Monday’s Headlines From Around the Nation
There is likely going to be a lot more driving after this is all over. Plus the rest of the news — just one click away.
By
Blake Aued
12:01 AM EDT on April 27, 2020
- Automakers are hoping that a newly germaphobic public will stop riding transit and buy cars instead (Bloomberg). But several studies have shown that motorists are more likely to spread coronavirus than subway riders (Planetizen). And transit remains a lifeline for essential workers and older people who must venture out for food and medicine (World Economic Forum). The coronavirus pandemic has shown how important transit systems are, as well as the need for stable sources of revenue, infrastructure investments and modernized fleets (The City Fix).
- The Week examines three scenarios for post-pandemic traffic: it stays low, returns to normal or gets even worse.
- Joe Biden wants a $1-trillion green infrastructure stimulus bill that would fund light rail and half a million electric vehicle chargers. (Politico)
- Bike lanes boost businesses, according to a new Portland State University study. Researchers looked at 14 corridors in Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Memphis, Minneapolis and Indianapolis, and found that bike lanes had a neutral or positive economic impact, especially on retailers and restaurants.
- Washington, D.C. is putting concrete barriers in streets to expand sidewalks, and residents are clamoring for more (WAMU). In New York City, though, the sidewalks are too narrow for social distancing (Curbed, Streetsblog).
- Charlotte’s transit agency plans to restore cut routes and reinstate fares once Gov. Roy Cooper lifts North Carolina’s stay-at-home order. (Plan Charlotte)
- Philadelphia’s Indego bike-share turns 5 (WHYY) and Indianapolis’s Pacers bike-share celebrates its sixth anniversary (Fox 59).
- Sao Paulo is spending almost $11 billion to expand its bus and rail system. (International Railway Journal)
Blake Aued has been doing Streetsblog's daily national news digest for years. He's also an Atlanta Braves fan, which enrages his editor in New York.
Read More:
More from Streetsblog USA
Michigan Bill Would Require Seniors to Regularly Re-Take Their Drivers’ Tests
...but would it really make roads safer?
April 8, 2026
Wednesday’s Headlines Have Good News and Bad News
Traffic deaths are back down to their pre-pandemic levels, but there is still much work left to be done.
April 8, 2026
How To Push A Livable Streets Project Forward — Even in the Era of Federal Clawbacks
A livable streets superstar is launching a new organization to push forward some of America's most iconic sustainable streets projects — even if Congress is clawing back their funding
April 7, 2026
Tuesday’s Headlines Take an Axe to Transit
The Trump administration wants to cut transit and rail funding to help pay for the war against Iran.
April 7, 2026
The Financial Costs of the Pedestrian Death Crisis Are Still Stratospheric
The human costs of the pedestrian death crisis are unacceptable even as deaths begin to fall. And the financial costs aren't any better.
April 6, 2026
Comments Are Temporarily Disabled
Streetsblog is in the process of migrating our commenting system. During this transition, commenting is temporarily unavailable.
Once the migration is complete, you will be able to log back in and will have full access to your comment history. We appreciate your patience and look forward to having you back in the conversation soon.