- 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
Highway Projects Still Grab Biggest Share as California OK’s Nearly $1B in Transportation Funding
But transit and active transportation also get boosts.
Friday’s Headlines Just Keep Trucking’ On
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is rolling back the Biden administration's mileage benchmarks for heavy trucks.
February 6, 2026
Government by AI? Trump Administration Plans to Write Regulations Using Artificial Intelligence
The Transportation Department, which oversees the safety of airplanes, cars and pipelines, plans to use Google Gemini to draft new regulations. “We don’t need the perfect rule,” said DOT’s top lawyer. “We want good enough.”
February 6, 2026
In NYC, ‘Winter Warriors’ Get Swag As Majority Of Citi Bikes Remain Unusable
Service call? More like service gall.
Talking Headways Podcast: Ed Roberts, Curb Cuts and the Origins of the Disability Movement
February 5, 2026
Thursday’s Headlines Are 2 Fast 2 Fare-Free
Fare-free bus systems are now in the U.S. DOT's crosshairs.
February 5, 2026
