Infrastructure Weak
@infrastructureweak.bsky.social
Renter; bike and transit rider
Construction project manager
Posts about safe street design and transit projects
Berkeley, CA
Construction project manager
Posts about safe street design and transit projects
Berkeley, CA
Reposted by Infrastructure Weak
✨ introducing… ✨
🌇 Transportation for the Abundant Society 🚅
"Abundance" says our problem is artificial scarcity—especially housing. But you can’t build your way out if transportation policy still treats traffic flow as sacred.
Transportation is the binding constraint. ssrn.com/abstract=538...
🌇 Transportation for the Abundant Society 🚅
"Abundance" says our problem is artificial scarcity—especially housing. But you can’t build your way out if transportation policy still treats traffic flow as sacred.
Transportation is the binding constraint. ssrn.com/abstract=538...
February 11, 2026 at 4:27 PM
✨ introducing… ✨
🌇 Transportation for the Abundant Society 🚅
"Abundance" says our problem is artificial scarcity—especially housing. But you can’t build your way out if transportation policy still treats traffic flow as sacred.
Transportation is the binding constraint. ssrn.com/abstract=538...
🌇 Transportation for the Abundant Society 🚅
"Abundance" says our problem is artificial scarcity—especially housing. But you can’t build your way out if transportation policy still treats traffic flow as sacred.
Transportation is the binding constraint. ssrn.com/abstract=538...
Reposted by Infrastructure Weak
Michael Hobbes is back on a tear dunking on people with bad arguments about Intelligent Speed Assistance, and you love to see it! The technology exists to save tens of thousands of lives per year, and there is no good reason not to implement it.
No it wouldn't lol
I feel obligated to point out that if cars worked this way, the same tech would also enable Cops/ICE/etc. to stop any car they wanted remotely, to say nothing of a potentially malicious hacker.
I get the sentiment but this is a terrible idea.
I get the sentiment but this is a terrible idea.
February 9, 2026 at 9:01 PM
Michael Hobbes is back on a tear dunking on people with bad arguments about Intelligent Speed Assistance, and you love to see it! The technology exists to save tens of thousands of lives per year, and there is no good reason not to implement it.
Reposted by Infrastructure Weak
coming up with a new idea called "driving like shit olympics". no more bland, unprovable statements like "california drivers are the WORST" allowed. whichever state wins every 4 years gets a moonshot-sized public transit investment to get those fuckers off the road
February 7, 2026 at 5:34 PM
coming up with a new idea called "driving like shit olympics". no more bland, unprovable statements like "california drivers are the WORST" allowed. whichever state wins every 4 years gets a moonshot-sized public transit investment to get those fuckers off the road
Reposted by Infrastructure Weak
An example of how impacts of interventions can differ at individual and population levels, and are conditional on other events. Given a car hits you, the helmet helps. But mandating helmets could lower the # of bikes on the road & thus might increase the chance of getting hit in the first place.
This is counter-intuitive:
"It is clear that the benefits of cycling outweigh the risks, with helmet legislation actually costing society more from lost health gains than saved from injury prevention." theconversation.com/ditching-bik...
"It is clear that the benefits of cycling outweigh the risks, with helmet legislation actually costing society more from lost health gains than saved from injury prevention." theconversation.com/ditching-bik...
Ditching bike helmets laws better for health
With epidemics of diabetes and obesity threatening to bankrupt state health budgets, governments need to broaden their strategies to encourage physical activity. Allowing cyclists to ride without a he...
theconversation.com
February 5, 2026 at 2:55 PM
An example of how impacts of interventions can differ at individual and population levels, and are conditional on other events. Given a car hits you, the helmet helps. But mandating helmets could lower the # of bikes on the road & thus might increase the chance of getting hit in the first place.
Reposted by Infrastructure Weak
“Many Puget Sound transit advocates have urged the legislature to go much further and grant Sound Transit its own permitting authority, a move that would significantly diminish the role local governments play in enabling transit projects.”
A pair of bills advancing this week at the state legislature would finally allow Sound Transit to rise above the local permitting fray in several key areas. The reforms could save as much as nine months on key transit projects, according to the agency.
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2026/02/04/o...
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2026/02/04/o...
