The hottest Transportation Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Walking the Netherlands: From Amsterdam to The Hague

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 771 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Transportation Sustainability Culture Infrastructure
  1. The Dutch culture emphasizes good citizenship, seen in how they are thoughtful, friendly, and helpful to strangers.
  2. The Netherlands is clean and functional due to being a high-trust society, which allows for nice things without fear of them being misused.
  3. Placing a focus on pedestrians and cyclists over cars has made Dutch cities more livable and charming, contrasting with the struggles in the US.

Horse Vs Car: They Called It 200 Years Ago

Londonist: Time Machine • 259 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
💾 History London Transportation
  1. In the early 20th century, London rapidly transitioned from a horse-drawn city to a city flooded with cars and motor-buses, a change that had been predicted for nearly a century.
  2. The transformation from horses to cars in London was seen as a significant and swift evolution, presenting challenges that were not foreseen by many in the past.
  3. Over generations, people in London anticipated the shift from horse-drawn transportation to motor vehicles, hinting at the changes that were to come in the city's future.

A Streetcar Named Seattle

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 299 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
💾 History Urban History Transportation Public Transit City Development
  1. Seattle once had a large trolley and cable car system used by millions before it was replaced by buses in 1941. It was a major form of transportation before most people owned cars.
  2. Many physical reminders of the trolley system still exist in Seattle, like special street corners and widened streets made for the trolleys. These features show how the city was planned around this transportation method.
  3. The modern electric trolleys in Seattle run on routes that often follow the old trolley paths, preserving a piece of the city's history in its current transit system.
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The American Government Should Buy Spirit Airlines

JoeWrote • 51 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Transportation Economics Government Airlines
  1. The U.S. government should consider buying Spirit Airlines instead of constantly bailing out struggling airlines. This could help create a more affordable flying option for taxpayers.
  2. Creating a public airline would allow the government to focus on passenger welfare and lower fares, making air travel better for everyone.
  3. Countries like New Zealand and Finland already own airlines to serve their citizens. This idea isn't new and could be a step toward improving air travel in America.

Ante Up, SUV Drivers: Paris Triples Parking Rates

The Micromobility Newsletter • 275 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
💼 Business Transportation Electric Vehicles Bankruptcy Investment Logistics
  1. Paris has tripled parking rates for SUVs over 1.6 tonnes and electric vehicles over 2 tonnes to promote a bike-able and walk-able city.
  2. Cake, an e-motorcycle manufacturer, filed for bankruptcy after facing challenges with recalls and losing an investor in funding.
  3. DYU, a prominent e-bike manufacturer in China, raised $14M in a funding round, planning to expand operations and enhance supply chain.

When poor people occupy land without paying, it’s squatting. When the rich do it, it’s parking

The Newsletter of (Not Quite) Everything • 491 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Books Society Global Issues Transportation Environment
  1. When poor people occupy land without paying, it's called squatting. When the rich do it, it's labeled as parking.
  2. The growth of cars and road infrastructure in cities like Mumbai mirrors past mistakes made in the West.
  3. Car ownership, particularly in developing countries, poses environmental and economic challenges that need addressing.

Hype or Hot Air

The Last Bear Standing • 36 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Aviation Transportation Electric Vehicles Innovations
  1. Electric air taxis, or eVTOLs, are being developed to provide a new form of urban transportation with benefits like lower noise and zero emissions. However, the actual implementation faces many challenges.
  2. There are many companies competing to create eVTOLs, aiming for a future where flying taxis could become common in crowded cities. But just because the technology exists doesn't mean it's easy to bring it to market.
  3. Understanding the economics behind eVTOLs is crucial. It's not just about building them; they also need to make financial sense for businesses and consumers to use them effectively.

Congress in Rare Agreement on E-Bike Battery Bill

The Micromobility Newsletter • 235 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
💼 Business Transportation Manufacturing Sustainability Regulation Investment
  1. A new bill for lithium-ion battery safety standards in the US has rare bipartisan support in Congress.
  2. Jersey City is implementing a system for secure charging and storage of electric bikes.
  3. Several companies worldwide are ramping up electric vehicle production and investing in sustainable practices.

