- Transit ridership has declined since the 1970s, especially in sprawling Rust and Sun Belt cities that have seen their downtowns decline, but wealthier coastal cities have bucked the trend. (Bloomberg)
- A Biden gaffe almost scuttled the bipartisan infrastructure deal. (CNN)
- Rural Republicans are generally opposed to transit, but will vote for rail in sparsely populated areas and for climate change initiatives — as long as you call it something else. (NPR)
- To save lives and prevent climate change, the government should spend more on transit and less on roads. (The Progressive)
- Small cities want to become more pedestrian-friendly, but are having a hard time finding the money. (Governing)
- Some cities are considering making their COVID-era street closures permanent. (Washington Post)
- Drivers value safety over speed in the vehicles they choose, so why don’t transportation planners? (Planetizen)
- The Texas DOT’s options for I-345 through downtown Dallas range from removing it to doing nothing at all. (D Magazine)
- New Jersey continues to raid a clean energy fund to pay for transit despite billions in federal COVID relief. (NJ.com)
- Traffic deaths are climbing in Oregon, and in response the DOT is moving the goalposts while still designing roads for speed over safety. (Willamette Week)
- Philadelphia's transit agency is restoring pre-pandemic service in hopes of luring riders back. (Inquirer)
- The D.C. Metro will no longer charge riders for transferring from a train to a bus. (Greater Greater Washington)
- Minneapolis is considering banning big trucks that block bike lanes and obstruct sightlines from parking within city limits, except to load and unload. (Landline)
- Boston should keep on letting restaurant patios gobble up parking spaces. (Boston Magazine)
- Dallas residents are hoping to put a historic trolley back on the street. (News Nation)
Streetsblog
Monday’s Headlines Kick-Start the Week
By Blake Aued
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
Survey: Most Americans Are Open To Ditching Their Cars
Automakers have spent a century and countless trillions of dollars making car-dependent living the American norm. But U.S. resident still aren't sold, a new survey suggests.
January 21, 2026
You Can’t Afford Wednesday’s Headlines
Americans want to live in walkable areas near transit, but not enough housing is being built there, driving prices out of reach for many and forcing them into a car-dependent lifestyle.
January 21, 2026
NYC Warns Delivery Apps to Follow New Worker Protection Laws
The Mamdani Administration sent letters to over 60 delivery app companies, warning they must comply with new regulations.
What the ‘Abundance’ Agenda Could Mean For Equitable Transportation
Could Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson's buzzword usher in an era of bountiful transportation options, or just more highways?
January 20, 2026
Tuesday’s Headlines Weigh Perception and Reality
It may be driven largely by the media — car crashes are too common to make the news — but a feeling that transit isn't safe is hurting ridership.
January 20, 2026
Monday’s Headlines Wonder About E-Bikes’ Future
E-bike sales surged in 2020 and 2021 but have been flat ever since.
January 19, 2026
