The hottest Transportation Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

What if we treated car crashes like plane crashes?

The Charlotte Ledger • 137 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
📰 News Transportation Analysis Safety Urban planning
  1. When investigating plane crashes, every piece of evidence is examined to prevent future incidents. Car crash investigations should also focus on prevention rather than just assigning blame.
  2. A group of urbanists is analyzing car crashes like plane crashes, suggesting changes to prevent future accidents based on detailed analysis.
  3. Factors like lack of mid-crossing pedestrian refuges, long traffic signal cycles, and high speed limits contribute to car crashes, highlighting the need for changes in infrastructure and traffic management.

#9: January Travel Links

Bureau of Adventure • 79 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Culture Destinations Transportation Tourism
  1. Mexico City has 25 must-try dishes that chefs and locals recommend. It's a great guide for anyone looking to explore its food scene.
  2. Travel brands like Boundless are making it easier for families to live as digital nomads. They offer community and services in different locations around the world.
  3. Accident reports from Viking Polaris and Amtrak show important lessons for safety and design improvements in travel. Learning from these incidents can help prevent future accidents.

Overthinking Transportation Funding Reform & Policy: Steelmanning Reauthorization II(a)

Exasperated Infrastructures • 12 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transportation Legislation Policy Analysis Infrastructure Federal Funding
  1. Reading transportation bills can be tricky because they are full of legal jargon. Most of the text isn't that important, so focus on the key sections that really change policies.
  2. Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) play a crucial role in transportation planning. They help ensure local needs are considered when deciding how to spend federal money.
  3. Transportation laws evolve over time, reflecting changes in society and policies. It's important to stay updated on these changes to understand how they affect public transportation and infrastructure.

A Grand Theft: Auto Industry Stole Our Streets And Our Future

As If We Were Staying • 1 implied HN point • 09 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Urban planning Consumerism Transportation Environmental justice Historical Analysis
  1. The automobile industry changed the design of our cities, taking away spaces that were once meant for people. Streets used to be safe places for everyone, but cars changed that, leading to rises in accidents and fatalities.
  2. Big companies shaped public perceptions about cars being essential for modern life. They promoted the idea that owning a car was necessary, while at the same time, they bought and destroyed public transport systems to make way for more cars.
  3. We need to imagine a new future for our cities away from car dependency. It’s important for everyone to contribute ideas for a better urban design that prioritizes people, nature, and community, instead of serving corporate interests.

She Drove The Tube Train 100 Years Ago: How a Woman Launched a Rebuilt Northern Line

Londonist: Time Machine • 99 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
💾 History Engineering Transportation Women London
  1. The Bank branch of the Northern line was rebuilt in 1923, including widening the tunnels, in a remarkable engineering feat.
  2. The reconstruction involved meticulous planning and a terrifying explosion, highlighting the challenges faced during the project.
  3. Despite the significant efforts and historical importance of the project, this story is often overlooked and forgotten in history.
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Micromobility: An Urban Transportation Revolution

Need to Know by Stephen Leahy • 58 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Transportation Electric Vehicles Urban living Sustainability Decarbonization
  1. Nearly 300 million electric two- and three-wheelers are in use today, showing a global shift towards micromobility.
  2. Micromobility has the potential to significantly reduce oil demand and improve air quality in cities.
  3. Micromobility addresses traffic congestion by providing low-cost, sustainable transportation options for short urban trips.

The Assassination of HS2 by the Coward Rishi Sunak

S(ubstack)-Bahn • 180 implied HN points • 08 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Infrastructure Transportation Government Costs Legislation
  1. HS2 was a major rail project in the UK, but was dramatically cancelled by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
  2. Political will is crucial in controlling the costs and completing high-speed rail projects.
  3. Comparison drawn between the cancelled HS2 project in the UK and the challenges faced by the California High-Speed Rail project.

London's First Cyclists

Londonist: Time Machine • 99 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
💾 History London history Transportation Innovation
  1. London had its first cyclists over 200 years ago, riding heavy, expensive bikes without pedals that still outpaced horses in certain situations.
  2. The early bikes were called 'velocipedes' and were a talk of the town in London, despite their limitations.
  3. Londoners showed interest in these 'dandy horses' even though they were primitive compared to modern bicycles.

I hate SUVs and pickup trucks

Klement on Investing • 5 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transportation Public Safety Urban planning Environmental Policy
  1. SUVs and pickup trucks are bigger than some tanks, making them a danger on the roads. Smaller cars can do the same job more safely.
  2. The design of SUVs can lead to more severe injuries or deaths for pedestrians, especially children. Studies show that if these larger vehicles were replaced with regular cars, many lives could be saved.
  3. Driving an SUV doesn't make motorists safer; advancements in car safety technology are the bigger reason for decreased motorist deaths. Choosing a smaller, regular car is better for everyone.

