Taylor Firestine
@taylorfirestine.bsky.social
he/him
opinions expressed are mine only
opinions expressed are mine only
Reposted by Taylor Firestine
there is no legitimate definition of the term "democracy" under which maps like these are "democratic." this level of stovepiping is banana republic shit. this is effectively no different from stuffing a ballot box
Indiana Republicans have unveiled their proposal to re-gerrymander the congressional map & expand their current 7-2 majority to 9-0.
The Dem-held 1st would flip to Trump+12 & the 7th to Trump+19. All 7 GOP seats would be at least Trump+18.
Interactive map:
davesredistricting.org/maps#viewmap...
The Dem-held 1st would flip to Trump+12 & the 7th to Trump+19. All 7 GOP seats would be at least Trump+18.
Interactive map:
davesredistricting.org/maps#viewmap...
December 1, 2025 at 8:50 PM
there is no legitimate definition of the term "democracy" under which maps like these are "democratic." this level of stovepiping is banana republic shit. this is effectively no different from stuffing a ballot box
Reposted by Taylor Firestine
Hoosier values matter more than DC threats and bullying. Splicing our state’s largest city—and its biggest economic driver—into four parts is ridiculous. It’s clear these orders are coming from Washington, and they clearly don’t know the first thing about our community.
December 1, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Hoosier values matter more than DC threats and bullying. Splicing our state’s largest city—and its biggest economic driver—into four parts is ridiculous. It’s clear these orders are coming from Washington, and they clearly don’t know the first thing about our community.
Reposted by Taylor Firestine
🚨 IndyGo Red Line Riders: Beginning today, the Red Line will be on detour for approximately 3 months to allow for utility relocations as part of the Fountain Square Drainage Improvement Project. Platforms at Pleasant Run and Raymond will be closed for the duration, but temp stops are available.
December 1, 2025 at 6:21 PM
🚨 IndyGo Red Line Riders: Beginning today, the Red Line will be on detour for approximately 3 months to allow for utility relocations as part of the Fountain Square Drainage Improvement Project. Platforms at Pleasant Run and Raymond will be closed for the duration, but temp stops are available.
Reposted by Taylor Firestine
The purpose of higher education is not to tell students what to think, nor even to fill their heads with information. The purpose of higher education is to help students develop the skills to think for themselves, and to freely decide what information gets to fill their heads.
Not every job requires a college degree. But higher education is about so much more than job training, and every kid deserves affordable access to it. Public support of higher education is an investment in a shared future that we all benefit from.
December 1, 2025 at 8:04 PM
The purpose of higher education is not to tell students what to think, nor even to fill their heads with information. The purpose of higher education is to help students develop the skills to think for themselves, and to freely decide what information gets to fill their heads.
Reposted by Taylor Firestine
The markets are staying afloat right now on the hope that AI will destroy American workers. What a bleak thing.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/25/b...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/25/b...
November 28, 2025 at 5:15 PM
The markets are staying afloat right now on the hope that AI will destroy American workers. What a bleak thing.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/25/b...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/25/b...
Reposted by Taylor Firestine
We ask everyone outside of the car to be safe so that drivers can be dangerous
November 26, 2025 at 2:48 PM
We ask everyone outside of the car to be safe so that drivers can be dangerous
Reposted by Taylor Firestine
Big news: House GOP head of transport committee says he wants to retain the mass transit fund, defying the Trump Admin’s proposal, which I detail below ⬇️
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
Trump Administration is to propose a massive cut in federal transit funding as part of 2026 transport legislation.
This proposal would decimate the nation's transit systems, while not actually solving the revenue problem federal transportation funding faces.
Evidence @urbaninstitute.bsky.social ⏬
This proposal would decimate the nation's transit systems, while not actually solving the revenue problem federal transportation funding faces.
Evidence @urbaninstitute.bsky.social ⏬
Cutting Federal Transit Funding Won’t Fix Budget Shortfalls. But It Would Make Transportation Less Affordable for Americans.
