Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Streetsblog

Wednesday’s Headlines as We Face Midweek

1:25 AM EST on January 27, 2021

    • President Joe Biden continues to fill out his DOT. The head of the Massachusetts DOT has been chosen for a top post in the Federal Highway Administration but says she considers all road users equal (Boston Globe). Biden also appointed three Portland officials, including one who will head the U.S. DOT's Office of Civil Rights. (Willamette Week)
    • Rural communities are counting on “Amtrak Joe” to reopen long-dormant passenger rail lines. (New York Times)
    • As part of his "Buy American" executive order, Biden pledged to replace the U.S. government fleet with all-electric vehicles. But the industry currently doesn't have the capacity, so it could take years and be quite expensive. (CNBC)
    • Cities want a greater say in transportation spending so they can put money toward transit projects or tearing down freeways instead of widening them. (Houston Chronicle)
    • A new Uber report presents the ride-hailing company as a partner in transit’s recovery. But transit agencies should be skeptical of Uber’s motives and think carefully before signing on. (Bloomberg)
    • Electric bikes could outsell cars in Europe within the next decade (Electrek). They’re taking off in the U.S., too, but most American cities aren’t ready (Time).
    • San Francisco drivers have killed more than 200 people and injured 20,000 since the city set its sights on Vision Zero in 2014. (SF Chronicle)
    • Colorado Gov. Jared Polis is at odds with a new Regional Transportation District staffer who questioned the wisdom of a Boulder-to-Longmont light rail line. (Colorado Public Radio)
    • Phoenix is establishing a fund to help small businesses affected by light-rail construction. (Mass Transit Mag)
    • After a pandemic-related pause, St. Augustine is getting back to work on bike-sharing, transit-oriented development and pedestrian-friendly streets. (Record)
    • Arlington is expanding a deal with Via to provide on-demand transit at $3 to $5 per ride. (Government Technology)
    • Turin, Italy, turned an abandoned streetcar line into its first linear park. (City Lab)

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

The Real Reason Assaults Against Transit Workers Are On The Rise

Hint: it's not just because service has been slashed.

December 7, 2023

Thursday’s Headlines’ Future Looks Bright

Amtrak Joe's administration is making big strides on rail, although it's lagging behind on EV chargers.

December 7, 2023

Car Noise Pollution is Worse in Redlined Neighborhoods — And Not Just for Humans

Transportation noise pollution can wreak havoc on wildlife populations, too — and that can have a devastating effect on their human neighbors.

December 6, 2023

Oakland Calif. Mayor Makes New Promise About Safety

Mayor Thao Tweets "It's time to reach a critical juncture where tragedies don’t catalyze improvements." But when and how will we know if the city has really reached that point and is serious about safety for all road users?

December 5, 2023

Wednesday’s Headlines Envy Europe

Could the EU keep U.S. megacars off their streets?

December 5, 2023
See all posts