Caltrans released a new Director's Transit Policy focused on incorporating public transit elements into the state highway system. The goal is to improve connectivity and enhance transit access statewide.
dot.ca.gov/programs/tra...
Oregon’s transportation funding challenges offer a lesson for the nation: too many large projects and not enough funding to build them while maintaining the existing system.
t4america.org/2026/02/17/o...
Wealthy Dallas-area suburbs threatened to leave the regional transit system over a 1% sales tax. To avoid a crisis, DART agreed to give cities partial refunds and more representation on its board, highlighting Texas's limited support for transit.
usa.streetsblog.org/2026/02/19/w...
Grandma can’t drive forever. As the U.S. population ages, transportation systems designed around driving risk leaving many older adults without safe ways to get around. Safer streets and stronger transit networks can help improve mobility for people of all ages.
ssti.us/2026/03/02/a...
A national survey found that 77% of families rely on cars to get their children to and from school. Working mothers are most likely to handle daily transportation.
www.hopskipdrive.com/blog/how-the...
New research shows that cyclists feel safer at roundabouts when cars are required to yield, when there are fewer vehicle entry points, and when bike infrastructure is consistent from one roundabout to another.
doi.org/10.1016/j.tr...
The Ohio DOT tested AI-powered vehicle sensors to detect damaged infrastructure and road safety issues in real time.
www.engadget.com/transportati...
After a major winter storm, Tennessee's governor gave the green light for state DOT workers to clear and repair local roads through an executive order.
www.tennessean.com/story/weathe...
State DOTs can cut transportation emissions. Our new brief with the Georgetown Climate Center shows how states like California, Oregon, and Minnesota are changing planning, funding, and project decisions to drive measurable climate results.
ssti.us/2026/02/16/s...
SSTI and Smart Growth America produced a new resource for transportation planners who want to incorporate arts & culture strategies to improve public involvement, build trust, and connect with their community.
www.smartgrowthamerica.org/knowledge-ce...
People with disabilities in rural areas were more likely to forgo needed medical care when rideshare was the only option for transportation, according to a study in Texas.
doi.org/10.1016/j.tb...
Traffic deaths from alcohol impaired driving are rising again in the United States, and awareness alone isn’t enough to prevent them. Roads need to be designed to protect everyone, even when people make mistakes.
ssti.us/2026/02/16/a...
Suburban drivers saw some of the biggest benefits from congestion pricing in Manhattan, as shorter drive times extended well beyond the tolled area.
www.nber.org/papers/w33584
A Swedish case study of parking reform offers clear lessons for U.S. cities. It says to treat parking reform as organizational change, roll it out incrementally to build credibility, and track results beyond transportation alone.
doi.org/10.1016/j.re...
Colorado DOT built one of the largest wildlife overpasses in North America. The project, which took less than a year to complete, will help prevent daily crashes with moose, bears, mountain lions, elk, and deer.
aashtojournal.transportation.org/colorado-dot...
A large engineering firm has warned of a "silver tsunami”. As many more people age out of driving, the need for reliable transit and walkable neighborhoods could surge.
usa.streetsblog.org/2026/01/15/a...
Caltrans sent $200 million to dozens of local clean transportation projects that will reduce carbon emissions. The funding comes from the state's Cap-and-Invest program.
www.progressiverailroading.com/passenger_ra...
The U.S. would need to triple the number of transit vehicles currently in service to achieve world-class transit, according to a new Transportation4America report. That would still cost less than what the country will spend on highways.
t4america.org/2026/01/14/n...
Dedicating road space to buses and bikes reduces congestion on busy roads. Without dedicated bus lanes, riders stuck in traffic shift to driving, triggering a vicious cycle of congestion.
ssti.us/2026/02/03/b...
People who feel their neighborhood is more walkable get better sleep at night.
doi.org/10.1016/j.jt...
Liquid deicers tend to be better for water quality than rock salt and are effective on both permeable pavement and asphalt surfaces, according to studies at the 2025 Salt Symposium.
mntransportationresearch.org/2025/11/20/b...
Organized out-of-school activities are a major source of car-based travel for families. The location of activities and poor alignment with public transportation contribute to the lack of transportation alternatives for parents and children.
doi.org/10.1080/0144...
Massachusetts lawmakers are considering a bill that would require the state DOT to set vehicle-miles-traveled (VMT) reduction goals aligned with state climate mandates. The proposal is based on similar laws in Minnesota and Colorado.
www.nbcboston.com/news/local/n...
One in five Americans now pay more than $1,000 a month for a car loan, often for a used vehicle. Rising prices, high interest rates, and unpaid debt from past loans are pushing payments to record levels.
www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
Oregon’s governor proposed shifting state transportation funds from major capacity projects to maintenance and operations. The shift would be part of a three-step re-do of state transportation funding.
bikeportland.org/2026/01/07/k...
One year into New York City’s congestion pricing program, traffic is down, travel speeds are up, and serious injuries have declined. The program is also generating new revenue for transit improvements.
ssti.us/2026/01/20/o...
Vehicles with large driver-side blind spots increase the risk of hitting a pedestrian by 70%, according to insurers.
www.iihs.org/news/detail/...
New research from Maryland shows that lower-stress streets are linked to more walking and biking, especially in places with good alternatives to driving. The findings highlight where traffic calming investments are most likely to shift travel behavior.
ssti.us/2026/01/20/n...
An Illinois law created a new regional transit authority with broad powers and stable funding from gas and sales taxes, tolls, and road construction funds.
gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com/gov-pritzker...
At least four states have implemented policies requiring dense development near transit: California, Colorado, Massachusetts, and Washington. www.urban.org/research/pub...
