The future of popular vehicle-for-hire services Uber and Lyft in Austin is up in the air following the city council’s approval early Friday of an ordinance aimed at regulating the firms more like traditional taxi companies.
Transportation
Reporting on roads, transit, infrastructure, and policy shaping travel and mobility across the state, from The Texas Tribune.
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Transportation
Transportation Agency Names its Next Chief
The Texas Transportation Commission selected a new executive director for the Texas Department of Transportation Thursday: James Bass, the agency’s longtime chief financial officer.
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Transportation
After Sex Assault Reports, Uber, Lyft May Face Tougher Rules
This year, Austin police have received at least seven reports of sexual assaults by drivers for ride-for-hire companies, and some members of the Austin City Council are pushing for tougher regulations.
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Economy
Uber-Style Moving Apps Draw State’s Attention
A new breed of app-based moving companies has drawn the interest of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, which wants to ensure that companies with names like Buddytruk and PICKUP are following state laws.
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Economy
Abbott: Texas Ready to Deal if Cuba Embargo Lifted
While Gov. Greg Abbott hasn’t called for the outright repeal of the United States’ decades-old trade embargo with Cuba, he made clear to Cubans Tuesday that Texas is ready to jump at the business opportunity if it happens.
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Transportation
Some Fear Texas Unprepared for Panama Canal Expansion
In 2006, Panama voters agreed to modernize their famed canal, allowing it to handle more ships and, crucially, bigger ones. Next year, the expanded Panama Canal is expected to finally open. Is Texas ready?
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Health care
As Texas Cities Fight Fat, Experts Encourage Pedestrian Safety
Experts warn that a lack of safety on Texas roads is not just killing thousands of people each year. It’s taking an even greater — if less visible — toll on life expectancy, due to a lack of safe options for pedestrians and cyclists.
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Criminal Justice
Campaign Won’t Say Whether Cruz Still Wants to Ax the TSA
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz is touting a list of agencies that he plans to eliminate if he’s elected president. But the Transportation Security Administration is not on it, even though Cruz has previously called for its abolishment.
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Transportation
Williams: Auto Amendment Was No Conflict
U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, a second-generation auto dealer, says any suggestion that an amendment he tacked onto a massive transportation bill last week was a conflict of interest is preposterous.
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Economy
Biden Touts Houston’s Green Makeover as National Model
Vice President Joe Biden on Wednesday praised Houston’s effort to turn greener — by harnessing millions of dollars in public and private funds to build parks and paths to connect them.