Our Fun Transit Network Design Course Comes to Portland and Chicago

Key Takeaways

• Two‑day transit network design workshops in July (Portland) and October (Chicago).
• Interactive, game‑based curriculum emphasizes real‑world planning scenarios.
• Targeted at planners, engineers, and agency staff seeking practical tools.
• Courses scheduled before APTA Transform conference, enabling immediate networking.
• Registration details and pricing to be released within two weeks.

Pulse Analysis

The demand for skilled transit planners has surged as agencies grapple with aging infrastructure, shifting travel patterns, and tighter budgets. Human Transit’s two‑day network design workshops address this gap by delivering a condensed, experiential curriculum that blends theory with hands‑on simulation. Participants work through realistic scenarios, from corridor prioritization to multimodal integration, gaining tools that can be applied directly to their home agencies.

Portland and Chicago were chosen strategically for their distinct transit landscapes. Portland’s mixed‑modal network, strong bike culture, and recent fare‑free pilot provide a fertile testing ground for innovative design concepts. Chicago, with its extensive rail system and ongoing regional rail expansions, offers a contrasting environment where participants can explore high‑capacity solutions and equity‑focused planning. Holding the Chicago session just before the APTA Transform conference maximizes networking opportunities, allowing attendees to bring fresh insights to a broader industry gathering.

Beyond the immediate skill boost, these workshops signal a broader shift toward experiential learning in transportation planning. As agencies seek faster, data‑driven decision making, the ability to prototype and iterate network designs in a collaborative setting becomes a competitive advantage. Professionals who complete the course will be better positioned to lead projects that improve service reliability, expand coverage, and attract new riders, ultimately supporting the sector’s long‑term sustainability. Early registration will ensure participants can secure seats and benefit from any introductory pricing once announced.