Transportation
TSA proposes softer rollout of Real ID enforcement
Federal agencies would have the option to gradually require the secure documents after May 7, in part to avoid chaos at state DMVs when the deadline approaches.
Neighboring governors knock California plan to lower gas prices
California has the most expensive gas in the country. California Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to force refineries to stockpile gasoline to prevent price spikes, but Arizona and Nevada fear becoming collateral damage.
Bus agencies are turning to California for their 'tap to pay' fare systems
Transit agencies across the country are turning to the state for help in ditching cash fares and adopting an affordable contactless pay system.
Hundreds of cities get federal help to make streets safer
The $1 billion funding announcement is the second round of grants this year. To date, the federal government has provided money for safer streets to nearly three-quarters of the country.
Cities are trying to cut down on cars. Some states are standing in their way.
Local officials are rethinking their streets, aiming for fewer cars and more sustainable ways to get around. But some state governments are keeping cars in control.
Half a billion dollars in grants awarded to boost EV charging network
The Biden administration also said that the number of publicly available EV chargers has doubled since the president took office.
Cars that talk: Feds announce plan to accelerate connected vehicle deployment
The U.S. Department of Transportation aims to have vehicle-to-everything tech deployed nationwide by 2036, and said it will offer grants and support to help states get there.
Passing the torch, Los Angeles begins sprint to host 2028 Olympics
Mayor Karen Bass has already set the city’s plans for the event apart from others by declaring it a “no-car Games” and pledging to only use existing buildings.
This commuter rail agency just went electric
Caltrain is ditching most of its diesel trains between San Francisco and San Jose, a switch that will bring modern amenities and shorter trips to Bay Area residents. But it also lays the groundwork for high-speed rail along the route in the future.
Airports to get $566M more for improvements
To date, nearly half of the nation’s 3,000 airports have received federal funding to upgrade aging infrastructure and expand facilities amid record-breaking air travel.
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Congress could ease rules for small cities seeking transportation money, experts say
Discretionary grants give the president’s administration—and members of Congress—an opportunity to shape transportation policy. But applying for and administering them can be a challenge for local governments.
Biden administration lays groundwork for future bridge projects
The Federal Highway Administration awarded planning grants to 28 projects in 18 states. The announcement follows the president’s surprise decision not to seek another term.
5 things you should know about Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz
The Democratic nominee for vice president has pushed through big changes during his time as governor, a record that both parties will now scour as Walz becomes Kamala Harris’ running mate.
Justice Department sues freight railroad to improve Amtrak service
Trains are late three-quarters of the time along one Amtrak route. The Justice Department blames Norfolk Southern for the chronic delays.
Trump, Harris offer starkly different paths on transportation policy
The next president will decide how best to carry out President Joe Biden’s infrastructure initiatives. They could affect what cars Americans drive, the air they breathe and how easy it is to get a job in construction for transportation projects.
The public sector is (finally) filling more vacancies, report finds
State and local governments have found success with a number of hiring strategies, easing long standing workforce shortages that started with the pandemic.
As bike and scooter ridership soars, safety challenges grow
Injuries and deaths are also soaring. Observers say helmet mandates are a good place to start.
The key to safer roads? Narrow the lanes.
COMMENTARY | A study late last year found that the approach significantly enhanced safety for all road users. By narrowing lanes, cities can also reallocate that found space to sidewalks and bike lanes.
How one state is using technology to curb high pedestrian fatality rates
Texas has the second highest pedestrian fatality rates in the country. It is looking beyond just physical infrastructure to curb traffic deaths in the state.
New York idles on green transportation plan
As the state has backpedaled on congestion pricing, it has made no progress on nearly half of its other transit-related climate goals.
