Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Today's Headlines

Tuesday’s Headlines: A Pretty Normal Commute Edition

Join us, Sean Duffy, as we ride on the "Shithole Express." Plus other news.

The normal commute.

You may have read our report yesterday about how the Secretary of Transportation called New York City's subway system a "shithole," though Hell Gate had the only-in-New-York take: "Hey, who the hell are you to call our subway a 'shithole?' Only we can do that!"

The thing is, with crime down dramatically, this crotchety New Yorker has been having trouble seeing the subway for the shithole that Sean Duffy thinks it is.

But maybe my eyes are going, so in an attempt to try to understand where our Wisconsin-native U.S. DOT Secretary was coming from, I headed downstairs and decided to share my commute with him. Here are my notes from underground:

In other news:

  • Hey, President Trump, your opposition to congestion pricing is "sloppy..." (Washington Post)
  • ...Unless you don't like hit shows, I suppose. (amNY)
  • In any event, the revenue from congestion pricing continues to be above projection. (NYDN, amNY, Gothamist)
  • ...And why do we need that money? Because basic accessibility is failing. (amNY)
  • Also, the MTA will do some of its capital work in-house instead of contracting it out. (NYDN)
  • The New Republic is looking at the immigration threats affecting delivery workers ... and the silence of their tech masters.
  • The threats don't just come from bad actors, but also from bad pavement: A 61-year-old delivery worker was killed when he plunged into a pothole, fell off his bike and struck his head. (East Side Feed)
  • The mayor can try to defend it, but the City Council says the administration's policy of involuntarily hospitalizing the homeless isn't working. (amNY)
  • Did you notice the Times's car industry reporter is more of a bike guy? (Times Insider)
  • Speaking of which, you know car culture is weakening when the former host of "Top Gear" says driving in urban London is idiotic. (The Standard)
  • We love Hell Gate's interactive "diner map," but we think it needs to be beefed up in Manhattan and The Bronx.
  • Speaking of which, Paris continues to dine out ... on our lunch. (Reuters)
  • And, finally, mayoral hopeful and former Assembly Member Michael Blake signed the pledge to finish the McGuinness Boulevard redesign. His John Hancock follows fellow candidates Brad Lander and Zohran Mamdani. Scott Stringer is up next apparently:
Assembly Member Michael Blake flanked by safety supporters on Monday in Greenpoint.Photo courtesy of Make McGuinness Safe

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Cyclists Still Getting Criminal Summonses — And Mayor Mamdani Is Still Waffling

Another day, another criminal sting against cyclists — and another day of Mayor Mamdani blowing off questions about why he is continuing a policy of his predecessor that he says he opposes.

February 12, 2026

Mamdani Pitches Free Buses (Cheap!) Plus Other Transportation Needs on ‘Tin Cup’ Day in Albany

The mayor gave his former colleagues in state government a glimpse of his thinking on transportation and city operations, and hopes they can send more cash his city's way.

February 12, 2026

‘Everyone’s At Fault’: Mamdani and City Council Point Fingers Over Lowering Speed Limits

The mayor and the City Council are using the "art of deflection" to keep the status quo instead of lowering the speed limit to a safer 20 miles per hour.

February 12, 2026

Report: Pedestrians Are At Risk … Where You’d Least Expect It

The city may be underestimating number of outer borough pedestrians and is biased towards Manhattan, a new report finds.

February 12, 2026

Thursday’s Headlines: Down With DSPs Edition

Council Member Tiffany Cabán will reintroduce a bill taking on Amazon's use of third-party delivery companies. Plus more news.

February 12, 2026

Data: New Yorkers Keep Biking In This Cold, Cold World

Even in the city's historic deep freeze, New Yorkers are getting around by bicycle, according to publicly available data.

February 11, 2026
See all posts