Thursday’s Headlines Can’t Afford a Car

Cars keep getting more expensive, which is one reason why urbanites are considering ditching their cars for shared modes of transportation.

By Blake Aued

12:01 AM EDT on July 6, 2023

Source: Shutterstock

A quarter of ride-hailing and bikeshare users are considering getting rid of their private vehicle, according to a McKinsey survey (Smart Cities Dive). One reason is the cost of car ownership — prices for new cars continue to rise, with the average monthly payment now a record $733 (Detroit Free Press)
Several U.S. cities and states are passing laws requiring that new residential developments be wired for electric vehicle chargers. (The Conversation)
Even with an influx of state funding, Bay Area transit agencies are still facing a combined $2.5 billion deficit over the next five years, and want to raise bridge tolls to cover it. (Governing)
Still at an impasse, Arizona lawmakers could take another crack at allowing a referendum on renewing a transportation tax for metro Phoenix this summer. (ABC 15)
KUT traces how the construction of I-35 in Austin led to sprawl, white flight and worsening air quality.
Fare-free transit is returning to Colorado this summer. (Rocky Mountain PBS)
Tampa has lost two top officials in its mobility department over allegations of a hostile workplace. (Tampa Bay Times)
Seattle found a solution for a waterfront Alaskan Way bike lane that doesn't interfere with cruise ships docking. (Seattle Times)
Work has started on two new bike projects in downtown Atlanta. (Atlanta Downtown)
A proposed third span on Maryland's Bay Bridge could have bike and pedestrian lanes. (Chesapeake Bay Magazine)
El Paso might scale back streetcar service so it only runs during special events. (KFOX)
Copenhagen is Europe's leader for shared zero-emissions transportation options. (City Monitor)
Tel Aviv's new light rail line will open sometime this month. (Jerusalem Post)
Bologna became the first major Italian city to impose a 30-kilometer-per-hour speed limit. (Euro News)