Wednesday’s Headlines Side With Transit

Transit a better alternative than EVs for safety and the environment, but EVs could rob transit of essential funding because their drivers don't pay gas taxes.

By Blake Aued

12:01 AM EDT on July 12, 2023

Daniel Andraski, CC|

EVs and renewables are not going to be enough to stave off a climate catastrophe, scientists are warning officials at an international conference.

Not only are policymakers largely ignoring transit as an alternative to driving in favor of electric vehicles, but the rise of EV sales could also rob transit of revenue from gas taxes, some advocates fear. (The New Republic)
...Or maybe not? While consumer interest in EVs has grown in recent years, they're sitting on dealer lots twice as long as their gas counterparts. (Jalopnik)
A federal loan program that typically funds clean energy projects and EV manufacturing could also be tapped to fund transit. (Bloomberg)
CNN jumps into the debate over whether fare-free transit will boost ridership or sap revenue that could be spent on more equitable service.
How Lime CEO Wayne Ting was able to turn the scooter rental company around. (Fast Company)
A Connecticut audit found evidence that state troopers fabricated thousands of traffic tickets to make it look like they weren't disproportionately citing drivers of color. (CT Insider)
Illinois' $41 billion, six-year capital plan includes $27 billion for roads and bridges and $13 billion for rail. (Mass Transit)
The D.C. Metro is considering six major projects over the next 20 years that would amount to its biggest expansion since the Silver Line. (DCist)
A Washington, D.C. bill would empower the Department of Motor Vehicles to take away driving privileges from motorists with long records of serious traffic violations. (Washington Post)
An $18 million federal grant will help pay to double-track Austin's Red Line. (American-Statesman)
Cleveland bought new train cars to replace its aging Red Line fleet. (Axios)
Seattle's Pike Street has become a popular gathering spot since the city closed off part of it to cars. (Seattle Times)
A St. Louis alderman visited Portland and decided that, even if she couldn't go car-free, she could get by with just one car. (Riverfront Times)
If docking a bikeshare bike bores you, here are a few creative methods to try. (Digg)