The Overhead Wire
@theoverheadwire.com
Jeff Wood is the host of the Talking Headways podcast and the publisher of The Overhead Wire daily newsletter. http://theoverheadwire.com
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The Overhead Wire
@theoverheadwire.com
· Nov 20
How to Use The Overhead Wire Archive
YouTube video by TheOverheadWire
www.youtube.com
I put together a video explainer about how to use our news link archive! We've collected and categorized over 100,000 items since 2013 and I hope folks get a chance to check it out. www.youtube.com/watch?v=arUe...
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
A San Francisco supervisor says that bricked Waymos slowed the fire department’s response to last weekend’s blackout.
If this is true, it’s very damming.
If this is true, it’s very damming.
Stuck Waymo robot(s) hindered SFFD from getting to the PG&E substation fire, according to Sup Mahmood who is calling for hearings re PG&E and Waymo.
Waymo has confirmed telops partially failed during this emergency (pic2).
Map of >30 stuck Waymo locations called into 311 (pic1).
archive.ph/OviuH
Waymo has confirmed telops partially failed during this emergency (pic2).
Map of >30 stuck Waymo locations called into 311 (pic1).
archive.ph/OviuH
December 23, 2025 at 11:18 PM
A San Francisco supervisor says that bricked Waymos slowed the fire department’s response to last weekend’s blackout.
If this is true, it’s very damming.
If this is true, it’s very damming.
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
The RFQ is out for CAHSR's new delivery plan. This builds on the August business case update, under which Bakersfield-Merced is out and Bakersfield-SF is in. This higher-revenue connection allows HSR to enter a P3 that will bring forward financing to allow them to complete the Pacheco Pass crossing.
December 23, 2025 at 9:37 PM
The RFQ is out for CAHSR's new delivery plan. This builds on the August business case update, under which Bakersfield-Merced is out and Bakersfield-SF is in. This higher-revenue connection allows HSR to enter a P3 that will bring forward financing to allow them to complete the Pacheco Pass crossing.
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
This episode of Talking Headways returned in the feed as a replay, and I’m so glad it did.
Easily one of the top discussions I’ve listened to. Building our transport systems on accessibility need over perceived frustrations is so novel.
Don’t skip this if you believe in good transit. It’s profound
Easily one of the top discussions I’ve listened to. Building our transport systems on accessibility need over perceived frustrations is so novel.
Don’t skip this if you believe in good transit. It’s profound
Another great episode of Talking Headways by @theoverheadwire.com featuring Karel Martens! This time, the focus is unfiltered equity when building transportation systems.
I loved the idea of setting one goal with conditions as opposed to having multiple goals. This could prevent conflicting needs.
I loved the idea of setting one goal with conditions as opposed to having multiple goals. This could prevent conflicting needs.
Episode 325: Designing Fair Transport Systems
open.spotify.com
December 23, 2025 at 3:18 PM
This episode of Talking Headways returned in the feed as a replay, and I’m so glad it did.
Easily one of the top discussions I’ve listened to. Building our transport systems on accessibility need over perceived frustrations is so novel.
Don’t skip this if you believe in good transit. It’s profound
Easily one of the top discussions I’ve listened to. Building our transport systems on accessibility need over perceived frustrations is so novel.
Don’t skip this if you believe in good transit. It’s profound
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
The next time there's a fight over reclaiming space from cars, one thing that gives me hope is that we will have a new mayor who will point to what happened with congestion pricing — and Citi Bike, 14th Street, etc. — and tell the naysayers that they are almost always wrong.
Year 1 data on congestion pricing in Manhattan…
* Vehicle traffic: -11%
* Foot traffic: +3.4%
* Storefront vacancy: -0.9%
* Pollution: -22%
* Revenue for mass transit: $548M
So YES this has been a huge success.
* Vehicle traffic: -11%
* Foot traffic: +3.4%
* Storefront vacancy: -0.9%
* Pollution: -22%
* Revenue for mass transit: $548M
So YES this has been a huge success.
