- Transit systems are in danger of falling into a death spiral and need government support as part of a green, sustainable economic recovery. (Policy Options)
- Think cities don’t privilege drivers over transit riders? A monthly transit pass in the 30 largest U.S. cities costs an average of $77, while a monthly parking pass costs $2.25. And that doesn’t even take into account cities where on-street parking is free. (City Observatory)
- The West Coast wildfires are a reminder of the need to take cars off the road to protect our air quality. (National Resources Defense Council)
- Desperate for revenue to repair roads while motorists are staying off the road, some states are raising the gas tax. (USA Today)
- Contractors have stopped work on the Purple Line and are preparing to walk off the job as they negotiate a settlement with Maryland on cost overruns. (Washington Post)
- A new report from a transit advocacy group calls for the Pittsburgh Port Authority to let low-income people ride fare-free and tweak routes to meet pandemic-related changes in demand. The program would work by letting Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program-eligible riders show their EBT cards to board. (Post-Gazette)
- Portland transportation officials are studying four different options for congestion pricing. While one of the goals is to change driver behavior, about two-thirds of commuters don’t have any choice but to drive. E-bikes could give them an alternative. (Bike Portland)
- Austin TV station KVUE interviews Mayor Steve Adler and Cap Metro board chairman Wade Cooper about the upcoming $7 billion Project Connect transit referendum.
- A new method of building tunnels will shave almost a year off the construction time for Brightline’s West Palm Beach-to-Orlando extension. (Construction Dive)
- Ridership on the recently reopened -- and free -- Cincinnati streetcar is starting to tick up. (WKRC)
- Workers discovered the century-old remains of a Native American woman during construction on the Orange County streetcar. (NBC Los Angeles)
- Want to start commuting by bike? Here’s how to do it with confidence. (Bicycling Magazine)
Streetsblog
Thursday’s Headlines Hear That Train A’ Comin’
By Blake Aued
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
Trump’s Canada Bridge Tantrum Could Be Bad News For An International Bike Trail
A multi-use trail along the Gordie Howe Bridge would be a key component of an epic cross-continental trail route — if Trump doesn't prevent the entire structure from opening.
February 17, 2026
Disturbing Utah ‘Bikelash’ Bill Takes Aim at Salt Lake City Traffic Calming
Utah state legislators aren't traffic engineers — so why are they writing laws that would force the review of specific bike lanes already on the roads in their capitol, and preemptively stop Salt Lake from building more?
February 17, 2026
The Explainer: How Big Tech Push For Cheap Car Insurance Hurts Victims
In New York State, Gov. Kathy Hochul is distorting the notion of "affordability" to do Big Tech's bidding.
Tuesday’s Headlines Let Kids Be Kids
Cops should not be arresting parents for letting their kids walk or bike around the neighborhood.
February 17, 2026
Monday’s Headlines Slow Down
Cities have proven measures they can put into place to slow down speeding drivers and save lives.
February 16, 2026
The New Uber-Backed Car Insurance ‘Reform’ Push Is Actually A War On Crash Victims
New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul wants to limit payouts to crash victims under the guise of "affordability" and bogus claims about "staged crashes."
