- The idea that transportation infrastructure should pay for itself is a myth. Tolls funded the first U.S. roads, built by private entities, but it took a massive federal investment to build out the interstate highway system, and drivers only pay half the cost. (Union of Concerned Scientists)
- Conservatives used to support congestion pricing as a free-market solution to alleviating traffic, until President Trump decided to oppose it. (Planetizen)
- After previously making threats about congestion pricing, the Trump Administration is now threatening to cut off funding for New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority over concerns about subway crime. (NY Times)
- Nashville's WeGo is already ramping up bus service after voters passed the Choose How You Move transit referendum in November. (Banner, Post)
- Knoxville is considering a Vision Zero plan. (News Sentinel)
- Tampa-area transit agency HART says ridership is up 21 percent on a newly fare-free bus line. (ABC Action News)
- A railroad company has again denied Milwaukee permission to buy a freight line for mass transit or a rail-trail. (Urban Milwaukee)
- The Atlanta city council approved $6 million for downtown street safety projects. (11Alive)
- St. Paul's Gold Line, the sixth bus rapid transit line in the Twin Cities, opened last weekend. (Minnesota Public Radio)
- Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker's $6.7 billion proposed budget includes $5 million for Vision Zero and $5 million for strongly demanded bike lanes on Spruce and Pine streets. Will that be enough for the city council? (Billy Penn)
- Austin installed a new permeable sidewalk that's healthier for trees. (Monitor)
- A developer wants to build a boutique hotel in Boulder on a city-owned parking lot. (Boulder Reporting Lab)
- Indianapolis residents hope a tactical urbanism project involving art-decorated barriers will slow down traffic in their neighborhood. (Mirror Indy)
- A Michigan man got rid of his car and was able to save enough money to put a down payment on a house. (Realtor.com)
- Momentum Mag has a March Madness-style competition for best and worst bike infrastructure.
Today's Headlines
Thursday’s Headlines Won’t Pay For Themselves
The idea that transportation infrastructure should pay for itself is a conservative one, until it isn't.
By Blake Aued
Traffic is abundant on Houston’s Katy Freeway.
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