The hottest Transportation Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

Reading List 01/18/25

Construction Physics • 11483 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Space Tech Real Estate Infrastructure Transportation
  1. Real estate development plays a big role in how skyscrapers look and are built. There are great books that explain the process and thinking of developers involved in these projects.
  2. Congestion pricing in New York is improving traffic speeds significantly in a short time. People entering the zone are moving faster, helping them save time and frustration during their commutes.
  3. Some homes in Los Angeles survived wildfires due to smart design choices that included careful landscaping and construction techniques. These details can make a big difference in fire-prone areas.

Reading List 1/11/25

Construction Physics • 14614 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Automation Infrastructure Climate Robotics Transportation
  1. The fires in Los Angeles caused massive destruction, displacing over 100,000 people and resulting in damages estimated at more than $50 billion. This highlights the growing risks of wildfires in urban areas.
  2. Self-driving tractors are advancing with new technology, allowing them to perform various farming tasks autonomously. This could help farmers manage labor shortages more effectively.
  3. Automation is not just limited to self-driving vehicles; companies like Chick-fil-A are using robots to automate tasks like lemon squeezing, improving efficiency and making jobs easier for employees.

It Had Been 16 Years Since a Fatal US Airlines Crash.

Breaking the News • 3963 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
📰 News Aviation Accidents Safety Regulation Transportation
  1. There was a tragic collision between a regional jet and a military helicopter over the Potomac River, marking the first fatal airline crash in the U.S. in 16 years.
  2. The area around major airports is tightly controlled, but something went wrong this time that allowed the two aircraft to come into conflict.
  3. Changes to aviation safety regulations, like disbanding key advisory groups, could have long-term effects on air travel safety in the future.

What Do We Know Now, About the Airline Crash in DC?

Breaking the News • 2052 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
📰 News Current Events Accidents Transportation Politics
  1. A regional jet and a military helicopter collided near DC National airport, raising many questions about what went wrong during the incident.
  2. Air traffic controllers attempted to manage the situation but communication with the helicopter crew will be scrutinized to see if there were errors in judgment.
  3. Helicopter pilots are expected to fly below 200 feet in that area, but it’s unclear if they adhered to this rule, which could have played a role in the crash.

How Good Are American Roads?

Construction Physics • 25889 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Infrastructure Transportation Policy Analysis Urban Development Public Spending
  1. US interstate roads are generally in good shape, with over 80% rated as good or very good. However, urban roads are often much worse, with many in poor condition.
  2. While American roads have decent quality, particularly interstates, there is limited data to compare them directly with roads in other countries, making it hard to draw firm conclusions.
  3. Roads in major US cities can be quite bad, especially in places like California, indicating a need for better maintenance and improvement in urban infrastructure.
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Why Trump killed congestion pricing

Silver Bulletin • 386 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Transportation Political Economy Urban planning Public Opinion
  1. Congestion pricing in New York has made commuting faster for many people, saving them time despite the added fees. Some drivers find it worth paying extra to avoid long traffic delays.
  2. Not everyone benefits equally from congestion pricing; it can be a burden for lower-income commuters who rely on personal vehicles. Still, it helps reduce traffic and pollution in the city.
  3. The policy has mixed effects on local businesses. While it may deter some visitors, faster travel within the city could encourage local spending from commuters using public transit.

Reading List 12/21/2024

Construction Physics • 10230 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Energy Transportation Aerospace Policy
  1. Commercial fusion energy is making progress with a new reactor that could generate power for many homes and create jobs.
  2. Boom Technology secured $100 million to develop a supersonic airliner, but its future remains uncertain due to challenges in airplane engine development.
  3. There's growing interest in using airships for cargo transport, as they can be more efficient than ships and planes for certain distances.

NYC Congestion Pricing: Early Days

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2732 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Governance Transportation Infrastructure Public Opinion
  1. Congestion pricing in NYC means drivers now pay $9 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. This fee is aimed at reducing traffic and will increase over time.
  2. Traffic in and around Manhattan has improved since congestion pricing started. Travel times through tunnels have dropped significantly, leading to less congestion overall.
  3. While some people support the changes, others feel negatively about them. There are concerns that fewer cars mean fewer people in some areas, impacting local businesses.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #33

Faster, Please! • 639 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Robotics Transportation Energy Military
  1. Boom Supersonic is working on a new jet that can fly really fast, like the Concorde. They aim to take people from London to Miami in under five hours, but they have some challenges to overcome.
  2. A new project by DARPA shows that one person can control many robots at once. This could change how we do things in the military and other industries by making robot teamwork easier.
  3. The Duane Arnold nuclear plant in Iowa might reopen by 2028. This is part of a trend to bring back nuclear energy as it can provide clean and reliable power, especially with rising energy needs.