A proposal to eliminate federal public transit funding would not only fail to address the existing funding gap but would also leave millions of Americans, pa…
www.urban.org
November 19, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Big news: House GOP head of transport committee says he wants to retain the mass transit fund, defying the Trump Admin’s proposal, which I detail below ⬇️
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
Reposted by Taylor Firestine
We took a deep dive into the data that shows four key implications of the Trump Administration's proposed gutting of federal support for transit.
All communities are at risk, especially those in rural places.
Learn more 👇
t4america.org/2025/11/18/r...
All communities are at risk, especially those in rural places.
Learn more 👇
t4america.org/2025/11/18/r...
Rural and red state pain: Four notable impacts of Trump’s unprecedented transit cuts - Transportation For America
The Trump administration’s new proposals to eliminate dedicated federal funding for public transit and eliminate the ability to transfer funds for transit would devastate transit agencies, particularl...
t4america.org
November 19, 2025 at 3:24 PM
We took a deep dive into the data that shows four key implications of the Trump Administration's proposed gutting of federal support for transit.
All communities are at risk, especially those in rural places.
Learn more 👇
t4america.org/2025/11/18/r...
All communities are at risk, especially those in rural places.
Learn more 👇
t4america.org/2025/11/18/r...
Reposted by Taylor Firestine
"Pedestrian advocates plan protest for safer Indy streets" via Justin L Mack / Axios Indianapolis.
Story includes lots of data from @indypedcrisis.info 🫶🏻
#SafeStreetsIndy #Indianapolis #HoosierSky #VisionZero
Story includes lots of data from @indypedcrisis.info 🫶🏻
#SafeStreetsIndy #Indianapolis #HoosierSky #VisionZero
Pedestrian advocates plan protest for safer Indy streets
Residents say city leaders should do more to protect pedestrians.
www.axios.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:57 PM
"Pedestrian advocates plan protest for safer Indy streets" via Justin L Mack / Axios Indianapolis.
Story includes lots of data from @indypedcrisis.info 🫶🏻
#SafeStreetsIndy #Indianapolis #HoosierSky #VisionZero
Story includes lots of data from @indypedcrisis.info 🫶🏻
#SafeStreetsIndy #Indianapolis #HoosierSky #VisionZero
Reposted by Taylor Firestine
Ridership on Paris region transit systems is now generally at or higher than pre-pandemic levels. Bike use is much higher than pre-pandemic.
At the same time, car traffic in Paris and on its ring highway is substantially lower than it was pre-pandemic. www.institutparisregion.fr/mobilite-et-...
At the same time, car traffic in Paris and on its ring highway is substantially lower than it was pre-pandemic. www.institutparisregion.fr/mobilite-et-...
November 18, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Ridership on Paris region transit systems is now generally at or higher than pre-pandemic levels. Bike use is much higher than pre-pandemic.
At the same time, car traffic in Paris and on its ring highway is substantially lower than it was pre-pandemic. www.institutparisregion.fr/mobilite-et-...
At the same time, car traffic in Paris and on its ring highway is substantially lower than it was pre-pandemic. www.institutparisregion.fr/mobilite-et-...
Reposted by Taylor Firestine
The White House wants Congress to eliminate billions in federal transit money that serves as the backbone of transportation systems across America — and it will hit red states the hardest without even accomplishing the administration's stated goal of stabilizing highway funding.
Breaking: Trump Admin Seeks To Decimate Federal Transit Funding — Streetsblog USA
"When you're talking about taking away money from transit, your proposal is flawed from the get-go," said one expert.
buff.ly
November 18, 2025 at 3:44 PM
The White House wants Congress to eliminate billions in federal transit money that serves as the backbone of transportation systems across America — and it will hit red states the hardest without even accomplishing the administration's stated goal of stabilizing highway funding.
