The hottest Transportation Policy Substack posts right now

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Why Transit In Oakland Sucks

The Discourse Lounge • 1443 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Transit Urban planning Local government Transportation Policy
  1. Oakland's public transit is underfunded and not very helpful, making many people rely on cars. Even in a dense area, it's hard for low-income families to give up their cars because transit options aren't reliable.
  2. Simply removing parking requirements won't fix Oakland's transit problems. There needs to be more focus on improving and funding public transport to reduce car dependency effectively.
  3. Oakland's city leaders haven't prioritized expanding transit, and as a result, the transit system is disorganized and ineffective. Without a solid plan for better transit, the city struggles to meet its climate goals.

Demand More BART and Buses in Oakland!

The Discourse Lounge • 531 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Transit Election politics Local Governance Community Advocacy Transportation Policy
  1. Oakland needs more public transit options like BART and buses, especially in busy neighborhoods. Many people depend on better transit to get to work and access the waterfront.
  2. There is a candidate forum on February 18th where locals can ask politicians about improving transit in Oakland. It's a chance for the community to push for important changes.
  3. Residents should pay attention to the candidates' views on public transit and vote for those who support more transportation options. Transit should be a key issue for Oakland voters.

The central planners come for me

In My Tribe • 653 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Local Governance Urban planning Transportation Policy Community Development Zoning Laws
  1. Central planners are trying to reshape communities based on their ideas, which may not reflect the preferences of the people living there. Residents should have a say in how their neighborhoods are developed.
  2. Plans for new walkable communities can complicate life for those who rely on cars, especially in areas that are already affordable and diverse. It's important to consider the needs of all residents before making drastic changes.
  3. Incremental improvements might be better than sweeping changes. Solutions like reducing traffic speed can help, but they should not disadvantage those who depend on cars to get around.

Berkeley’s Culture War : EE vs. FF

The Discourse Lounge • 493 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Local government Public Safety Transportation Policy Community Engagement
  1. Measure FF aims to improve road safety and conditions in Berkeley by funding street repairs and pedestrian enhancements. It is supported by most city leaders and focuses on creating safer streets for all users.
  2. Measure EE is backed by a coalition that opposes bike lanes and limits funding for road safety improvements. It proposes a lower tax but isn't as effective in maintaining pavement quality.
  3. The main conflict is between those wanting a more car-centric urban approach and those advocating for safer, multi-modal transportation. Voting for FF supports progressive road safety for a growing population.

Will Trump derail America’s high-speed rail plans?

Urben Field Notes • 97 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transportation Policy Infrastructure Political Analysis
  1. High-speed rail projects in the U.S. are gaining traction, especially in red states, which could change the support they receive from future administrations.
  2. Former President Trump may not prioritize high-speed rail development like Biden did, but the growing popularity of public-private rail projects might appeal to him.
  3. New high-speed rail proposals are emerging, such as those connecting Atlanta and Charlotte, which may succeed if they find private sector backing and support from key political figures.
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Overthinking Transportation Funding Reform & Policy: Steelmanning Reauthorization I

Exasperated Infrastructures • 7 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transportation Policy Federal Funding Public Policy Climate Policy
  1. Transportation funding needs reform to better align incentives and support sustainable practices. We need a plan that addresses both building and reducing infrastructure to help fight climate change.
  2. People can influence how transportation policy is shaped by organizing and voicing their concerns. Understanding the legislative process is key to making meaningful changes.
  3. Important deadlines are coming up, which will affect transportation funding. If Congress doesn't act by September 30, 2026, they may just pass temporary measures instead of long-term solutions.