Thursday’s Headlines Freak Out, Give In

Doesn't matter what you believe in, at least regarding the current debate over how safe it is to ride transit.

By Blake Aued

12:06 AM EDT on September 18, 2025

A stabbing on Charlotte’s Blue Line last year helped fuel the public’s belief that transit is unsafe.

|Jacob G.

The Republican-controlled U.S. House is about to start hearings on the Charlotte light-rail stabbing death (Fox News), using a tragedy to press their narrative while ignoring the fact that transit remains safer than driving. In Charlotte, the killing is also calling into question whether a regional transportation referendum will pass (Observer).
Self-driving cars are going to cause a lot of traffic jams. (Vox; paywall)
When road projects are pitched as "economic development," it's more about delivering cars to big box stores than protecting small businesses. (Strong Towns)
In response to a letter from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, a Republican congressman is demanding federal oversight of Milwaukee transit. (Sentinel-Journal)
San Francisco assembly members approved a new safety plan that combines stricter enforcement with better design. (Axios)
Nashville is testing priority lanes for buses and emergency vehicles. (Tennessean)
Ridership on Sound Transit's Tacoma Link is exceeding expectations. (News Tribune)
The Atlanta Suburb of John's Creek is considering a $10 million plan for walking paths and bike lanes. (Appen Media)
Athens, Georgia has identified a high-risk network where the vast majority of crashes occur (Flagpole). Now, what will they do about it?
Forget the burrito taxi. Two hot new restaurants in Dallas are offering limo or black SUV pickup as part of their tasting menu. (D Magazine)
A Milwaukee streetcar driver rescued a woman and her service dog. (TMJ 4)
Portland's annual car-free streets event made a triumphant return to downtown. (BikePortland)