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

Wednesday’s Headlines Want to Build Cheaper and Faster

Not much has progressed on the high-speed rail front since Ray LaHood was transportation secretary and Joe Biden was vice president.

Why did it take 11 years and $450 million to save rail riders traveling between Boston and D.C. less than two minutes, when France can build a whole new high-speed rail line in six years? (Vice)

Ridership has snapped back on smaller transit systems used mainly by low-income riders, while bigger ones used mainly by suburban commuters are facing an existential crisis — and some are in between, depending on their funding mechanisms. (Governing)

Related: Some advocates argue the tri-state New York City region should integrate their commuter rail systems with NYC transit. (City Lab)

President Biden's proposal to suspend the federal gas tax comes with a lot of risk and little upside. (The Hill)

This is only tangentially related to transportation at best, but we must point you to testimony that truck-loving former President Donald Trump apparently tried to wrest the wheel away from a Secret Service agent who refused to drive his limousine to the Jan. 6 insurrection. (New York Times)

Three Texas groups are filing a lawsuit seeking to stop the state DOT from expanding I-35 in Austin. (Monitor)

After the Durham-Orange light rail project failed, Research Triangle officials are now considering another line connecting Raleigh and Durham at a cost of about $3 billion. (WRAL)

Kansas City's Complete Streets and Vision Zero programs aren't progressing fast enough for the pedestrians who continue to die. (KCUR)

Cities in Washington state are now allowed to use cameras to enforce speed limits, but none of them are rushing to be the first. (The Urbanist)

The Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority should follow Alexandria's example and make buses fare-free. (AJC)

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu's vision for transit is informed by her experiences as a mother and a woman of color. (The Guardian)

The Promised Land remains choked with traffic despite promises of better transit. (Jerusalem Post)

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Katie Wilson’s Success in Seattle Shows Again that Urbanism Is A Winning Campaign Issue

The transit advocate's strong early performance in Seattle's mayoral primary is rekindling a national conversation about the power of bold transportation reform to win at the ballot box.

August 11, 2025

Who Owns the Most Dangerous Roads in America? Likely Your State

Two states show that meaningful, statewide action is possible to save lives on state-owned arterials — and cities show the results.

August 11, 2025

Monday’s Headlines Get Over the Hump

The humble speed hump can lower speeds on residential streets by 10 to 25 percent, and cost just $5,000 apiece.

August 11, 2025

Team Pedestrian Trounces Team Bus in NYC’s Annual ‘Crosstown Bus Challenge’

Pedestrians beat the bus — but maybe for the last time?

August 8, 2025

Friday Video: How to Gear Up For Your Fall Bike Commute

The only must-haves for a cycling commute are a bike and a place you feel safe riding — but a few accessories don't hurt, either.

August 8, 2025

Can You Tell Me How to Get to Friday’s Headlines?

"Sesame Street," which taught generations of children about life in the big city, might not be long for this world.

August 8, 2025
See all posts