Special Features

Wednesday’s Headlines Get a Gentleman’s ‘C’

Transportation for America gave the Biden administration middling grades. Meanwhile, President Trump is already pushing to fulfill promises to cancel federal support for EVs.

By Blake Aued

12:01 AM EST on January 22, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines Get a Gentleman’s ‘C’

Amtrak Joe, in happier times. Adam Schultz/White House

President Biden left many items on Transportation for America‘s wish list undone or incomplete, though he did take small steps on traffic safety, greenhouse gas emissions and reconnecting communities divided by highways.
President Trump issued an executive order urging Congress to “consider” halting tax credits for electric vehicle purchases, and USDOT to pause the dispersal of grants for EV chargers. (New York Times)
If “twenty is plenty” for cars, it ought to be for e-bikes, too, argues Lloyd Alter at Carbon Upfront!
Without changes, last-mile deliveries will continue to increase emissions and congestion in cities. (World Economic Forum)
Electrifying railways would improve both freight and passenger service, it’s cleaner, and it would be cheaper to do than previously thought, writes Benjamin Schneider at The Urban Condition.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy is asking for Trump’s in ending congestion pricing. (North Jersey)
Atlanta residents would be healthier if the city were more walkable, a Georgia Tech professor told the AJC.
Philadelphia received two grants to turn an old railroad viaduct into a public park. (WHYY)
A light rail extension will spur more transit-oriented development in the Fort Worth area. (Report)
An analysis of credit card transactions found that London’s ultra-low emissions zone where driving is restricted had no impact on spending at businesses within the zone. (Centre for Cities)
In the 1960s, Seoul covered an urban stream and turned it into a highway. Since removing it, the area is cooler, the air is cleaner and wildlife is returning. (The Guardian)