Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
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.

“Just one more Lane, bro,” said the LSU fan.

|Photo: Hequals2Henry, CC
  • 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.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Analysis: What It Would Take To Put America First in Transit Again

No, it won't be easy. Yes, it can be done.

January 14, 2026

Opinion: Transportation Researchers Still Care About Equity. This Week They’re Proving It

This Thursday, progressives in transportation will fight back against the Trump administration.

January 14, 2026

Wednesday’s Headlines Still Value Life

The EPA is backtracking on stronger ozone and fine particulate regulations, which could kill thousands of people.

January 14, 2026

Why Other States Should Imitate Illinois’ Groundbreaking Transportation Reform Law

One Illinois law saved the state's transit networks from a fiscal cliff — and created a model that other communities should follow, this group argues.

January 13, 2026

In NYC, Unlicensed Drivers Comprise One-Quarter Of Street Fatalities: Data

Unlicensed drivers are linked to fatal crashes much more often now than pre-pandemic

January 13, 2026

Tuesday’s Headlines Need Exercise

Every hour in a car increases the risk of obesity by 6 percent, while walking a kilometer lowers it 5 percent.

January 13, 2026
See all posts