Mkumbara

Splattern • 39 implied HN points • 05 Jul 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Cultural Food Transportation Lifestyle
  1. Don't judge a place just by how it looks. The quality of food, like how much sand is in it, can really tell you a lot about the village.
  2. Staying with locals can lead to unique experiences, like bucket showers and homemade meals. It's a different kind of hospitality.
  3. Cultural differences are prominent, whether it's about people's lifestyles or perspectives on relationships. Talking to locals can give you great insights.

Demystifying the Contraflow Transit Lanes

Italian (urban) Letters • 235 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Transportation Urban planning
  1. Contraflow transit lanes are essentially two-way streets with one direction reserved for transit, simplifying traffic flow for buses and minimizing conflicts.
  2. These lanes can significantly reduce conflicts at intersections and curb-side encroachments, making public transit more efficient and reliable.
  3. Strategically deploying contraflow transit lanes can optimize transit routes, prioritize public transportation, and improve traffic flow within cities.

BREAKING: Frontier adds flights to 7 cities from CLT

The Charlotte Ledger • 196 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
💼 Business Transportation Air Travel Competition
  1. Frontier Airlines is adding flights to 7 new cities from Charlotte, becoming the No. 2 airline in terms of destinations served.
  2. Fares on new routes will start as low as $19, focusing on underserved and overpriced routes from CLT.
  3. Frontier's expansion in Charlotte could potentially help lower airfares in a historically high-priced market.

A road conundrum in Ballantyne

The Charlotte Ledger • 176 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📰 News Transportation Infrastructure Urban planning
  1. Traffic on U.S. 521 in Ballantyne is increasing, and transportation planners are exploring complex solutions like new intersections and even a possible tunnel.
  2. The widening of U.S. 521 is facing challenges due to rapid area growth, making it trickier and more costly to find effective traffic solutions.
  3. State officials are considering various comprehensive solutions, such as flyover intersections or tunnels, to accommodate the expected increase in traffic volumes in the future.

5 Essays I'm Excited to Write This year

Exasperated Infrastructures • 9 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Infrastructure Public Policy Transportation Government spending Urban planning
  1. The writer plans to explore ways to spend federal transportation money more effectively. They want to understand past spending to improve future projects.
  2. There will be a focus on making air travel better by looking into its economics. The goal is to encourage airlines to adopt practices that benefit travelers and boost profits.
  3. The writer wants to investigate how municipal bonds can fund infrastructure projects. They aim to understand state spending behavior to create more resilient financial systems.

Age of Invention: Freight Expectations

Age of Invention, by Anton Howes • 736 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Transportation Infrastructure Energy History Innovation
  1. Transport infrastructure plays a key role in boosting economic growth by providing access to energy and markets.
  2. Historically, the primary focus of early transport infrastructure like canals and railways was to transport goods, especially coal and grain.
  3. While passenger transportation is beneficial for connecting cities and improving labor market efficiency, access to energy and markets are more crucial for economic growth.

BREAKING: Norfolk Southern says it's willing to deal on the Red Line

The Charlotte Ledger • 275 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Infrastructure Transportation Legislation Economy Government
  1. Norfolk Southern is now considering allowing commuter rail on its tracks in Mecklenburg after a 20-year impasse
  2. The change in Norfolk Southern's stance could give momentum to Charlotte's regional transit system plans
  3. The city leaders hope that a deal with Norfolk Southern for the Red Line could help secure support for a larger transit plan

Three percent more Monaco: Links in Progress, infrastructure edition

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 11 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Infrastructure Transportation Urban planning Construction Development
  1. A new airport opened in Nuuk, Greenland, making it easier for larger planes to land and boosting travel from locations like New Jersey.
  2. Vietnam is planning an impressive high-speed rail line between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which will cost around $67 billion and open in 2035.
  3. Monaco is expanding its land area by reclaiming land from the sea to build a new district, highlighting its ambition to develop upscale real estate.

