- President Obama laid the groundwork for high-speed rail in his 2009 stimulus package, but 12 years later “Amtrak Joe” Biden doesn’t seem interested in following through despite his long-standing support for transit. (American Prospect)
- Cities nationwide are considering making transit fare-free, but what most riders need more than free fares is better service. (Slate)
- Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says the U.S. can't afford to have a "dorm room debate" over what's infrastructure before passing a bill. (Politico)
- Electrifying the entire U.S. bus fleet would cost between $56 billion and $89 billion, according to an Eno Center for Transportation report. (Transportation Today)
- Bike-share and e-scooter company Lime is joining the National Complete Streets Coalition to lobby for safer places to ride. (Smart Growth America)
- Transit agencies are better off handling rail projects in-house, rather than hiring consultants. (Pedestrian Observations)
- Federal officials have approved the Gateway tunnel project connecting New York and New Jersey, which promises to speed up rail travel up and down the East Coast (NJ.com). But now New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is throwing a fit about having to pay for it (Streetsblog NYC).
- New York City ride-hailing drivers are forming a worker-owned cooperative to compete with Uber and Lyft. (NY Times)
- NIMBY suburbs surrounding San Diego are fighting a $160 billion transit expansion plan because they don't want higher-density housing. (Union-Tribune)
- Amazon bought a Philadelphia property transit agency SEPTA was eyeing for a trolley yard, which could delay upgrading the system. (Inquirer)
- Environmental justice is at the heart of the fight to stop the I-5 expansion in Houston. (Architect's Newspaper)
- Support is dwindling in the Oregon legislature for tolling to pay for highway projects like the Rose Quarter I-5 widening in Portland. (Oregon Public Broadcasting)
- The Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority is aiming to link its underperforming streetcar to the popular Beltline walking and biking trail by 2027. (Saporta Report)
- The backlash to New Orleans' new protected bike lanes is underway. (The Advocate)
- Food delivery skyrocketed during the pandemic, and delivery services may be branching out to pot next, which should make that lukewarm takeout taste a lot better (CNBC).
Streetsblog
Wednesday’s Headlines Are Free and Fast
By Blake Aued
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
Advocates Beg DOT Sec. Duffy to Give Up Space and Fix Transit On Earth
Transportation Secretary/acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy wants to put a nuclear reactor on the moon. But a lot of Americans just want the bus to come on time.
August 20, 2025
Wednesday’s Headlines Make Our Own Rules
For almost 100 years, speed limits have been set based on some of the fastest drivers. Now cities are starting to realize that's not a great idea.
August 20, 2025
OPINION: What Do You Call a Cyclist Who’s Been Hit By an E-Biker?
Much as our contributor hates to admit it, she thinks twice every time she gets on her bike since being hit by an e-bike.
Tuesday’s Headlines Open Their Wallets
State and local governments shouldn't have to scrounge around for transit funding, according to Transportation for America.
August 19, 2025
Opinion: Too-Fast Riders Could Be The Downfall of E-Bike Culture
Out-of-class e-bikes are getting faster and more dangerous. How will it impact the image of slow-speed, pedal-assist vehicles — or even the faster riders who are responsibly sharing the road with cars?
August 19, 2025
Advocates: Here’s What to Tell The Feds You Want From the Next Big Transportation Bill
You only have two more days to comment on the next surface transportation bill (the biggie!). So here are some thoughts about what you should say.
August 18, 2025