Reposted by Taylor Firestine
“We know what works to deter dangerous speeds, but in too many cases our local, state and federal leaders are standing in the way of life-saving change.”
said @visionzeronet.bsky.social's Leah Shahum #WDoR2025
www.forbes.com/sites/tanyam...
said @visionzeronet.bsky.social's Leah Shahum #WDoR2025
www.forbes.com/sites/tanyam...
Events To Remember Road Traffic Victims Held Across U.S. And World
Events planned for World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on November 16 highlight how slowing speed can save lives and the need for road safety reforms.
www.forbes.com
November 17, 2025 at 2:50 PM
“We know what works to deter dangerous speeds, but in too many cases our local, state and federal leaders are standing in the way of life-saving change.”
said @visionzeronet.bsky.social's Leah Shahum #WDoR2025
www.forbes.com/sites/tanyam...
said @visionzeronet.bsky.social's Leah Shahum #WDoR2025
www.forbes.com/sites/tanyam...
Reposted by Taylor Firestine
Safe Streets Indy created an interactive map for World Day of Remembrance 2025 with serious injuries and traffic fatalities our projects tracked between November 1, 2024 and October 31, 2025.
View the WDoR2025 Map at the link below.
#WDoR2025 #SafeStreetsIndy #Indianapolis #HoosierSky #VisionZero
View the WDoR2025 Map at the link below.
#WDoR2025 #SafeStreetsIndy #Indianapolis #HoosierSky #VisionZero
Safe Streets Indy
Advocating for Safe Streets in Indianapolis, Indiana.
safestreetsindy.org
November 16, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Safe Streets Indy created an interactive map for World Day of Remembrance 2025 with serious injuries and traffic fatalities our projects tracked between November 1, 2024 and October 31, 2025.
View the WDoR2025 Map at the link below.
#WDoR2025 #SafeStreetsIndy #Indianapolis #HoosierSky #VisionZero
View the WDoR2025 Map at the link below.
#WDoR2025 #SafeStreetsIndy #Indianapolis #HoosierSky #VisionZero
Reposted by Taylor Firestine
Today is World Day of Remembrance — a global event to remember those killed or seriously injured on our streets.
Read more about this day, and our call to action for the City of Indianapolis, at the link below.
#WDoR2025 #SafeStreetsIndy #Indianapolis #HoosierSky #VisionZero
Read more about this day, and our call to action for the City of Indianapolis, at the link below.
#WDoR2025 #SafeStreetsIndy #Indianapolis #HoosierSky #VisionZero
Safe Streets Indy
Advocating for Safe Streets in Indianapolis, Indiana.
safestreetsindy.org
November 16, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Today is World Day of Remembrance — a global event to remember those killed or seriously injured on our streets.
Read more about this day, and our call to action for the City of Indianapolis, at the link below.
#WDoR2025 #SafeStreetsIndy #Indianapolis #HoosierSky #VisionZero
Read more about this day, and our call to action for the City of Indianapolis, at the link below.
#WDoR2025 #SafeStreetsIndy #Indianapolis #HoosierSky #VisionZero
Reposted by Taylor Firestine
Yet another evidence review argues very strongly that simply providing alternatives to driving doesn't reduce driving
This isn't surprising, if only thanks to habit. If I unthinkingly jump in my car for every trip (as many do), new buses won't change that
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
This isn't surprising, if only thanks to habit. If I unthinkingly jump in my car for every trip (as many do), new buses won't change that
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Reducing traffic with “carrots”: A review of the evidence
Reducing traffic volumes is one way to reduce carbon emissions from the transport sector. Since increasing driving costs is often met with public resi…
www.sciencedirect.com
November 15, 2025 at 9:13 AM
Yet another evidence review argues very strongly that simply providing alternatives to driving doesn't reduce driving
This isn't surprising, if only thanks to habit. If I unthinkingly jump in my car for every trip (as many do), new buses won't change that
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
This isn't surprising, if only thanks to habit. If I unthinkingly jump in my car for every trip (as many do), new buses won't change that
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Reposted by Taylor Firestine
Lots of buzz about the "affordability agenda," and how we get there.
