Streetsblog
Wednesday’s Headlines as We Hit Midweek
By Blake Aued
- Infrastructure week is coming soon! No, really, this time we mean it. But Republicans and Democrats remain divided on how much to spend and how to pay for it (NY Times). One idea from progressive Sen. Elizabeth Warren is a wealth tax on households worth more $50 million (Transport Topics).
- Damn that parliamentarian ... again. This time, $1.4 billion for transit capital projects, including a Bay Area rail extension, have been removed from the COVID relief bill because that damn rulemonger declared them ineligible. (CNN)
- The federal government offers a $7,500 tax credit to people who buy electric vehicles — but you have to make at least $66,000 a year to get the full benefit. So, in other words, taxpayers are subsidizing rich people's purchase of expensive cars. (Grist)
- Roundabouts are safer for drivers, but research suggests they're more dangerous for cyclists. Solutions include larger center islands and separating bikes from cars. (Cycling Tips)
- Like Uber, but more expensive: A new ride-hailing startup is looking to disrupt the limo business. (Business Insider)
- The safe-streets group Transportation Alternatives imagines what New York City would look like if a quarter of its roads were taken away from cars and turned over to people — a car-free block in front of every school, wider sidewalks, basketball courts, street vendors and the list goes on. (Slate, Streetsblog)
- A new survey found that many D.C.-area residents say they’ll continue walking and biking more, and driving and taking transit less, than they did before once the pandemic is over. (Washington Post)
- The Baltimore Sun reminds Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan that the city once did have a project like the Purple Line — the Red Line, which he canceled six years ago.
- Light rail has brought a new golden age to downtown Mesa. (Phoenix New Times)
- Madison is seeking feedback on a transit overhaul that include include new transfer hubs and a bus rapid transit line. (Wisconsin State Journal)
- A Portland transportation employee who oversaw the creation of hundreds of artistic bike lane symbols is retiring. (Bike Portland)
- Speaking of which, Bloomberg Philanthropies is accepting cities' applications for $25,000 grants for public art through its Asphalt Art Initiative. (PR Newswire)
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