- 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?
By Blake Aued
In Britain small cars like this are the norm, but they’re not even available in the U.S.
Read More:
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
Friday’s Headlines Boldly Go Where Many Have Gone Before
A new Uber service will allow large groups of friends or coworkers to share a vehicle that carries up to 55 occupants. Sound familiar?
May 17, 2024
Op-Ed: This ‘Bike to Work’ Day, Let’s Pass Bold Policies To Support Cyclists
"It is hard to think of another mode of transportation that is a more powerful tool to meet [our challenges.]"
May 17, 2024
Talking Headways Podcast: An Update to Human Transit
Jarrett Walker on the release of the revised edition of his influential book Human Transit.
May 16, 2024
Thursday’s Headlines Taste Great and Are Less Filling
Is shooting for "car-lite" cities a more realistic goal than "car-free"? One author thinks so. Either way, new evidence suggests that less exposure to emissions lowers the risk of asthma.
May 16, 2024
This City Leader Wants Drivers to Pay $850/Year To Register Their Cars — And Give The Money To Transit
What if driver had a choice between paying for the equivalent of a yearly bus pass just to register a car, or skipping the DMV and taking the actual bus for free?
May 16, 2024