December 23, 2025 at 3:25 PM
The next time there's a fight over reclaiming space from cars, one thing that gives me hope is that we will have a new mayor who will point to what happened with congestion pricing — and Citi Bike, 14th Street, etc. — and tell the naysayers that they are almost always wrong.
There's so much we could do for the community with a public utility that's ours.
December 22, 2025 at 11:16 PM
There's so much we could do for the community with a public utility that's ours.
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
To be clear, while Trump's HUD is telling a racist lie when they blame the housing shortage in CA and NY on immigrants, what they're saying is not all that different from the people who complain about transplants or who say California is full.
Same report: "Immigration accounts for up to 100 percent of housing demand growth in some regions, and for two-thirds of rental demand growth nationwide. In California and New York, immigrants have accounted for 100 percent of all rental growth ... in recent years."
December 22, 2025 at 10:34 PM
To be clear, while Trump's HUD is telling a racist lie when they blame the housing shortage in CA and NY on immigrants, what they're saying is not all that different from the people who complain about transplants or who say California is full.
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
Power is out in NW SF, affecting traffic signals and 5G network. All Waymo vehicles have simply bricked wherever they were, creating traffic chaos. AVs still have no plan for emergency evacuation in urban quake or fire
missionlocal.org/2025/12/sf-w...
missionlocal.org/2025/12/sf-w...
December 21, 2025 at 4:30 AM
Power is out in NW SF, affecting traffic signals and 5G network. All Waymo vehicles have simply bricked wherever they were, creating traffic chaos. AVs still have no plan for emergency evacuation in urban quake or fire
missionlocal.org/2025/12/sf-w...
missionlocal.org/2025/12/sf-w...
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
What an outstanding human being.
It’s the “season of love and giving”…but this year, doesn’t it seem more like a “season of fear and taking”? Like many of you, I’ve been saddened by the human impact of draconian government budget cuts and how angry many housed Americans are at unhoused Americans.
🧵 1 of 9
🧵 1 of 9
December 21, 2025 at 3:13 AM
What an outstanding human being.
I’m very impressed by Mike’s tour of the Talking Headways archive! We’ve got over 550 episodes! Don’t be shy too hop in wherever but don’t be afraid to ask me if you’re looking for a specific topic :)
Continuing through the archives of Talking Headways by @theoverheadwire.com, I absolutely loved this episode interviewing @norton.bsky.social about the role of transport in society through the years.
Are cars a tool or a solution? Incredible idea, worth a listen!
Are cars a tool or a solution? Incredible idea, worth a listen!
Episode 362: The Traffic War is Never Won
open.spotify.com
December 20, 2025 at 9:18 PM
I’m very impressed by Mike’s tour of the Talking Headways archive! We’ve got over 550 episodes! Don’t be shy too hop in wherever but don’t be afraid to ask me if you’re looking for a specific topic :)
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
Continuing through the archives of Talking Headways by @theoverheadwire.com, I absolutely loved this episode interviewing @norton.bsky.social about the role of transport in society through the years.
Are cars a tool or a solution? Incredible idea, worth a listen!
Are cars a tool or a solution? Incredible idea, worth a listen!
Episode 362: The Traffic War is Never Won
open.spotify.com
December 20, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Continuing through the archives of Talking Headways by @theoverheadwire.com, I absolutely loved this episode interviewing @norton.bsky.social about the role of transport in society through the years.
Are cars a tool or a solution? Incredible idea, worth a listen!
Are cars a tool or a solution? Incredible idea, worth a listen!
A favorite local specialty shop in Noe Valley SF. Lehr’s German Specialties.
December 19, 2025 at 8:47 PM
A favorite local specialty shop in Noe Valley SF. Lehr’s German Specialties.
