Yonah Freemark
@yonahfreemark.com
Transport / Housing / Land Use / Politics / @urbaninstitute.bsky.social / Le progrès ne vaut que s’il est partagé par tous / yonahfreemark.com / thetransportpolitic.com
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Where is transit expansion happening around the world? Basically everywhere!
Brand new on The Transport Politic: The hundreds of metro, light rail, bus, & aerial tram projects planned to open in 2026. 🛤️ 🚋 🚌
www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
Brand new on The Transport Politic: The hundreds of metro, light rail, bus, & aerial tram projects planned to open in 2026. 🛤️ 🚋 🚌
www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
The actions of a pitiful, cowardly government
January 23, 2026 at 12:09 AM
The actions of a pitiful, cowardly government
This, as the administration is seeking to let Americans use their 401(k)s to buy homes… everything’s a “consume now, suffer the consequences later” approach
"Buy now, pay later" for rent is just the next frontier of predatory extraction.
It's a way of monetizing desperation: turning the basic human need for shelter into yet another fee-laden credit product that will hit the poorest tenants the hardest.
It's a way of monetizing desperation: turning the basic human need for shelter into yet another fee-laden credit product that will hit the poorest tenants the hardest.
January 23, 2026 at 12:06 AM
This, as the administration is seeking to let Americans use their 401(k)s to buy homes… everything’s a “consume now, suffer the consequences later” approach
“Metro staff report said SB 79 could harm the transit agency’s expansion by galvanizing opponents against new light rail stations & dedicated bus lanes,” because law requires higher densities there.
But if a transit station area isn’t planned for higher densities… the station shouldn’t be built.
But if a transit station area isn’t planned for higher densities… the station shouldn’t be built.
L.A. Metro, the main transit operator for Los Angeles, just voted to oppose SB 79, a law legalizing the construction of housing near stations. You can't make this stuff up. Legislators should remember this the next time they come to Sacramento begging for more money.
laist.com/news/housing...
laist.com/news/housing...
LA transit agency seeks to override state law allowing more homes near train and bus lines
The L.A. Metro Board of Directors voted to oppose implementation of SB 79, calling for a countywide exemption.
laist.com
January 22, 2026 at 10:46 PM
“Metro staff report said SB 79 could harm the transit agency’s expansion by galvanizing opponents against new light rail stations & dedicated bus lanes,” because law requires higher densities there.
But if a transit station area isn’t planned for higher densities… the station shouldn’t be built.
But if a transit station area isn’t planned for higher densities… the station shouldn’t be built.
Reposted by Yonah Freemark
Tradeoffs is the right word but someone wrote a good article about how we should think about those tradeoffs (www.prrac.org/poppy-seed-b...)
www.politico.com/news/2026/01...
www.politico.com/news/2026/01...
Mamdani will face tradeoffs in ‘union-built’ affordable housing plan
New York City’s mayor wants to dramatically expand construction, but also do so at a relatively high cost.
www.politico.com
January 22, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Tradeoffs is the right word but someone wrote a good article about how we should think about those tradeoffs (www.prrac.org/poppy-seed-b...)
www.politico.com/news/2026/01...
www.politico.com/news/2026/01...
Reposted by Yonah Freemark
Some hopeful news from the House's new FY26 Transportation/HUD appropriations bill: it re-funds Reconnecting Communities only at $30M, but on condition that previous awards of over $145M that were taken by BBB are re-funded. Includes projects like Chinatown Stitch!
rules.house.gov/sites/evo-su...
rules.house.gov/sites/evo-su...
January 22, 2026 at 2:19 PM
Some hopeful news from the House's new FY26 Transportation/HUD appropriations bill: it re-funds Reconnecting Communities only at $30M, but on condition that previous awards of over $145M that were taken by BBB are re-funded. Includes projects like Chinatown Stitch!
rules.house.gov/sites/evo-su...
rules.house.gov/sites/evo-su...
Reposted by Yonah Freemark
Speakers:
- @drkatehowell.bsky.social, @umdsmartgrowth.bsky.social growth.bsky.social
- @yonahfreemark.com, @urbaninstitute.bsky.social
- Tushar Kansal, Pew Charitable Trusts
Moderated by Claudia Wilson Randall, Community Development Network of Maryland
RSVP now: tinyurl.com/as3uax34
- @drkatehowell.bsky.social, @umdsmartgrowth.bsky.social growth.bsky.social
- @yonahfreemark.com, @urbaninstitute.bsky.social
- Tushar Kansal, Pew Charitable Trusts
Moderated by Claudia Wilson Randall, Community Development Network of Maryland
RSVP now: tinyurl.com/as3uax34
Webinar: Does more housing make housing more affordable? - Coalition For Smarter Growth
This Thursday, Jan. 22, we’re talking to housing experts to explore the relationship between housing production and affordability.
