- Engineers, economists and others have been warning about induced demand — the phenomenon of new highway lanes filling up with cars almost as soon as they're built — for almost 90 years. But state DOTs seem to think congestion proves them right, and more lanes must be built in an endless cycle. (City Lab)
- Mayors are pleading with Congress to pass an infrastructure bill to help them repair roads and bridges and build new light rail lines. (Axios)
- Another study, this one by Ohio State, found that a drop in traffic during the pandemic led to more speeding, reckless driving and deaths. (Science Daily)
- The Biden administration wants to strengthen emissions regulations, and GM is OK with that. (Reuters)
- The cause of an Amtrak derailment in Montana has yet to be determined, but the train was going just under the speed limit. (The Hill)
- A historic drought linked to climate change could be causing San Francisco's sidewalks to buckle and crack. (Examiner)
- Boulder leaders want Colorado's Regional Transportation District to use part of its $700 million in federal stimulus money to provide more transit service to the area. (Colorado Public Radio)
- Austin's Capitol Metro approved a $650 million budget that includes funding to hire more drivers and create a police force. (Monitor)
- Galveston's historic trolley system is finally up and running again after Hurricane Ike knocked it out in 2008. (Houston Chronicle)
- A Texas teenager who was harassing a group of cyclists by rolling coal wound up hitting and injuring six of them. The driver was not charged initially, but the district attorney has since said he's investigating. (ABC 13)
- A Chicago man was fined $500 for tearing up a speed bump because it damaged his car. (WGN)
- Detroit's QLine streetcar wasn't able to meet its goal of service every 15 minutes when it reopened last weekend. (Metro Times)
- Someone is brightening pedestrians' days by making sidewalk art all over Kalamazoo. (WKFR)
Streetsblog
Thursday’s Headlines Are Inducing Demand for News
By Blake Aued
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
The ‘Affordability Crisis’ Conversation Can’t Leave Out the Cost of Cars
We can't talk about Americans' empty wallets without talking about our empty buses and sidewalks.
January 7, 2026
Opinion: E-Bikes Are An Economic Boost That Cities Must Seize
E-bikes and scooters are reshaping local retail markets by expanding who can reach neighborhood businesses with frequency, ease, and convenience.
Wednesday’s Headlines Have Seen the Light
One year later, data shows congestion pricing in New York City has been an unqualified success.
January 7, 2026
How New York’s Governor Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Congestion Pricing
She loved, then hated, then loved, then gutted, and, yesterday, celebrated the congestion pricing toll as it marked its first birthday.
Five ‘Supercool’ Transportation Founders to Watch in 2026
These start-up leaders are throwing their weight behind the fight to decarbonize our city transportation networks — and this podcast host is picking their brains.
January 6, 2026
Tuesday’s Headlines Get Ready for the World Cup
Cities across the country are prepping their transit systems for soccer fans arriving from around the globe.
January 6, 2026
