Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Today's Headlines

Monday’s Headlines Come From the Land Down Under

As relatively sparsely populated nations that also don't have centralized transportation policies, the U.S. and Australia have a lot in common. So why do Aussies drive half as much as Americans?

12:16 AM EDT on August 28, 2023

pytomelon87|

Trains in Queensland.

  • Geography is often cited as a reason why Americans don't embrace transit. But in Australia — which is even more spread out than the U.S. — people drive much less. One reason is Australia's cities are denser; another is its provinces don't restrict gas-tax spending to roads. (Transportation for America)
  • Bikeshare and e-scooter ridership has fully recovered from the pandemic. (Government Technology)
  • Uber's goal of going all-electric may have as much to do with its dream of driverless cars as it does meeting climate goals. (CNBC)
  • Commuters were largely unaffected by the I-95 bridge collapse in Philadelphia because they worked from home, found other routes or switched modes. (Washington Post)
  • Seattle residents overwhelmingly support ambitious changes to transportation, but does the city have the political will to follow through? (The Urbanist)
  • The Houston Metro approved a route for a planned bus rapid transit extension to Gulfton. (Chronicle)
  • Washington, D.C.'s Vision Zero efforts are hampered by the city throwing up roadblocks in front of neighborhood traffic-calming projects. (Greater Greater Washington)
  • An Albuquerque architect has proposed a seven-mile rails-to-trails project connecting various downtown landmarks. (Arch Daily)
  • Meeting with disgruntled riders, Memphis Area Transit Authority officials blamed service cuts on a lack of funding and employees. (WREG)
  • A Texas teen arrested for "walking while Black" spurred lawmakers to pass a law allowing people to walk in the road when sidewalks are impassable, such as after ice storms. (Texas Tribune)
  • A parking garage collapsed at a Cleveland apartment complex, injuring two people. (Plain Dealer)
  • Like in many cities, biking exploded in Manila during the pandemic. But with the city cutting funding for active transportation, will the boom persist? (Grist)
  • Momentum showcases the world's most awe-inspiring bike infrastructure.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Why Chicago Advocates Are Providing Bikes to Migrants

Unless funds are freed up from a larger entity, bike distribution to asylum seekers is going to stay in crisis mode indefinitely.

October 2, 2023

Monday’s Headlines Are Open for Business

Monday will be just another Monday for federal employees, as Congress avoided a government shutdown. Plus, declining gas tax revenue provides an opportunity to rethink transportation funding.

October 2, 2023

Why Connecticut is Investing in New Regional Rail

Gov. Ned Lamont will spend $315 million investment on new rail cars — but they're not going anywhere near Grand Central. Here's why.

October 2, 2023

NYers Share Their ‘End of Days’ Flooding Pics

It's bad out there. How bad? Here is a citywide roundup from our staff ... and our friends on social media.

September 29, 2023

To Help Save the Planet, Take the ‘Week Without Driving’ Challenge

Former Sierra Club President Ramón Cruz is urging Americans to give up driving for seven days — and support policies to make it optional for everyone.

September 29, 2023
See all posts