www.smartergrowth.net
January 21, 2026 at 5:57 PM
Speakers:
- @drkatehowell.bsky.social, @umdsmartgrowth.bsky.social growth.bsky.social
- @yonahfreemark.com, @urbaninstitute.bsky.social
- Tushar Kansal, Pew Charitable Trusts
Moderated by Claudia Wilson Randall, Community Development Network of Maryland
RSVP now: tinyurl.com/as3uax34
- @drkatehowell.bsky.social, @umdsmartgrowth.bsky.social growth.bsky.social
- @yonahfreemark.com, @urbaninstitute.bsky.social
- Tushar Kansal, Pew Charitable Trusts
Moderated by Claudia Wilson Randall, Community Development Network of Maryland
RSVP now: tinyurl.com/as3uax34
New research @urbaninstitute.bsky.social: We examine DC's inclusionary zoning (IZ) program, designed to provide affordable units in new market-rate developments.
We model the program against an alternative where the city would collect taxes from projects & use them to subsidize existing units.
We model the program against an alternative where the city would collect taxes from projects & use them to subsidize existing units.
Integrating Affordable Housing in Market-Rate Developments
In this report, we examine the implementation and costs of the IZ program in Washington, DC.
www.urban.org
January 21, 2026 at 4:46 PM
New research @urbaninstitute.bsky.social: We examine DC's inclusionary zoning (IZ) program, designed to provide affordable units in new market-rate developments.
We model the program against an alternative where the city would collect taxes from projects & use them to subsidize existing units.
We model the program against an alternative where the city would collect taxes from projects & use them to subsidize existing units.
Where are new transit lines opening this year? Mostly in China & India... though there are major new metro & light rail lines planned for Egypt, Türkiye, Italy, Canada, Malaysia, Brazil—& a few in the US.
Check out the Transport Politic's annual roundup: www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
Check out the Transport Politic's annual roundup: www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
January 21, 2026 at 3:42 PM
Where are new transit lines opening this year? Mostly in China & India... though there are major new metro & light rail lines planned for Egypt, Türkiye, Italy, Canada, Malaysia, Brazil—& a few in the US.
Check out the Transport Politic's annual roundup: www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
Check out the Transport Politic's annual roundup: www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
Reposted by Yonah Freemark
Alaska goes global, JSX turboprops, a look forward to aviation this year, plus what new American transit line opening (h/t @yonahfreemark.com) I look the most forward to in 2026.
My latest dispatches.
My latest dispatches.
January Dispatches
Alaska goes global, JSX turboprops, plus a look forward to 2026
byerussell.substack.com
January 21, 2026 at 2:46 PM
Alaska goes global, JSX turboprops, a look forward to aviation this year, plus what new American transit line opening (h/t @yonahfreemark.com) I look the most forward to in 2026.
My latest dispatches.
My latest dispatches.
Reposted by Yonah Freemark
Excellent article on the snapshot of global metro expansion that you should give a read. The chart below from the article is the big takeaway.
January 21, 2026 at 4:18 AM
Excellent article on the snapshot of global metro expansion that you should give a read. The chart below from the article is the big takeaway.
Reposted by Yonah Freemark
Until the 1970s, US cities—like Chicago, NYC, Boston—collectively had the world's longest metro networks.
But the US has fallen behind: It now has 1/9th of the metro route length of China & 1/2 of the EU. India will pass the US in route mileage in 2026.
www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
But the US has fallen behind: It now has 1/9th of the metro route length of China & 1/2 of the EU. India will pass the US in route mileage in 2026.
www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
January 20, 2026 at 5:14 PM
Until the 1970s, US cities—like Chicago, NYC, Boston—collectively had the world's longest metro networks.
But the US has fallen behind: It now has 1/9th of the metro route length of China & 1/2 of the EU. India will pass the US in route mileage in 2026.
www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
But the US has fallen behind: It now has 1/9th of the metro route length of China & 1/2 of the EU. India will pass the US in route mileage in 2026.
www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
Reposted by Yonah Freemark
In 1990, of the 20 largest metro networks globally, 4 were in US & 8 in Europe.
Today, 13 are in China, 1 in US & 1 in Europe.
New York City's metro network (Subway/PATH) fell in the ranking from #3 to #15. Delhi's system will be longer than NYC's soon!
www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
Today, 13 are in China, 1 in US & 1 in Europe.
New York City's metro network (Subway/PATH) fell in the ranking from #3 to #15. Delhi's system will be longer than NYC's soon!
www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
January 20, 2026 at 3:06 PM
In 1990, of the 20 largest metro networks globally, 4 were in US & 8 in Europe.
Today, 13 are in China, 1 in US & 1 in Europe.
