- 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
‘I’m Always on the Bus’: How Transit Advocacy Helped Katie Wilson Become Seattle’s Next Mayor
"I really think that our public transit system is such a big part of people's daily experience of government," says the incoming mayor of the Emerald City.
December 8, 2025
Who Rides on the Sidewalk? In NYC, Cops Think Only Blacks and Hispanics
The NYPD has ramped up its enforcement against cyclists for squeezing pedestrians, but in a very suspect manner.
Monday’s Headlines: Why Is Vision Zero Failing?
If there really is a war on cars, the drivers are winning, according to a Washington Post investigation.
December 8, 2025
Friday Video: Exactly Why the Cybertruck Sucks
Unwind and let yourself hate on Elon Musk a little.
December 5, 2025
Friday’s Headlines Are Cooking With Gas
Fuel economy is the latest victim of President Trump's efforts to unravel the Biden administration's legacy.
December 5, 2025
Talking Headways Podcast: The (Parking) Reformation
Tony Jordan, president of the Parking Reform Network, discusses getting rid of our cars, parking policy, and Donald Shoup’s legacy.
December 4, 2025