Reflections on a brief visit to Florida

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 970 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🏝 Travel Destination Culture Lifestyle Nature Transportation
  1. Florida is known for its nice weather and pretty coastlines, but the culture can sometimes feel strange and self-centered. People generally move there because they like the Florida vibe, which adds to its unique reputation.
  2. Getting around in Florida can be tough because there isn't much public transportation. Most people rely on cars, and walking or biking isn't easy or safe due to the layout of the roads.
  3. Gated communities are common in Florida and often feel very secure, with lots of safety features. These communities can have great nature spots, but outside of them, the pace and accessibility of life can feel very different.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #129

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 129 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Transportation Space Healthcare Startups
  1. Boom Supersonic has successfully tested its XB-1 jet, marking a big step toward commercial supersonic flights. This could cut flight times significantly, like from New York to London in about three and a half hours.
  2. DeepSeek's new AI model shows it's possible to train a top-level AI for much less money than before. This could make AI more affordable and accessible for various uses.
  3. Science Corp is experimenting with brain-computer interfaces that blend lab-grown neurons with animal brains. This technology could enhance brain function and offer new treatments for neural damage.

All the arguments against EVs are wrong

Noahpinion • 26118 implied HN points • 14 May 23
🕹 Technology Transportation Energy Environment Social Impact Innovation
  1. Electric vehicles are rapidly becoming more popular worldwide, supported by improved technology and falling battery prices.
  2. There are concerns about the availability of minerals for EV production, but advancements in mining technology and growing lithium reserves offer hope.
  3. EVs have environmental benefits compared to gas cars, including reducing carbon emissions and offering more efficient energy use.

🤖🚘 Even as GM retreats, self-driving cars continue to advance

Faster, Please! • 639 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Automation Transportation Automotive Innovation
  1. Self-driving cars are still making progress, even as some big companies like GM pull back on their investments in this technology.
  2. Predictions about self-driving cars have often been overly optimistic, and the industry hasn't yet transformed the way many expected.
  3. As GM moves away from robotaxis, other companies like Waymo and Zoox are still pushing forward with their driverless vehicles.

Well, We've Got a New Dumbest Article I've Ever Read

Exasperated Infrastructures • 12 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Urbanism Housing policy Transportation Political Ideologies Zoning Laws
  1. New Urbanism aims to create community-oriented spaces by promoting walkability and reducing car dependency. It wants to offer people choices in how they live, not just stick them in cars to get everywhere.
  2. The suburbs provide safety and an ideal home for families, but there are also options for urban living that can be affordable and community-focused. Both need to coexist to cater to different people's needs.
  3. Zoning laws and development policies must be reformed to make housing more affordable and accessible. This way, everyone can find a place that suits their lifestyle without facing unnecessary barriers.

Why Are Rat Populations In Big Cities Really Exploding? Leash Laws!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 36 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Urban life Animal Behavior Public Policy Transportation Environmental Issues
  1. Keeping un-neutered and un-spayed pets roaming in cities may help control rat populations. Allowing animals to do their natural job can help keep rodents in check.
  2. The rise of car culture in America has harmed pets and reduced their ability to manage rodent populations. By prioritizing cars, many cities have made it unsafe for pets to do their jobs.
  3. Rats are often blamed for problems caused by humans. Historically, they have been wrongfully accused of spreading diseases due to human actions and messy situations.

The prophet of parking

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 30 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Urban planning Public Policy Transportation Environmental Policy Housing policy
  1. Donald Shoup changed how we think about parking, showing that it's too cheap and needs proper pricing to avoid problems like congestion. This change affects where we live and how our cities are planned.
  2. Minimum parking requirements can lead to unnecessary costs and too much parking being built, which wrecks city layouts and makes housing more expensive. Eliminating these requirements can help allow for better city designs.
  3. Shoup's approach includes using money from parking fees to improve local areas, gaining community support for pricing parking. His work has sparked a global movement for parking reform.

Has Switzerland Built the Best Public Transportation System in the World?

Can We Still Govern? • 272 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🏝 Travel Transportation Infrastructure Tourism Public Policy Government
  1. Switzerland has a top-notch public transportation system that is reliable and well-connected. You can easily hop on different trains and buses without hassle, making travel stress-free.
  2. The Swiss transportation system is designed with the user in mind, lowering confusion and making it easy to know where to go next. You rarely need to worry about tickets because everything is convenient, like using one pass for all transport.
  3. Overall, Switzerland’s approach to public transportation shows how good planning and organization can create an excellent travel experience. It reflects a commitment to making travel accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford cars.

How Starship Will Change Humanity Soon

Uncharted Territories • 4481 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Space Transportation Communication Imagery Innovation
  1. SpaceX's Starship rocket is set to significantly reduce space transportation costs, potentially shifting civilizations and economies.
  2. Decreasing transportation costs can lead to increased trade, wealth, and societal growth, similar to the impact of navigable rivers in history.
  3. Starship's impact goes beyond satellite communications, enabling possibilities like real-time, detailed Earth imaging for various applications and businesses.