E-scooters are good and Britain should legalise them

Odds and Ends of History • 1072 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
💼 Business Transportation Urban planning Regulation Environment Infrastructure
  1. E-scooters can help reduce car usage and congestion in cities due to their compact design and ability to take up less space.
  2. Legalizing e-scooters can lead to positive downstream consequences, such as reducing car dependence, reshaping urban geography, and creating a more sustainable environment.
  3. Regulating e-scooters through legalization can improve safety standards, encourage responsible riding behavior, and prompt the development of infrastructure to accommodate different modes of transportation.

The EV Revolution in Five Charts and Not Too Many Numbers

Renewable Revolution • 259 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Energy Transportation Technology Policy
  1. Electric vehicle (EV) sales are rapidly increasing, with countries reaching significant market shares in about six years. In 2023, around 20% of car sales will be EVs.
  2. Experts continuously revise their predictions upward for EV growth as prices drop and more people prefer EVs. Many now expect about 40% of cars sold in 2030 to be electric.
  3. The rise of EVs is pushing down sales of traditional gas cars and oil demand. As more EVs are sold, we could see a significant drop in oil use within 15 years.

Ditch cars and reduce mining

The Land Desk • 255 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Transportation Mining Electric Vehicles Environmental Impact
  1. Transportation sector with internal combustion engines is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.
  2. Electric vehicles require more minerals like copper, rare earth elements, cobalt, nickel, and lithium for batteries.
  3. Transitioning from internal combustion cars to electric vehicles may result in a significant increase in mining, which can harm the environment and communities.

How to Get Policy Totally and Completely and Exasperatedly Wrong

Exasperated Infrastructures • 19 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Legislation Local government Transportation Civic engagement Political Commentary
  1. New legislation in NYC about e-bikes may not solve the real problems of street safety and congestion. Instead of just registering bikes, the focus should be on redesigning streets for better safety for everyone.
  2. The support for this e-bike legislation from various politicians suggests a lack of understanding of the real issues. Many are using it as a way to appear proactive without actually addressing the deeper problems at play.
  3. There are big questions about how this new law will be enforced and funded. Without clear answers on who pays and who manages it, this policy may end up being ineffective and a waste of resources.

Congestion pricing reduces driving. That doesn't make it a good idea.

Economic Forces • 8 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Economic Policy Transportation Urban planning Environmental Impact
  1. Congestion pricing reduces the number of cars on the road, but this doesn’t automatically make it a good policy. We need to think about its overall impact on society.
  2. Different drivers react differently to congestion charges. Some can easily switch to other transport options, while others can't, so we see varying effects on traffic.
  3. How the money from congestion pricing is used is really important. If it is spent wisely on things like infrastructure, it can benefit everyone. But if not, it might just be wasted.

Escalator City

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 299 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
🏝 Travel Urban Exploration History Transportation Architecture Local culture
  1. Seattle has made its streets less steep over time, which can make it easier for people to navigate downtown. People often forget that the hills used to be much steeper, leading to complaints about the current slopes.
  2. There were past proposals to build escalators to help people climb the city's hills, highlighting the innovation and desire for easy access in Seattle's history. Even though these plans never fully happened, the idea shows how people adapt to their environment.
  3. Visitors can now enjoy a fun route through downtown Seattle using existing escalators to travel between different levels, making it a little easier to explore the city. This route connects significant buildings and showcases Seattle's unique landscape.

#8: The best way to see the American West: Amtrak

Bureau of Adventure • 139 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
🏝 Travel Transportation Destinations Travel tips Adventure
  1. Amtrak trains offer scenic views that you can't get from cars or planes. Traveling by train lets you enjoy the landscape up close, making the journey part of the experience.
  2. Amtrak's long-distance trains have comfortable spaces, including sleeper cars and dining options. It's a cozy way to travel across the country, especially on multi-day trips.
  3. While train travel may take longer and sometimes be pricier than flying, the unique experience and beautiful sights make it worth considering for your next trip.

