Take a Risk on Wednesday’s Headlines
Transit agencies that bet on high diesel costs are reaping rewards, but the strategy doesn't always work out.
By
Blake Aued
12:01 AM EDT on October 21, 2026
- Transit agencies and school districts often shield themselves from spiking diesel prices by signing contracts with banks that lock in a price ahead of time. Hedging has saved some transit agencies millions of dollars as diesel prices have risen to over $6 a gallon. While it provides cost certainty, the practice can also backfire when prices go down. (Governing)
- Suspending gas taxes only saves drivers a few dollars per fill-up, while also draining transportation funds that lawmakers will likely refill with money meant for education or health care. (Reason)
- Brandon Donnelly says it’s impossible to build a major global city like Houston, Toronto or Dubai around cars; congestion is inevitable no matter how wide the roads are.
- Infrastructure improvements like bikeshares often lead to at least the perception of gentrification among Philadelphia residents, according to Penn researchers. (Daily Pennsylvanian)
- A Washington state court ruled against an anti-bike lane group’s effort to have a referendum on the Vancouver complete streets program. (The Columbian; paywall)
- Jersey City is “hardening” 17 high-crash intersections with speed humps and barriers that force drivers to slow down and make tighter turns. (Hudson County View)
- The L.A. Metro broke ground on a new light rail line in the San Fernando Valley. (Trains)
- Miami’s Underline, a linear park underneath elevated rail tracks, is an example of how transit infrastructure can serve multiple purposes. (Urban Institute)
- One Axios Pittsburgh writer is quite enamored with the Amtrak ride to New York City.
- Welcome to the war on cars, Bow Mar, Colorado. (New York Times)
- The Baltimore Streetcar Museum is moving to a historic railway roundhouse. (WBAL)
Blake Aued has been doing Streetsblog's daily national news digest for years. He's also an Atlanta Braves fan, which enrages his editor in New York.
Read More:
Streetsblog has migrated to a new comment system. New commenters can register directly in the comments section of any article. Returning commenters: your previous comments and display name have been preserved, but you'll need to reclaim your account by clicking "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in form, entering your email, and following the verification link to set a new password — this is required because passwords could not be carried over during the migration. For questions, contact tips@streetsblog.org.
More from Streetsblog USA
‘Premeditated Road Violence’: Toronto Protestors Block Bike Lane Removal
Toronto advocates are putting their bodies on the line to protect a bike lane the province wants to rip out — and and to fight a wave of anti-bike lane sentiment that this writer warns is sweeping the whole continent.
October 21, 2026
Why US Roads Are Full of SUVs and Trucks, Part II
Yesterday, we looked at how SUVs and pick-ups captured the new car market. Today, let's talk about how they captured the used car market as well.
October 21, 2026
When Are Parking Debates Just A Smokescreen for Hate?
A new paper finds that mosques are more likely to face pushback over parking than other houses of worship. What should planners do about it?
October 20, 2026
Tuesday’s Headlines Do the Robot
Cities and states are filling the void, but the feds really need to step in to set rules for autonomous vehicles.
October 20, 2026
The Math On Car Ownership For New Parents Doesn’t Add Up
An expecting Oakland parent makes the case for car-free parenting.
October 20, 2026