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
I want bicycle infrastructure that’s safe enough to do this
December 19, 2025 at 4:37 AM
I want bicycle infrastructure that’s safe enough to do this
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
To all the young people in New York and across our country who count on gender-affirming care:
I won't let this administration come for you, your doctors, or your lifesaving health care.
Your health care is still legal and protected.
I'll always fight for you.
I won't let this administration come for you, your doctors, or your lifesaving health care.
Your health care is still legal and protected.
I'll always fight for you.
December 18, 2025 at 4:22 PM
To all the young people in New York and across our country who count on gender-affirming care:
I won't let this administration come for you, your doctors, or your lifesaving health care.
Your health care is still legal and protected.
I'll always fight for you.
I won't let this administration come for you, your doctors, or your lifesaving health care.
Your health care is still legal and protected.
I'll always fight for you.
New #TalkingHeadways podcast! @carterlavin.bsky.social joins the show to talk about his fantastic book If You Want to Win, You've Got to Fight. link.theoverheadwire.com/tbgak @usa.streetsblog.org
Talking Headways Podcast: Fighting to Win — Streetsblog USA
Jeff Wood talks with Carter Lavin about his new book, "If You Want to Win, You've Got to Fight"
link.theoverheadwire.com
December 18, 2025 at 7:40 PM
New #TalkingHeadways podcast! @carterlavin.bsky.social joins the show to talk about his fantastic book If You Want to Win, You've Got to Fight. link.theoverheadwire.com/tbgak @usa.streetsblog.org
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
Great time on @theoverheadwire.com talking about how we can improve our transit, bike, and street safety advocacy & build power as a movement. Give it a listen here:
open.spotify.com/episode/0LXH...
And get the book from @islandpress.bsky.social & soon from @princetonupress.bsky.social !
open.spotify.com/episode/0LXH...
And get the book from @islandpress.bsky.social & soon from @princetonupress.bsky.social !
Episode 560: If You Want to Win, You've Got to Fight
open.spotify.com
December 18, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Great time on @theoverheadwire.com talking about how we can improve our transit, bike, and street safety advocacy & build power as a movement. Give it a listen here:
open.spotify.com/episode/0LXH...
And get the book from @islandpress.bsky.social & soon from @princetonupress.bsky.social !
open.spotify.com/episode/0LXH...
And get the book from @islandpress.bsky.social & soon from @princetonupress.bsky.social !
Last chance saloon for getting Bus Only or Bike Only scarves before Christmas! Order today and we'll send them as soon as possible. theoverheadwire.com/2025/02/new-...
December 18, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Last chance saloon for getting Bus Only or Bike Only scarves before Christmas! Order today and we'll send them as soon as possible. theoverheadwire.com/2025/02/new-...
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
oh hey look it’s everyone’s favorite post-apocalyptic hellscape, downtown Indianapolis!
Wednesday's Most Read # 1 - The Great Downtown Renaissance link.theoverheadwire.com/cwabx @dwell.bsky.social Dwell Magazine
The Great Downtown Renaissance
Across the country, cities—big, small, and midsize—are attempting to remake their cores into livable neighborhoods, not just places of commerce. Will it work?
link.theoverheadwire.com
December 18, 2025 at 1:16 AM
oh hey look it’s everyone’s favorite post-apocalyptic hellscape, downtown Indianapolis!
Wednesday's Most Read # 1 - The Great Downtown Renaissance link.theoverheadwire.com/cwabx @dwell.bsky.social Dwell Magazine
The Great Downtown Renaissance
Across the country, cities—big, small, and midsize—are attempting to remake their cores into livable neighborhoods, not just places of commerce. Will it work?
link.theoverheadwire.com
December 18, 2025 at 1:15 AM
Wednesday's Most Read # 1 - The Great Downtown Renaissance link.theoverheadwire.com/cwabx @dwell.bsky.social Dwell Magazine
Wednesday's Most Read # 2 - Europe’s longest urban cable car is unveiled over dazzling capital city link.theoverheadwire.com/vhrqg Metro
Europe's longest urban cable car is unveiled over dazzling capital city
The new line, the first of its kind in the French capital, has been designed to connect the city's isolated outskirts, poorly served by trains and buses, to the Métro network.
