In this month's 5 ideas in 5 minutes, Daniel Frank gathers new thinking on transport in cities: Velib │ Public Transport funded by Fuel Tax │ Dynamic Kerbside Pricing │ Transport Innovation Fund │ Insurance by the Mile

Barbara Coombs argues that many people are stuck between the high costs of home ownership and the insecurity of renting. A third option, residential leasehold title, could provide the best of both worlds for many households.

Robert Bruegmann’s drive-by analysis of urban sprawl leaves healthy, sustainable suburbs stranded on the curb, writes Gabrielle Kuiper.

Gabrielle Kuiper showcases five inspiring examples which demonstrate how good urban planning can reduce car use and urban sprawl.

As the negative impacts of car-dependence becomes increasingly obvious, transport planners need to count not just the costs but also the enefits of investing in sustainable alternatives, writes Elliot Fishman

Australia'’s suburbs face a transport crisis and the Federal Government is doing little to help, writes Chris Anderson

Vancouver's approach to urban planning could point the way to more liveable cities in Australia, writes Gabrielle Kuiper

Roads in Australia's major cities are becoming increasingly congested. The latest ABS data shows that between 2001 and 2005, the number of registered motor vehicles grew by 17 per cent in Queensland, 12 per cent in New South Wales and 10 per cent in Victoria. This growth in motor vehicles in starting to cost us, with a report by the Centre for International Economics showing that in Sydney, reliance on motor cars is costing $18 billion per year in congestion, accidents and air pollution.

While Australian mythology resides in the bush, most Australian people live in cities. Decisions governments make about transport and urban planning therefore have a significant impact on people's lives and quality of life. For example, on average, Australians currently spend two hours a day in their cars. And in some parts of Australian cities, a greater percentage of household income is now spent on transport than on housing. This has negative consequences for social equity, health, urban amenity and the environment.