The social justice case for self-driving cars

Odds and Ends of History • 871 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Autonomous Vehicles Mobility Artificial Intelligence Social justice Transportation
  1. Self-driving cars are becoming more common and are already in use in places like San Francisco. Companies are offering autonomous taxi services that anyone can access through an app.
  2. The idea of abundant mobility means that, in the future, traveling will be much cheaper and easier for everyone. This could make life better for many people, especially those with lower incomes, by improving access to jobs, services, and social connections.
  3. While there are challenges and concerns with self-driving cars, like job losses and privacy issues, the overall benefits could lead to a more equal and accessible society, similar to how technology has improved living standards over time.

Trains and transmission: A climate solution hiding in plain sight?

Urben Field Notes • 70 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Energy Policy Transportation Sustainability Infrastructure
  1. Building transmission lines along railroads can help reduce climate change and improve both passenger and freight train service. This idea uses existing land to create cleaner energy options and faster trains.
  2. Electrifying trains can lead to less pollution, faster travel, and more efficient freight shipping. New battery technologies make this more affordable than before.
  3. Government plans highlight the right areas for train electrification and better energy transmission. However, significant funding and cooperation will be necessary to turn these plans into reality.

Aura of Success: The First Years of Japan's Privatized National Railways

S(ubstack)-Bahn • 341 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
💼 Business Privatization Transportation Railways Economics
  1. Japan's privatized national railways, known as JR, started with a big public celebration but hid serious financial issues. The debt from the old national rail system was moved to a new agency, allowing JR to look profitable right from the start.
  2. To make the railways seem successful, the government cut jobs and weakened labor unions, which helped JR reduce costs and shift focus to customer service, making it appear more efficient.
  3. While JR showed initial profitability and ridership growth, the reality is that public funding and clever accounting masked ongoing financial struggles, leading to a significant government bailout years later.

Odds and Ends #53: Now TfL is betting on AI cameras to improve safety

Odds and Ends of History • 469 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Public Policy Transportation Data Management Governance
  1. Transport for London is planning to use AI cameras to make transportation safer. This technology aims to enhance safety measures in public transport.
  2. A discussion is taking place about how AI could help improve government services. Experts want to focus on real solutions rather than just hype or negativity.
  3. There are concerns about why governments might be hesitant to take action. Some believe that fear of power is stopping them from making necessary changes.

Mini Exasperation #4

Exasperated Infrastructures • 7 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Executive orders Transportation Media influence Public Safety
  1. Safety has become a complicated topic, with over 40,000 road deaths each year. This shows that how we manage road safety affects everyone, regardless of beliefs.
  2. There's a lot of confusion in the government about which transportation projects are funded or canceled. This uncertainty impacts many people's lives and jobs.
  3. The way information flows can drown out important stories, making it hard for the public to know what's really going on. It’s like a messy strategy to control the narrative.

How high-speed rail won over the world

Urben Field Notes • 124 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transportation Infrastructure Public Policy Economic Growth Environmental Impact
  1. Many countries around the world are expanding their high-speed rail systems, while the US is falling behind. It's surprising that America doesn't have more fast trains since the technology has been around for a long time.
  2. High-speed rail is benefitting countries with increased passenger numbers and better environmental impact. Rail travel produces far less carbon pollution compared to cars and planes, making it a cleaner option.
  3. To develop high-speed rail in the US, there may be a need to collaborate with countries that have experience in building these systems. Learning from others could help the US catch up in this area.

Congestion Pricing: Because Nothing Says ‘New York’ Like Paying More to Get Less

Gad’s Newsletter • 23 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Urban Policy Transportation Public Opinion Economic Impact Policy Analysis
  1. Congestion pricing in New York is aimed at reducing traffic in the city center, but it has also led to increased traffic in other areas. This means the problem of congestion might just be moving around rather than getting solved.
  2. Not all routes are affected the same way. While some key entry points into the city have traffic improvements, local streets used for everyday travel show little to no change, which raises questions about the overall effectiveness of the plan.
  3. Public support for congestion pricing varies greatly and people are concerned about fairness and how the revenue will be used. Making sure to communicate how the money is spent and improving transit options could help gain more acceptance from the public.

Odds and Ends #44: The New Statesman still needs fixing

Odds and Ends of History • 670 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Transportation Sanctions Public Policy
  1. The New Statesman needs a new strategy because its current direction isn’t working, especially with recent management changes. It's suggested that they should find a fresh approach to regain readers' interest.
  2. Channel Tunnel news indicates new train operators could start here, which means more travel choices for people. However, the slow process for getting these services running is frustrating.
  3. The Sekforde pub is facing NIMBY threats due to possible new licensing rules that could limit outdoor seating. It's highlighted that such pubs are important for social interaction and community events.

