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
Talking Headways Podcast: How Money for Highways Could Have Built 36 Paris Metros
The money we spent on urban freeways could have transformed American cities for the better.
August 20, 2026
Take Thursday’s Headlines Home, Country Roads
The Trump administration wants to build roads through pristine public lands.
August 20, 2026
A New US-Canada Bridge Opposed By Trump Has a One-of-a-Kind Bike Path
The bike-ped path on the brand new Gordie Howe International Bridge opened on Aug. 5 despite the president's opposition.
August 19, 2026
It’s Me, Wednesday’s Headlines, Hi, I’m the Problem, It’s Me
Is the next Taylor Swift, Drake, Bad Bunny or (insert popular artist here) album drop going to kill you?
August 19, 2026
Opinion: San Francisco Should Not Give Free Curb Space to Waymo
There's no reason one of the most valuable companies in the world should get free access to a public right-of-way.
August 19, 2026