#18: Amtrak's Next Generation Trains Look Awesome

Bureau of Adventure • 3 HN points • 17 Aug 24
🏝 Travel Transportation Design Experience Accessibility
  1. Amtrak is introducing new long-distance trains that enhance the passenger experience. The new designs aim to improve comfort with better sleeping compartments and dining options.
  2. The new trains will have special lounges for first-class passengers. This means they will have a place to relax, get snacks, and enjoy drinks that coach passengers won't have.
  3. Accessibility is a big focus, allowing more people to enjoy train travel. The trains will include features like lifts to upper levels and wider aisles to make it easier for everyone.

Inertia Creeps

Kneeling Bus • 185 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Transportation Self-driving cars Mobile technology
  1. Driving in Los Angeles is time-consuming and inconvenient for everyone, regardless of wealth.
  2. Transport options like ridesharing apps have transformed urban travel and made distant places more accessible, albeit at a higher cost.
  3. Advancements in transportation technology suggest a future where travel becomes a space of its own, separate from the physical world we traverse.

When The Underground Sucked: London's Atmospheric Railways

Londonist: Time Machine • 59 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
💾 History 19th century Transportation London Railways
  1. London's atmospheric railways in the 19th century were like the Hyperloop of that time, a unique transportation system that was given serious thought.
  2. An atmospheric railway was essentially being pulled to work through a giant vacuum cleaner, an innovative and unconventional concept for its era.
  3. The article explores past futures and how London's history includes fascinating ideas like atmospheric railways that can offer a unique perspective on the present.

#5: October Travel Links

Bureau of Adventure • 59 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
🏝 Travel Transportation Products Design Sustainability
  1. Japan Airlines is offering a clothing rental service for travelers. This could help people pack lighter and reduce the fuel used for flights.
  2. There are new high-speed trains connecting Miami and Orlando, making travel easier in Florida. More routes are being planned too, which is exciting!
  3. United Airlines is expanding its fleet with more planes. This shows they are focusing on premium travelers and growing internationally.

Proposal for flying car cable gondola system

Expand Mapping with Mike Morrow • 6 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Transportation Innovations Mobility Urban planning Sustainability
  1. Flying cars, or eVTOLs, currently have limited range and perform poorly in bad weather. These challenges need to be addressed to make them more practical.
  2. A cable gondola system could help overcome the limitations of flying cars by allowing them to hitch onto cables for part of their journey. This could improve their efficiency and reduce the need for long-range flight.
  3. Using suspended cables could be a less disruptive transportation method compared to traditional roads and rail systems. It's worth considering if this approach is more environmentally friendly, especially for wildlife.

Commercial Transportation

Helix • 58 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
💼 Business Transportation
  1. In a net zero world, last-mile shipping using trucks is essential despite efforts to make other forms of transportation more sustainable.
  2. Diesel trucks are prevalent in transportation and need to be addressed for a net zero solution.
  3. Utilizing existing infrastructure is key to delivering a net zero solution in commercial transportation.

Europe India Trip: Day 15-16 - Forde - Volda - Alseund - Fjellstova [ Apr 27-28, 2023 ]

Pocha Life's Learnings • 39 implied HN points • 01 May 23
🏝 Travel Destinations Accommodation Food Transportation Sightseeing
  1. First-time riding in snowfall with low visibility can be challenging but offers rewarding views.
  2. Making pitstops for coffee and food along the route can add enjoyment to the journey.
  3. Engaging with locals and seeking help for bike issues can lead to interesting interactions and solutions.

Car Rentals and Electric Cars are filing for Divorce, for now...

Startupology • 19 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
💼 Business Transportation Financials Consumer behavior Sustainability Market Analysis
  1. Rental car companies and EVs face challenges like high repair costs and poor infrastructure.
  2. Hertz faced bankruptcy, then aimed to boost business with an EV fleet but is now selling off a third of it due to low demand and high repair costs.
  3. Issues with rental companies and EVs include maintenance costs, customer education, charging infrastructure, and consumer familiarity.

Amtrak is still riding the nostalgia train

Urben Field Notes • 32 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
💼 Business Transportation Finances Government Infrastructure Policy
  1. Long-distance trains are nostalgic but may not be the most efficient way to provide rail service to small towns and neglected regions.
  2. Expanding long-distance train routes could reach more Americans, but issues include unreliable trip durations, inconvenient schedules, and high costs.
  3. Optimizing rail routes by focusing on shorter, higher-demand trips could be a more cost-effective and efficient way to improve passenger rail service in America.

