Photo by Oran Viriyincy on Flickr.

Are transit fantasies folly?

Chicago’s transit plans focus on new lines rather than improving existing service. One reason is that new construction brings more jobs and construction dollars, but is it the best use of scarce resources? (Next City)  

Is this bus BRT?

San Diego is building faster bus lines, but neighborhood opposition blocked features like dedicated lanes. Without that and off-board payment, is it fair to call them “BRT?” Many say no; others say, at least the bus is a little better. (Voice of San Diego)  

A bike boom spills onto sidewalks

Santiago, Chile, has 800,000 cyclists, but insufficient bike lanes and high speed limits on roads are leading to sidewalk cycling. Other cities point the way to creating safe spaces for cyclists. (Atlantic Cities)  

Montgomery’s elusive jobs numbers

Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett is touting job increases before the June Democratic primary, but can his numbers be trusted? Moreover, do the jobs pay enough to sustain a middle-class lifestyle? (Post)  

Smog suffocates SLC

Episodes of heavy smog in Salt Lake City have “mobilized the electorate,” but proposed solutions are unlikely to have much impact as they do not factor in the region’s suburbs or projected population growth. By way of comparison, here is China’s smog problem. (Atlantic Cities)  

UberX gets a little pricier

Uber will charge UberX drivers more of their fare, since the service was losing Uber money. The company also is adding a $1 per ride fee to cover insurance and background checks, since drivers’ private insurance won’t cover crashes while transporting people for pay. (GeekWire, Post)  (Tip: charlie)  

Apps to cure distracted driving

Some new apps can selectively disable teens’ smartphones while they are in a moving vehicle.  The apps can even discriminate between drivers and passengers. (Post)  

And…

Central Park’s horse-drawn carriages could be replaced by old-timey electric cars. (Atlantic Cities) … A local professor tries to fight poverty in Richmond. (next City) … Enterprise will bring its CarShare service to Arlington. (Virginia Business)