Wednesday’s Headlines Shrink to Fit
Microtransit has gotten a bad rap, but in some cases, it could play an important role in decarbonizing the transportation sector, a new Citylab article argues.
By
Blake Aued
12:48 AM EST on February 7, 2024
- Don’t sleep on microtransit. It may be inefficient, but it also attracts riders who wouldn’t or couldn’t use it otherwise. (City Lab)
- Speaking of efficiency, a new study found that well-subsidized networks also tend to have more people on board every vehicle – and generate more revenue than networks that get less support. (Streetsblog USA)
- NIMBYs are wrong; density is the key to happiness. (Business Insider)
- Transit union officials published an op-ed in Newsweek making the case for Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.)’s bill to provide $80 billion in operating funding for transit agencies.
- Because obviously driving is the only way to get anywhere, Fox News is advertising a robot that will find and hold your supposedly scarce parking space.
- NPR‘s All Things Considered considers all things related to Vision Zero.
- The Natural Resources Defense Council has a handbook on how localities can access $3 trillion in federal funds for equity and climate change.
- One of new Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s first acts is to rip out a median that was recently installed to improve pedestrian safety. (Axios)
- A Baltimore group wants to take over regional transportation decisions from the state of Maryland. (Banner)
- Increasing frequency could add more than 1 million bus riders in Philadelphia. (Inquirer)
- Chicago transit agency Metra is starting a reduced-fare pilot program for low-income residents. (Smart Cities Dive)
- St. Paul has a plan to add 100 miles of protected bikeways by 2040. (CBS News)
- Syracuse is considering tearing down the urban portion of I-81, but in true New York Times fashion, it’s just not that simple.
- The Paris referendum tripling parking rates for heavy SUVs could lead other cities to follow suit. (Guardian)
Blake Aued has been doing Streetsblog's daily national news digest for years. He's also an Atlanta Braves fan, which enrages his editor in New York.
Read More:
Streetsblog has migrated to a new comment system. New commenters can register directly in the comments section of any article. Returning commenters: your previous comments and display name have been preserved, but you'll need to reclaim your account by clicking "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in form, entering your email, and following the verification link to set a new password — this is required because passwords could not be carried over during the migration. For questions, contact tips@streetsblog.org.
More from Streetsblog USA
Fifth Time’s The Harm: Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro Again Signed A Budget With No Money For Transit
New budget refuses a single cent for transit, cuts service for most vulnerable residents.
July 16, 2026
Thursday’s Headlines Are Deadly By Design
Turns out, designing roads for fast-moving cars means people will die.
July 16, 2026
Can AI Help Plan Better Bike Networks? A California County Is About to Find Out
If it works, this could change the way bike mapping and planning happens in California.
July 15, 2026
New York’s Rampant Illegal Parking Stumps Viral Good Samaritan Street Cleaners
A growing group of activists are posting their street-cleaning escapades to social media, but parked cars that don't move for street cleaning are getting in their way.
July 15, 2026
Democrats Push For High-Speed Rail Investment Amid GOP Highway Feeding Frenzy
A Democratic bill comes at a crucial time for high-speed rail projects that are struggling to get off the ground.
July 15, 2026