- 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)
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
Denver Activists Hijack Road Signs To Decry The Dangers of Automobility
Plus: a few suggestions for holiday-themed hackers.
December 17, 2025
Which of Wednesday’s Headlines Came First?
A lot of Americans don't love driving, but really don't have much of a choice.
December 17, 2025
The Real Reason America Can’t Have The Tiny Japanese-Style Cars Trump Says He Wants
Trump is right that kei cars are super-kawaii — but he's wrong that clearing the regulatory decks is enough to bring them to U.S. shores.
December 16, 2025
Tuesday’s Headlines Were So Much Older Then, We’re Younger Than That Now
Getting around without driving can be tough for anyone, but particularly seniors and children.
December 16, 2025
Boston’s New ‘CharlieCard’ Raises Privacy Issues in an Age of High-Tech Tracking
The new CharlieCard provides several benefits, but riders should also be aware of the military vendor that's operating the new system.
Ride E-Scooters, Do Crime? Study Explores Relationship Between Micromobility and Vehicle Offenses
"I suspect there are confounding factors that make the link from e-scooters to crime spurious."
