- Democrats will be pushing to include transit and green energy—not just roads and bridges—in an infrastructure package, but Republicans may not go along. (The Hill)
- Uber is outsourcing its efforts to create a self-driving taxi—once thought to be the path to profitability by eliminating labor costs, but which turned into a money pit. (New York Times)
- Transit improvements raise the value of nearby property by more than it costs to make those improvements, and capturing that value through a “land gain tax” on real estate profits could provide better transit and more affordable housing. (Common Ground California)
- Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan—who regulated ride-hailing and expanded transit but also made frustrating decisions like dragging her feet on bike-lane projects—won’t run for re-election. (Crosscut)
- Pushback from Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and others led the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to delay a vote on service cuts. (NBC 10)
- While the situation isn’t quite as urgent as in cities like New York or Washington, D.C., Michigan transit officials are worried about what happens when their federal coronavirus funding runs out next year. (Spartan Newsroom)
- Virginia officials say they will continue to prioritize transit and are optimistic Congress will pass a relief package. (WTOP)
- The Orlando City Council will vote next week on extending its e-scooter pilot program. (Sentinel)
- Texas is welcoming Tesla by slapping a $200 annual fee on electric vehicles. (Austin American-Statesman)
- Hong Kong authorities are looking for relatives of Benjamin Restrepo, a Colombian-born American who was killed by a swerving fire-truck driver earlier this week. (Transit Jam)
- Out of Australia, but you could apply it to anywhere: Reclaiming streets for people, not free parking, is what will help retailers recover from the pandemic. (The Conversation)
- Even Monopoly players should have to pay for parking, according to author and UCLA urban planning professor Donald Shoup. (ITS International)
Streetsblog
Wednesday’s Headlines
By Blake Aued
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
Friday Video: Are We All Living in a ‘Carspiracy’?
How does "car-brain" shape the way we think about the world — even in relatively bike-friendly countries like the U.K.?
July 26, 2024
Friday’s Headlines Share and Share Alike
Bikeshares, and e-bikes and scooters generally, are becoming more popular. That's led to more injuries, highlighting the need for better infrastructure.
July 26, 2024
What the Heck is Going on With the California E-Bike Incentive Program?
The program's launch has been delayed for two years, and currently "there is no specific timeline" for it. Plus the administrator, Pedal Ahead, is getting dragged, but details are vague.
Talking Headways Podcast: Have Cities Run Out of Land?
Chris Redfearn of USC and Anthony Orlando of Cal Poly Pomona on why "pro-business" Texas housing markets are catching up to "pro-regulation" California and what it might mean for future city growth.
July 25, 2024
The Paris Plan for Olympic Traffic? Build More Bike Lanes
A push to make Paris fully bikable for the Olympics is already paying dividends long before the opening ceremonies.
