- Suddenly, last summer, cities' menageries of streetcars began to shrink, starting with Washington, D.C.'s. Without dedicated lanes, streetcars get stuck in the same congestion as cars, and in too many places they've been used to spur economic development in depopulated neighborhoods rather serving already-dense areas. (Governing)
- When a self-driving car causes a wreck, who (or what) is responsible? The manufacturer, most likely, but the likelihood of winning in court depends on whether the robocar's performance is compared to human drivers or other robocars (Brookings). Just don't look to the federal government for answers — hardly anyone is left at the office that regulates self-driving vehicles (Politico Pro).
- The Trump administration will stop withholding $2.5 billion in Biden-era grants for electric vehicle chargers, but will require states to reapply for them, further delaying the implementation process. (Sierra Club)
- Ford invented the assembly line, and now it's attempting to reinvent it to compete with China and make a cheaper EV. (Wired)
- Metropolitan planning organizations, or MPOs, that heavily influence local transportation decisions are rarely representative of the public, and often dominated by outlying suburbs. (Urban Institute)
- Daylighting, or prohibiting parking near street corners so people crossing the street can see, can prevent flooding as well as pedestrian deaths. (City Limits)
- A Nebraska state senator is gauging interesting in passenger rail between Lincoln and Omaha. (Examiner)
- The proposed route for a Phoenix light rail extension would destroy several historic houses. Valley Metro had to change the route after Republicans pushed through limitations on transit construction near the state Capitol. (New Times)
- Seattle radio station KUOW's "Soundside" podcast interviewed the CEO of Sound Transit.
- China is trying out hydrogen-powered bikeshare bikes in Chengdu and other cities. (Dialogue Earth)
- Walmart is testing a big rig powered by green hydrogen fuel cells in Chile. (Spectrum)
- Are cable cars the answer to Canadian cities' congestion? (CBC)
Today's Headlines
Wednesday’s Headlines on a Hot Tin Roof
We're talking about streetcars, but are really tired of "desire" puns.
By Blake Aued
This streetcar is in Washington, D.C., not Tennessee.
|GG WashRead More:
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
Three Theories About Why U.S. Car Crash Deaths Are Plummeting
Car crash deaths are down by 12 percent, a top group estimates — but why?
March 4, 2026
Wednesday’s Headlines Don’t Got a Fast Car
If Tracy Chapman had saved "just a little bit of money" these days, she'd be in trouble.
March 4, 2026
Dear Trump: the Future Belongs to the Efficient
Trump abandoned climate protection goals claiming that cheap fossil fuel helps consumers and the economy. A mobility-focused analysis shows that he is wrong: resource efficiency is the key to health, economic success and happiness.
March 4, 2026
Federal Judge Rules Trump Can’t Kill Congestion Pricing
Trump does not have the power to toss out the Biden administration's decision to authorize the tolls, Judge Lewis Liman ruled.
Tuesday’s Headlines Are a Little Bit Safer
Traffic deaths are down about 12 percent, which the National Safety Council attributes to new technology and infrastructure investments.
March 3, 2026
Could Refurbished E-Bikes Be the Secret Weapon of the Livable Streets Movement?
A high-quality used market could be the boost America needs to get would-be riders off the sidelines and into the saddle, a new report argues.
March 3, 2026
