Friday’s Headlines to Cap the Week
Some good news in local transit, plus all the other headlines.
By
Blake Aued
12:01 AM EDT on October 16, 2020
- A new report from Transportation for America lists five ways to cut vehicle emissions: Build denser housing, make less driving a goal, encourage shorter trips, invest in other modes and prioritize access to destinations.
- The pandemic has shown that transit agencies must refocus from hub-and-spoke systems bringing commuters in from distant suburbs to basic transit access for disadvantaged groups, as well as better coverage within suburbs. (The Conversation)
- Rush hour might be in the rear-view mirror during the pandemic, but traffic has gotten worse at other times of day. (Forbes, Streetsblog)
- Branding them as “anarchist,” the Federal Transit Administration is excluding New York, Portland and Seattle from accessing grant funds to fight COVID-19 (Portland Tribune, Streetsblog). The National Association of City Transportation Officials says the move is politically motivated and puts riders and operators at risk.
- The Southeast is a leader in electric vehicle manufacturing, but lags behind on EV sales and charging stations, according to a new report from the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.
- A new autonomous shuttle launches in Tampa on Monday. It lacks a steering wheel but does have a backup driver who can take over using a video-game controller. (Tampa Bay Times)
- Metro Detroit police are cracking down on people on foot as well as the drivers who kill them during “pedestrian enforcement week.” (WXYZ)
- The Twin Cities’ new 20-mile-per-hour speed limit is now in effect. (Pioneer Press)
- New quick-build bus and bike lanes are popping up in a Boston suburb. (Somerville Times)
- A new bus rapid transit line is now running in Montgomery County, Md. (WAMU)
- If the ‘rona doesn’t get you, a runaway vehicle might: An SUV driver plowed into an outdoor café in San Jose, killing one person and injuring seven others. The crash raises questions about the safety of al fresco dining in car-centric areas. (Planetizen)
- A British Uber passenger assaulted the driver’s sense of smell, then assaulted him physically when the driver raised a stink. (New York Post)
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:
Streetsblog has migrated to a new comment system. New commenters can register directly in the comments section of any article. Returning commenters: your previous comments and display name have been preserved, but you'll need to reclaim your account by clicking "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in form, entering your email, and following the verification link to set a new password — this is required because passwords could not be carried over during the migration. For questions, contact tips@streetsblog.org.
More from Streetsblog USA
Friday’s Headlines Got Charlie Brown Again
Why won't Democrats punt and then try a field goal if and when they take more power next year?
August 14, 2026
Friday Video: How Red Curbs and Bike Racks Can Save Lives
What is daylighting, and how can cities use it to increase street safety?
August 14, 2026
Trump’s New ‘Roadway Safety Strategy’ Leaves Out The Good Parts
The Trump administration’s new blueprint for improving the nation’s poor road-safety record ignores well-established safety measures and leaves vulnerable road users completely out of the picture — a roadmap that advocates said would not change the ongoing road death crisis that is increasingly unique to the United States.
August 14, 2026
Talking Headways Podcast: The Bikeable Forest Of Texas (Yes, Texas!)
Who knew that there was a town in Texas that even the Dutch would love?
August 13, 2026
Waymo Speaks: We Have More In Common With Urbanists Than You Might Think
The robo-taxi company wants to push back on some recent coverage, so let's have it.
August 13, 2026