New York City's metro network (Subway/PATH) fell in the ranking from #3 to #15. Delhi's system will be longer than NYC's soon!
www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
Today, 13 are in China, 1 in US & 1 in Europe.
New York City's metro network (Subway/PATH) fell in the ranking from #3 to #15. Delhi's system will be longer than NYC's soon!
www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
Reposted by Yonah Freemark
Where is transit expansion happening around the world? Basically everywhere!
Brand new on The Transport Politic: The hundreds of metro, light rail, bus, & aerial tram projects planned to open in 2026. 🛤️ 🚋 🚌
www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
Brand new on The Transport Politic: The hundreds of metro, light rail, bus, & aerial tram projects planned to open in 2026. 🛤️ 🚋 🚌
www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
January 20, 2026 at 2:11 PM
Where is transit expansion happening around the world? Basically everywhere!
Brand new on The Transport Politic: The hundreds of metro, light rail, bus, & aerial tram projects planned to open in 2026. 🛤️ 🚋 🚌
www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
Brand new on The Transport Politic: The hundreds of metro, light rail, bus, & aerial tram projects planned to open in 2026. 🛤️ 🚋 🚌
www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
Reposted by Yonah Freemark
@yonahfreemark.com reviews "all of the urban transit projects around the globe that are planned for 2026—and list those that were completed in 2025." www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
Transit Project Openings in 2026: A Global Review
In 2026, China will add 1,000 km of metro lines—and India will pass the US in system length.
www.thetransportpolitic.com
January 20, 2026 at 8:05 PM
@yonahfreemark.com reviews "all of the urban transit projects around the globe that are planned for 2026—and list those that were completed in 2025." www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
Until the 1970s, US cities—like Chicago, NYC, Boston—collectively had the world's longest metro networks.
But the US has fallen behind: It now has 1/9th of the metro route length of China & 1/2 of the EU. India will pass the US in route mileage in 2026.
www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
But the US has fallen behind: It now has 1/9th of the metro route length of China & 1/2 of the EU. India will pass the US in route mileage in 2026.
www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
January 20, 2026 at 5:14 PM
Until the 1970s, US cities—like Chicago, NYC, Boston—collectively had the world's longest metro networks.
But the US has fallen behind: It now has 1/9th of the metro route length of China & 1/2 of the EU. India will pass the US in route mileage in 2026.
www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
But the US has fallen behind: It now has 1/9th of the metro route length of China & 1/2 of the EU. India will pass the US in route mileage in 2026.
www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
In 1990, of the 20 largest metro networks globally, 4 were in US & 8 in Europe.
Today, 13 are in China, 1 in US & 1 in Europe.
New York City's metro network (Subway/PATH) fell in the ranking from #3 to #15. Delhi's system will be longer than NYC's soon!
www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
Today, 13 are in China, 1 in US & 1 in Europe.
New York City's metro network (Subway/PATH) fell in the ranking from #3 to #15. Delhi's system will be longer than NYC's soon!
www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
January 20, 2026 at 3:06 PM
In 1990, of the 20 largest metro networks globally, 4 were in US & 8 in Europe.
Today, 13 are in China, 1 in US & 1 in Europe.
New York City's metro network (Subway/PATH) fell in the ranking from #3 to #15. Delhi's system will be longer than NYC's soon!
www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
Today, 13 are in China, 1 in US & 1 in Europe.
New York City's metro network (Subway/PATH) fell in the ranking from #3 to #15. Delhi's system will be longer than NYC's soon!
www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
Where is transit expansion happening around the world? Basically everywhere!
Brand new on The Transport Politic: The hundreds of metro, light rail, bus, & aerial tram projects planned to open in 2026. 🛤️ 🚋 🚌
www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
Brand new on The Transport Politic: The hundreds of metro, light rail, bus, & aerial tram projects planned to open in 2026. 🛤️ 🚋 🚌
www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
January 20, 2026 at 2:11 PM
Where is transit expansion happening around the world? Basically everywhere!
Brand new on The Transport Politic: The hundreds of metro, light rail, bus, & aerial tram projects planned to open in 2026. 🛤️ 🚋 🚌
www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
Brand new on The Transport Politic: The hundreds of metro, light rail, bus, & aerial tram projects planned to open in 2026. 🛤️ 🚋 🚌
www.thetransportpolitic.com/2026/01/20/t...
Reposted by Yonah Freemark
This is not in fact the definition of the “working class.”
January 19, 2026 at 9:14 PM
This is not in fact the definition of the “working class.”
The US—focused on invading Greenland, deposing presidents, digging for oil, polluting the skies, deporting immigrants, repressing cities, denying people health care, subsidizing billionaires, undermining freedoms—has completely missed the plot.
