- Many transit workers don’t feel adequately protected from coronavirus by their employers, and some are calling for systems to shut down (City Lab). The U.S. DOT issued guidelines that are pretty weak sauce — basically, abide by CDC guidelines on face coverings, hand washing, cleaning surfaces and social distancing. Streetsblog has some better ideas, like rear-door boarding and surgical masks for drivers.
- But what does the future hold for transit post-coronavirus? An infrastructure bill would be a chance to reimagine the U.S. transportation system, making it more sustainable and equitable, a former Massachusetts DOT director writes in Commonwealth magazine. Fast Company predicts that the pandemic will lead to more automation and more surveillance on transit systems. At a recent panel discussion, transit operators said ridership numbers will become less important in the post-coronavirus world, with more emphasis on providing an essential service, Smart Cities Dive reports.
- New Zealand is the first country to provide funding for wider sidewalks and pop-up bike lanes enabling pedestrians and cyclists to keep a proper distance apart during the pandemic (Forbes). Berlin and other German cities are also installing pop-up bike lanes (The Guardian). Frustrated with lack of action by the city, some Washington, D.C. residents are using tactical urbanism to create more space for walking and biking themselves (Greater Greater Washington, Streetsblog).
- Streetsblog SF has more on Oakland's "slow streets" plan, which Mayor Bill de Blasio mischaracterized, Streetsblog NYC says.
- Filling out your Census form will help determine how much transportation funding your community receives. (Mobility Lab)
- The Atlanta suburb of Gwinnett County approved a $6.7-billion list of transit projects to put before voters in November, including bus rapid transit on arterial roads and extending MARTA heavy rail. (AJC)
- Construction flaws have delayed the opening of a South Los Angeles rail line again, this time until mid-2021. (L.A. Times)
- Uber and Lyft have dropped a lawsuit challenging a Seattle law allowing drivers to unionize. (Seattle Times)
- Not funny: Comedian Tracy Morgan got in a shouting match with a New York pedestrian after (maybe) hitting the guy with his Lamborghini. (TMZ)
Streetsblog
Wednesday’s Headlines From Around the Country
By Blake Aued
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
Wednesday’s Headlines Hurry Up and Wait
As cities save lives by slowing down traffic, every 5-miles-per-hour increase on interstates increases the chances of death by 8.5 percent.
October 15, 2025
The Audacious Idea to Connect America With Trails Is More Necessary Now Than Ever
Seattle's bike blogger takes a ride on some of Washington's best rail trails — and makes the case for extending the "Great American Rail Trail" across the country.
October 15, 2025
Tuesday’s Headlines Are on Fire
Withholding funding for mass transit is just one aspect of the Trump administration's cheerleading for climate change.
October 14, 2025
Sneak Peek: In Their Book, ‘The War on Cars’ Hosts Explore Life After the Automobile
...and why it's so urgent that we work for a better future.
October 14, 2025
This Year’s ‘Week Without Driving’ Proved America Needs More Transportation Choices
This micromobility provider helped U.S. residents attempt the 'week without driving' challenge – and revealed where they need more mobility alternatives.
October 14, 2025
Ending the Roadless Rule is Bad News for Public Lands
Federal officials want to bring more cars to public lands, causing environmental damage in the process.
October 14, 2025