Well, this is it. Housing and transport are most of the cost of living for most people. We can make it expensive, or we can make it affordable.
“The big difference is commuting. You don’t need a car.” apnews.com/article/hous...
Well, this is it. Housing and transport are most of the cost of living for most people. We can make it expensive, or we can make it affordable.
“The big difference is commuting. You don’t need a car.” apnews.com/article/hous...
No car? No problem. Building apartments near public transit could help address the housing crisis
Quantavia Smith, who was often homeless for a decade, now has a studio apartment in Los Angeles with easy access to public transit.
apnews.com
November 14, 2025 at 11:22 PM
Lots of buzz about the "affordability agenda," and how we get there.
Well, this is it. Housing and transport are most of the cost of living for most people. We can make it expensive, or we can make it affordable.
“The big difference is commuting. You don’t need a car.” apnews.com/article/hous...
Well, this is it. Housing and transport are most of the cost of living for most people. We can make it expensive, or we can make it affordable.
“The big difference is commuting. You don’t need a car.” apnews.com/article/hous...
Reposted by Taylor Firestine
Of course they did.
November 15, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Of course they did.
Reposted by Taylor Firestine
Will be interesting to see what AASHTO has to say.
I mean that sincerely. The consensus of state DOTs is that the most important principle of reauthorization is aiming a firehose of money at them with few conditions. Taking away the freedom to spend formula $ on transit (and active transportation)?
I mean that sincerely. The consensus of state DOTs is that the most important principle of reauthorization is aiming a firehose of money at them with few conditions. Taking away the freedom to spend formula $ on transit (and active transportation)?
Trump Admin is planning to ask Congress to dramatically cut funding for transit as part of the 2026 infrastructure law.
The proposal would eliminate the transit account, which funds billions of dollars in capital expenses. It would also prevent states from “flexing” roads funds for transit.
The proposal would eliminate the transit account, which funds billions of dollars in capital expenses. It would also prevent states from “flexing” roads funds for transit.
POLITICO Pro: Trump administration proposals seek to eliminate transit funding
DOT recently sent two proposals to the White House budget office seeking to pare back transit money.
subscriber.politicopro.com
November 15, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Will be interesting to see what AASHTO has to say.
I mean that sincerely. The consensus of state DOTs is that the most important principle of reauthorization is aiming a firehose of money at them with few conditions. Taking away the freedom to spend formula $ on transit (and active transportation)?
I mean that sincerely. The consensus of state DOTs is that the most important principle of reauthorization is aiming a firehose of money at them with few conditions. Taking away the freedom to spend formula $ on transit (and active transportation)?
Indy transit advocates have years of experience fighting and winning for public transit. 🚌
Dig in and prepare for battle. ✊
Dig in and prepare for battle. ✊
Trump Admin is planning to ask Congress to dramatically cut funding for transit as part of the 2026 infrastructure law.
The proposal would eliminate the transit account, which funds billions of dollars in capital expenses. It would also prevent states from “flexing” roads funds for transit.
The proposal would eliminate the transit account, which funds billions of dollars in capital expenses. It would also prevent states from “flexing” roads funds for transit.
POLITICO Pro: Trump administration proposals seek to eliminate transit funding
DOT recently sent two proposals to the White House budget office seeking to pare back transit money.
subscriber.politicopro.com
November 15, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Indy transit advocates have years of experience fighting and winning for public transit. 🚌
Dig in and prepare for battle. ✊
Dig in and prepare for battle. ✊
Reposted by Taylor Firestine
When we’re doing city planning, why aren’t we asking simpler questions? Like “How could your life be easier if your city or community were different?”
i just want my kids to be able to walk to the store to get stuff so I don't have to.
November 13, 2025 at 9:05 PM
When we’re doing city planning, why aren’t we asking simpler questions? Like “How could your life be easier if your city or community were different?”
