- Just as Streetsblog predicted, the $25 billion in the CARES Act to prop up transit systems isn’t enough (Transportation for America). New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which operates the subway, buses and two light rail lines, is still facing an $8.5 billion shortfall even after a $3.8 billion federal bailout (NY Times).
- Almost 100 U.S. transit workers have died of COVID-19, mostly in New York but also in other major cities. Few have been given masks or other protective gear. (The Guardian)
- Lack of demand for fuel during the coronavirus pandemic has caused a glut that briefly sent oil prices spiraling into negative territory. (Reuters)
- Contrary to popular belief, density doesn’t really contribute much to the spread of COVID-19. The biggest factor in how many cases a place has is how early the virus arrived there. (Scientific American)
- It might seem scary with the economy in the tank, but now is a good time for cities and states to take on debt for infrastructure projects. (Commonwealth)
- Dallas’ infrequent bus service and light-rail system that’s focused on downtown make it difficult for workers without cars, especially those in low-income neighborhoods, to get to jobs in the booming suburbs. (Texas Observer)
- Why is Detroit’s public transit so bad? The city rejected a subway plan and ripped up its streetcar lines. The feds cut funding for the People Mover. And the suburbs repeatedly rejected tax proposals to fund regional transit. (Curbed)
- Las Vegas awarded a $1.5 million contract to an Australian company that uses AI to enforce parking and traffic laws. (Smart Cities World)
- Explore Bike Share in Memphis is free for the next month. (MSN)
- Spokane just bought 10 electric buses for its first bus rapid transit line. (OPB)
- The U.K. is letting local governments fast-track road closures during the coronavirus crisis so walkers and bikers can practice social distancing. (Forbes)
Streetsblog
Wednesday’s Headlines From Around the Nation
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
Thursday’s Headlines Are Charged Up for the Fourth
The Republican megabill is bad for the electric vehicle industry, but it could be worse.
Why is the Secretary of Transportation Begging Americans to Take More Road Trips?
Instead of making America easier to see on all modes, the US Department of Transportation is encouraging U.S. residents to just get in their cars and drive.
Wednesday’s Headlines Are for the Children
From mothers with babies in strollers to preteens on bikes, much of the U.S. is hostile to families just trying to get around without a car.
Trump Priorities Spark Sudden Reorganization of Key Transportation Research Body
"It's [an] unprecedented overreach into science."
Trump’s DOT Secretary Wants You to Drive to Midwest Landmarks; Here Are Some Car-Free Alternatives
Planning a summer trip? Here are a few Amtrak-accessible destinations.
Ambulance Data Reveals That Boston Drivers Are 4 Times More Likely to Run Over Pedestrians From Black Neighborhoods
"Overall, residents of predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods are about four times more likely than residents of predominantly white neighborhoods to be struck as a pedestrian."