Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Streetsblog

Thursday’s Headlines Ask, Is the Gig Up?

Your future job, like it or not.

    • President Biden has proposed suspending the 18-cents-a-gallon federal gas tax for three months. It's unlikely to pass, though, because most Democrats are opposed (Politico). The measure might be popular with voters but could actually make inflation worse (Newsweek).
    • Amid much potential gig-worker legislation, Uber and Lyft drivers filed a lawsuit accusing the companies of antitrust violations because drivers aren't treated as being independent, but also aren't given the benefits of being employees. (New York Times)
    • The ride-hailing companies are also restoring shared rides — suspended since the start of the pandemic — in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Phoenix. San Diego, Portland, Indianapolis and Pittsburgh. (CNBC)
    • State legislators want to hold hearings on safety issues on Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority subways and authorize spending $400 million to fix them. (CommonWealth)
    • A Seattle Vision Zero report found that drivers have killed 175 since the city started a Vision Zero program in 2015. The problem is most severe on South End neighborhoods and on arterial roads, and disproportionately affects Black residents. (MyNorthwest)
    • Despite a federal hold on a proposed I-45 expansion through downtown Houston while potential civil rights violations are investigated, the Texas DOT wants to move forward with demolishing apartments in the project's path (Chronicle). But thanks to local activists, the demolition is now on hold (KHOU).
    • A Chicago alderman wants to step up towing and add signage to prevent drivers from blocking bike lanes after a truck driver killed a toddler being towed by her mother who was maneuvering around a parked vehicle. (Sun-Times)
    • A proposed Oklahoma light rail line is in the running for a $100 million federal grant. (The Oklahoman)
    • Four years after Richmond started running the Pulse bus rapid transit line, it's painting the bus lane red to tell drivers to stay out. (WTVR)
    • E-scooters are a great way for young kids to join in on family bike adventures. (Bike Portland)
    • More fake news on Biden's bike spill. (Associated Press)

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Talking Headways Podcast: One Year of Congestion Pricing

Danny Pearlstein of New York City's Riders Alliance breaks down how advocates made congestion pricing happen in the Big Apple.

January 29, 2026

Improving Road Safety Is A Win For The Climate, Too

Closing the notorious "fatality target" loophole wouldn't just save lives — it'd help save the human species from climate catastrophe, too.

January 29, 2026

Delivery Workers Are the Safest Cyclists On the Road, Study Finds

Deliveristas are less likely to engage in roadway behaviors that endanger pedestrians or themselves. So why are they so villainized?

January 29, 2026

The Cup Runneth Over With Thursday’s Headlines

Density lends itself to an abundance of transportation options and an abundance of money saved by not driving, writes David Zipper.

January 29, 2026

‘Gateway’ Drug: Trump Is Holding the Second Avenue Subway Hostage

The president blocked funds for the Second Avenue Subway during the government shutdown in October — and the MTA has still not received the money, sources said.

January 28, 2026

‘Kavanaugh Stops’ Are Making Streets More Dangerous

In Minneapolis, ICE agents have killed more people than violent drivers so far in 2026, according to Minnesota's crash database.

January 28, 2026
See all posts