Today’s Headlines
Basics
Tuesday’s Headlines
Freight railroad companies are some of the staunchest supporters of climate denial and anti-climate science studies in the transportation industry. Why? Coal makes up one of every three tons of rail freight, and 70 percent of U.S. coal is shipped by rail. (The Atlantic) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is looking into a Connecticut … Continued
December 17, 2019
Monday’s Headlines
New research reinforces that the media is contributing to the public health epidemic of traffic deaths by subtly shifting blame from drivers onto cyclists and pedestrians. (City Lab) Could the Chinese government hack into Chinese-made buses and trains? Congress isn’t taking any chances, and it’s poised to ban transit agencies from using federal funds to … Continued
December 16, 2019
Thursday’s Headlines
Climate change, schmimate change — GM is still gonna try to sell you a big honkin’ SUV. (Associated Press) Uber and Lyft could get away with raising prices because people are “addicted” to the ride-hailing apps, according to a new survey. (CNBC) Bike-share startup Wheels’ e-bikes now come with a helmet — and a 20-percent … Continued
December 12, 2019
Wednesday’s Headlines
Distracted drivers killed at least 3,000 people in the U.S. last year, and despite a plethora of laws banning or restricting cell phone use behind the wheel, motorists continue to drive while distracted at an alarming rate. (Bloomberg) Cities are on track to meet only a fifth of their 2020 climate goals. (Quartz) In Seattle, … Continued
December 11, 2019
Tuesday’s Headlines
In the wake of Uber’s report that more than 3,000 alleged sexual assaults occurred in its cars last year, USA Today has tips on staying safe. Men are twice as likely to use an e-scooter or similar vehicle than women, probably because many women don’t feel safe on one. Designing small vehicles that accommodate a … Continued
December 10, 2019
Monday’s Headlines
Uber has released safety data for the first time, reporting 3,045 sexual assaults, nine murders and 58 people killed in crashes in 2018, out of 1.3 billion rides in the U.S (New York Times). But Tech Crunch wonders why the company didn’t mention non-fatal crashes, or statistics from the time drivers spend wandering around waiting … Continued
December 9, 2019
Friday’s Headlines
London recently pulled Uber’s license to operate over safety concerns, and Mayor Sadiq Khan isn’t backing down (Bloomberg). In related news, 20 more people have accused Lyft drivers of sexual assault or misconduct in a new lawsuit filed in San Francisco (CNN). Also, Uber admits that its drivers are causing way too many sexual assaults … Continued
December 6, 2019
Thursday’s Headlines
Developers in cities across the country are scooping up surface parking lots. But that means the land is getting more valuable, not that driving is dead — many of the ensuing developments include structured parking. (New York Times) Congressional hearings last week revealed that neither the federal government nor most states are regulating the hundreds … Continued
December 5, 2019
Wednesday’s Headlines
E-scooters might be good for air quality and easing traffic congestion, but they’re apparently a public health problem, thanks to relatively high speeds, a high center of gravity, and inability to handle rough roads and a proclivity to block sidewalks (The Hill). The New York Times’ David Leonhardt concurs, calling on scooters to be banned … Continued
December 4, 2019