- While suburban commuter trains run empty during the pandemic, transit agencies are finally refocusing on their highest-ridership routes, which are not coincidentally used mostly by people of color and have often been the most underfunded. (Grist)
- Human Transit's Jarrett Walker debates another transportation expert on whether access to jobs or ridership predictions should be the top priority of transit agencies.
- American drivers are buying bigger and bigger vehicles that kill more and more people (Urban Wire). Convincing people to buy smaller and smaller vehicles that still meet most of their needs is key (Public Square).
- The D.C. Metro says subways will be on reduced service at least through the weekend as an investigation continues into a derailment that forced the transit agency to pull about half its cars off the tracks. (The Hill)
- Austin is fighting for transportation equity on two fronts: for a $7 billion transit plan and against the state's plans to widen I-35 to 20 lanes. (Slate)
- The new bus rapid transit G Line will connect some of Seattle's densest neighborhoods (Intelligent Transport). And it looks like the Center City Streetcar is going back on ice after Mayor Jenny Durkin recommended it in her 2022 budget (The Urbanist)
- As Atlanta prepares to elect a new mayor, light rail on the BeltLine is literally the third rail of city politics and may never fulfill its promise. (Saporta Report)
- Ann Arbor has hired a consultant to make a Vision Zero plan that includes reducing traffic speeds (MLive).
- It's nice that customers pitched in to buy a 60-year-old Virginia fast-food worker a car (WUSA), but wouldn't it be nicer if she had access to a reliable transit system?
- A former prison bus is now an art exhibition/community center in Brooklyn. (Next City)
- Now you can download and 3D print a carbon-friendly wooden bike. (Fast Company)
Streetsblog
Thursday’s Headlines Are Politics-Free
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
Tributes Pour in for Parking Reformer, Urbanist Mentor Donald Shoup
Shoup had a long and storied career in the academy, but he was also a mentor to generations of urban planners.
Streetsblog Cal Mourns Parking Reformer Donald Shoup
Rest in peace, Professor Shoup. Your legacy will live for generations.
Friday’s Headlines Drink From the Firehose
A key DOT nominee's role in Project 2025, more dubious executive orders, climate change accelerates and more headlines.
Friday Video: It’s Been a Week! Take A Breath And Watch People Bike In Utrecht
Take a break, regulate yourself, and get back to fighting for a better future for transportation in America.
Commentary: It’s Time for Newsom to Bring it Home on High Speed Rail
Oil-funded, Trumpian Republicans long-ago decided to turn California's HSR project into a political football. If they want to play games, then it's long past time for California Democrats to stop jerking around and play to win.