WeRide goes public as self-driving reaches its commercial tipping point

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Autonomous Vehicles Startups Funding Innovation Transportation
  1. WeRide has gone public with its IPO priced at $15.50 per share, marking a significant milestone in the self-driving industry.
  2. Waymo is not far behind, successfully raising $5.6 billion to expand its autonomous driving services, showing strong commercial growth.
  3. As self-driving technology becomes more viable, we are likely to see more robotaxis operating in cities, which could change how we travel for the better.

Kyiv Metro vs the World: An Exploration

S(ubstack)-Bahn • 341 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🌐 International Transportation Labor Infrastructure War Innovation
  1. Kyiv Metro managed to run high frequency trains during wartime, which was a challenge for other systems.
  2. The success of Kyiv Metro can be attributed to infrastructural choices, like station typology, and organizational practices, like a Soviet-era philosophy of train throughput.
  3. Kyiv Metro's ability to operate effectively and maintain high frequencies is also due to having a surplus of labor, contributing to its resilience.

The Beginning of the End of Private Cars in American Cities

The New Urban Order • 179 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🏝 Travel Transportation Urban living Autonomous Vehicles City Planning
  1. Private car ownership in American cities is likely to decrease in the coming decades, with a shift towards a variety of mobility options like bikes, scooters, taxis, and rental cars.
  2. Diverse demographic and social trends, including remote work, declining young families, and aging Baby Boomers, are contributing to this transition away from private car ownership.
  3. The rise of car-share options, developments in autonomous vehicles, and the focus on mobility mix in some American cities are further paving the way for decreased reliance on owning cars.

Ode to an E-Bike

The Analog Family • 199 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Transportation Sustainability Innovation Lifestyle Health
  1. E-bikes can really change your daily life by making errands and travel more enjoyable and practical. They allow for easy transport of kids and groceries without the stress of traffic.
  2. People of all ages and backgrounds are curious about e-bikes, which sparks conversations everywhere. Owning one can make you feel like a celebrity as others ask about your ride.
  3. E-bikes are a great alternative to cars, especially for short trips, and they provide a fun way to stay active. They bring joy and excitement to everyday routines, enhancing overall quality of life.

Electrification of Heavy Duty Truck

TP’s Substack • 21 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Electric Vehicles Transportation Battery technology Charging Infrastructure Environmental Impact
  1. Electrifying heavy-duty trucks is important for reducing transportation emissions. The heavy trucking sector needs focus to make a real impact on climate change.
  2. China sells about 1 million heavy-duty trucks annually, needing a lot of battery power to support this demand. Costs remain high, making it hard for businesses to switch from diesel.
  3. New electric truck options are emerging and gaining popularity in the market. With better battery technology and charging infrastructure, more companies might start using electric trucks in the next few years.

How many robotaxis are there in the world today?

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Transportation Automation Artificial Intelligence Mobility Innovation
  1. There are currently hundreds of robotaxis operating in the United States, with Waymo and Cruise leading the way. However, Tesla is also working on their own robotaxi plans.
  2. In China, thousands of robotaxis are already in use, with companies like Baidu expanding their fleets rapidly. This shows that the technology is advancing quickly in some parts of the world.
  3. The number of self-driving cars is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, potentially reaching tens of thousands in the U.S. and hundreds of thousands globally by 2026 or 2027.

Biofuels: the US could switch to electric cars and solar power on just a fraction of the land

Sustainability by numbers • 296 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Sustainability Renewables Transportation Land use
  1. Growing biofuels in the US is a poor use of land, especially when solar energy needs much less land and could power the country three times over.
  2. Biofuels may not have as positive an impact on the environment as initially assumed, with some studies suggesting they could increase emissions.
  3. Switching from biofuels to solar power for electric cars in the US could significantly reduce land use and still meet transportation needs.