link.theoverheadwire.com
December 18, 2025 at 1:14 AM
Wednesday's Most Read # 2 - Europe’s longest urban cable car is unveiled over dazzling capital city link.theoverheadwire.com/vhrqg Metro
Wednesday's Most Read # 3 - Speed matters link.theoverheadwire.com/6jy8k @chittimarco.bsky.social
Speed matters
Of time, life and space. Or why transit speed matters.
link.theoverheadwire.com
December 18, 2025 at 1:13 AM
Wednesday's Most Read # 3 - Speed matters link.theoverheadwire.com/6jy8k @chittimarco.bsky.social
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
given how much cheaper touchscreens are than having to tool and manufacture physical switchgear, the safety data must be really bad for automakers to be voluntarily shifting back to real controls
New research finds that car touchscreens are so distracting that they induce "significant performance degradation" among drivers.
Meanwhile, in-vehicle touchscreens remain completely unregulated in the US.
doi.org/10.1145/3746...
Meanwhile, in-vehicle touchscreens remain completely unregulated in the US.
doi.org/10.1145/3746...
December 17, 2025 at 5:39 PM
given how much cheaper touchscreens are than having to tool and manufacture physical switchgear, the safety data must be really bad for automakers to be voluntarily shifting back to real controls
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
One surprising piece of research I found when writing the book was that while the number of kids biking & walking to school has dropped by a lot since 1969, the number of kids living within a mile of their school has only gone down by about 15%.
This is obviously a, ah, provocative take on the subject, but it indeed an enormous societal problem that children have stopped walking or biking to school. There are plenty of individually rational reasons parents might drive their kids to school, but, in a wider context, no good reasons.
December 17, 2025 at 5:06 PM
One surprising piece of research I found when writing the book was that while the number of kids biking & walking to school has dropped by a lot since 1969, the number of kids living within a mile of their school has only gone down by about 15%.
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
"We have observed too many BMW drivers not using indicators. Do something about this or BMWs will be banned!"
Imagine.
Imagine.
Imagine if cities demanded the same of car manufacturers.
Lime and Forest are on their "last warning" if they don't fix "persistent problems" with rider behaviour and dangerous parking.
December 16, 2025 at 5:43 PM
"We have observed too many BMW drivers not using indicators. Do something about this or BMWs will be banned!"
Imagine.
Imagine.
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
If I could get a $60/mo pass to Amtrak here in California or even a $100/mo pass for unlimited use, it would aggressively change the value calculation I make when deciding whether to drive or ride when I have to travel outside of Sacramento.
Tuesday's Most Read # 3 - Spain to launch €60 monthly nationwide public transport pass link.theoverheadwire.com/rkhae @theguardian.com
Spain to launch €60 monthly nationwide public transport pass
Bus and train initiative comes as government struggles to survive corruption and sexual harassment allegations
link.theoverheadwire.com
December 17, 2025 at 2:00 AM
If I could get a $60/mo pass to Amtrak here in California or even a $100/mo pass for unlimited use, it would aggressively change the value calculation I make when deciding whether to drive or ride when I have to travel outside of Sacramento.
Tuesday's Most Read # 1 - Mandating Density Near Transit link.theoverheadwire.com/7qcfx @urbaninstitute.bsky.social @yonahfreemark.com
Mandating Density Near Transit
Developing higher-level government planning standards should be a vital element of a broader effort to promote TOD, which includes tracking the performance o…
link.theoverheadwire.com
December 17, 2025 at 1:37 AM
Tuesday's Most Read # 1 - Mandating Density Near Transit link.theoverheadwire.com/7qcfx @urbaninstitute.bsky.social @yonahfreemark.com