transit
Houston reverses plans to move away from cars under new mayor
Houston’s progress toward reducing car dependency has stalled since Mayor John Whitmire took office, impacting transit and bike infrastructure projects.
In short:
- Houston halted bike infrastructure projects and delayed a $7.5 billion public transit expansion after Mayor John Whitmire’s inauguration.
- Federal funds are available for cities to diversify transit, but Houston’s leadership now focuses on road repairs over alternatives to cars.
- Advocates worry this shift threatens Houston's climate goals and limits transportation options for vulnerable communities.
Key quote:
“We have choices in all other parts of our lives, but when it comes to transportation, we only have one option.”
— Joe Cutrufo, cycling advocate
Why this matters:
Houston's transportation decisions reflect broader national challenges in reducing car dependency. Failure to diversify transit options could hinder efforts to address climate change and public health.
Related:
Winnipeg transit's golden age was electric — its future will be too
As the world looks to reduce carbon pollution, cities like Winnipeg are coming full circle in a return to electric transit.
The US government is awarding $1.7 billion to buy electric and low-emission buses
The U.S. Department of Transportation is awarding almost $1.7 billion in grants for buying zero- and low-emission buses, with the money going to transit projects in 46 states and territories.
As pandemic wanes, bikeshare and e-scooter rides keep rising
Cheap transit = lower emissions
The right to transportation should be a key issue in the Ontario election
With high gas prices and climate change top of mind for many in Ontario, transportation is shaping up to be a key battleground in the upcoming provincial election.