Idea?
Is fare-free transit always fair?
While the idea of free public transport sounds like a win for equity and the environment, the reality can be far more complicated. This post explores why universal fare abolition may fall short — and why a well-designed social tariff might offer a smarter, fairer path forward. From funding gaps and service cuts to overlooked labour impacts, we unpack the risks of one-size-fits-all solutions and make the case for targeted affordability rooted
Jul 223 min read
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Housing Crisis: Could New Towns Be the Solution?
Just as during the postwar era in the UK, could new towns, planned from scratch, be part of the long-term solution ?
Jun 279 min read
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Yerevan at an Urbanism Crossroads: Tackling Transit, Housing, and Sustainability Challenges in Armenia’s Capital
This article delves into Yerevan, the 2800-year-old Armenian capital's unique urbanism, housing and transit, and its pressing challenges as
Jan 284 min read
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What's up with Transit Oriented Development?
Transit Oriented Development seems to be the darling of urban policy makers worldwide.
Apr 26, 20244 min read
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Is UBI the answer to urban (un)affordability?
the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) has emerged as a proposed solution to the growing fear of stagnation or even the precipitous dro
Feb 5, 20245 min read
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City Dive: Drawing The Line in the sand
Had you told me 15 years ago that Saudi Arabia would be a trend setter in urban sustainability I'd have choked on my baklava.
Dec 16, 20235 min read
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Is building more homes the answer? Discussing the housing crisis.
We seem to pay more attention to the rise and fall of oil prices than to the challenges cities face in housing their residents.
Dec 8, 20234 min read
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Building trust and engagement: The ups and downs of public participation.
Skepticism towards official information, challenges local governance. Public involvement in urban planning explores solutions.
Dec 4, 20233 min read
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Keep your head up when you shop: How public markets make great cities.
I can't tell you how much I love public markets! So much action, sights, sounds, smells. It's like walking through an amusement park, but...
Nov 20, 20234 min read
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Welcome to The Friendly Urbanist Blog!
You can expect to read my thoughts and analysis on issues of urban policy, my views on some of the most recent research.
Sep 1, 20232 min read
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