Odds and Ends #46: The transformation of London's skyline, a big week for nuclear, and installing software updates in Antarctica

Odds and Ends of History • 603 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Transportation Energy Infrastructure Government
  1. London's skyline has changed a lot over the past 30 years, showing how cities can evolve over time.
  2. This week was significant for nuclear energy, but its implications could affect the future power landscape.
  3. Patching software in Antarctica is a unique challenge due to the extreme conditions, highlighting the importance of tech even in remote places.

Mini Exasperation #5

Exasperated Infrastructures • 2 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Policy Transportation Urban planning Civic engagement
  1. Island Press is having a sale on e-books for just $4.99, making it a great time to support a small publisher and read more about planning and urbanism.
  2. Austin has made it illegal to park in bike lanes, with fines between $50 and $300, which aims to improve safety for cyclists.
  3. A new study shows that many people prefer ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft over public transit, highlighting a need for changes in how we think about transportation options.

When the Mosquito Fleet Ruled

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 259 implied HN points • 30 May 24
💾 History 19th century Transportation Cultural impact
  1. The Mosquito Fleet was a group of small, steam-powered boats that traveled across Puget Sound, significantly improving transportation in the area during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
  2. These boats acted like a lifeline for isolated communities, providing essential services like mail delivery and cargo transport, which helped settlers connect with the outside world.
  3. Despite many boats failing due to various issues, the Mosquito Fleet was important because it adapted and continued to meet the needs of people living in hard-to-reach places.

Odds and Ends #43: An awesome drone trial in central London, legalised e-scooters at last, and National Data Library progress

Odds and Ends of History • 536 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Innovation Transportation Data Drones
  1. There's a new drone trial happening in central London, showing cool innovations in technology. These drones could change how we think about delivery and transportation.
  2. E-scooters are now legal, making it easier for people to get around the city. This is a positive step towards eco-friendly transport options.
  3. Progress is being made on the National Data Library, which could improve access to important information for everyone. This can help with research and data sharing in various fields.

Seattle's Most Remarkable Day

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 339 implied HN points • 25 Apr 24
💾 History Local history Transportation Economic Development Civic engagement Cultural Events
  1. Seattle's citizens wanted a railroad to connect them to the rest of the country. After being rejected by the Northern Pacific Railroad, they decided to build their own railroad instead.
  2. On a notable day in 1874, the community came together to start building the Seattle and Walla Walla Railroad, marking a moment of pride and determination.
  3. Although the railroad never reached its ambitious goals, it opened new opportunities for Seattle, particularly in coal supply, showing how local efforts can make a big impact.

KidCrusher 350s Are Very Legal and Very Cool

Systematic Hatreds • 746 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Transportation Society Safety Gender Environment
  1. The term "mature content" in movies often glamorizes adulthood but really means responsibility like taxes and laundry.
  2. Contemporary U.S. pickup trucks like the KidCrusher 350s are criticized for being oversized and causing safety concerns, especially for children.
  3. Owning and driving large trucks like the KidCrushers reflects a toxic mix of legal freedom and appealing power that may not match practicality or safety.

TfL's AI Tube Station experiment is amazing and slightly terrifying

Odds and Ends of History • 2278 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Surveillance Transportation Data Analysis Digital innovation
  1. AI technology, like the one used in TfL's Tube Station experiment, is rapidly changing and being implemented in various sectors.
  2. AI cameras at stations can have a wide range of uses, from enhancing security to improving passenger welfare and gathering statistical data.
  3. While AI technology offers numerous benefits, there are also concerns about privacy, surveillance, and potential misuse of the technology.

Mini Exasperation #3

Exasperated Infrastructures • 14 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Transportation Infrastructure Political Commentary Public Administration
  1. The government needs to rethink how it manages construction and infrastructure projects, possibly shifting oversight to agencies like the Department of Defense for better efficiency.
  2. We should consider changing the Department of Transportation to a Department of Mobility to reflect current needs and focus on how people move rather than just transportation modes.
  3. There’s a call to rethink funding approaches, possibly allowing states more control over their infrastructure budgets, which could help create discussions about the importance of federal support for these projects.

To eradicate deaths on the road, Greater Manchester looks to Sweden

The Mill • 648 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
📰 News Transportation Local government Community Entertainment Crime
  1. Greater Manchester aims to completely eliminate road deaths and serious injuries by 2040 using a Swedish road safety model
  2. The new strategy 'Vision Zero' focuses on changing attitudes towards road safety and preventing collisions
  3. Data shows the high cost and disparities of road casualties in Greater Manchester, with a goal of reducing them by 50% by 2030 and eradicating them by 2040