- Tuesday night's election was a nail-biter, and it still ain't over yet, but it was a good night for transit, with 13 out of 17 major initiatives on state and local ballots passing. (Streetsblog USA)
- The most closely watched nationally was Prop 22 in California, where voters exempted Uber and Lyft from a state law classifying their drivers as employees entitled to benefits instead of independent contractors (CNN). Mother Jones says the ride-hailing companies essentially bought the election by spending $200 million, which is a pittance when they'll now be allowed to pay drivers as little as $5.64 an hour. But Vice says their business model is doomed anyway.
- Also in California, Measure RR will provide Caltrain with a stable source of funding for the first time. (Streetsblog SF, NBC Bay Area)
- Austin voters overwhelmingly approved the $7-billion Project Connect transit plan (Monitor). They also approved a smaller package of street, trail, bike lane and sidewalk improvements. (KXAN)
- San Antonio also approved a sales-tax measure to expand transit. (Express-News).
- Seattle at least partially replaced a car-tab fee that's faced legal challenges with a sales-tax hike to fund transit. (Seattle Times)
- A tight referendum on transit in the notoriously auto-centric Atlanta suburb of Gwinnett County remains in limbo, though, as absentee ballots are still being counted. A previous attempt in 2018 failed badly, though, so even a close loss would be progress. (Daily Post)
- A $4-billion payroll tax hike for bus service and other transportation improvements bitterly that was bitterly opposed by businesses failed in Portland, though. (Willamette Week)
- However, Bend, Ore., approved a $190-million bond issue that will pay for bike and pedestrian infrastructure, among other things. (Bulletin)
- In other news, charges were dropped against an Asheville, N.C., police officer who pleaded guilty of beating a Black man for jaywalking in 2017. (WRAL)
Streetsblog
Thursday’s Headlines to Keep You Going
By Blake Aued
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
The ‘Affordability Crisis’ Conversation Can’t Leave Out the Cost of Cars
We can't talk about Americans' empty wallets without talking about our empty buses and sidewalks.
January 7, 2026
Wednesday’s Headlines Have Seen the Light
One year later, data shows congestion pricing in New York City has been an unqualified success.
January 7, 2026
How New York’s Governor Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Congestion Pricing
She loved, then hated, then loved, then gutted, and, yesterday, celebrated the congestion pricing toll as it marked its first birthday.
Five ‘Supercool’ Transportation Founders to Watch in 2026
These start-up leaders are throwing their weight behind the fight to decarbonize our city transportation networks — and this podcast host is picking their brains.
January 6, 2026
Tuesday’s Headlines Get Ready for the World Cup
Cities across the country are prepping their transit systems for soccer fans arriving from around the globe.
January 6, 2026
LA’s ‘Transit Ambassador’ Program is Working
"Overall, ambassadors contribute to improved passenger experiences and play a needed role not well-served by other existing staff or system design features."