The headline is the important part here but look at this:
"In 2000, China produced only one-third of the amount of electrical power that the United States did; by 2024, it produced nearly two and a half times U.S. levels."
"In 2000, China produced only one-third of the amount of electrical power that the United States did; by 2024, it produced nearly two and a half times U.S. levels."
Opinion | Trump Is Obsessed With Oil. But Chinese Batteries Will Soon Run the World.
www.nytimes.com
January 19, 2026 at 6:11 PM
The US—focused on invading Greenland, deposing presidents, digging for oil, polluting the skies, deporting immigrants, repressing cities, denying people health care, subsidizing billionaires, undermining freedoms—has completely missed the plot.
One of MLK’s greatest legacies was the Civil Rights Act of 1968, signed into law just a week after MLK’s assassination. The law prohibited discrimination in housing based on race, religion, & national origin.
Trump has defunded HUD’s Fair Housing office & ceased most efforts to stop discrimination.
Trump has defunded HUD’s Fair Housing office & ceased most efforts to stop discrimination.
January 19, 2026 at 5:40 PM
One of MLK’s greatest legacies was the Civil Rights Act of 1968, signed into law just a week after MLK’s assassination. The law prohibited discrimination in housing based on race, religion, & national origin.
Trump has defunded HUD’s Fair Housing office & ceased most efforts to stop discrimination.
Trump has defunded HUD’s Fair Housing office & ceased most efforts to stop discrimination.
In 2021, the project was going to cost $8 billion & be completed by 2024 (www.vvdailypress.com/story/news/2...). It’s now $12 billion & 2029.
“The Brightline West high-speed rail project connecting Las Vegas to Southern California is now scheduled for completion by late 2029, the company told FOX5 late Tuesday.” www.fox5vegas.com/2026/01/14/b...
Brightline West high-speed rail project now on track for late 2029
The Brightline West high-speed rail project connecting Las Vegas to Southern California is now scheduled for completion by late 2029, the company said.
www.fox5vegas.com
January 18, 2026 at 6:05 PM
In 2021, the project was going to cost $8 billion & be completed by 2024 (www.vvdailypress.com/story/news/2...). It’s now $12 billion & 2029.
Amongst everything else, the Trump administration is at war with Black women, aided & abetted by the corporate world.
“The unemployment rate for Black women rose significantly from the start of 2025 to December, where it stood at 7.8 percent. That pattern of dramatic job loss was not seen for other groups.” www.nytimes.com/2026/01/17/b...
Black Women Turn to One Another as Their Career Paths Suddenly Recede
www.nytimes.com
January 17, 2026 at 8:22 PM
Amongst everything else, the Trump administration is at war with Black women, aided & abetted by the corporate world.
Reposted by Yonah Freemark
I realise I'm just a freak, but living in a multicultural city is the best thing of all time, it's just the best possible human experience and i can not understand why anyone on earth would be like "weve got to destroy this"
January 17, 2026 at 4:28 AM
I realise I'm just a freak, but living in a multicultural city is the best thing of all time, it's just the best possible human experience and i can not understand why anyone on earth would be like "weve got to destroy this"
Reposted by Yonah Freemark
Brightline is in such a bizarre state. Ridership is booming but its finances are in shambles.
It's really hard to run a profitable railroad, especially when you have to pay back construction debt.
www.planetizen.com/news/2026/01...
It's really hard to run a profitable railroad, especially when you have to pay back construction debt.
www.planetizen.com/news/2026/01...
January 17, 2026 at 5:01 PM
Brightline is in such a bizarre state. Ridership is booming but its finances are in shambles.
It's really hard to run a profitable railroad, especially when you have to pay back construction debt.
www.planetizen.com/news/2026/01...
It's really hard to run a profitable railroad, especially when you have to pay back construction debt.
www.planetizen.com/news/2026/01...
Reposted by Yonah Freemark
A massive "Hands off Greenland" protest is happening right now in Copenhagen to demonstrate against Trump's threats.
"The aim is to send a clear and unified message of respect for Greenland's democracy," organisers said.
“Respect for Greenland, respect for Greenlanders, respect for Denmark.”
"The aim is to send a clear and unified message of respect for Greenland's democracy," organisers said.
“Respect for Greenland, respect for Greenlanders, respect for Denmark.”
January 17, 2026 at 3:52 PM
A massive "Hands off Greenland" protest is happening right now in Copenhagen to demonstrate against Trump's threats.
"The aim is to send a clear and unified message of respect for Greenland's democracy," organisers said.
“Respect for Greenland, respect for Greenlanders, respect for Denmark.”
"The aim is to send a clear and unified message of respect for Greenland's democracy," organisers said.
“Respect for Greenland, respect for Greenlanders, respect for Denmark.”