Olympia Seeks to Boost Sound Transit with Long Overdue Permit Reforms » The Urbanist
# A pair of bills advancing this week at the state legislature would finally allow Sound Transit to rise above the local permitting fray in several key areas. The reforms could save as much as nine mo...
www.theurbanist.org
February 5, 2026 at 4:17 PM
“Many Puget Sound transit advocates have urged the legislature to go much further and grant Sound Transit its own permitting authority, a move that would significantly diminish the role local governments play in enabling transit projects.”
Reposted by Infrastructure Weak
FY26 US govt spending bill that Congress just agreed to mostly funds agencies as in FY25, though it:
—Reinforced DOGE’s 24% cut to HUD staff
—Reduced resources for rail substantially, including recissions of $950m for high-speed rail grants
—Reduced spending for transit, increased it for highways
—Reinforced DOGE’s 24% cut to HUD staff
—Reduced resources for rail substantially, including recissions of $950m for high-speed rail grants
—Reduced spending for transit, increased it for highways
appropriations.house.gov
February 4, 2026 at 4:31 AM
FY26 US govt spending bill that Congress just agreed to mostly funds agencies as in FY25, though it:
—Reinforced DOGE’s 24% cut to HUD staff
—Reduced resources for rail substantially, including recissions of $950m for high-speed rail grants
—Reduced spending for transit, increased it for highways
—Reinforced DOGE’s 24% cut to HUD staff
—Reduced resources for rail substantially, including recissions of $950m for high-speed rail grants
—Reduced spending for transit, increased it for highways
Reposted by Infrastructure Weak
For some additional context, FAIR plan liability is about 3x as much as the state’s unfunded pension liability.
I don't think the average Californian fully appreciates how bad this situation has become. We're essentially sitting on a ticking time bomb.
The current exposure for the California FAIR plan (California’s insurer of last resort) sits at $724 billion. Its liability almost doubled in two years and is now more than double the state’s annual budget. In its most recent financial reporting it had about $1.5 billion on hand.
February 3, 2026 at 11:08 PM
For some additional context, FAIR plan liability is about 3x as much as the state’s unfunded pension liability.
Reposted by Infrastructure Weak
For people with tech background concerned about the Clipper 2 upgrade/migration, check out the Cubic slides being presented today at Clipper Executive Board. Many of the problems are failures of basic scaling and QA missing predictable corner cases. mtc.legistar.com/LegislationD...
Metropolitan Transportation Commission - File #: 26-0162
Title: Next Generation Clipper Implementation and Transition Update
Update on Next Generation Clipper System implementation, transition of current Clipper cardholders to the Next Generation Account-b...
mtc.legistar.com
January 26, 2026 at 8:28 PM
For people with tech background concerned about the Clipper 2 upgrade/migration, check out the Cubic slides being presented today at Clipper Executive Board. Many of the problems are failures of basic scaling and QA missing predictable corner cases. mtc.legistar.com/LegislationD...
Reposted by Infrastructure Weak
This is terrible…
AND we’re so lucky to have AC Transit directors like @therealjeanwalsh.bsky.social and @sarahsyed.bsky.social who regularly ride buses, are directly aware of problems riders face, and seek to address them.
All transit board members should ride transit!
AND we’re so lucky to have AC Transit directors like @therealjeanwalsh.bsky.social and @sarahsyed.bsky.social who regularly ride buses, are directly aware of problems riders face, and seek to address them.
All transit board members should ride transit!
February 2, 2026 at 5:27 AM
This is terrible…
AND we’re so lucky to have AC Transit directors like @therealjeanwalsh.bsky.social and @sarahsyed.bsky.social who regularly ride buses, are directly aware of problems riders face, and seek to address them.
All transit board members should ride transit!
AND we’re so lucky to have AC Transit directors like @therealjeanwalsh.bsky.social and @sarahsyed.bsky.social who regularly ride buses, are directly aware of problems riders face, and seek to address them.
All transit board members should ride transit!
Reposted by Infrastructure Weak
While signature gathering to save transit throughout the Bay a person asked me why I was doing it.
I explained the looming cuts and the importance of transit
They said "yeah I get that, but shouldn't the government just raise taxes to fund transit? Why do you have to gather signatures?"
I explained the looming cuts and the importance of transit
They said "yeah I get that, but shouldn't the government just raise taxes to fund transit? Why do you have to gather signatures?"
February 2, 2026 at 3:32 AM
While signature gathering to save transit throughout the Bay a person asked me why I was doing it.
I explained the looming cuts and the importance of transit
They said "yeah I get that, but shouldn't the government just raise taxes to fund transit? Why do you have to gather signatures?"
