Streetsblog

Monday’s Headlines Have Already About Had It

Money for infrastructure but no one to build it. More freeways through Black neighborhoods. Ugh.

By Blake Aued

12:01 AM EDT on September 13, 2021

There may not be enough skilled workers to build all of the transit projects and other infrastructure in the Biden administration’s plans. (New York Times)
The Federal Transit Administration is releasing $2.2 billion in competitive grants for transit agencies that need more help with pandemic-related expenses. (Transportation Today)
The FTA is also asking for input on what criteria the agency should use to decide how to distribute grants. (Human Transit)
Mobility as a service — the idea of a streamlined system with all modes of transportation available through one app — remains a tantalizing dream. (Cities Today)
Micromobility companies are emphasizing equity. (TechCrunch)
Fifty years after the construction of North Charleston freeways displaced Black homes and businesses, residents are still fighting South Carolina DOT highway projects (Washington Post). Sadly, that’s not the only story about the disastrous effects of highway construction on Black communities in the paper recently — The Post also reported on similar projects in Northern Virginia.
And, The Post interviewed a top federal passenger rail official about plans to improve Amtrak service in the Northeast Corridor.
With a mayoral election looming, a Cleveland group is pushing candidates to boost funding for transit by taxing parking lots. (Scene)
Fatalities are up on San Francisco streets, and officials are considering lowering speed limits. (Chronicle)
Chicago cyclists used their own bodies to form a protected bike lane to illustrate the need for safer bike infrastructure. (5 Chicago)
Charlotte’s first-ever regional transit plan is scheduled to be released today. (UNC Charlotte Urban Institute)
Volvo’s Swedish hometown is considering making the city center car-free. (Politico)
Can you outrun a D.C. Metro train? (DCist)