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E-scooter firms set out to revolutionize transportation. Instead, many are collapsing.

Dec 21, 2023
One of the industry's biggest players — Bird — was a pre-pandemic "unicorn" that grew to be worth upwards of $1 billion. Now it's bankrupt.
Pre-pandemic, Bird was worth over $1 billion. Now, it's filed for bankruptcy.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

High-speed rail — environmentally friendly and popular worldwide — has a hard time in the U.S.

Dec 8, 2023
The Biden administration's pouring billions into it, but that's a drop in the bucket compared to the total cost.
Though high-speed rail is common in Europe and Asia, most Americans lack access to it.
Bastien Inzaurralde/AFP via Getty Images

Inside the evolving infrastructure of Laredo, the No 1. port in the U.S.

Nov 14, 2023
With tens of thousands of trucks passing through Laredo each day, bridges and roads are critical to this center of North American trade.
About 10,000 northbound trucks pass through the Port of Laredo each day, a number expected to grow as trade between the U.S. and Mexico increases.
Elizabeth Trovall/Marketplace

More private companies are investing in passenger rail — here's why

Aug 28, 2023
Passenger rail needs a public subsidy to work, experts say.
Private company Brightline planned to extend its passenger rail line in Florida, but this extension has been delayed.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Cars: Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em

Aug 15, 2023
Affordability has broken down, but the costs of not having your own vehicle are even higher for many. Marin Cogan of Vox explains.
The average new car costs a record $48,000 — up 25% between May 2020 and May 2023. During the same time, used car prices soared 50%.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

Istanbul taxi shortage leaves riders, drivers fuming

Aug 4, 2023
Drivers often choose customers who give them bigger fares. The transportation problem may be linked to national politics. 
Taxicabs line up during rush hour in Istanbul. Customers say if they want to go a short distance, an available driver won’t agree to the small fare.
Victoria Craig/Marketplace

Black unemployment is at a record low, but tight financial conditions could change that

May 30, 2023
Black men made gains in warehousing and transportation, which tend to offer low wages. A recession could hit workers of color hard, economist Michelle Holder says
The transportation and warehousing sector, where Black men are well-represented, has expanded swiftly since the 2020 downturn. Economist Michelle Holder warns that the next recession could hit workers of color hard.
Mark Makela/Getty Images

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In California’s Inland Empire, the warehousing industry’s growth comes with consequences

Apr 19, 2023
Many worry that the industry’s growth has put the local environment and economy at risk.
Above, a massive processing and distribution center in Los Angeles.  Warehouses have boomed in California’s Inland Empire over the past decade thanks to the growth of online shopping.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

D.C. could become the largest U.S. city to experiment with free transit

Dec 15, 2022
A city council measure would make it free to ride the bus within the capital's city limits. Proponents say the plan, estimated to cost $42 million annually, would boost ridership and equity.
If the measure passes,  D.C. will join cities like Albuquerque, Kansas City and Boston that have experimented with zero-fare transit during the pandemic.
Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

U.S. House votes to avert a nationwide rail strike, impose deal on unions

Nov 30, 2022
The U.S. House moved urgently to head off the looming nationwide rail strike on Wednesday. The measure now heads to the Senate.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images