Friday’s Headlines Look to the Future

Despite some minor reforms around the edges under President Biden, U.S. transportation remains a car-centric anachronism.

By Blake Aued

12:01 AM EDT on July 25, 2025

“The Jetsons” lied to us.

The federal transportation system remains mired in the 20th century, devoting vast sums to highway construction based on 1960s standards. (Transportation for America)
Shifting transportation funding from roads to transit would help the climate, save lives and address housing by giving people more choices of where to live. (Climate and Community)
Some blue-state leaders want to fight fire with fire by withholding tax revenue from the federal government in response to the Trump administration withholding states' grant money. (NBC News)
With no money to expand, U.S. transportation officials say technology is helping them make transit more efficient. (Route Fifty)
With a $300 million deficit and state funding uncertain, Portland's TriMet is planning 10 percent service cuts starting in November. (Oregon Public Broadcasting)
Pittsburgh is replacing streetlights with adjustable LED versions that will save money as well as combat light pollution. (New York Times)
With a new bus rapid transit line and dozens of active transportation projects on the way, Spokane's aptly named Division Street could be a model for fixing other stroads. (Range Media)
The $11 million Park Street road diet in Jacksonville is complete. (News4Jax)
The driver who killed a Philadelphia doctor riding her bike last year was sentenced to six to 20 years in prison. (6 ABC)
Drivers hit five pedestrians and killed three in San Antonio last weekend, which sounds like a lot, but isn't that out of the ordinary. (San Antonio Report)
A driver killed a cyclist at a Denver intersection where a protected bike lane was once proposed but never built. (9 News)
By the end of the year, Austria's post office will be delivering all mail carbon-free, whether on foot, by bike or by electric vehicle. (Electrive)
Vietnam is banning gas-powered motorcycles in downtown Hanoi, with cars soon to follow. (Electrek)
Montreal's bikeshare system now rents out bike trailers. (Momentum)