Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Streetsblog

Thursday’s Headlines Are Still Negotiating

12:01 AM EDT on June 17, 2021

Join us in July at the National Shared Mobility Summit — a month of virtual sessions on one topic: THE BIG SHIFT. Our existing physical, social, economic, technological and institutional infrastructure overwhelmingly favor private car ownership and private car use. This year, we ask, “How might we shift the the whole system!” Register now and save 25 percent with code BIGSHIFT21.

    • Some Republican senators are still optimistic about a bipartisan infrastructure deal, even as progressive Democrats scoff at the small scope of the framework and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer sets the stage for a party-line vote. (Bloomberg)
    • The pandemic has forced transit agencies to get back to basics: frequent and reliable service for those who need it most. (Cities Today)
    • Addressing climate change will require convincing those who will bear the brunt of a carbon tax. (The Guardian)
    • The Senate confirmed former San Jose transit chief Nuria Fernandez as the first woman of color to lead the Federal Transit Administration. (Railway Tracks and Structures)
    • The Biden administration restored a $929 million grant for California high-speed rail the Trump administration has rescinded, and Gov. Gavin Newsom is under pressure to spend unexpected state tax revenue to close a still-significant funding gap. (Los Angeles Times)
    • Progressives killed a proposal to cut taxes on parking lots in the Philadelphia city council (WHYY). Also in Philly, officials are pushing to complete bike projects before cyclists take to the roads this summer (Voice).
    • A state-funded study on transit equity and modernization is a turning point for Virginia, which "boasts" two of the three worst-funded systems in the country. (Virginia Mercury)
    • Portland transit agency TriMet announced plans to cut carbon emissions by 25 percent, the equivalent of taking 5,300 cars off the road. (KATU)
    • Vancouver is considering tacking $1,000 onto parking permits for heavily polluting vehicles. (Coast Reporter)
    • Miami-area officials broke ground on the South Corridor bus rapid transit project. (Community Newspapers)
    • Long-awaited bike projects are moving forward in Athens, Georgia. (Flagpole)
    • A Boise State Public Radio podcast focuses on how federal infrastructure funding could bring transit improvements to the region.
    • Ride-hailing apps aren't the first startups to disrupt transit. A century ago, privately run "jitneys" undercut Spokane streetcars. (Spokesman-Review)

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Tuesday’s Headlines Are Trending Down

An estimated 19,515 people died in car crashes during the first half of 2023, which is down 3.3 percent but still 19,515 too many.

October 3, 2023

What Do ‘Livable’ Streets Look Like in an Era of Driverless Cars?

Does a world of autonomous cars really have to make our streets less human?

October 3, 2023

Why Chicago Advocates Are Providing Bikes to Migrants

Unless funds are freed up from a larger entity, bike distribution to asylum seekers is going to stay in crisis mode indefinitely.

October 2, 2023

Monday’s Headlines Are Open for Business

Monday will be just another Monday for federal employees, as Congress avoided a government shutdown. Plus, declining gas tax revenue provides an opportunity to rethink transportation funding.

October 2, 2023
See all posts