- As people start to go back to work all over the world, they’re getting into cars instead of getting back on transit (Washington Post). Demand for gas is rising and rush hour is making a comeback because workers are scared of being exposed to coronavirus on a train (Bloomberg). Still, Outside's Eben Weiss is hopeful that measures such as Oakland’s slow streets movement could finally kill off car culture (Outside).
- To avoid a carmaggeddon, Australia is encouraging people who are scared to use transit to walk or bike instead (Yahoo News). The U.K. has committed 5 billion pounds to walking, biking and buses, and will start fast-tracking projects immediately (Forbes). Biking has gotten so popular in the U.K. during the lockdown that many bike shops are sold out (The Guardian).
- To survive, transit agencies will have to take steps to prepare for the next pandemic, experts said at the online Shared Mobility Summit. Meanwhile, ride-hailing companies may have to refocus on major urban areas, and micro-mobility companies will have to become better partners with cities. (Government Technology)
- Uber lost nearly $3 billion in the first quarter of 2020, but analysts say the company has enough cash to survive the coronavirus crisis. (Business Insider)
- Lime and Jump have merged (Streetsblog), and Lime will be temporarily removing its former rival’s bikes from Seattle for maintenance and rebranding. (Seattle Times)
- Elon Musk is reopening Tesla's California plant in defiance of orders meant to slow the spread of coronavirus. (CNN)
- COVID-19 is showing that Houston’s streets aren’t just for commuting by car — more bike lanes and sidewalks are needed in many neighborhoods, according to the city’s first-ever chief transportation planner. (Chronicle)
- A deal to buy an abandoned rail yard south of Denver is likely to fall through, threatening both a planned interstate expansion and future light rail and commuter rail projects. (Colorado Public Radio)
- The St. Paul city council stuck to its guns and denied restaurant owners’ appeal to halt the removal of a few dozen parking spaces to make way for a bike lane. (City Pages)
- A recent poll found that Philadelphia pedestrians are concerned about cracked and blocked sidewalks, construction areas and distracted drivers. (Voice)
Transit
Tuesday’s Headlines From Around the Nation
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
