- Traffic and pollution are plummeting as coronavirus shuts down U.S. cities (New York Times). One of those cities is Atlanta, where vehicular traffic is down 20–40 percent (Brunswick News). We shouldn't let cars back in when this is all over.
- Transit agencies in Ohio, Vermont, Nevada and elsewhere are going fare-free during the coronavirus outbreak. This both gives financially struggling riders a break and keeps them safer by allowing buses to use all-door boarding, keeping passengers further apart (City Lab). Toronto recently implemented all-door board and is now allowing drivers to wear masks (The Star).
- Transit Center highlights how various transit agencies are dealing with the pandemic, such as protecting drivers by limiting front-door boarding. Houston is running more buses so riders can keep their distance from each other, and San Francisco is reorienting the system to focus on residents over tourists.
- Bike-share and e-scooter companies are taking steps to sanitize their mobility devices, and riding a bike or scooter remains the safest way to get around during the pandemic. (Consumer Reports). Now if only they would stop pulling their fleets... (Streetsblog)
- Over 200 elected officials, transit agencies and other organizations are urging Congress to provide $13 billion in emergency funding to keep transit operating during the coronavirus pandemic. (Transportation for American, Streetsblog Chicago, Streetsblog Mass)
- Among the latest systems affected: Ridership is down over 60 percent on Sound Transit and Seattle Metro buses and trains, and sales tax revenue is taking an even bigger hit than during the Great Recession, which could endanger infrastructure projects like the Federal Way light rail extension (Seattle Times). Ridership is also down about 60 percent in Sacramento, whose transit agency is drastically cutting back service in response (Bee).
- Taxi, Uber and Lyft drivers are at risk of coming down with COVID-19 and seeing a dramatic drop in income. Making matters worse, as "gig economy" workers, ride-hailing drivers are not eligible for the benefits laid-off hourly and salaried employees can access. (Philadelphia Inquirer)
- Transit workers in Washington, D.C. are scared to show up for work. (DCist)
- Virginia is distributing $11 million to local transit agencies that are seeing ridership drop during the pandemic. (CBS 19)
- Baltimore musicians have found a way to keep people entertained in the age of social distance with personal "sidewalk serenades." (Baltimore Magazine)
Today's Headlines
Monday’s Headlines From Around the Nation
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
Talking Headways Podcast: Creating Positive Soundscapes in Cities
Chris Berdik on health and wellbeing, how our brains process sound and creating positive urban soundscapes.
Friday’s Headlines Are In the Clear
Transit consultant Jarrett Walker explains to frustrated drivers why bus-only lanes are important.
Friday Video: Why So Many Speed Limits Just Don’t Work
Speed matters. Numbers on signs, though, don't always get drivers to slow down.
Off Campus: Students Are Boosting Public Transit as Key to Affordability
One constituency is doubling-down on its support, even, in one recent case, taxing itself to bolster service.
Thursday’s Headlines Are a Disco Inferno
Senate Republicans want cars to "burn, baby, burn" more gasoline.
Greenlining Institute’s Hana Creger Talks How To Win Hearts and Minds on Climate
Do you want to start winning? Creger recommends better messaging.