- The Autopian argues that inflation and high interest rates are what drives consumers toward small cars, not gas prices. In that context, it makes sense that automakers miscalculated when they went all-in on big, expensive electric SUVs and pickup trucks (Business Insider). Right now, what drivers want are smaller, practical vehicles under $40,000, but few are available.
- In unrelated news, a man who made billions off of high-interest loans to low-credit car buyers paid Donald Trump's $175 million bond for his New York civil fraud case. (Washington Post)
- Highway construction costs are rising at a 24 percent annual clip, far outpacing the rate of inflation. (Eno Center for Transportation)
- Pittsburgh Regional Transit is considering reviving unused light rail lines while others are closed for remodeling. (CBS News)
- Nashville transit agency WeGo is working to become more efficient in advance of a November referendum on transit funding. (WPLN)
- Some bike shops aren't participating in Colorado's e-bike rebate program because they don't get reimbursed until they file their taxes. (Colorado Public Radio)
- Plans are moving forward for a linear park and cycle track on a "selfie-friendly" Atlanta bridge. (Urbanize Atlanta)
- Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is commuting on public transportation and putting it all on TikTok. (Fast Company)
- Speaking of TikTok, one influencer is zooming in on Los Angeles transit and how single-family zoning restricts access. (The Cooldown)
Today's Headlines
Wednesday’s Headlines Say the Car Loans Are Too Damn High
Hey automakers, let's put some more small cars for sale in the U.S., OK?

In Britain small cars like this are the norm, but they’re not even available in the U.S.
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
Talking Headways Podcast: Behind the Mayor’s Desk
Anthony Flint of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy shares a global perspective on mayors and the challenges that connect cities around the world.
The Highway Shakedown, Part Two: What Locals Lose When Road Funding Isn’t Distributed Fairly
While lawmakers fight to defend America's "user-pay" road funding system, both federal and state policies have not provided locally owned roads with a fair share of their users’ tax contributions. It's time to change that.
Trust Fund Babies: Advocates Argue House-Proposed EV Fee Won’t Solve Highway Funding Woes
An EV fee might make a dent in America's staggering transportation bills — but until the highway network stops growing out of control, it won't help for long.
Thursday’s Headlines Take It To the Grave
A Republican leader is proposing new fees on cars to replace lost gas taxes. But the real reason the feds are running out of highway money isn't EVs, it's an addiction to road-building.
Highway Shakedown: How Local Road Users Are Subsidizing State Highway Investments
States across America are breaking the "user-pay" promise. A new report argues it's time to change that.