Thursday’s Headlines Topped Off the Tank
Photo: Bev Skyes, CC
- Americans are so obsessed with the price of gas that it may tip the November elections — even though presidents have little control over it — illustrating lackluster transit in the U.S. and our dependence on cars. (New York Times)
- The threat of a freight rail strike that would also affect passenger trains re-emerged as a second union rejected a White House-brokered agreement (Politico). One issue is that at least one union wants public ownership of the rails, like highways (Freight Waves).
- Automakers are increasingly branching out into e-bikes, but it's unclear if cyclists will want to buy from a brand associated with cars. (The Verge)
- The D.C. Metro will open the Silver Line before Thanksgiving and add cars to overcrowded trains. (Washington Post)
- San Francisco had to give back a $15 million federal grant to make Market Street car-free because it couldn't meet a deadline to spend the money. (Chronicle)
- Denver wildly popular e-bike rebate program is a victim of its own success.: the city is putting it on hold after burning through three years' worth of funding in six months. (Rocky Mountain PBS)
- Former U.S. transportation secretary Ray LaHood says the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority needs an overhaul. (NBC Boston)
- Orange County, North Carolina's new transit plan replaces a failed light rail line with express bus service and other improvements. (Chapelboro)
- A New Zealand court ruled that Uber drivers are entitled to workers' rights. (The Guardian)
- Bruges made it illegal on 90 streets for cars to pass bikes. (The Mayor)
- Stockholm's new bike-share is incredibly cheap at just $1 a day or $14 a year. (Vice)
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
Talking Headways Podcast: Beyond Greenways
This week we’re joined by Bob Searns to talk about his new book and grand ideas for walking trails that circle whole regions and more local routes that make up a new mode of green infrastructure in cities.
Thursday’s Headlines Are Inside Out
Cars and trucks are getting safer for drivers and passengers, but people outside the vehicles are increasingly in danger.
New Federal Committee Will Push for Transportation Equity By Helping DOT Reckon With Its Past
“No one alive today is necessarily responsible for the origins of the [transportation] inequities that we inherited. But everybody who was alive today and in a position of responsibility, is accountable for what we do about it. That's why we're here.”
Report: America’s Historic Bike Boom is Flatlining
"This growth won't continue forever without being facilitated by more infrastructure investment, [and particularly] safety infrastructure."
SF Advocates Explore How Enhancing Disability Access on Transit Helps for Everyone
BART was the first accessible transit system in the country. Advocates want Bay Area transit agencies to do better at keeping buses and trains accessible for all.