The perils of freeway caps

Urben Field Notes • 32 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Urban planning Transportation Community Advocacy
  1. Covering urban freeways with parks through freeway caps is a popular urban planning trend, but it may not fully address the deeper issues of routing heavy traffic through dense neighborhoods.
  2. Freeway caps can be politically attractive solutions, especially in high-traffic areas, but may not be the most imaginative or effective options in all cases, potentially entrenching urban freeways for generations.
  3. Transportation planning often prioritizes vehicles over transit alternatives, showcasing a need for a shift towards more comprehensive approaches like full freeway removal projects, leading to better urban planning and community connectivity.

SFMTA moves forward with Valencia Street center bike lane despite 13% approval rating

Gotham by Susan Dyer Reynolds • 19 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transportation Public Opinion Advocacy Community Engagement
  1. SFMTA is proceeding with a center bike lane on Valencia Street despite low public support.
  2. Many survey respondents prefer an alternative bike lane design along the curb.
  3. Concerns include inadequate protection for cyclists, lack of enforcement, and impact on businesses.

25 mile speed limit

Disaffected Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Legislation Government Society Transportation
  1. There is a speed limit of 25 miles per hour in certain areas. This helps keep neighborhoods safer for pedestrians and bikers.
  2. Motorcycles are not permitted to travel in these 25 mile speed limit areas. This rule is likely to protect other road users.
  3. Following speed limits is important for everyone’s safety on the road. It can help prevent accidents and make streets more comfortable for all.

The Magic of Electrified Trains

Urben Field Notes • 27 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Transportation
  1. Electrified trains can decrease travel times and increase transportation capacity in urban areas.
  2. Caltrain's electrification project will significantly reduce travel times and increase service.
  3. Rail electrification projects can serve as superior transportation technology and improve mobility.

The future for cars, hydrogen or battery?

The ZIPster • 35 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Transportation Energy Innovation Sustainability Research
  1. Hydrogen fuel cell technology is facing challenges compared to battery technology, leading to a shift in focus from major automotive manufacturers like VW and Toyota.
  2. Battery technology advancements, such as faster charging times and longer ranges, are making electric vehicles more practical and appealing compared to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
  3. Technological innovations, like the development of nuclear batteries, may offer alternative energy sources for cars in the future, potentially revolutionizing the automotive industry.

A Robotaxi Regulation Wishlist

Urben Field Notes • 27 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Regulations Transportation Urban planning Public Policy Technology impact
  1. The decisions made now by San Francisco and California about robotaxis will have a significant impact.
  2. Implementing specific regulations for robotaxis can help in managing traffic congestion and improving city transportation.
  3. There is a need for regulations like congestion pricing, robotaxi-free corridors, and designated pickup spots to enhance the integration of robotaxis in city transportation systems.

The Anti-Mobility Playbook

Exasperated Infrastructures • 26 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transportation Infrastructure Policy Political theory Government
  1. The Republican message focuses on telling people what to do while resisting being told what to do.
  2. There are two main theories in government - Conflict and Mistake - that don't always align with political parties.
  3. The Anti-Mobility Playbook highlights how Republicans resist investing in transportation modes that could benefit everyone, contributing to the lack of progress in transportation planning and infrastructure.

🚔 California Wants to Make You Get an eBike License

The Micromobility Newsletter • 11 HN points • 25 Jul 23
💼 Business Micromobility E-Bikes Startups Transportation Green Technology
  1. California is considering requiring a special eBike license for unlicensed users, mainly targeting teenagers.
  2. Ola Electric is aiming for $1.5B in sales for 2023, but may face challenges due to reductions in moped subsidies in India.
  3. Lyft, despite being a major bike-share operator in North America, is looking to exit the bike-share business.

California is on the brink of a transportation nightmare

Urben Field Notes • 27 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transportation Budget Legislation
  1. California is facing a transportation crisis that could lead to serious service cuts and canceled bus lines.
  2. New York recently passed a multi-billion dollar transit rescue package, highlighting the stark difference in funding support for transit between California and New York.
  3. The future of transit in California will have broad implications for the state's policy commitments and urban identity.

Tiffany-Ann Taylor on the Past, Present, and Future of Transportation

Exasperated Infrastructures • 14 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transportation Diversity Leadership Equity
  1. Small steps are still steps - Even small improvements can make a big difference in transportation projects.
  2. Diversity in leadership is crucial - Having diverse voices and experiences leads to more innovative solutions.
  3. Success means prioritizing equity and intersectionality - A successful future in transportation includes valuing all community needs and voices.

vanshnookenraggen on the past, present, and future of transportation

Exasperated Infrastructures • 12 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
💼 Business Transportation Urban planning Public Policy Infrastructure Advocacy
  1. Andrew Lynch, known as vanshnookenraggen, got into mapping and transportation history out of pure curiosity and interest in urban planning.
  2. His work focuses on creating maps that visualize transportation systems and history to make complex information easier to understand.
  3. There's a need to connect land use policy with transportation policy, understand the political realities of planning, and engage communities effectively in urban planning decisions.