I explained the looming cuts and the importance of transit
They said "yeah I get that, but shouldn't the government just raise taxes to fund transit? Why do you have to gather signatures?"
Reposted by Infrastructure Weak
San Diego Unified School District has quietly embarked on a massive program to build educator housing.
The focus has been on maximizing the number of units affordable to staff, not on deepest means-tested affordability.
voiceofsandiego.org/2026/01/29/w...
The focus has been on maximizing the number of units affordable to staff, not on deepest means-tested affordability.
voiceofsandiego.org/2026/01/29/w...
January 31, 2026 at 3:43 PM
San Diego Unified School District has quietly embarked on a massive program to build educator housing.
The focus has been on maximizing the number of units affordable to staff, not on deepest means-tested affordability.
voiceofsandiego.org/2026/01/29/w...
The focus has been on maximizing the number of units affordable to staff, not on deepest means-tested affordability.
voiceofsandiego.org/2026/01/29/w...
Reposted by Infrastructure Weak
So thrilled about this. We all fought so hard last year to make this happen. Amazing to have it finally come through
VICTORY! The emergency funding deal we fought so hard for in 2025 has finally been made! The state will issue a $590 million emergency loan to hold off disastrous cuts to BART, Caltrain, AC Transit, and Muni that would have started this July.
(1/x)
(1/x)
January 31, 2026 at 4:02 AM
So thrilled about this. We all fought so hard last year to make this happen. Amazing to have it finally come through
Reposted by Infrastructure Weak
I haven’t seen any gubernatorial candidate come out strong for housing reform policies or plans to support transit which is a vital service and key to city economies which are where so much public revenue are generated. Field is bleak
January 30, 2026 at 9:06 PM
I haven’t seen any gubernatorial candidate come out strong for housing reform policies or plans to support transit which is a vital service and key to city economies which are where so much public revenue are generated. Field is bleak
Reposted by Infrastructure Weak
The attacks on everyday people in the streets of Minneapolis betray the values of safe, thriving communities. These aren't isolated tragedies: they're the result of a system that treats public space as a battleground and our neighbors as expendable.
Full statement at bikeeastbay.org/minneapolis-...
Full statement at bikeeastbay.org/minneapolis-...
January 30, 2026 at 1:19 AM
The attacks on everyday people in the streets of Minneapolis betray the values of safe, thriving communities. These aren't isolated tragedies: they're the result of a system that treats public space as a battleground and our neighbors as expendable.
Full statement at bikeeastbay.org/minneapolis-...
Full statement at bikeeastbay.org/minneapolis-...
Reposted by Infrastructure Weak
i always like doing this when i'm taking off from a city!
metro vancouver's clusters of highrises trace the path of the skytrain (zoom in a little to see it clearly).
a part of the reason more people ride transit in this region is a concerted effort to allow more people to live near it.
metro vancouver's clusters of highrises trace the path of the skytrain (zoom in a little to see it clearly).
a part of the reason more people ride transit in this region is a concerted effort to allow more people to live near it.
January 30, 2026 at 5:56 AM
i always like doing this when i'm taking off from a city!
metro vancouver's clusters of highrises trace the path of the skytrain (zoom in a little to see it clearly).
a part of the reason more people ride transit in this region is a concerted effort to allow more people to live near it.
metro vancouver's clusters of highrises trace the path of the skytrain (zoom in a little to see it clearly).
a part of the reason more people ride transit in this region is a concerted effort to allow more people to live near it.
Reposted by Infrastructure Weak
One thing that really strikes me about people who shallowly argue for trams in N-America is how little they realize that the way we manage traffic here will seldom produce the level of ease of access they experience in European trams and long for
Example: accessibility of stops, Paris vs Toronto
Example: accessibility of stops, Paris vs Toronto
January 14, 2026 at 9:47 PM
One thing that really strikes me about people who shallowly argue for trams in N-America is how little they realize that the way we manage traffic here will seldom produce the level of ease of access they experience in European trams and long for
Example: accessibility of stops, Paris vs Toronto
Example: accessibility of stops, Paris vs Toronto
Reposted by Infrastructure Weak
What’s A Transportation Reformer’s Role In the Fight Against ICE Violence? - usa.streetsblog.org/2026/01/27/w...
