Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Streetsblog

Wednesday’s Headlines Include a Big Promotion

12:01 AM EST on December 16, 2020

    • Despite having little formal policy expertise — although he did put out a detailed infrastructure plan during his presidential campaign — Pete Buttigieg is Joe Biden’s choice as transportation secretary. The former South Bend mayor only recently emerged as a strong candidate for the position (Politico). Streetsblog Chicago's John Greenfield is glad Biden didn't pick the divisive ex-mayor Rahm Emmanuel, but as Streetsblog USA's Kea Wilson points out, some of the Black Lives Matter issues that dogged Emmanuel also apply to Buttigieg. Others, though, praised his ambition, Rust Belt background and on-the-ground experience.
    • Still no new money for transit agencies, but the Federal Transit Administration extended the deadline to apply for existing emergency funds. (Railway Age)
    • Uber has 30 days to pay a $59 million fine and answer questions about sexual assaults or lose its license to operate in California. (The Verge)
    • A divided Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority board approved drastic transit cuts that will take effect early next year, including reducing frequency, eliminating 20 bus routes and curtailing weekend commuter rail service. (NBC 10)
    • Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan wants to raid $250 million from the state transportation trust fund to settle the Purple Line lawsuit, which could endanger other road and transit projects. (Maryland Matters)
    • Atlanta needs $2.6 billion to fix all the sidewalks, roads and bridges that are in disrepair, says its new transportation commissioner. For context, that's about four times the city's entire discretionary budget. (Saporta Report)
    • Oregon has sharply limited parking requirements statewide for attached homes and houses on small lots as part of the state's 2019 "middle housing" law increasing density in single-family neighborhoods. (Sightline)
    • Austin received a $900,000 federal grant to help avoid displacing residents with the Project Connect transit expansion. (KUVE)
    • The FTA also announced a $41 million grant for Milwaukee's East-West bus rapid transit line. (On Milwaukee)
    • Lyft has added Miami-Dade public transit to its app. (Intelligent Transport)
    • Reports that London will rip out almost 800 docking stations and 12,000 "Boris bikes" are incorrect. (Forbes)

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

To Help Save the Planet, Take the ‘Week Without Driving’ Challenge

Former Sierra Club President Ramón Cruz is urging Americans to give up driving for seven days — and support policies to make it optional for everyone.

September 29, 2023

Labor Gains: NYC Judge Tosses App Giants’ Suit to Stop Deliverista Minimum Wage

Justice Nicholas Moyne cleared the way for a long-delayed wage hike for workers who brave dangerous roads to bring food directly to New Yorkers.

September 29, 2023

Friday’s Headlines Are Charged Up

Expect a lot fewer ordinary gas stations and a few more Buc-ee's in your area as the electric vehicle transition continues.

September 29, 2023

Commentary: Let’s Talk About the Real “Fatal Flaw” on Valencia

How many people have to die before professional advocates stop endorsing the Valencia Street "experiment" on people?

September 28, 2023

Talking Headways Podcast: Beyond Greenways

This week we’re joined by Bob Searns to talk about his new book and grand ideas for walking trails that circle whole regions and more local routes that make up a new mode of green infrastructure in cities.

September 28, 2023
See all posts