- Skynet is closer to becoming self-aware: Uber has nearly secured a $1-billion investment in its autonomous car division, according to Bloomberg. The U.S. Department of Transportation has formed a council to support this emerging technology. (Engadget) In Singapore, Volvo is about to start testing full-size self-driving buses. (also Bloomberg)
- Uber has settled a lawsuit filed by drivers seeking to be classified as employees rather than contractors for $20 million, and so it gets to continue not offering them benefits. (The Verge)
- The next mayor of Chicago should appoint a mobility officer to integrate new technology like ride-sharing and self-driving cars, according to a task force appointed by outgoing Mayor Rahm Emmanuel and chaired by former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. (Tribune)
- Another study recommends that Denver ease parking requirements because of residents' increasing reliance on Uber and Lyft. (Denver Post; H/T to Streetsblog Denver)
- Thanks to Duke, City Lab declares the Durham-Orange, N.C. light rail line all but dead. And to think, Duke's opposition was entirely a canard, as Angie Schmitt reported for Streetsblog.
- Phoenix voters have approved light rail as part of larger transportation packages three times, but the fourth time might be the charm for transit opponents when the issue is at the polls again in August. (Arizona Republic)
- Milwaukee is relying on its new streetcar to help move people around when 50,000 visitors come to the city for the 2020 Democratic National Convention. (WTMJ)
- The Atlanta City Council will vote Monday on a $100 fine for drivers who park in bike lanes. (AJC)
- Florida drivers say they'll do just about anything to avoid sitting in traffic, according to a survey taken by the private passenger rail company Brightline. (Sun Sentinel)
Today's Headlines
Friday’s Headlines
By Blake Aued
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
Monday’s Headlines Go to Infinity and Beyond!
A new NASA administrator lets Sean Duffy get back to the his main job, pulling funding for anything not involving cars.
December 29, 2025
Streetsblog Joins Campaign for Public Financing of Non-Profit Media
New York provides tax credits to for-profit newsrooms. Now, non-profit digital outlets, public broadcasters and public access channels are seeking equal treatment. Doing so would strengthen our democracy.
Opinion: Why Urbanists Should Support Plant-Forward Policies
Your plate is political, just like your choice to pedal instead of drive. And often, transportation and food politics have powerful intersections.
December 26, 2025
Thursday’s Headlines: Merry Christmas Edition
We're off today, and we wish you a very Merry Christmas!
December 25, 2025
Don’t Believe the Hype: NJ Turnpike Widening Still Happening
Gov. Murphy's late revision will just move the problem around, advocates say.