What's A Transportation Reformer's Role In the Fight Against ICE Violence? — Streetsblog USA
Migrants and protestors are being killed in the streets by ICE agents. What should transportation reform advocates do?
usa.streetsblog.org
January 27, 2026 at 3:32 PM
What’s A Transportation Reformer’s Role In the Fight Against ICE Violence? - usa.streetsblog.org/2026/01/27/w...
Reposted by Infrastructure Weak
This is how many sources of funding over about ten years to finance a 240 unit building of Affordable housing. We need to make it easier to finance and build all types of homes
January 16, 2026 at 3:07 AM
This is how many sources of funding over about ten years to finance a 240 unit building of Affordable housing. We need to make it easier to finance and build all types of homes
I don't think we've discussed "hybrid mass timber" construction - metal-framed walls with mass timber decks. This new technique could replace wood-framed and concrete alike for residential projects between 4 and 11+ stories, with big climate and cost advantages.
January 15, 2026 at 11:25 PM
I don't think we've discussed "hybrid mass timber" construction - metal-framed walls with mass timber decks. This new technique could replace wood-framed and concrete alike for residential projects between 4 and 11+ stories, with big climate and cost advantages.
Reposted by Infrastructure Weak
Here's a video of the impossible. The UP Express has high platforms and level boarding for passengers. That is supposed make it impossible for mainline North American freight trains to pass. And yet, as this shows, CN freight trains roll past the high platform at Weston multiple times per week.
October 29, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Here's a video of the impossible. The UP Express has high platforms and level boarding for passengers. That is supposed make it impossible for mainline North American freight trains to pass. And yet, as this shows, CN freight trains roll past the high platform at Weston multiple times per week.
Reposted by Infrastructure Weak
This weekend we took a big step in the right direction for getting posters up in communities across the Bay Area to help support the effort to save & improve transit. Help get posters up in more communities across the region. Download the poster file here www.savebayareatransit.com/home
January 12, 2026 at 7:59 PM
This weekend we took a big step in the right direction for getting posters up in communities across the Bay Area to help support the effort to save & improve transit. Help get posters up in more communities across the region. Download the poster file here www.savebayareatransit.com/home
The pro-transit, pro-housing lane in the race is up for grabs
Rob Bonta passes on run for California governor
Rob Bonta passes on run for California governor
The state attorney general won’t enter a crowded 2026 field and will seek reelection instead.
dlvr.it
January 12, 2026 at 4:01 PM
The pro-transit, pro-housing lane in the race is up for grabs
This was a good time! We put up posters at bus & BART stops getting the word out and seeking volunteers for the Bay Area's regional transit measure. Signature gathering starts January 23rd!
Sign up for volunteering opportunities:
tinyurl.com/savebayareatransit
Sign up for volunteering opportunities:
tinyurl.com/savebayareatransit
January 12, 2026 at 12:15 AM
This was a good time! We put up posters at bus & BART stops getting the word out and seeking volunteers for the Bay Area's regional transit measure. Signature gathering starts January 23rd!
Sign up for volunteering opportunities:
tinyurl.com/savebayareatransit
Sign up for volunteering opportunities:
tinyurl.com/savebayareatransit
Reposted by Infrastructure Weak
i will never get over this rebecca tiffany quote: the goal of yimbyism is a world where "every trans eighteen-year-old who is stuck living with unsupportive family [is] able to afford an apartment in a vibrant urban space with transit on a minimum wage job."
www.liberalcurrents.com/feminism-wit...
www.liberalcurrents.com/feminism-wit...
January 11, 2026 at 12:38 AM
i will never get over this rebecca tiffany quote: the goal of yimbyism is a world where "every trans eighteen-year-old who is stuck living with unsupportive family [is] able to afford an apartment in a vibrant urban space with transit on a minimum wage job."
www.liberalcurrents.com/feminism-wit...
www.liberalcurrents.com/feminism-wit...
Exciting that CAYIMBY is getting involved in transit project delivery state capacity and reform!
Extremely cool policy job opening for anyone interested in transportation. Can be fully remote (US only)! www.metroabundance.org/jobs/transpo...
Transportation Research Associate - Metropolitan Abundance Project
The Organization The Metropolitan Abundance Project (MAP) works to make American cities prosperous, affordable, sustainable, and joyous places to live and raise families. We help advocates and legisla...
www.metroabundance.org
January 10, 2026 at 5:17 AM
Exciting that CAYIMBY is getting involved in transit project delivery state capacity and reform!