Streetsblog

Tuesday’s Headlines Go Small

The billions that governments spend on big, eye-catching transit projects might be better off split among lots of smaller ones.

By Blake Aued

12:00 AM EST on February 7, 2023

A bus lane is installed in New York City.

Small projects like increasing bus service to underserved areas have a bigger bang for the buck than the major projects like new rail lines that politicians prefer because they’re easier to publicize and explain, according to an Australian study. (The Guardian)
More than 5,000 zero-emissions buses were funded, ordered or delivered last year, up 66 percent from 2021. (Electrek)
Are traffic signals racist because a little white person tells us when it’s safe to walk? (MSN)
Honolulu bikeshare Biki is one of the most successful in the nation, but it could be even bigger and better. (Civil Beat)
Kansas City is considering removing one of Truman Road’s new bike lanes due to business complaints — specifically, from auto body shop owners. (KCUR)
In Flagstaff, road workers have had a hard time keeping separated bike lanes clear of snow and ice, and despite the protections cyclists still fear a car sliding into them. (Arizona Daily News)
Detroit’s QLine streetcar is testing a $5 park-and-ride lot to lure weekend riders. (Metro Times)
After rapid growth, Houston bikeshare BCycle needs long-term investment. (Chronicle)
A Charleston parking deck that was closed because it was in danger of collapsing needs $11 million in repairs. (Post and Courier)
Smart Cities Dive talks to the head of Denver’s e-bike rebate program, which was so popular the funding was gone in 20 minutes.
Pittsburgh Regional Transit is offering discounted bulk passes to businesses and multifamily buildings. (Tribune-Review)
A 2016 plan to “stitch” Atlanta back together by building a park over the Downtown Connector freeway is starting to look like it might actually happen. (Atlanta Magazine)
Meet Nimbee, the alter ego of a pro-housing architect who uses the character to satirize D.C. suburbanites who resist change. (Washington Post)