- The federal tax credit for electric vehicle purchases has expired, which could cause a temporary dip in sales but also force automakers to make better products in the long run (The Verge). But at least for a few months, Ford and GM are taking advantage of a loophole to offer cheap leases (Car and Driver).
- Data from smartphones and connected cars can help traffic engineers predict where crashes will happen, not just react after the fact. (Smart Cities Dive)
- After months of Republican complaints about a supposed crime wave on transit, culminating in Congressional hearings on a Charlotte light rail stabbing (Axios), the Trump administration is essentially defunding the New York City subway police (Streetsblog NYC)
- In addition to crime fears, concerns about gentrification could kill an upcoming Charlotte transit referendum. (Observer)
- It took a month, but Oregon Democrats finally passed a transportation bill that funds transit along a party-line vote. (Oregonian)
- Drivers have killed a record eight cyclists in Indianapolis already this year. (WTHR)
- Pittsburgh added a protected bike, wider crosswalks and other improvements to a medical school campus where drivers killed two pedestrians within the past year. (Union Progress)
- Denver is now requiring residential parking permits in some neighborhoods. (Denverite)
- Stockholm is using pop-ups to make streets temporarily car-free, hoping to avoid the backlash that plagued pedestrianization projects in cities like London and Brussels. (Politico)
- Australians are salvaging used EV batteries from junkyards and repurposing them for solar power storage and other uses. (The Guardian)
- In Japan, drivers go when the light turns a unique shade of bluish green because the Japanese word for "blue" can also refer to green. (Jalopnik)
Today's Headlines
Wednesday’s Headlines Will Tax Your Patience
RIP electric vehicle tax credits, the Trump administration's latest assault on transit, and more.
By Blake Aued
Read More:
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
Wednesday’s Headlines Have Consequences
The Trump administration's actions on climate change have consequences for future generations. Industries might not like what they get in return.
February 18, 2026
Trump’s Canada Bridge Tantrum Could Be Bad News For An International Bike Trail
A multi-use trail along the Gordie Howe Bridge would be a key component of an epic cross-continental trail route — if Trump doesn't prevent the entire structure from opening.
February 17, 2026
Disturbing Utah ‘Bikelash’ Bill Takes Aim at Salt Lake City Traffic Calming
Utah state legislators aren't traffic engineers — so why are they writing laws that would force the review of specific bike lanes already on the roads in their capitol, and preemptively stop Salt Lake from building more?
February 17, 2026
The Explainer: How Big Tech Push For Cheap Car Insurance Hurts Victims
In New York State, Gov. Kathy Hochul is distorting the notion of "affordability" to do Big Tech's bidding.
Tuesday’s Headlines Let Kids Be Kids
Cops should not be arresting parents for letting their kids walk or bike around the neighborhood.
February 17, 2026
Monday’s Headlines Slow Down
Cities have proven measures they can put into place to slow down speeding drivers and save lives.
February 16, 2026