Reposted by Taylor Firestine
15+ years old, but still VERY relevent — and if we had acted 15 years ago, the “better world” we’d be creating would be a LOT better & easier to reach. There are real consequences we’re just starting to see to not heeding this cartoon a lot sooner.
Even worse if we don’t heed it now. #ClimateCrisis
Even worse if we don’t heed it now. #ClimateCrisis
November 12, 2025 at 5:04 AM
15+ years old, but still VERY relevent — and if we had acted 15 years ago, the “better world” we’d be creating would be a LOT better & easier to reach. There are real consequences we’re just starting to see to not heeding this cartoon a lot sooner.
Even worse if we don’t heed it now. #ClimateCrisis
Even worse if we don’t heed it now. #ClimateCrisis
Reposted by Taylor Firestine
Removing fares from transit can have positive impacts. But... We need to consider the potential trade offs.
"Would you rather have a free bus that comes every 30 minutes or pay $2 for a bus that will come every 8 minutes?"
t4america.org/2025/11/12/f...
"Would you rather have a free bus that comes every 30 minutes or pay $2 for a bus that will come every 8 minutes?"
t4america.org/2025/11/12/f...
Fare free transit is great, but reliable services are better - Transportation For America
Politicians are talking about the cost of transit–a valid and important issue impacting transit ridership. NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani utilized his campaign platform to shed more light on the polic...
t4america.org
November 12, 2025 at 11:53 PM
Removing fares from transit can have positive impacts. But... We need to consider the potential trade offs.
"Would you rather have a free bus that comes every 30 minutes or pay $2 for a bus that will come every 8 minutes?"
t4america.org/2025/11/12/f...
"Would you rather have a free bus that comes every 30 minutes or pay $2 for a bus that will come every 8 minutes?"
t4america.org/2025/11/12/f...
Reposted by Taylor Firestine
A complete, connected, comfortable network of protected bike-lanes is a climate mitigation strategy. It’s a healthy cities strategy. It’s a social equity strategy. It’s an affordability strategy. It’s an economic devt strategy. It’s a smart mobility & space saving strategy.
Etc. Etc. Etc.
Etc.
Etc. Etc. Etc.
Etc.
November 10, 2025 at 11:23 PM
A complete, connected, comfortable network of protected bike-lanes is a climate mitigation strategy. It’s a healthy cities strategy. It’s a social equity strategy. It’s an affordability strategy. It’s an economic devt strategy. It’s a smart mobility & space saving strategy.
Etc. Etc. Etc.
Etc.
Etc. Etc. Etc.
Etc.
Reposted by Taylor Firestine
Nearly 40,000 people were killed on U.S. roads last year.
Every loss is preventable when we design for safe speeds.
November 16th is World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims. This day reminds us that prioritizing safety over speed saves lives.
Every loss is preventable when we design for safe speeds.
November 16th is World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims. This day reminds us that prioritizing safety over speed saves lives.
November 10, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Nearly 40,000 people were killed on U.S. roads last year.
Every loss is preventable when we design for safe speeds.
November 16th is World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims. This day reminds us that prioritizing safety over speed saves lives.
Every loss is preventable when we design for safe speeds.
November 16th is World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims. This day reminds us that prioritizing safety over speed saves lives.
Reposted by Taylor Firestine
🗣️ Join the rally to support and promote pedestrian safety in Indy - gathering to call on the City of Indianapolis and the Department of Public Works to take significantly stronger and more rapid action to solve Indianapolis' ongoing pedestrian and bicyclist safety crisis.
#Indianapolis #HoosierSky
#Indianapolis #HoosierSky
November 10, 2025 at 5:46 PM
🗣️ Join the rally to support and promote pedestrian safety in Indy - gathering to call on the City of Indianapolis and the Department of Public Works to take significantly stronger and more rapid action to solve Indianapolis' ongoing pedestrian and bicyclist safety crisis.
#Indianapolis #HoosierSky
#Indianapolis #HoosierSky