Monday’s Headlines Can’t Quit Cars

• Despite the fact that only a fifth of American workers make enough money to afford the payments on average new car costing $48,000 (Market Watch) — not to mention a strike, supply chain issues and high interest rates — new car sales are soaring (CNN).
• The lack of safe infrastructure even in relatively bike-friendly places like New York City explains why the number of Americans who commute to work by bike is declining. (Jalopnik)
• Another government shutdown that could affect transportation funding looms now that the House ousted Speaker Kevin McCarthy. (Fast Company)
• Several cities and states are offering rebates or vouchers to help low-income people afford e-bikes. (Washington Post)
• Sen. Robert Menendez’s future wife killed a pedestrian while driving in 2018, which has become part of a corruption investigation into the New Jersey Democrat. (New York Times)
• A Pennsylvania bill would boost Philadelphia transit agency SEPTA’s share of sales tax revenue by $300 million a year. (Inquirer)
• A central part of Charlotte’s transit strategy is “mobility hubs,” which are places where several different modes of transportation like bikes, trains and buses come together. (WFAE)
• Cincinnati’s streetcar has already broken last year’s record for ridership. (WVXU)
• An Atlanta Beltline engineer says transit along the walking and biking loop is essential for the city’s growth. (11Alive)
• After Government Street’s road diet, the Baton Rouge Business Report offers some potential future targets for converting car lanes to space for biking and walking.
• To discourage driving, Singapore has made buying a car more expensive than an average apartment at six figures for even a modest vehicle like a Camry. (Reuters)

source https://usa.streetsblog.org/2023/10/09/mondays-headlines-cant-quit-cars