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Monday’s Headline Will Bring Us Together

An interesting read on highways, the suburbs and political polarization, plus the longer-than-you-think history of the Hyperloop and more.

By Blake Aued

12:00 AM EST on February 28, 2022

Monday’s Headline Will Bring Us Together

Photo: No More Freeways PDX

Federal highway spending has contributed to political polarization that primarily benefits Sun Belt Republicans, and means Democrats aren’t really going to push for more transit funding over roads. (Governing)
Proposals have surfaced at the federal level and at least 10 states to cut or suspend gas taxes to combat high pump prices (Land Line). But it’s an election-year gimmick that won’t even save drivers much money (The Hill).
The idea of transporting people via, essentially, giant pneumatic bank tubes has been around for over a century, but the Hyperloop was never going to work despite the hype. (Motherboard)
A third of the Earth’s population can’t see the stars at night, and a big reason why is poorly designed streetlights. (Arch Daily)
Preliminary results from Boston’s fare-free pilot program found that it’s resulted in a 20 percent spike in ridership and improved on-time performance. (Globe)
The cost estimate for three miles of light rail on the Atlanta Beltline has exploded to up to $448 million, jeopardizing its chances of receiving federal funding. (Journal-Constitution)
It’s always been targeted by Republicans, but more delays and cost overruns on the Twin Cities’ Southwest light rail line are causing Democrats to start questioning the Metropolitan Council’s management. (MinnPost)
A North Carolina transportation agency is removing highway projects from its long-term plans and replacing them with spending on transit and bike infrastructure. (Raleigh News & Observer)
St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones says the Loop streetcar could restart this summer. (Post-Dispatch)
Uber and Lyft drivers in Washington state will get sick time and worker’s comp after the companies cut a deal with the Teamsters union that doesn’t force them to recognize drivers as employees. (Washington State Wire)
West Virginia union laws could prevent the state’s transit agencies from collecting federal funding. (WFXR)
The Savannah city council passed a Vision Zero initiative. (WSAV)
A Seattle parking space is on the market for $50,000, which is more than most people pay for a car and probably a lifetime’s worth of transit passes. (KING)
A new Showtime series shows how Uber founder Travis Kalanick disrupted his own career with privacy and sexual harassment scandals. (New York Times)

Blake Aued

Blake Aued has been doing Streetsblog's daily national news digest for years. He's also an Atlanta Braves fan, which enrages his editor in New York.

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